A tight arsenal of dancefloor weapons, “Plug Formation” is efficiently crafted to make you groove. The Advent pulls no punches in this high energy addition to the Synthetik Sounds catalog. It manages to feel raw and improvisational while displaying a polish that only a true master can pull off.
LA-based record label Synthetik Sounds continues to expand its reach with its fourth release centered around one of the UK’s all-time greatest Techno acts: The Advent. Having made an indelible contribution to Techno culture over the course of their decades-long career, The Advent shows no signs of slowing down.
This “Plug Formation” release connects Europe’s pedigree to LA’s growing reputation as an engine of Techno culture. All told, this record includes four original tracks by The Advent, as well as a distinctive remix by DJ Dextro.
The first track, “Two Zero One,” is a hypnotic banger that immediately sets the tone for the record with its tight, loop-oriented composition. The synth and bass elements are so well glued that they merge into a singular call-and-response rhythm that grabs you and holds on throughout the track. “Two Zero Three” picks up the pace with a liberal use of claps and percussion. The track is driven by a relentless beat that never lets up, and just faintly in the background, the electric buzz of a shorted exposed wire hums away.
“Two Zero Four” has a Mentasm-esque synth that bubbles up into the mix. The dissonant sound dances a fine line between playful and ominous. DJ Dextro’s remix offers a little more industrial flavor alongside a creamy bassline that goes down smooth. “Three Zero Six” closes out the record featuring a rolling bassline and menacing synth arpeggio.
Speaking generally about the “Plug Formation” record, the most intense moments are only found in fleeting glimpses, resulting in peaks and valleys of energy that captivate the listener. There is an efficiency of production that one can’t help but be in awe of. The Advent knows exactly what elements are needed to get your blood pumping, and they’re not interested in fluffing things up with cheesy risers or gaudy breakdowns. It’s just wall-to-wall of banging hypnotic bliss.. the kind that our favorite warehouse moments are made of.
Overall, this is a strong release from Synthetik Sounds, and if it’s a sign of things to come, we are in for a bright future here in Los Angeles. The Advent is in top form, and DJ Dextro’s remix is an integral component of the “Plug Formation”. If you’re a fan of Techno, this release is definitely worth checking out.
-Dylan Brady
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