BORDER ONE レコード& CD

Review: In Border One's latest offering on Token Records, he delves deep into the cosmic realm, a recurring theme in his illustrious career. With his signature modular sound and robust drum patterns, he crafts a techno journey destined for sophisticated dance floors. The title track builds tension gradually, inviting listeners into a mesmerizing narrative. 'Astral Plane' amplifies the energy with booming synth lines and stomping claps, showcasing Border One's mastery of dynamic arrangements. 'Time Dilation' continues the sonic exploration with throbbing synths and intricate drum patterns, keeping the adrenaline pumping. Closing with 'Fractal,' Border One leaves us immersed in a world of suspense and intrigue, cementing his status as a techno visionary in the process.

Review: Border One is an alias for Steven Petit, who has been exploring tough, tunnelling techno since 2015 and taking in prominent labels like Wolfskuil, Token and Voltage along the way. Now he makes a return to SK_Eleven with four formidable workouts pitched towards the most serious of dancefloors. Just listen to the creeping drones sweeping through the middle distance on 'Optical Void' and you'll know this record is no laughing matter. 'Inner Sight' is possibly the most psychoactive track on the EP thanks to its relentlessly looping synth phrases, but in fairness each and every one of these tracks will work wonders when you want to get everyone locked in good and proper.

Review: Vapour trails, light trails, sword line tracers, whatever you want to call them... techno maestro Border One lays down an impressive sonic evocation of this visual phenomena on the eponymous EP for Token here. Likening the experience of optical trailing - perhaps the kind you see when tripping on psychs - to chirrupy yet industrial techno moods, tracks like 'Transmute' and 'Radiant' are befitting for just about any smoked-out interzone or squatted-factory rave.

Review: Belgium has always dealt proper techno - no faddy stuff, no fancy stuff just high quality and physical rhythms designed for blacked out warehouses. Border One is an artist and label that is already tapping into that rich tradition and now a third outing cements that once more. 'Altered State' is bulky loops, barrelling bass and slick synths peeling off a groove that races onwards. 'Morph' then bangs the box with raw claps chattering away over elastic bass and booming kicks and 'Nocturnal Eye' brings some melody to the dancefloor in the form of a celestial back lit glow. 'Regenerate' returns to macho loops that are pure and irresistible.