Yan Cook returns to ARTS Ltd. sublabel Artscore with “XXX” LP—a full album of what is proving to be this year’s absolute benchmark of quality techno.
Yan Cook seemed to have taken a break from the techno scene and the world at large, and for good reason since the Ukrainian’s fan base was deeply concerned for his health at the start of the war. Thankfully Yan Cook, instead of taking a break from the scene entirely, has kept his head low and his ear grinding on this “XXX” album. He’s been something of a techno cult celebrity with a YouTube channel that makes no secrets about his methodologies, and he has a consistency as a techno producer that really is second to none. He’s earned many dedicated fans that are delighted to see their notifications light up with his name. Though Yan Cook’s not immediately on the lips when you think of him as a scene leader such as Setoac Mass, Rene Wise, Oscar Mulero, or Luke Slater might be, this “XXX” LP seems to set forth with a cautious optimism to change this perception and really takes on the direction of what the true sound of techno is, and should be.
Many currently competing ideas in techno music to date, some that have an intensity or alternate and strange cerebral approach to techno or even some that have melodic and deep concepts, which of course, all have their merits. However, if you want straightforward techno that is great to dance to, fun to DJ, satisfyingly well put together while also encapsulating the emotional heart of the producer with a sound free of struggle that continues to experiment conceptually, this “XXX” album offers all of that with a calm and cool style unique to Yan Cook. Every track on the album is fully worth your time. There’s absolutely no fillers here. A few tracks leave a mark upon first impression while others grow on you and take time to understand where they’re coming from.
“8 Bars” opens us up to a mechanical, sparse, industrial broken loop with a soothing contrast of pads. The insistent drums are nicely swung so that they set the stage for heavier elements, and the track leaves room for layering other tracks when DJing. It gives the DJ lots of good opportunities and direction, making it a fine choice for opening this album and a DJ set. “Hope” is a fists-in-the-air, hypnotic slammer, and the wistful pads take the track to anthemic territory. The track “Naked” is a bassline intensive track that really turns the listener inside out with its phasing or flanging effects, and it leaves you uncomfortable with tension and unease. It’s twisted conceptually, and the pressure is only relieved at the end. “Naked” is also a great setup for an alternate emotion that is less relaxed and can take the DJ set into a profound new direction. The digital exclusive “Reg Giant” closes us out on the “XXX” LP with themes that all carry this weight of classic and timeless techno. Just how Yan Cook is able to encapsulate the history of the best stylistic elements of techno into one track should be applauded and celebrated. It’s just one of the many tracks on the LP that really underscore what real techno means, where it’s been, and where it’s going.
ARTS and Yan Cook have both been on this front for some time, so it’s no surprise they’ve teamed up here, but to put forth such quality time and time again is noteworthy and exceptional.
-Sean Ocean
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