MRI - Bateau Ivre

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  • When the Force Inc. Music Works empire went down the gurgler in 2004, it seemed to take Frank Elting and Stephan Lieb with them. But a careful glimpse at the history of MRI will show that the duo had already jumped ship as early as 2002 to take on the responsibility of running their now-defunct Konvex/Konkav label and their still-enduring Resopal Schallware imprint. With no clear picture of what has gone on since their disappearance from the production game, 2008 has seen them reemerge with a series of digital re-releases and a handful of new singles. Of their new output, "Bateau/Ivre" is easily the best. Both tracks are sculptured with a minimal techno toolkit, in contrast to their deeper Force Tracks efforts. The (up)tightness of a crisper minimal sound reins in the sensuality, but the well-placed drifts of ambience passing through the mix add a sense of chemical pleasure and disorientation to the starkness. This is more pronounced on "Ivre," whose spooky waves ripple through the delirious vocal narrative while Villalobos-esque rim shots and snares clatter overhead. "Le Bateau" is tauter and more traditional. The opening build is the perfect way to reintroduce the pair back into your stereo or dance floor. The dubbier chords are slowly lured upwards through the mix until they're usurped tenderly by the rising dronal tide. Simple, mesmerising and patient on two sides of vinyl. Welcome back!
  • Tracklist
      A Bateau B Ivre
RA