The second 12” vinyl from new dubstep label and Project Mooncircle offshoot Project Squared, run by Paul Cooper. What we have here delves more into the dub techno template, and where the debut release mirrored much Detroit influence, this 12” shows more of an influence with the Berlin dub techno scene, and why wouldn’t it, as Furesshu has previously released on Echodub.
Where I praised the first 12” for its mastery of the slow build, “Unknown” shows a similar dynamic, 11 minutes of building, mesmerizing stripped back techno, where spatial sounds are given room to breath, subtle changes building tension. “1993” draws its influence from closer to home, still deep, but having more akin with the early UK techno of Warp Records and acts like Redcell, an early break beat template carrying the track nicely. “Horizons” remains in the territory of dub techno, but taking a more distinctive dubstep vibe, allowing the half-step to slow things, allowing washes of synth pads, rolling bass, and growling electronics to creep through.
The first two releases have been a fine start, and we have not been barraged with releases, showing Project Squared seem to be concentrating on quality, and not quantity.
Wayne Stronell
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