Shed - The Final Experiment (2017)

Rene Pawlowitz is without a doubt one of techno's most defining producers. The Berlin based producer known for powerful and emotive warehouse anthems under such guises as Head High, EQD, WAX and Seelow returns for his third full length album as Shed; the first in five years since 2012's terrific Killer LP. All the hallmarks of his distinct sound are on display once again; on the brooding "Black Heart" or the bittersweet "Taken Effect" there's rusty, dusted down and broken up drums big enough to fill a stadium and backed by those mesmerising and hypnotic pads. It's beautiful in all its sinister rave glory. By contrast, interludes such as "Extreme SAT" introduce yet more gorgeous pads and shimmering arpeggios on this simple yet effective exercise in ambient: one of several beatless journeys on the album. "Call 32075!" romanticizes the heyday of early '90s techno, effectively bridging the gap between elements of Detroit hi-tech soul and British IDM; Peacefrog style. Immaculately programmed rhythms, powerful bass pulsations and emotive/life affirming elements all combine wonderfully and in a way that only Pawlowitz can.