Out now on Ilian Tape, “ISS010” is a masterclass in swing, syncopation, and percussion programmed to perfection from the masked musician who needs no introduction.
After an absolutely legendary tear of EPs and LPs on Ilian Tape, Skee Mask steps out of the heady realms of IDM-leaning breakbeats into the groovy goodness of dubbed and tribal Techno on his 10th installment to the Ilian Skee Series, “ISS010”. With the wax selling out in what felt like minutes after the release, it appears that Skee Mask’s strategy of pulling his releases from streaming services is paying off, quite literally.
Every track on this release breathes with an airy effortlessness, each cut undeniably danceable—perhaps the most dancefloor friendly Skee Mask to date. Although more accessible, “ISS010” maintains the absolutely mental attention to detail and lush sonic landscapes that have earned the producer a cult following in the underground Techno and Electronic community.
Tracks like “Double Standard” and “Small Stone S700” are propelled by some of the grooviest and funkiest 909 drum patterns that might give even The Wizard himself, Jeff Mills, a run for his wand, with ethereal pads and swells bubbling in the background. “The Bills” also seems to be a subtle reference to Mr. Mills with its loopy chord stab, dubby atmosphere, and polyrhythmic percussion programming.
“Dachtekker” and its layers of latin percussion winds its way through a sonic jungle filled with dense haze, teeming with unknown synthetic lifeforms. Bouncy baselines on “Dub Schneider” and “Matchpoint” make for downright fun and funky floor fillers, while Skee Mask returns to a more familiar form with fluttering syncopated synth lines and chopped up breakbeats on “Stomp”.
With almost as much ear candy as downright functional dance music on “ISS010”, Skee Mask shows his endless and unmatched potential as a producer across several genres. Not only that, but his bold decision to abstain from a strong social media presence and to sidestep the streaming sideshow hopefully paves the way for more artists to grow an audience for their music; regardless it is an inspiration.
Skee Mask originally began as an anonymous project to release more experimental material by Munich-based producer Bryan Müller. Annoyed by journalists focusing on the producer’s age at the time, he wanted the music to speak for itself. Now, almost 10 years later and after around 13 EP’s, 6 LP’s and counting, it’s safe to say Müller’s message is meaningful.
-Alex Dahm
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