Upon discovering Chris Rinox’s music, it quickly became clear that there isn’t a whole lot of information about the artist or label he releases music on. Perhaps it is best to let the music do the talking for him. Burst Mode EP is the 24th release from Rhakz Records, a German label that is techno focused, but dabbles in other genres like jungle and industrial.
Beyond the farthest reaches of East Berlin is a city called Magdeburg, where Rhakz Records is based. It’s safe to infer, however, that Rinox is the label head, as he has the most releases over any other artist on the label, but what is certain is that Chris Rinox has developed an enticing style of minimal techno that is dark, raw and energetic. Burst Mode exemplifies this, offering four of Rinox’s latest works.
Track one of the release is a punchy, robotic take on minimal techno. The title track of the EP, “Burst Mode,” sets the pace for what’s to come. A dirty kick drum and swung hi hats create a thick and tasty groove, while a cacophony of glitched-out and distorted sound effects make the beat evermore complex. Throughout the track, layers of aggressive percussive elements build up and drop out, at some points sounding like there are three or four less complicated minimal tracks being brought in at the same time. A robotic vocal enters the soundscape, only to be chopped into infinitely smaller and smaller slices. This track, like the others on the release, sounds like a weaponized robot on the fritz. An atypical, crunchy hi-hat jolts its way left and right, creating a sense of urgency. There’s no telling where this track will go next, which helps make it so appealing.
The second track, “Jitter,” is equally rough and chaotic, especially for minimal techno. In this composition, the kick drum is accentuated by an off-time deep bass tone, giving the track a swanky groove that is quite common among German techno producers. Starting things off is a crisp, staccato bleep noise, but just when you expect it to take precedence in the mix and transform into the main lead, it falls back, giving way to a much more gentle and unexpected melody; a refreshing, unexpected surprise that goes a long way toward making this track less predictable. One might call this sound, in this instance, a misnomer, making the track far more unpredictable and exciting.
Burst Mode is brought to a close with its fourth and hardest track “Quadrax.” This track is a stomper, putting all of its emphasis on the downbeat and returning to the same structure and feel of the first track. Perhaps this track was made during the same jam session as “Burst Mode,” or at the very least, was produced using a similar approach. Reversed kick drums at about minute four create a slippery wobble effect that bring the EP’s momentum to its peak.
Chris Rinox demonstrates his mastery of powerful, hard minimal production with Burst Mode. These four tracks are raw, wild, and sure to leave you wanting more. Support the artist with a digital download through Rhakz Records’ bandcamp page, linked below.
-Jeronimo Watson
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