Monoloc – Left The Planet EP [KNTXT]

After a strong start in 2019, Charlotte de Witte’s KNTXT label builds on early momentum with Left The Planet, a new EP from techno tastemaker Monoloc. Released on February 7th,  this powerful four tracker follows on from a dual EP release from the boss herself, and  hones in on the same powerful techno sound that defines this label and its vital parties around Europe. German artist Monoloc’s broody, sophisticated mix of house and techno has taken him to high profile DJ gigs everywhere from fabric to Awakenings. He now kicks off 2020 with another blistering offering of forward thinking, hugely detailed grooves. 

Opener ‘Sum‘ is a dark and frosty techno roller with a mysterious lead that takes you into a shadowy warehouse. Once there, coarse textures and sheet metal percussion keep you on your toes and forever looking over your shoulder. Title track ‘Left The Planet‘ is more propulsive and driven, with big oversized kicks powering forwards beneath dystopian synth patterns that lock you in the groove. On the atmospheric and eerie ‘Sky Is Broken‘, the tempo reduces, with supple acid lines doing slow motion acrobatics over a snaking bassline and icy hi hats. Closer ‘Fender‘ keeps you on edge with suspensory pads and groaning bass. Cavernous and all consuming, it is a superbly sparse yet evocative piece of gently rhythmic ambient techno.