Alvinho L Noise, along with a couple of choice remixes by Anders BR and rraph, continue Sydney-based Gynoid Audio’s current obsession with subdued, groovy, and classy working man’s Techno on their latest release, “Rodapé” EP.
Gynoid’s long history of releases is a testament to the tenacity and staying power in Techno, mostly because they choose talent and music over notoriety and popularity. They often take on newcomers that have a dedicated and signature sound all their own, but this is just standard operating procedure for the Elektrax music group headed up by Simon Nielsen who’s always had open ears for the opportunity and equally so has had a knowledgeable ear for the history of Techno.
The history of Brazilian Techno with strong Batucada Brasileira influences is echoed in this “Rodapé” EP by Brazilian heads Alvinho L Noise, rraph, and Anders—all of which have had independent releases among the Elektrax roster in the last month or so. If you’re digging, be sure to check out their solo works as they reflect upon the remixes of their peers on this release to get a solid perspective.
Alvinho L Noise’s original mix of “Rodapé” presents a tense-pitched chord pair with a cowbell layer to simulate percussive timbale patterns while lower pitched chords tastefully support the groove with the bass with plenty of artful movement within the cymbals—something to really place your mind in a particular hypnotic headspace to get lost within the layers. Ralph’s vision in his remix takes a deeper route with traditional Techno chord hits but chopped up in a new and interesting way, trading the heady top line with a noise ride. The main focus is the cowbell and tom and low-end interplay.
The original mix of “Sarapatel” focuses on a quick call-and-response bassline pattern and scattered midrange sequenced synth as its main element, creating a strong, stern, and serious mood while the tension bit is pronounced by a strong and distant carry that is panned wide and chorused. All result in a heady and strong groove that’s a perfect pairing for chunky and deep boss elements in a DJ set. rraph’s take on this is a stripped-down version of the call and response pattern and a chopped-up, one-bar pattern in repeat while the 16th note hats are chorused over the top to slowly reveal a swampy and jungly atmosphere, referencing the original’s distant top line and becoming a powerful main break.
Overall, the release fills a need for lower energy power and groove in a night that is much needed by opener DJs who can’t exactly be blasting out peak-hour nosebleed Techno that vaguely resembles trance at 9 pm. They’re going to need the steadfast grooves and the sound that sets a stern tone and power for the rest of the night. Gynoid’s niche seems to have filled that role relatively clearly here. It’s certainly a calculated move, as is the pointed recognition of the South American Techno scene which is really blowing up. If you’re wise, you’ll look to Colombia, Argentina, and Brazil, as you would to the Netherlands, England, and Germany to find a scene rich in diversity and positivity towards the Techno sound. Solid work here by Alvinho L. Noise, Anders, rraph, and Gynoid who come together on an artfully done and purposefully muted release highlighting strong work by some of Brazil’s new guards.
-Sean Ocean
Check out Dirty Epic music recommendations here.
Listen to our podcasts here.
Find out more about our events here.
