Subsist Records’ “Through the Tunnel” series on Bandcamp curates thirty-three tracks perfect for those seeking revelry and release in the grungy, anarchic energies of underground techno.
Subsist Records based in Valencia, Spain is building a rich repository of underground techno/electronic tracks. Their bandcamp boasts 133 releases often with an accompanying vinyl for purchase, a testament to Subsist’s zealous commitment to releasing new music and preserving electronic music’s material culture. Their series “Through the Tunnel” features music by thirty-three different artists, with each volume in the trilogy featuring eleven tracks. The curated sound in “Through The Tunnel Volume 3” is particularly hypnotic and grimy.
“Rekonstructions” by Cyd wastes no time in bringing us heavy hitting rhythms given by crunchy, layered bass kicks. As the track builds, techno synths gyrate, announcing the arrival of a sick acid line that mutates throughout the track until its end. Cyd paces the track well, providing moments of reflection and pause in order to summon energy levels to its apex in the finale. Imagining this played on the dancefloor, this track would draw in people lingering outdoors to come back inside to experience front and center the track’s dense bass and mid frequencies.
“Ribes” and “CAI” are tracks with trippier moods. These two tracks feature jarring melodies with acrid harmonies that channel sounds from Underground Resistance and its acolytes. In “CAI,” techno rhythms and melody are fused as one, shape-shifting together. Ribes provides a dreamier feel that has high-pitched chimes and bleeps suspended above a static dissonant synth loop.
“Apostles Perishing in Flames” by The Fifth Stigma is a standout track on this EP that achieves a sound distinguished from its peers. It begins with an ominous horn instrument and tribal, minimalist drum pattern that recalls images from Lord of the Rings or similar fantasy films. A timpani drum arrives unexpectedly, pounding on the first and third beats to give the tempo a cautious feel. When metallic drum hits enter, the scene is set for a march to war or infantry combat. As the track develops, the metallic drums pause, and an interlude with strings play strained dissonant harmonies against the sound of a glorious timpani. We are thrust back into the throes of marching forward when metallic drums return with greater fervor than before to drive the track to a deadly finish. Frantic guitar strummings that pan in the mix from left to right stir up a frenzy. Fifth Stigma conjures up a thick swirl of industrial and tribal noise interspersed with passionate melodic string sequences.
Subsist is not to be ignored as an incubator of new, talented producers disguised behind their cryptic monikers. This series will be a delight for those seeking revelry and release in the grungy, anarchic energies of underground techno.
-Lina Xing
Links – Bandcamp
Check out Dirty Epic music recommendations here.
Listen to our podcasts here.
