Title: Existenz
Artist: Function
Label: Tresor
Cat Number: TRESOR315
Genre: Techno
Sagittarius A (Right Ascension)
2. Pleasure Discipline
3. Ertrinken
4. Growth Cycle (feat. Robert Owens )
5. Zahlensender
6. The Approach
7. Nylon Mood
8. Alphabet City
9. Don't Ask, Don't Tell
10. No Entiendes
11. Kurzstrecke
12. Golden Dawn (feat. Stefanie Parnow) 13. Interdimensional Interferenc
14. Distant Paradise
15. Be (feat. Robert Owens)
16. Vampir
17. Downtown 161
As is so often the case, albums which really stand out are released towards the end of the year. Such is the case with ‘Existenz’, a piece of work which I am happy to say doesn’t feel it necessary to go to far out on a limb. Having said that, its breadth is phenomenal and evidence of a true sonic auteur. Not going out on a limb only inasmuch as what is contained within these grooves is on the one hand desirable, and on the other expected. Although, unpredictable it is not, The way Robert Owens’ vocals are used on ‘Growth Cycle’ being a case in point. The methodical approach to sequencing and juxtaposing the featured compositions ensures a seamlessly arranged multifariousness. The ambient interlude provided by ‘Zahlensender’ following on from ‘Growth Cycle’, which itself provided a peak of sorts atop a ream of minimal machine funk is an early pointer to the fluctuating nature of the overall arrangement. The album works on a subliminal progression of sound waves and sentence word stress; its length demands such an approach. It’s not a full on listening experience in the stereotypical techno sense, but reminds me a little of the immersive experience listening to an album can be, with all potential variables showing their hands. ‘Downtown 161’ is a dislocating experience, with its sped up house deep in the mix, amidst analogue warmth, while ‘Distant Paradise’ provides a flipside, the structure more defined and sharper. All in all this is a towering piece of work which manages to fight on all fronts, from the conceptual to the physical.
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