- Mask-wearing mystery man Redshape has been gathering some buzz of late for his dub-informed techno innovations, and this latest two-tracker continues his quality run of rhythmically complex and texturally challenging releases that work minds as well as feet. "Robot" is built on some buzzing and throbbing background synths and a galloping bass lope, and soon builds layers and layers of each into a challenging but ultimately rewarding workout. Time signatures and drum patterns (a thumping techno bass kick, and a crackling snare-and-tambourine loop) come and go, as does a series of simple, lightly tweaked low-end riffs that wouldn't quite work on their own, but assemble and deconstruct themselves in a seamless and inventive way.
"Neon," on the other hand, is a bit more of a blunt instrument, with digital storm clouds gathering beneath a 4/4 sledgehammer before a theme vaguely reminiscent in composition and texture to the sick harpsichord riff from "Get Carter" and a shuffling/stomping percussion track propel things to the next level. As with "Robot," the construction is the key, and Redshape shows himself to be quite the capable builder here. The edges are rough and a bit sharp, but the parts work in harmony with each other to get the job done.