REVlEW DOCUMENTARY HIGH TECH SOUL (E) 64 min eeee
Subtitled the ‘Creation of Techno Music’ this documentary sets out to detail just that very subject, going back to the roots of the Detroit scene, the birthplace of techno as we know it today. The film aims to position the genre’s development in the social deprivation of Motor City, and its musical roots in the likes of Kraftwerk, George Clinton and the P-Funk scene.
The piece features interviews with pretty much everyone involved in the development and furtherance of the early techno movement; Blake Baxter, Richie Hawtin, Carl Cox, Stacey Pullen, Jeff Mills, Eddie Fowlkes, Carl Craig and more reminisce and set the scene. Inevitably, the bulk of the film centres on the work of the big three, Juan Atkins, Kevin Saunderson and Derrick May, the
What they do is very 2001 in its electro simplicity, but there's also something about the music of MSTRKRFT (pronounced ‘Masterkraft') which isn‘t likely to go out of style any time soon. Rudimentary, pounding basslines mix with sleek disco synths under clipped, repetitive vocal samples; it's the stripped-down aesthetic of minimal 80$ electro hip hop filtered through decades of Chicago house, Daft Punk and Justice.
None of which is bad going when you consider the duo have their roots in ill-remembered indie rock. Jesse F Keeler used to be one half of power duo Death From Above 1979, whose greatest contribution to popular music was inspiring 088‘ ‘Let's Make Love (and Listen to Death From Above)‘. They were well respected in their field but DFA79's place in rock history wasn't exactly at the top table.
On the other hand. MSTRKRFT — formed in East York, Toronto by Keeler and Alex Puodziukas (AI-P) in 2005. one year before DFA79 split — have found their perfect niche. The period between their 2006 debut album The Looks and this year's in-production follow-up has seen them achieve international DJing success on the just-below-ground electro circuit. and a formidable reputation as remixers. The list of those who‘ve felt the MSTRKRFT touch is long and varied, and includes Bloc Party. All Saints, Buck 65. Justice and The Gossip.
Hell. they even made Kylie sound good once. Surely their name isn't just an idle boast. after all. (David Pollock)
Derrick Mayi
founding fathers of techno back in the 808.
Director Gary Bredow demonstrates a love of the genre, humanising machine music by attaching a personality to the creators of one of the proto-forms of dance music. It was revolutionary at the time and this demonstrates how advanced their knowledge of samplers, synths and electronics was at the time. The stories are genuinely amusing and/or informative, giving a real insight into how a musical style is created. The only downside is the length: you actually want more run time as the credits roll.
These Triptych screenings are particularly unmissable as techno legend Derrick May will be introducing the film and taking part in a Q&A. (Henry Northmore)
I Film/louse. Edinburgh, Sat 26 Apr; GFI', Glasgow, Sun 27 Apr (Juan Atkins plays with Model 500, Glasgow School of Art. Glasgow, Sat 26 Apr; Derrick May also DJs at the Last Ever Triptych Party, the Arches. Glasgow, Sun 27 Apr).
PREVIEW ELECTRO MSTRKRFT Art of Parties at the Arches, Glasgow, Sun 27 Apr
Name Laidback Luke. Occupation DJ/producer Location Aalsmeer, Holland
A Dutch guy playing houae muaic - you must be having a giraffe . . .
Understandably when you think of Dutch dance music you instantly think ‘trance’. Ferry Corsten, Ti'etso, Armin Van Burren and co have been exporting their spine- tingling cargo of trance-tastic monsters all over the world for several years now. Thankfully, the Netherlands' now have a bonafide house hero to call their own.
Without wanting to atqu a pigeon in a hole, what kind of house mualc la it?
While his early production efforts drew influence from the original house masters from Chicago and Detroit, modern-day Luke tends to travel in commercial class, flying high with a more accessible form of house music.
Are we talking cheeae here?
Not at all. The new breed of house DJs, including Martijn Ten Velden and the so-called “Swedish House Mafia’ of Steve Angello. Sebastian lngrosso and Axwell have been credited with bringing house music to the masses without compromising the quality. Luke specialises in big riffs and poppy hooks, lifting bits and bobs from R88. electro, pop and rock, often adding some interesting vocals then slamming them with a 4/4 beat that brings a jump to your step and a smile to your face. Keep an ear out for his forthcoming release 'Be’, a collaboration with Angello which has been whipping the hype machine into a frenzy over the past few months.
Doea he cut the muatard on the wheels of ateei though? Apparently so. Luke is well regarded in the live arena as a man who knows his way around a set of decks. His studio mixing style, which fuses separate loops. vocals and samples to create live edits prove that this is one producer who can DJ with the best of them. (Richie Meldrum)
I Laidback Luke plays Musika, the Liquid Room, Edinburgh, Sun 4 May; Colours, the Arches, Glasgow, Sun 4 May.
24 Apr—8 May 2008 THE LIST 37