Robert Hood

md, Jan 23, 2005

There are a few artists that I get completist with, but not many with a catalogue as large as Robert Hoods. This man practically defines perfection within techno. His super-minimal approach is much imitated but rarely equalled. Theres nobody else who remains so minimal yet so hard and powerful in their production.

One of the proudest and fiercest exponents of Detroit techno, his DJ sets are a beauty to behold; Playing only on Technics decks that have been modified to allow for up to +16% pitch control, he takes his own productions and those of similar artists to another level altogether, averaging 150bpm in an era when many non-hardcore techno DJs are slowing back down to house music tempos. Fast - yes. Hard - yes...yet the tight, clean production in the records he plays (which admittedly are largely his own) prevent it from becoming just another harsh, banging, noisy techno experience, and one finds oneself compelled to dance in a manner as unrelenting as the music he plays. Hold onto your mind, as the super-abstract analogue grooves tear strips off you.

Occasionally, he plays in a "semi-live" manner, using drum machines and analogue synths to add to the records he plays - making the performance truly unique. Those lucky enough to have heard him doing this will never forget it...mind blowing.

While he does occasionally take the odd jaunt into downbeat jazzy grooves, his more familiar productions are often hard to understand on first, second, or any number of listens, until you hear them in the context they are designed for - on a LOUD and CLEAR sound system!!! At that point, its just best to give in and let the music take over.

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