ROBERT HOOD Schallplatten & CDs

Review: Detroit’s Robert Hood returns to vinyl with a techno triptych that distils his vision into something sharp, agile and impossibly refined. Though long synonymous with minimalism, he hasn’t sounded this raw in years—‘Art Form’ arrives like a jolt, all jacking 909s and acidic flickers that feel urgent and alive. It’s his first straight techno release since 2024, and it pulses with a kind of stripped-down euphoria, framed by Hood’s ear for clean lines and stark rhythmic discipline. ‘Art Class’ deepens the tone, winding through heavier acid modulations that buzz beneath a more spacious arrangement, less confrontational but just as potent. On the B-side, ‘Art School’ leans into the cinematic mode, pairing sci-fi synth washes with grinding low-end pressure, rolling somewhere between introspection and propulsion. Though the tracks first landed digitally earlier this year, hearing them sequenced here offers a deeper read into Hood’s blueprint—acid as method, groove as design. In his own words, M-Plant is about “only what is essential”, and these three cuts prove just how much feeling can be encoded in that minimal frame. It’s a statement of intent, executed with absolute clarity from one of techno’s true architects.

Review: This 30th anniversary reissue celebrates a groundbreaking electronic release that continues to stand as a benchmark for minimal techno. Originally released in the early 90s, the album introduced a stripped-back sound that pushed the boundaries of the genre, focusing on elemental rhythms and sparse, hypnotic structures. The music is deliberately repetitive, drawing listeners into a digital wormhole where subtle variations in looping basslines and synthetic polyrhythms create a mesmerising, almost alien atmosphere. Tracks like 'Home' laid the groundwork for ambient techno movements, with their intricate yet minimalistic percussion and atmospheric sound design. Despite the minimalism, the album is packed with sonic depth, offering everything from digital chirps to crunchy metallic percussion, creating a sense of space that allows each element to breathe. The reissue's sharper sonic clarity enhances the album's subtle density, making it even more immersive. This release not only codified a new era of techno but also remains a timeless, hypnotic gem. Its influence is still felt today, proving that even the simplest sounds can create profound, futuristic music.

Review: Robert Hood kicks off his M Plant label's 2021 with a big return for the Perpetual Masters series, with his Underestimated EP. The series is designed to serve up classic back catalogue tackle that has all been newly remastered and made available on vinyl, digital download and streaming. This one came out originally in 1998 and is a powerful and futuristic now as it was back then. 'Black Man's Word' is crispy, driving techno, 'Sleep Is The Cousin Of Death' offers scintillating synth work and 'Hard To Kill' traps you in dark loops.

Review: For the latest volume in their essential reissue series, Tresor has decided to offer up a brand new edition of Robert Hood's celebrated 1994 debut album, "Internal Empire". A quarter of a century after Hood first committed it to wax, it remains one of the Motor City maestro's most potent and inspired works. It effectively defined his throbbing, minimalist style, with heavy and hypnotic cuts such as the bleeping "Minus" and deep and wonky "Within" perfectly encapsulating the stripped-back genius of Hood's production. If you've yet to acquire a copy, we'd recommending grabbing one of these: in truth, no techno collection is complete without it.

Review: Detroit techno innovator Robert Hood and Afro beat king Femi Kuti is not a pairing we thought we would see but it is one we are glad we have. They join forces on the former's M Plant label for this superb collision of musical worlds. It is unified by Afro beats and a unique mix of futuristic ideals with Femi's improvised jazz sax leading the way over Hood's cosmic synth sounds. The album was recorded in just one 30 plus minute take which is all the more of a testament to each artists's abilities. Femi's exquisitely free-flowing playing and Hoods signature grooves are perfectly intertwined in this great coming together of two avant art forms.

Review: Tresor dig deep into the vaults for a reissue of one of Robert Hood's many seminal releases. This one comes under his The Vision alias and is an impressive 30 years old in 2023. It came originally in the year he left his Detroit hometown and the safety of the Underground Resistance label and head to New York with Jeff Mills. The music is fast and furious and funky as you would expect, with funky techno drum foundations and mind melting details up top. It set a ridiculously high standard and hasn't aged one single bit. All hail Hood.