BIDOBEN レコード& CD

Review: French-Moroccan producer Bidoben joins the Sublunar roster with six tracks of precision-tooled techno that strike a balance between hypnosis and intensity. 'Suspended Relief' opens with pounding low-end and swirling mids, laying down a floor-focused blueprint that's all control and momentum. '28-33' dials in a looping, restrained groove with subtle modulations, while 'Torment' pushes into more psychedelic terrain-acid-licked textures layered over a linear, uncoiling arrangement. On the flip, 'Unfair' hits hardest: peak-time pressure with no excess. 'Calx' trades impact for introspection, coiling inward with murky synthwork and tight, recursive rhythm. 'Snakeholes' brings it to a close with melodic shimmer and just a trace of nostalgia. It's a smart, tightly constructed EP that showcases Bidoben's ear for function, detail and emotional tone.

Review: Bidoben steps up to Clergy with a potent new six track techno outing that is all about immediacy on the dance floor. 'Reduce & Yearn' kicks off with a hulking great drum line and pulsing synths that are topped by all manner of twisted stabs and paranoid sounds. '98 Fahrenheit' is just as edgy with shrieking synths keep you on your toes while the macho drums march on and 'Lenteur' then layers up more heavy bass and kicks with detuned effects, distant bells and general dystopian decoration. Three more linear but richly atmospheric cuts take up the B-side on this hugely effective 12".