Just as Richie Hawtin’s Plus 8 defined and pushed out the boundaries for techno in the 90s, his Minus offshoot has become a genre-defining source for the minimal sound which seems to be creeping out of the underground at a severe rate of knots. Those familiar with the label will know Heartthrob, Marc Houle, Gaiser, Troy Pierce and Magda, while Tractile and JPLS are newcomers. Also present are more familiar names like Josh Wink and Loco Dice. It’s pointless focussing on particular tracks as every one’s a low-flying killer. There’s a similar approach to the original acid house in the way a riff is set up over a subterranean bass-funk groove then mangled as the track progresses, being subjected to everything from masturbating aliens to meteor storms. There is a connecting atmosphere here of an unearthly future mission by like minds. In 1990, I remember being blown away by a Plus 8 compilation called From Our Minds To Yours. I get a similar buzz with this superlative collection.
5 Out Of 5
Reviewed By: Kris Needs
