Enigmatic techno artist Linear System offers up “Invasion” for a hefty, 5 track record on stalwart Mexican techno imprint Illegal Alien, his second for the label.
The recondite Slovakian producer has been releasing a slew of material on an array of solid labels in the last couple years, like Marco Bailey’s Materia, Molecular, Planet Rhythm, Edit Select, and Dynamic Reflection. Linear System continues this string of releases with “Invasion,” a deep foray into spacey themes, which appear to be his signature. Ricardo Garduno’s Illegal Alien imprint has a long history, dating back to 2007, and a wide array of talent has graced its releases, like Mark Broom, Audio Injection, Oscar Mulero, The Advent, and Angel Alanis to name a few.
The “Invasion” EP begins with “Convert”. The track begins with a steady groove as filtering sequences slowly build in intensity, creating a hypnotic trance-inducing drone. These layers swirl and turn, slowly releasing their tension, deep and atmospheric. The energy feels steady and grounding.
“Infinite Circle” immediately drops into a sci-fi tinged roller. The bassline maintains a wonderfully syncopated pattern—three on the four, my favorite techno rudiment—instigating a powerful rhythmic push and pull that dancers will feel on the dancefloor. Mysterious synth flourishes add drama and tension, sounding almost like alien voices whispering in the dark as the main synth pings its beacon call in unwavering fashion throughout. The next cut “Static Position” also has that intensely funky bass and 3 over the 4 pattern, but this time the sound is more ravey and warehouse-y. It has a more percussive thump and snap, driving the track forward as the dominant sound in the mix. The beat is also perhaps more tribal, with a pronounced bounce in the groove, hitting the heaviest so far on the EP.
The title cut “Invasion” drops into another deep groove, as spacey synths swell up and loop. The swirling patterns have a hypnotic effect, interestingly with tension. As we come out of the big drop, the track shifts into another hugely satisfying gear, slamming in with a new previously unheard hi-hat, taking the floor at that moment to a higher level.
“Prothesis” shifts the energy down one notch but maintains the kind of anticipation one wants from the last cut of an EP. A slippery atmospheric lead on top anchors the track as a fast paced rhythm section takes control. Ominous textures crawl into the mix, adding elements of darkness and foreboding, perhaps even fear. Lest we forget the topic is invasion, Linear System reminds us.
-Nicolaas Black
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