Artist ...... : Marc Houle
Title ....... : Sixty Four
Genre ....... : Techno
Label ....... : Minus
Catnr ....... : MINUS64D
Source ...... : WEB
Quality ..... : 320kbps avg / 44.1KHz / Full Stereo
Duration .... : 00:16:21 (37.4MB)
Ripdate ..... : 00-00-2008
Store ....... : http://www.beatport.com
Tracklist ... :
1. Meatier Shower (Original Mix) 4:58
2. Investments (Original Mix) 5:44
3. What Are You Doin (Original Mix) 5:39
Release Notes :
Marc Houle follows 2007's Techno Vocals EP with a string of releases that
experiment with the true
potential of the digital download age, 3 tracks released per week for one month.
The project aptly titled Sixty-Four represents an exciting phase in Marc Houle's
production cycle with
most of the year having been spent testing ideas for his album. As a result,
these twelve tracks were
only ever meant to represent "work in progress" functioning primarily as DJ
tools for Magda, Troy Pierce and Richie Hawtin over the summer with Marc also
performing them live on the road and during the Contakt shows. However, exactly
because of their "in-between" nature, their inherent quirkiness and route one
approach the crowds have really taken to them and other DJs have been desperate
to get their hands on them. To satisfy demand, Minus has put together this very
special series of digital releases for August, before a double pack 12" hits the
shops in September featuring seven carefully selected tracks.
They contain such a wealth of unique and twisted sounds that it's a challenge
finding adjectives to describe them. Houle attacks each idea with verve and
tenacity, constantly varying the unconventional line up of machines at his
disposal, in fact thereÆs a vast collection of equipment on display here -early
analogue synths, sequencers and drum machines, 80s digital synths, modern buchla
synths, samplers, vocals, acoustic drums, electronic trigger pads, bass guitar
-even a vst! The result is a plethora of sound encapsulating different styles
and multi û coloured dimensions as each track revolves around a musical motif
thatÆs subsequently stretched, contorted and wrenched in every direction
possible. It all works perfectly as Houle never loses sight of the basic
orthodoxies needed to make a techno track kick.
Week 1 sees the digital release of Sands, Deathray At You and Jouster, and the
depth and quality of sound generated from his arsenal of machines is immediately
apparent. Just check out the heavily treated raw bleeps and blips that usher in
the huge, filtered bass loop on Sands. Every element is given space to breathe
as the slow techno groove constructs around a dark acid bassline before the 808
hats introduce more beautifully crafted sounds, creating a lush analogue
landscape. The beginning of Deathray At You reflects the title perfectly. A
four-note descending bassline then takes the floor and
Houle starts running amok with a selection of modulated effects that literally
pull the sound inside out
while the unobtrusive beats keep everything ticking over. Jouster combines more
classic beats with laser cheeky unquantized toms and a low slung, warbling
bassline in a rough and ready style including a classic, sampled vocal section.
There's a strong reference to 80s computer and video game culture during week 2
with Buchla9 as it leaps and cavorts across the sonic spectrum -Just wait for
the bass to kick in. Steeplechase is another high-end mixing tool continuing the
theme of machines in meltdown with a fuzzy bassline slowly warping up and down
while the loose groove speaks with a lazy tongue. Door Nobula then rounds off
the instalment with a more aggressive techno workout. The beat hammers the point
home with lethal precision as a twisted, freaking acid line dominates the
majority of the track.
Week 3 returns to a slightly more sedate state of affairs with Flapping Around
displaying some distinct early techno tendencies although its not long before
Houle launches the unassuming riff and weÆre off again. Selection 12 contains
authentic bass guitar work, looped and filtered against a backdrop of delayed
drum rolls and thick, reverberating swathes of guitar. The post punk overtones
bring a dark, brooding quality to the project making it a welcome but not
entirely out of place departure. Ketchup and Beans then kicks in with a tasty
electro-funk groove. ItÆs an infectious dancefloor warmer complete with
bouncing, elastic bassline and hypnotic hook taking control and ordering you to
dance.
As we enter the home straight of this mammoth release, the fantastically titled
Meatier Shower rains down as the title implies, complete with raw sampled hook
line and creative interplay between the bass and a Magda vocal. ItÆs a bomb that
detonates with insane harpsichord riffing at the end and a deeply meaningful
last note. Investments instigates more mischief with shifting time signatures
and delay effects that disorientate the dancefloor before What Are You Doin
brings the curtain down. Drifting amid a haze of classic beats and a self
referencing cut up vocal, it revolves around a programmed sequence, chattering
in a way that reaffirms Marc HouleÆs complete and almost unnerving control over
his machines.