Demdike Stare ‎– Symbiosis

I've been trying to figure out how anyone could disagree with Sotek's review, but unfortunately the only thing I can conclude is that these naysayers simply must have no taste. Perhaps we can pick a bone with the fact that at the time of Sotek's writing it appears he or she had yet to actually listen to the album, however, I definitely concur with the fact that it is one of the best albums of 2009. I arrived at Demdike Stare by a rather long route, but being a big fan of dub sounds I instantly found a shared interest. Yet this is where Symbiosis diverges, as it thoroughly suffuses the dub spectrum established by the likes of Moritz von Oswald with all manner of stylistic influences. And when I say stylistic influences I'm not doing the depth of cross-experimentation and hybridization any justice, as this album rocks in ways you couldn't even imagine. Take a track like Janissary; fat fat beat, but at the same time it feels like your somewhere in Turkey tripping out like mad. Then Janissary is followed up by Haxan, a track that breathes new life into M-series-esque sequencing. This is one of those few and far between classics for sure.

"Symbiosis" is a long awaited CD album from Demdike Stare (a project of Miles Whittaker - better known as MLZ or DJ Miles - and Sean Canty), collecting tracks from both limited edition vinyl EPs previously released on Manchester's Modern Love imprint. The album is quite a ride, fusing elements of punctured dub, traditional Turkish, Indian and Iranian sounds, Norwegian drone records, techno, deep house and beyond. Simply put: "Symbiosis" is set to be one of the best albums of 2009 and essential purchase for fans of Rhythm & Sound.