Redshape – The Dance Paradox

Evidently Redshape has been getting hyped to no end over the last few years. I don't really follow newer techno music very closely because my preferences tend to lean toward the classic Detroit stuff. Personally, I feel the whole Euro minimal techno/microhouse/tech house thing burned out around 2002 or so and there have only been a few artists since then that have caught my ear at all. Despite the hype, I figured I would give this album a shot after enjoying the couple of tracks I heard.

So, does Redshape live up to the hype? Yes and no. First, this is in no way a groundbreaking album or anything terribly original. Redshape's sound is basically a reduced, minimal techno version of the more electro flavored Detroit techno music of the 80s and 90s. Kraftwerk, and stuff like early John Foxx come to mind as well. Some tracks take additional cues from the Basic Channel/Maurizio dub techno sound and their progeny.

However, upon careful listening, I can say that Redshape has made a very enjoyable, well-crafted album even it it's not particularly earth-shattering. This is the kind of thing you really need to listen to on a decent pair of headphones to fully appreciate. There are some interesting bits here and there, particularly in the low end and high end of the spectrum. One thing I really enjoyed were the little live drum bits that pop up in a couple tracks. This is where Redshape's personality shines though. Honestly, I'd like to see his sound open up a bit and progress in a more individualistic fashion on future releases.

Bottom line, if you are expecting this to blow you away, it won't. However, if you like well crafted minimal techno, with some retro-electro flavor, you may want to pick up this album.

Subtle and Hypnotic. This album should be listened to repeatedly and in it's entirety to help reveal the minor production nuances. Quite Good.