- Intense techno experiments that look to gabber.
- Artists citing gabber as an influence often invoke the genre to describe an overdriven sound that tries to challenge listeners. Even so, Sissel Wincent's first EP for Rösten, the label run by the intense techno outfit SHXCXCHCXSH, manages to convey a subtle sense of emotion not often associated with such high tempos. Many of the sounds Wincent chooses add a graceful, even avant-garde touch to her fat claps, booming kicks and gritty sound blasts. Take the evolving synth notes on "Flood On Drizzle," which sound like cello strings. "Milky Seas" has a prettiness that feels fresh on a track with a 240-BPM kick drum, as its gossamer keys provide lightness that contrasts with the percussive sounds.
"Aura Symptoms" is the only track that doesn't involve any particularly delicate sounds. It sounds closest to traditional gabber, thanks to its "Mentasm"-like bass. The 160-BPM "Tungsten" strays furthest from gabber. Its percussive clicks and lopsided horns sound like something you might hear on a Joe tune. It does the best job of creating a groove, which doesn't seem to be a priority for Wincent on this EP. Instead, she seems more interested in creating a mood that stands out in a style that prioritizes attitude.
TracklistA1 Aura Symptoms
A2 Flood On Drizzle
B1 Milky Seas
B2 Tungsten