Featuring his own releases as well as original music videos, Ø [Phase], aka Ashley Burchett, continues to pursue his own Modwerks label and AV project, now teaming up with Setaoc Mass on “Intensity Fluctuations RMX” to give a grooving touch to a hypnotic, heartfelt anthem from his “Before This” album.
Modwerks started in the heart of the pandemic when things were pretty slow and opportunities for techno musicians were scant. By this time, Ø [Phase] already had 20 years of productions under his belt and used his golden ears as an engineer for Sony Music London. Not one to take things lying down, it seems like Ø [Phase] looks to create his own opportunities where there were too few before. Not only that, but his Modwerks label provides a consistent source for unreserved personal ideas, furthering his goals as a visual artist and creating unique music videos for select tracks off his releases.
With Sam Coates, aka Setaoc Mass, here Ø [Phase] provides another look at the individual track that appeared as an original on the first Modwerks LP, “Before This.” The original track has a decidedly lighter feel to it and some personal introspection. Coates really leans into the “Intensity Fluctuations RMX” with his signature kick and bass-rumble style and jettisons the lilting wistful synth in favor of highlighting the original bassline in a well-compressed flavor that’s nothing short of slamming.
“Night Terrors” is an original by Ø [Phase] with a very flat-in-your-face kick that you’d have a hard time finding anything else like it. This sets the stage and fills the stereo image with drifting analog elements roaming around the stereo field and your head in binaural fashion. The new original is complemented by a somewhat rave-y, flat bass line to match the kick. The big, and almost too intense, synth horn line cutting through the track might be too much for some and might even light your mom’s hair on fire, but the unique modulations and squelching make it interesting and memorable. Though, if you’re actually in the thick of the mix listening intently to the layers, it’s oddly complimentary.
Taking stock, the “Intensity Fluctuations RMX” is a subtly, well-built track and masterful pairing of two of techno’s best minds and ears. One can only hope that we see more collaborations between these two heads, since the result is simply superior quality techno all around. Both “Intensity Fluctuations RMX” and “Night Terrors” are well worth your time. Just make sure to keep a fire extinguisher handy if your Mom is lurking about.
-Sean Ocean
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