Refraction Vol 4 - Various Artists (Residual)

Title: Refraction Vol. 4

Artist: V/A

Label: Residual

Cat Number: REZ024

Genre: Techno

A1: Stellar Radiation – Rukka

A2: Believe – Teakup

B1: Exit Your Body – Sepehr

B2: So Far So Good – Pressure Point

Titonton Duvante’s Residual has been in operation since 1998, which averages out at more or less one release a year, so this had better be good. This is the fourth in the refraction series, the first having come out back in 2002! Whatever the concept behind this series, and I believe it to be cosmic electronic profundity, I can only speak for this release, and its artists, none of who I know, unless we’re dealing in pseudonyms. So, it’s really, really good is what it is. With the possible exception of the Teakup tune, which seems over the top and put of place. That is to say that the other three offerings have depth, mood and sedateness: ‘Exit Your Body’ is a great piece of bass-led, solar-powered electro, ‘Stellar Radiation’ is a complex piece of driving, cultured techno, ‘So Far, So Good’ is languid as it soars over imaginary landscapes, but ‘Believe’ grates in this company. It has its merits, but they don’t stand out.