The biggest problem with Richie Hawtin's 2001 mix CD 'DE9: Closer ToThe Edit' was the hype and attention devoted to the techniques andsoftware used to create it. As gearheads and laptop geeks oohed andaahed over the new innovations and opportunities for experimental DJs,many people including myself found the result kind of dull. It wasultimately a straightforward techno mix made with more than just amixer and two Technics 1200's. Big deal. Please forward all complaintsto the Customer Disservice Dept. Following a similar model, Algorithm,ironically another veteran Canadian techno DJ, presents his first mixCD almost as a response to the process-focused approach spearheaded byHawtin. The result, however, is infinite more interesting than 'CloserTo The Edit,' mainly in part due to better track selection. Whilelimited to a small backcatalog of Force Lab 12" releases, as well assome previously unreleased tracks from new signings, the quality ofthis material shines through. Force Lab's signature deep bass-heavyclicktechno & clickhouse evokes the futurism that Detroit technohas always promoted, but arguably lost hold of as it became more andmore dated. Algorithm takes advantage of his right to excessivefiltering as he submerges these dubby sounds even further withoutoffering the full release given by French house classics like "MusicSounds Better With You." However, with effected loops from mainstaysKid606, Kit Clayton, and Farben as well as up-and-comers like Yagya,OZY, and Posterboys Of The Apocalypse, who cares? This is ideallistening for late-night coding sessions, late-night afterpartying andlate-nite pornography downloading. -
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