LA’s newly emerging underground Techno collective, NULLSECT, welcomes Dilate to their roster, unleashing three tried and tested Hard/Hypnotic Minimal cuts across “Cortex” EP that demand our attention.
NULLSECT is by no means the first Techno collective to come out of Los Angeles, but this one stands out. Their manifesto, made public on their website, declares that raving is an act of rebellion—a cultural movement with a long legacy—and their aim is to reinvigorate it through collaboration over the World Wide Web. “We are musicians, visual artists, writers, and thinkers who through a common cause look to create a genre that is a unique evolution of rave,” they maintain, and their latest “Cortex” release from Los Angeles Producer/DJ Dilate succeeds at that.
While he had previously seen one of his tracks featured on a various artists compilation on the label a few months prior, titled “Damnation Vol. 2,” the up and coming LA-native now has an EP of his very own on the imprint. Further separating themselves from most other Techno labels and collectives, NULLSECT has additionally published a brief interview with the artist alongside the music, giving us some insight into who the artist is and how he perceives the state of the scene. “Cortex” EP is fresh and innovative and all three cuts on the project are exceptional.
Starting off the EP is the title track, “Cortex.” A punchy kick sets a steady pace, and a meandering, dirty lead begins to emerge. From the jump, subtle nods to Minimal Techno permeate the otherwise classic Hard Techno sound of this track. Booming percussive hits cut through the mix and give the track some spontaneity. Next is the slightly more hypnotic tune, “Eons Upon.” A seductive vocal sample disarms you before a pure, hard-hitting drop in which the kick and bass are all that’s needed to steal the show. A rising arpeggio elevates the mood and nicely juxtaposes the rigidity of the drums.
Last, however, is my personal favorite, “Bang The Drum.” Highly swung vocal chops, reversed sweeps, and quirky sound effects reverberate out and prance around the drums. Is that a Metal Gear Solid sample sprinkled in? Perhaps. What is certain is that this track is delightfully minimal, yet follows a fast-paced composition that is sure to keep dancers locked in and loving every second of the wild ride. Personally, I can’t wait to play this one out. Cortex is a strong body of work, and we look forward to hearing more of what Dilate and NULLSECT have to offer.
-Jeronimo Watson
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