Marco Lenzi’s Molecular Recordings is a stalwart anchor of the trueschool. Following a hefty, three volume remix package of his seminal “Taboo”—including Jeroen Search, Inigo Kennedy, Exos mixes, then an EP by Mai Haiping—the series continues with “XX 9” by Mal Hombre.
This slab is from Glasgow-born, Leeds-based artist Mal Hombre who released on Axis in 2021 and the first ever UK producer to claim that accolade. Mark Sweeney, aka Mal Hombre, also has tracks on Edit Select, Illegal Alien and Seclusion to name a few, with all signs pointing to prolific output ahead and was included in Dave Clarke’s top 10 producers for 2021.
Let’s dive in. “XX 9” starts with a broken beat greeting the ears. Then, one by one, layers of a simple but intense polyrhythm made of what sounds like two synths take over, driving the groove forward. There is a mad push and pull in the track, shuffling with the crispy high end of the hats. Tensely sustained synth textures fill in the frequency spectrum, filtering in and out, as the polyrhythmic synths maintain the dizzying hypnotic energy of this number. About ¾ of the way through, an insane sequence drops in that takes the mood to mystical, alien circus level, twisting and morphing and shapeshifting; a curveball that would elevate a proper Techno dancefloor.
“AA1” begins with a proto-space Techno bleep rolling over on my favorite, again featuring the polyrhythmic three pattern against the four; a backbone groove and foundational rhythm of proper Techno. This deeply syncopated rudiment drives this track as synth strings slowly slip in, adding and removing suspense in succession with controlled tension. Bleeps and bloops add voices and expressive lead elements, speaking in turn, leading the ear, and breaking up the deep hypnosis of the polyrhythm. It is classic-sounding sci-fi Techno at its finest and most pure.
“AA2” explores similar rhythms, but this one takes an unexpectedly darker, harder, and more direct turn. The synth tones sound a little bit sick, a bit more twisted, and a bit unstable. Hypnosis gives way to a driving, anticipatory vibe, set in the context of impending interstellar conflict. Jumpy claps provide a bit of Detroit flavor, while eerie sci-fi pads add to the aforementioned sense of darkness, and the arps motor on, gritty and unrelenting. Resonant, a tinge distorted, slightly acidic, and futuristic, they drive forward, never stopping, leaving a sense of doom yet wanting more.
-Nicolaas Black
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