It’s been a busy couple of years for Robert Hood, techno don from Detroit that needs no introduction. After a big album on Rekids that was widely rinsed and supported by the techno world, he followed up with an EP on Radioslave’s imprint and continued 2021 with a flurry of releases on various storied labels. Continuing his other projects as well, he and his daughter Lyric perform as a duo under the moniker Floorplan. Now he returns to an alternate persona “Monobox” for a full length album, exploring shades of techno more alien and futuristic than the stylings for which he is usually known.
His ‘Forwardbase Kodai EP’ reintroduced Monobox in October, two tracks and two remixes, one from himself and Ø [Phase]. In the past Hood has said of Monobox, “… (it) was an alien project. I read this book when I was probably around 13 or 14. It was this ominous black box that came from some other universe, and it was just sort of hovering over the planet, over a cornfield somewhere.” The “Regenerate “ album, seven new tracks, envisions a story around this box, a vessel, as it hibernates over a period of years, then comes back to life and rises up. This concept pleases the sci-fi lover in me and creates an expectation of a proper marvelous journey ahead.
We begin with the appropriately titled “Rise”. A massive kick drum lays down a deep foundation, solitary, thematic. Metallic stabs pulse with alien energy, the tones very pure and clean. What sounds like a piece of glass begins a syncopated dance, seemingly bouncing in a funky pattern. String pads introduce atonal counterpoints, the effect mysterious and cinematic, laden with hints of foreshadowed drama.
“Blackwater Canal” introduces spacy percussion into the mix, airy syncopated synths, minimal vocal bits and swirling pads. The feeling is anticipatory, the black box is taking off. There is tension but the vibe is incredibly open and spacious.
The cinematic feel of this project is palpable, “Wargames” bringing an obviously darker and moodier energy. Emotional pads underscore the piece, as a precise, dark, metallic alien synth modulates and leads the way into the unknown. The sound-design is certainly different for Hood here, though he chooses his tones with trademark minimalism and care, reflecting a remarkably visual instinct that’s difficult to miss.
Right away from the first bar of “Angel City”, the energy shifts toward a more uplifting feel. Classic deep techno stabs float soulfully in the ether, quick percussion pulsing in the distance. New harmonic layers gradually reinforce it until they give way to strange space patterns, the euphoria mixing with mechanical elements. Tension builds, then breaks and gives way to a sense of hypnosis, Hood expertly arranging this production into a journey in and of itself, the layers speaking to each other in call and response.
“Exoplanet” transports us to unknown terrain as a dark alien synth rolls with mystery and tension. Hood allows it to build, waiting about two minutes before fully releasing the kick drum in this number. This tune feels like an urgent, critical mission, time being of the essence. In terms of sound-design choices, Robert Hood is wonderfully using Monobox to unleash a more experimental and exploratory side, something his main persona perhaps keeps in check.
The kick of “Drydock” at first hints of a dark moment to come, but once the track begins to groove, overall the feeling is more calm and deep, bringing us back to emotive themes and vibes. This cut to me is extremely evocative and full of visual storytelling, the synth layers funky and analog, but with a moody feel.
“Regenerate” LP closes with the title cut, marked by a gritty synth that growls with grime. Another twisted, elastic arp pattern complements it, as a by now familiar metallic synth stab takes center stage. The arps shift their math over time, creative new melodic grooves. The main synth builds in intensity and frequency, as the arps ask questions that only time can answer. Clearly the black box has come to life, and the story leaves us with anticipation for a next chapter.
Monobox “Regenerate” is released on double vinyl and digital. Hear it on the link above.
-Nicolaas Black
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