The Acid dons at Aquaregia unleash four sinister tracks with brilliant selection on Acid Analects Vol. 1. The Toronto based label that specializes in acid techno nails their latest compilation with contributions from Nicola Dal Sacco, Elad Magdasi, 747, and DJ Huntsman. Spanning a concise spectrum of pure acid techno bliss, expect dialed in production with old school rave energy.
As “Aquaregia” reaches all over the globe, handpicking unique and masterful producers, they inevitably came to a release which boasts critical synergy and like mindedness between the tracks. A beautiful construction that stretches beyond the standard four track comp, spawning a squelching, melting trip.
The release starts out with a minimal tech groove, absent of acid on the forefront. Ramping in crescendo like fashion, a reverberated echo is sustained and grown until the tension is released with a walloping 303 siren. “Calorica” by Nicola Dal Sacco incorporates striking rhythm alongside the whirring siren, by fluctuating kick sequences. This creates a whoosh feeling that pairs with the main line in a satisfying manner. The slapping nature of the bass and percussion make for extremely groovy 4/4 patterns. The release is described as “club oriented” and “Colorica” certainly fits that bill.
Warbly synth lines crossover in a matrix like pattern as signature bass kick plows forward in the second offering, “robotricks” by Elad Magdasi. A progressive rave jam at heart, “robotricks” adds on clever cymbals and snare shots intermittently, causing major head nodding. I couldn’t help but imagine the stretched, floating smiley found on the releases cover, phasing in and out in perfect unison with the beat. The hypnotic, trance like groove drives throughout the entirety of the track, never taking its foot off the gas. The vocal acapella dissipates slowly as the track reaches its end making headway for the next entry.
DJ and producer “747” from Vancouver, channels his high-fidelity sound and mystic flow in “Domain Expansion”. Starting off with an eerie warp and arpeggiated acid sequence, “747” establishes ambiance and uneasiness almost immediately, drawing in the listener with intrigue. A haunting choral chant mirrors the acid sequence with it’s three note scale. The 303 really shines as it’s percussive elements mesh perfectly in harmony with it’s dripping, liquid groove. Slick triplet snare shots are given a late 90’s treatment of 64- bit compression, completing the vibe. Picture staring at the flickering lazers on the come up.
The last track encompasses the whole project with a high paced roller that sucks you in and slams you on your head. Relentless seems like an appropriate adjective to use when describing “Planet Psygon” by Australian DJ Huntsman. The track is blistering quick with obvious attention to detail. A keen awareness to rhythms of the past meshed with evolving, futuristic takes on what acid techno can be, provide an authentic taste of great techno. A standout among standouts in musical composure, and dance focused delivery, Planet Psygon wraps up the compilation on just the right note. Acid Analects Vol. 1 is a heavily solid release on more fronts than one. Each track individually expresses a form of awesome, acid techno that proves the stylings of the 303 are here to stay.
-Jack Plumb
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