LUKE HESS Schallplatten & CDs

Review: There are few surprises on Luke Hess's latest vinyl outing on Echochord's colour series, just a trio of fluttering, tried-and-tested techno workouts. Opener "Emerald" boasts a typically trippy and hypnotic groove, but also some heart-aching chord progressions and suitably melancholic melody lines. The late night hypnotism is also present on the slightly more boisterous "Lumen", in which the producer fires darting synthesizer lines and cyclical melody loops at a locked-in groove. In a possible bid to impress those who like their techno funkier and more forthright, he reaches for the foreboding acid lines and pounding kick-drums on cymbal-heavy closer "Myriads".

Review: The key to the Echocord's longevity has been to focus on the deeper, dubbier side of techno, without worrying too much about what all around them are doing. Put simply, Echocord - now celebrating its 10th year - was releasing textured techno for the head and the floor before and after it was trendy to do so. This second sampler 12" showcasing the wares of Kenneth Christiansen's label ahead of a full 'best of' compilation release sees Onmutu Mechanicks, Brendon Moeller, Luke Hess and Resoe all making an appearance. Mechanicks's contribution turns the mood slightly more menacing as "Calyx" marches to the beat of metallic drums and teems with foreboding chords. This being Echocord however, reflective and evocative sensibilities are never too far away, and Luke Hess's "Kratos", although based on clipped drums, boasts breathy, shimmering melodies. Highly recommended.