Glass City Sessions - CV313 (Minimood)

Title: Glass City Sessions

Artist: CV313

Label: Minimood

Cat Number: MINIMOOD017

Genre: Dub Techno

A1: Belle Isle Symphonics

B1: Masonic Mystic

C1: Stars Above Elmwood

D1: Two Way Inn

D2: Eloise’s Theme

I’m sure I’m not the only one in thinking that a lot of dub techno is a waste of time. It wouldn’t make a blind bit of difference if I were though, as so much of it seems to be a variation on exactly the same theme: an obvious depth to Basic Channel and a penchant for synth swathes. I hope I’m not oversimplifying things too much, and in the event as coming across as being super patronizing I’d like to head anyone who has bothered to read this off at the pass by stating that although this release falls victim the aforementioned stereotype some of the time, it is a piece of work which constantly surprises and, when properly imbibed, keeps the listener guessing and anticipating until the end. ‘Belle Isle Symphonics’ has the most energy, edge and drama, shortly followed by the no less subtle ‘Stars Above Elmwood’. These are the longest two pieces here, with ‘Masonic Mystic’ as a sort of halfway house, the tempo descends on ‘Two Way Inn’’ to a crawl on ‘Eloise’s Theme’. A deceptively complex piece of work which demands patience from the listener, ‘Glass City Sessions’ peaks and troughs in perfect symmetry and is a very rewarding sonic experience.