Reeko - Fat Punko

  • Churning electronics and unexpected sound design.
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  • Shifted's Avian label launched in 2011 as a straight-up techno outlet, specialising in the dark and loopy sounds surrounding Berghain at that time. It's since slid into the leftfield, a home for artists whose output sits somewhere between techno, ambient and experimental noise. (Check out recent releases by SHXCXCHCXSH and SØS Gunver Ryberg.) The Spanish producer Juan Rico has been releasing music on the industrial side of techno under the names Reeko and Architectural since the early '00s. As is often the case, Avian brings out Rico's most experimental tendencies. On Fat Punko, Rico rejects functionality in favour of atmosphere and horror. His speciality is gradual shifts and creeping, building dread. Although sonically very different, this pacing is reminiscent of Rrose's work. Fat Punko is texturally less claustrophobic than La Mala Educacion, Rico's previous Avian release. There's space for specific elements—the barely intelligible vocal sample on "Punish Or Be Damed," the screeching alarm on "Massive Garage Meetings"—to come to the fore, which heightens the tension. There are some forgettable moments, where Rico's slow pace and industrial aesthetic combine to create something fairly dry. Take "Nervous Idiots In The Bar." It's as intense and challenging as the rest of the EP, but less rewarding. Rico gets it right elsewhere, showing a gift for unexpected sound design. The bass motif on "Screem 'N' Cry" sounds like something drilling into your head when played at high volumes. (Admittedly, that won't be seen as a good thing by everyone.) This is music built on extremes, combining slow, methodical pacing with dark, aggressive noise. As with the best horror movie villains, it's not the violence but Rico's calm control that's so terrifying and effective.
  • Tracklist
      A1 Punish Or Be Damed A2 Massive Garage Meetings A3 Screem 'N' Cry B1 Nervous Idiots In The Bar B2 Dirty Feeling
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