Munich-based Producer/DJ ‘bw’ unleashes four edgy hypnotic techno tracks for Croatia’s Secession Records in Gazes EP. Complex yet deceptively understated, the recent releases from Secession have explored an innovative, modern sound that is infiltrating Europe’s elusive club scene, and beyond.
Secession is a label that has quickly become synonymous with new, exciting, and fully energized hypnotic techno over the last few years. Bw’s latest “Gazes EP” follows this mold. Complex yet deceptively understated, the recent releases from Secession have explored an innovative, modern sound that is infiltrating Europe’s elusive club scene, and beyond. The label has steadily built a name for itself with its consistently well-received EPs and various artist compilations, and has quickly become an integral entity for both the reach and success of the next generation of techno producers. Bw’s “Gazes EP” has been a long awaited addition to this collection of releases, and many of us in the global techno community are thrilled that it’s finally here.
The opening track “As He Goes” makes for an excellent introduction. While techno can often be rigid and abrasive, bw is a producer who has mastered the art of subtle complexity. His use of modulated static to create detailed and ever-evolving background noise throughout many of his compositions perfectly exemplifies this technique, and in this instance, is used as the track’s foundation that will keep listeners locked in for extended periods of time. Various reverbs and delays help to bring further depth to his productions, bringing life and character to each layer of percussion. As a frantic melody emerges, long delays begin to create lingering trails that swell as the track develops. The track is fully fleshed out and effective, yet is limited to only a few key components that miraculously feel like more than enough.
Next is the title track “Gazes” which builds off of “As He Goes” perfectly. A faint voice whispers, while a reverberating conga hit hearkens back to techno tropes of the past. Fast delays used on certain hi hats create a clicking effect that resemble the sound of a cicada, offering welcome contrast to the smooth and tame composition. At the three-minute mark, the track undergoes a brief and unexpected breakdown in which reversed kicks slide into the offbeat to switch up the groove.
To close things out, bw steadily increases the intensity with the final two tracks “Sizzle” and “Sneak Out.” The explosive cacophony of panned hi hats at the drop of “Sizzle” would be enough to make an unsuspecting bystander topple over. A warm and muted melody initially feels suppressed, but it’s rapidly approaching from a distance. Closer and closer it gets until all hell breaks loose!
“Sneak Out” starts off like a storm is brewing in the distance, and before you know it, you and your home are caught in the middle of a tornado, frantically spinning in the sky like a scene straight out of THE WIZARD OF OZ. I don’t think we’re in Kansas any more. The EP goes out with a bang, and leaves the listener hungry for more.
“Gazes” is an EP that I, personally, have been highly anticipating for quite some time, and it absolutely delivered. Here’s to their success, and we look forward to much more amazing music to come. Keep an eye out for more great releases from bw and Secession and download their latest “Gazes EP,” on the Bandcamp page linked above.
-Jeronimo Watson
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