Function – Incubation

Not much to be said that hasn't been described more eloquently by the commenters before me. It's truly something else, the way Function is able to create those sublime techno productions is out of this world. Not to mention it's also one of the best sounding presses I own. 10/10

This is not a heads-up, or a connoisseur's observation, as this album is by no means an undiscovered gem by this day and age. It's hardly an insider's top secret either, as it came out on one of techno's currently most prominent and well established imprints. The reason why only now do I come back to this page is due to the staggering replay value Incubation has. This album, while unquestionably a hot item since the day it hit the shelves, has not lost a single bit of its original appeal and fervour. The production vaults shine confidently and sound amazingly lively, up-to-date and crystal clear. There is nothing about this long player that would make me say "Hey, this was the sound of 2013!", or something, as David Sumner really pulls off a timeless record here. It's greatest virtue is its patience. No obvious bangers, no club friendly utensils and no tunes sounding like they were designed for a certain time and place, or context. It's just a well played out full length, chock-full of delicious, layered, multifaceted sounds and sublime beats that hit the sweetest spot of them all: they're engaging enough to keep you focused and glued to the speaker throughout, yet they never bang out and over burden the listening experience. The ambient passages are well timed as well. Not too trigger happy on the contemplative side of things, the downtempo pieces are lush, soothing and dosed in just the right amount.

This is not a seek out a stand-out-classic cut and play it to death album. This is a cohesive aural journey, one that works best when consumed in a single session. Boy does it fit the occasion, or better yet, a whole bunch of them. The frequently abused industrial influences are nicely incorporated, heavily present, yet skillfully disguised and withheld. Together with the Gradient 12", complementing this album like hand in glove, this is a deeply immersive experience with layers of quality to go through. I have caught myself quite a few times simply taking this album off the shelf and placing it under the needle almost impulsively. One of those records I never play unless I have the time to go through the whole thing uninterruptedly. The vast amount of ideas to absorb guarantees repeated listens, and the attention to detail is remarkable, making this a unique thing of beauty. Something to cherish for the long run. Everything around or related to this album is bordering classic, and will most probably comfortably reside there a few more years down the line. Mammoth accomplishment by Function. There we were thinking he would have never recovered from the demise of Sandwell District. If you want something that has class, groove, punch and meditation, with exponentially growing replay value, you owe this one to yourself.

Fantasticly brilliant album from the once Sandwell District member. Deep as you like and the tracks just ooze surgical precision in terms of artistry and mastering. Haven't been into much Function has done since this, as it seems like his style has changed somewhat, but I still keep a look out for his records, as there's often a track here and there that I'll buy digitally. I still return to this album though and probably will for quite some time.

Inter is perfect! Sounds like a 90's afterhour track! Instant classic!!