It’s hard to believe Son Error’s debut EP on AKRONYM is his first ever release.
Producing cutting-edge techno isn’t easy. It takes time, practice, a lot more practice, and loads of dedication. That’s why it’s so difficult to believe that newly emerging producer Son Error’s latest EP, “Wired Feelings” is the first project attached to his name. It is clear, however, that Jonas Pentzek, AKA Son Error, is no novice to music making. From a cursory view of his instagram account, you will find that he has been busy making music of various styles, including his role as lead singer for the German rock band, Fibel, to his less fleshed-out Hip-Hop alias Rar Tonkunst. There you will also learn that he is quite proficient with modular synthesis, and can make incredible compositions utilizing a euro rack, which is no small feat.
In responding to a few of my questions, Jonas gave us some insight on his experience with modular synthesis. “In the last three years I wrapped my head around modular synthesizers and tried to dive deep into the space of more dirty, dusty, oldschool techno. It took me a really long time to understand the sound I’m looking for in techno and even longer how to achieve that sound, but I’m still at the beginning of that journey.” This guy stays busy, and the result is exceptional music.
Speaking of exceptional music, Son Error’s label of choice for his first release, AKRONYM, has also been staking their claim in the techno landscape with great releases and a strong visual aesthetic. Someone please give their graphic designer a promotion; the label’s logo and typefaces are as alluring and dexterous as the music they have been releasing. Having only been around for about a year, the label has already released two seriously good compilations and another debut EP from artist Jimi Joel. Slow down, fellas, you’re starting to make other techno labels seem sluggish.
‘Wired Feelings’ starts off with a bright and celebrative track titled ‘Bells On Sunday.’ This track immediately transports you to the peak of the party, where some serious dancing is underway. A looping vocal sample keeps the energy pumping, all while a grand, house-inspired stab lead adds beauty and a comforting familiarity that most club music connoisseurs are sure to appreciate.
Next is the somber yet seductive “Absorbed Charisma,” a track that one could imagine Jeff Mills gleefully adding to his repertoire. This track is both reminiscent of, and on par with some of the most iconic techno anthems of the 90s, but certainly meets modern production standards, as well. That said, the decision to utilize a distorted synthetic ride cymbal at about two and a half minutes in is a stylistic choice that hasn’t been widely utilized in quite some time, but never the less serves as a clear tip of the hat to the more seasoned techno enthusiasts who would just as well find themselves blissfully raving the night away to this tune. The added grit the cymbal brings to the mix gives this track a mix-balancing sharper edge, and hints to gear heads that this is unlikely to be another “in the box” production, and got his percussion from an analog drum machine.
Things get serious when the third track, ‘Ugly Frog,’ comes into the equation. Rough, but not too aggressive, the hardest of the five tracks will have you dancing like a lunatic. A wacky, flailing synth lead sporadically leaps and dodges its way around a dirty, driving bass. Crisp hi hats and an unabashed, thick clap go a long way to accentuate this song’s intensity. But what really makes this track stand out is the demonic growl that comes in and out at various sections of the composition. This sound alone gives the track a teeth-clenching, paranoid feeling that is better felt than explained, so play this track at high volumes so you can find out for yourself.
Son Error’s first ever release on AKRONYM is a debut EP to be proud of. Time will tell what the future holds for this talented artist, but from the get-go, things look very promising. Download a digital copy of Wired Feelings on AKRONYM’s bandcamp in the link below when it is released on Friday, July 2nd.
-Jeronimo Watson
Link – Bandcamp
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