- Right, let's get one thing out of the way: Don Williams ain't breaking (much) new ground with his Basic Channel homage, 'Detroit Black'. But what the Berliner is doing is—along with the likes of Redshape, Shed, Deepchord, the Styrax Leaves and Soloaction labels and a few others—giving a welcome shot in the arm to a unique and important genre. It's the musical timeline that began in Detroit (M500, UR) moved on via Berlin (BC, Maurizio) and Holland (100% Pure, Terrace) and then sort of ran out of steam - all too abruptly - a few years back, the various main players drifting off into various directions.
The determination of the above producers and labels to take the road less traveled is exciting, but what's even better is the quality of their output. And 'Detroit Black' is one of the best of the new/old school releases. The instant the huuuge reverbed kick drops and the jagged metallic riff and chord stabs of 'Orderly Kaos' creep in, you know you're in safe hands. Williams makes the odd concession to the modern dancefloor with a couple of well-observed drops: some room to breath before a simple, classic string line slides in, then the bass drops and that riff—by now in juggernaut form—takes over again. 'Orderly Kaos' is the main event, but don't ignore the useful locked loop, or the infinite ambient-ish cut '3821'—all warm, surging pads, stuttering hats and toms and a choice washing machine bassline.
Adding to the nerdy appeal, 'Detroit Black' is a 500-only, single-sided release… damn these guys really know how to make us break out the credit cards… They don't make 'em like they used to? Not anymore. Bravo.
TracklistA1 Orderly Kaos
A2 Outset For...
A3 3821