Random Circuits

Kenny Larkin - “You Are” [Planet E] (buy)

Kenny Larkin should need no introduction, but just in case here’s a quick recap. Along with Saunderson, Atkins and May, Kenny is part responsible for the sound that we class as Detroit Techno. With stacks of releases & remixes going back right from 1990 Larkin is highly respected and classed as one of the innovators who pushed the sound forward. At any one given time (depending on his mood) Kenny’s sound can take in electronic, techno, house, soul, jazz & more.

Here we have his latest, ”You Are” which has fallen on Carl Craig’s label Planet E & coincidentally also comes complete with a Carl Craig remix on the B side on a track titled ”Bassmode”.

The original is like taking a trip back to when techno was consistently great, unlike today. Kenny sets things off with a sweet techno rhythm some shaking percussion and a deep throbbing bass line. In comes Kenny himself as he goes about preaching over this slick - timed techno bomb. It’s all very offside in the best way possible the bass, percussion and rhythm has great depth and originality and when backed up by Larkin’s vocals you have something very special indeed. I’m quite positive that the bass sound the warps along is a 303 or 313 it has a new old skool feel and it works very well. If only it was a little longer, not to worry though as we still have another track and a Carl Craig remix to get through. Happy Days!

The Dark mix of “You Are” is dark, moody and very Detroit. Moody chords set the tone this is accompanied by Larkin and his preaching if the A side was for midnight this is most definitely for 5am. Those chords stay deep and dubby and the rhythm takes quite an obscure turn every so often it will jilt off and make some typical techno noises. The percussion is tight and shuffled the chords get deeper, darker and Kenny really lets go, then the 313 goes into overtime and there you have it another guaranteed dance floor weapon.

Last up is “Bassmode”, here Carl Craig goes about remixing this and the result is quite a monsterous out come. First up he drops the tempo and slows things right down he turn the strings into more of a droning and really twists the remix up. The signature synths from Craig are present the percussion is like a marching band when the drummer goes at it solo. It’s all about that deep & dubby stepping - bass from the strings, i mean WOW. This will be sure to set the crowd going wild. The dark mix was a dance floor weapon. This is a weapon of mass destruction. The process repeats itself and becomes even better as it opens up everything working together like a well oiled machine. This is one remix you don’t want to be without this summer, twisted techno at its very best.

A killer & utterly essential package from Kenny Larkin and Planet E.

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