Future Beat Alliance - Hidden Emotion

A very welcome reissue of one of techno's lost gems.

Back in 1996-97, an obscure little label in Oxford called Void Records released some remarkable music by (at the time) unknown producer Matthew Puffet. Under the monikers Mode-M, Soul Electrik and Future Beat Alliance, he released melodic, often achingly beautiful techno/electro with obvious Detroit influences, but in a very personal and immediately recognizable style. Tracks such as "Inside Out" proved what a talented producer he was - but few people took notice at the time, and the records quickly ended up in the bargain bins (which is where I found most of my Void collection).

An FBA album was scheduled for release on Void in 1997. A few white labels were pressed and sent out, and the album even received a glowing review by Muzik's Dave Mothersole (one of FBA's biggest supporters at the time) - but the label went out of business shortly afterwards, and consequently, the full release was cancelled. The extremely rare promo has become a sought-after record in the meantime, and whereas labels such as Delsin and Versatile have had the brains to release his new stuff, Exalt Records deserves a round of applause for finally making "Hidden Emotion" available on CD. This reissue is every bit as vital as Radioactive Lamb's superb album which finally resurfaced in 2005.

This is a damn fine album, nicely balanced between downtempo and techno cuts, and the emotional content is hardly "hidden" - this is a passionate, deeply romantic electronic soul record that proudly wears its heart on its sleeve. Picking highlights is somewhat futile - there are no duffers here - but do check "Television X": the strings will floor you.

On a final note, don't forget to check mr. Puffet's new releases - his last one (at the moment of writing) on Recondite is superb.