12"

genre: TECHNO

label: TOKEN   Cat.No: token131

Fuse resident Altinbas' ethereal imprint on driving techno comes this time with an aquatic touch, further diving into his fizzing architecture and melodic intrigue.

"Voyage" can mean many things: the past few years have been an unrelenting journey across the world's best sound systems and most devoted audiences for the Belgian producer, or perhaps it's a reference to the culminating and emotional nature of his productions. In any case, it is also the title track to his third EP on Token Records. Balancing warmth and anticipation, Altinbas is able to pack all the elements of a timeless record, while still providing breathing room. Fluid and introspective, "Voyage" opens the EP with a club-ready rumble. "Stygious Night" shares the A-side with a more minimal but still effective approach. The tonal synth work on this record demands a powerful and round system, worthy of only the best dancefloors, and the space that diffuses in the background gives it true dimension. Retaining minimalism with structure through the drum arrangement, "Stygious Night" is reminiscent of a not-so-distant past in Berlin, made with a distinctly modern approach. As the record changes, "Venus Ballroom" surprises us with an uncharacteristically resonant sound in the foreground. This change in style blends seamlessly with the label's storied tracks that have defined its sound since 2007. Hypnotic, psychotic, eccentric, and mental — "Venus Ballroom" demonstrates a profound understanding of music and an appreciation for versatility. "Psychosphere" closes out the EP with a classic sound of dissonant hits echoing in a foggy room. Altinbas elevates his sound with frenetic clap sequences and short rides to keep his percussion booming yet dry, while his synths create the acoustics he's known to create over the past few years. Getting everyone to agree on taste level and technical abilities is difficult, which is why this will certainly not be the last time Altinbas partners with Token to launch his cutting-edge work. [info sheet from distribution]