Out on Maison Close Records, Seoul-based UNREALNUMBERS’ new Unseen EP spellbindingly integrates the sounds of industry and technology into invigorating rave bangers, with remixes by Lacchesi and Varya Karpova.
Founded in early 2019 by two figureheads of the Parisian techno scene, Jakob Saulière and Lorenzo Lacchesi, the label Maison Close Records has been making waves with its powerful and dark releases starring some of the most cutting-edge artists of the French scene. Initially intended as a platform to showcase local talents and promote France’s cultural influence on electronic music, the project quickly grew in scope and ambition as it reached beyond borders to include an international array of musicians.
After three remarkable compilations and a concept-based VERSUS series, Maison Close strikes again with its first solo EP release: UNREALNUMBERS’ “Unseen.” UNREALNUMBERS started out by distributing his own music and playing in Korea’s edgiest techno clubs, before his heavy-hitting productions and relentless sets propelled him to global recognition. As a follow-up to his EP on the prestigious Brvtalist label, “Unseen” further familiarizes the world with his industrial approach to no-holds-barred dancefloor weapons.
The title track, “Unseen,” immediately sets the pace for this gut-wrenchingly energetic release, akin to an unstoppable machine full of blaring alarms and flashes of electricity. These mechanical elements blend industry and technology in a way that maintains a high level of tension fit for the most decadent raves. “MK4” continues on this route by sending us on a one-way trip to hyperspace with what seems like samples of supersonic aircrafts gliding through the air, set over a poignant and hypnotizing beat.
“Karaburan” upholds the idea of incorporating technological references into dance tracks, as it brings together other-worldly chords, sounds of a phone being dialed, and nondescript echoes. The production is extremely dense, as many juxtapozed components interact with a rich and crisp kick that keeps the momentum going throughout the composition. The follow-up, “Rekon,” takes on a more in-your-face approach and embraces the codes of hard trance with a heady lead and distorted vocals sermonizing unintelligible yet ominous predictions.
This release also includes two remixes that allow the original works to interact with the creative inputs of other producers. Lacchesi, one of the label bosses of Maison Close, infuses “MK4” with a distinctly French twist on sound design that focuses on the sheer power of bass while emphasizing the conventions of trance. Then, rising Russian talent Varya Karpova, recently signed onto Possession’s new Core agency, offers a refreshing take on “Unseen” marked by enigmatic echoes and an ecstatically heavy kick.
-Théophile Gatté
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