- Tangram is a new label run by Italian producer Conrad Van Orton, who's been crafting tough, often tense techno over the past few years. But the two original tracks on Captivity Archives (the first record on Tangram) reveal a more subdued approach, even with their booming drums. "November" is the stronger of the two, with syncopated percussion pushing through waves of fizzy atmospheric noise. It's the sort of wide-open track that would likely work best as a layering tool. "Captivity Archives" has dub chords rotating around rhythmic triplets, but while the rhythm might stand out at first, the whole thing feels a little too by-the-books.
VSK, a part of the Consumer Recreation Service label crew with Van Orton, adds plenty of detail with his take on "November." It's more frenetic, with lean, punchy drums and a fast-throbbing bassline, but a measure of restraint is still evident by way of billowing chords and no-nonsense, heads-down drops. Lastly is a remix of "Captivity Archives" from Annulled User, a low-key producer whose only previous credits appear to be two self-released records. A far cry from the smooth soundscape of the original, this version adds plenty of gritty drums and distorted siren blasts, making it the EP's most mental cut.
TracklistA1 November
A2 Captivity Archives
B1 November (VSK Remix)
B2 Captivity Archives (Annulled User Remix)