Arne Weinberg - Beauty in Decay       (Down Low)

Arne returns with his second excellent deep techno release in as many months, this time for Dutch technoid label, Down Low. This EP finds him at his deepest and most musical yet, devising four slices of bleepy, harmonious hi-tech funk, all with a unique and original production feel. ‘Way back to the North’ comes first, featuring a subtle, Reesy bassline, driving liquid square wave tones, low stabs and drifty synth melodies, all offset by a harsh, distorted hi-hat pattern – probably the most dancefloor orientated cut here. ‘Beauty in Decay’ centres around a single delayed riff, repeated in different registers throughout the piece, built up over more square wave tones and searing strings, to outstanding effect. The two tracks on the flip (‘Day of Repentance’ and ‘Beautiful Process of Living’) continue in much the same style, melding clear Detroit influences with more avant-garde European noise aesthetics – providing another tantalising glimpse into an alternative future of techno. Altogether, this represents another fine display from Arne, and a serious step up in quality – essential listening for all those who like their techno fluid and futuristic.

Reviewed by: Matt Chester

Score: 4/5

Go to the Down Low website.