Mike Dehnert - Air Frais EP

  • Share
  • Levon Vincent knows best: Mike Dehnert is really good at getting sounds that are just right because they're well-treated, appropriate and accurately observe the distance between themselves and the obvious choice. They succeed at creating an acutely well-sculpted atmosphere. Dehnert's contribution to the Echocord Colour series uses his dirty toolbox to build three cavernous tracks that wrap you up in unfamiliar, but strangely comforting territory. Throughout, there's a raw, industrial aesthetic, but it's blanketed by a mix of elements which fill out the spectrum, whether in sharp, radio static or with deep blue warmth. A rusty, two-note chirrup carries "Pompage" along with rough, bassy kicks and upper-range grit that keeps it strangely airy and surreal, like a rave suddenly lit up by cold flourescent lighting. As pads swoop in an overbearing pseudo-bliss and drug you with their terrible beauty, a smooth, ethereal wash provides a liquid foundation to "Thermique." It's lush enough to sink into, but you have to accept the fear. Whereas the first two are uneasy and edgy, "Treillis" is pregnant with the promise of a night ready to unleash—each track offers something distinct. A simple loop with gritty, subwoofer-moving kicks is joined every so often by unassuming whistling or choppy hi-hats. The Colour series excels at serious introversion, and this matches well with Dehnert's outlook; on Air Frais, he's impressionistically created actual places, rather than just moods.
  • Tracklist
      01. Treillis 02. Pompage 03. Thermique
RA