Identity Spectrum US News

Windy City label Identity Spectrum is back with a third volume in its The Way Of The Rave series, and again it offers authentic techno from across the US East coast, the Midwest and Mexico. ViiV opens with a dubby, low-key groove packed with suspense and muttered vocals on Dollar Shake. Sister Zo's 'Diamond Hands' then cuts a rugged groove with razor sharp percussion and jungle breaks just about contained in a moody techno framework, then Snad strips things back to an abstract minimal groove with loopy rhythms and broken glass before Titonton Duvante serves up his smooth signature tech house cruiser, 'Unrequited.'

Community spirit and late-night experimentation are at the heart of this next one from Chicago label Identity Spectrum's 'The Way Of The Rave' series. Four artists who first connected at a queer music and camping gathering deliver a set that captures the freedom of that meeting. The opener hits hard with uncompromising techno pressure and is followed by a melodic cut that lets in shafts of optimism without losing momentum. A bubbling acid excursion eases the intensity before a closing glitchy zoner stretches perception and space. Mastered by Dietrich Schoenemann and pressed at Archer Record Pressing in Detroit, this one is real heat, direct from the source.