After coexisting in a parallel universe for the past 15 years, the Black Dog wanders into Soma’s garden – and takes a solid gold dump. Last year’s ‘Silenced’ album was a subterranean voyage which almost acted like the mustering energy of a waking giant getting ready for the extra-terrestrial action of this EP. Ken Downie and new partners Martin and Richard Dust sound more other-worldly than ever, tuning in tracks before they get going – in the case of ‘Ripheadv2’ swiftly ushering in a kick and setting up spacey gossamer riffs before the weightless drop and hypnotic home stretch. The stunning ‘Gawble Vianag’ starts with minutes of alien static and robo-farts before the space-funk beat comes in and it’s off on a disembodied cruise over the surface of some distant planet. More than a passing resemblance to the Orb here, as on the ensuing ‘Mental Ward Sleep Machine’ and its lengthy floatation intro. Further proof that we are now actually in the middle of a golden age of techno at the moment.
5 Out Of 5
Reviewed By: Kris Needs
