- A Berlin-based label run by French producer Benoît B, Banlieue Records is now six releases deep in just over a year. Its third compilation EP, Blasphema Eternal, is a good representation of the momentum and range the label has achieved in that time. Longstanding Ann Arbor artist D'Marc Cantu contributes a loosely rhythmic trip through cavernous electronics, while up-and-coming French duo Nummer drop a billowing techno romp that would be at home on Ilian Tape. On the B-side, an unknown producer named MИp (or Mir) delivers a fascinating tangle of twitchy electro and something almost like footwork. "Hybrid, relentless and hallucinogenic disorientation," goes the Banlieue slogan—no doubt, it's all here.
The EP's most straightforward track comes from the label owner himself. "Pour Mes Gars Sûrs" is a hulking, chrome-plated electro banger, like Galcher Lustwerk without his BOSS stompboxes. Ukrainian artist Wulffius closes Blasphema Eternal with one of his smokey, homespun house tunes, all slanted drum machines, plonky basslines and deep chords. Someone named Jack Tezam gets on the mic, soaking his French babble in delay and poking at the music's off-kilter groove. There's nothing else like it on the record, or in Banlieue's entire catalog. Of course, they wouldn't have it any other way.
TracklistA1 Nummer - From The Ashes
A2 D'Marc Cantu - Potion Of Life
B1 Benoit B - Pour Mes Gars Sûrs
B2 MИp - Zatelyte
B3 Wulffius - Pour l'Instant Tout Va Bien feat. Jack Tezam