Random Circuits

Population One - “View From Above” EP [Frantic Flowers] (buy) (Buy mp3)

Population One is an alias of Detroit techno producer Terrence Dixon who has been banging quality techno cuts out since the mid nineties as Population One and under his own name (Terrence Dixon) which also sometimes may vary as T. Dixon.

The View From Above EP sees Dixon as Population One in a four track EP of fine Detroit techno, a little dub techno and a great remix from the mysterious Dutch - dub techno producer (s) (O v a t o w) on lead track - “View From Above”.

First up is the original mix which is quite hard to get much from compared to the rest of the EP as its so short and before you know it its coming to a close. It seems rough around the edges and quite atmospheric full of rugged riffs and a float away synthline which is backed up by Dixon’s monologue about the “future”. The riffs are full of depth and quite melodic in a deep experimental sort of way, they move and shake, constantly submerged but still have a glimmer of light managing to thread through which gives the synth some air to breathe or should I say float.

Now O v a t o w’ s “Re-Clock” is a real work of art a fantastic soundscape of great texture and depth. It comes in with gorgeous dubbed out pads, some loving chords, sweet synths and the monologue from the original. It’s more stripped back, minimal and atmospheric this is where the Dutch techno producer comes into his own on the remix by adding loose percussion which is seamlessly blended with luscious textures from the synths which will inturn wash over you like the early morning tide. It’s a real excursion into the deep & one you don’t want to end.

Radius is next which reminds me more of DJ Bone than anything else (this is a good thing), again more rough around the edges and more Detroit than dub. It has this loopy melodic riff which runs throughout and is underpinned with some excellent synth work which comes in and fades back out every 10+ seconds. A good tool for the floor as well as a very cool track as a whole.

Last up and completing this solid EP is “Episodes”. This is a great techno builder which has some ear piercing riffs which screech out at you whilst the bassline goes about things in a “Matt Edwards” fashion, slow building and very hypnotic. That ain’t the half of it yet though as in come all these raw sounding metallic riffs and some melodic hooks which shoot of in every which way possible & this is all backed up by some sinister keys and that screeching synthline. A very dark techno track and not one to underestimate.

Bookmark It