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| Rating: 9/10 |
The guys behind KPLR do not have any clue what’s trending. Although Santa Cruz, California, is not supposed to be off-road terrain without any modern means of communication to catch up with the rest of the world.
Because it was Santa Cruz where two pals, Dexter Brightman and Jair Espinoza, did this piece of wax, after a couple of cassette-only releases. Only them and gorgeous analog(-sounding) gear, for unpolished electronics that does not copy hip things in the world of electronic music today.
Titled like a creation of the rave years, “TEK NO MUZIK” smells underground. Starting from the black-and-white sci-fi artwork till the numerical titles of the four tracks of experimental techno.
KPLR unleashes bubbling energy carried by wall-shaking bass, distorted synth riffs and killer frequencies. On the A-side “18.5.5” is the choice – a furious showdown of unlubricated acid machine emitting razor-sharp sequences. Imagine a bass drum to this beatless track and you will get early Acid Planet sound. B-side is more experimental and again the second track, “20.5.5.”, gets more attention, for a more complex and rhythmic trip for leftfield floors.
If you know Strotter Inst., a master of manipulated and prepared turntables, then you find some common features with KPLR. Proper work from the USA.