Planetary Assault Systems - The Drone Sector

I can't quite figure out why the rating for this album isn't stratospheric, or why there aren't a slew of glowing reviews. While varied in composition, it epitomizes not only the pioneering sound of mid-90s techno, but also the unique approach to music that characterizes the work of Luke Slater, aka Planetary Assault Systems. I've listened to most, if not all of his releases, from the early days of Planetary Funk to recent EPs like Kat, yet it is this album that speaks the greatest to me. The eight tracks presented here cover a total range in style, from late night techno bangers to chilled out ambient electronica. So what do they have in common? Well, each song is very good, and a few are just downright fantastic.

The second track, Tap Dance, is a straight up percussive driver, though still on the deeper end of things. It keeps going and going with a nice, consistent beat. You Thought It, the third number on the album, is one that exemplifies the exact opposite of the Planetary Assault Systems sound. Mellow and revolving harmonies constitute this slice of electronica. The beat drops in and just lazily makes its way along a deep sea of bass. I was blown away that Slater created music like this. With the fifth track the album shifts gears again, or rather, changes vehicles completely. This is a maximally minimal track. Very simple, but very effective. A great opener. Stripped down like Plastikman, but with a much calmer aspect if you can say such a thing about what is, ultimately, techno.

The sixth and seventh tracks are most akin to the "typical" Planetary Assault Systems. These are the workhouses of techno sets; pumped up versions of tracks like the earlier Tap Dance. Screen has some really nice parts where the beat flutters around all layered up with a nice distorted bass and mids. However, with much difficulty I'd have to say Dungeon is my favourite on the album. I don't know how to describe it, but this track is pure genius. A reoccurring theme here is its extreme simplicity. When I listen to it I immediately think of a cave, so the title is aptly chosen. It's like someone is tapping on a set of four or five crystals, creating this really icey sound. The drums build up, the kick comes in, then the dark chords, and finally some really stretched out mids. The midpoint of the track sees the addition of layered FX and samples, but the high crystal beat remains throughout the entire journey. It's awesome. I'm not doing its greatness much justice, but if you like techno and Planetary Assault Systems you are going to love this album.