gaiser - neural block [m_nus 045]

label: m_nus
catalog#: minus 045
format: vinyl, 12"
country: canada
released: dec 2006
genre: electronic
style: techno, minimal

tracklist:
A1 Neural Block
A2 Half Life
B1 Seepage
B2 Offprint

links: www.m-nus.com

press info:
GAISER ups the ante with his assured second Minus EP Following on from last February’s ‘Answer’ EP, Jon Gaiser cements his growing reputation with another finely crafted selection of tunes, demonstrating a deep understanding of the intimate mechanics required for minimalist sound sculpture. His ear for a killer groove is again a ‘stand out’ feature of this release - the myriad drum patterns he packs into each track really driving his productions forward, underpinned as always by molten, subsonic basslines. The five tracks on offer here never lose sight of the instinctive needs of the dance floor, take the title track Neural Block for example, with its subtle use of reverse snares, scuttling percussive bleeps and subliminal samples, or the exceptional Half Life with its sйance-like voices and bubbling, liquid grooves that swell to the maximum for the toughest workout on the EP.

Then there’s the nocturnal landscape of Seepage complete with sliding delays that slowly space out before giving way to a low, moody synth-pulse and a rocking metallic snare solo. The subsonic call and response of Separation is another highlight, repeatedly deviating from the beaten track only to be called back into line each time by a wicked bass and snare combination. And finally, available only as digital download, there’s the eerie talking bassline and sonic trickery of Offprint with its stuttering 16th rhythms, crackling snare and distorted bleeps that stretch out nervously across the track. What is noticeable about Gaiser’s glitchy, feverish style are the surreal environments and dramatic texture changes he creates. The beats and basslines make his productions totally accessible but behind the groove there’s a dense jungle of complex sound design, ripe for exploration. The Neural Block EP is a classy release - making the prospect of Gaiser’s forthcoming live performances all the more enticing.

review:
After a long period of masterpieces, the Canadian label M_nus is ready to gain approvals everywhere again with a quality release provided by Jon Gaiser. His debut dates back to an year ago, when M_nus released his project called "And Answer", supported by the most important djs in the globe. The way of success didn’t break for him; In fact, under the "Fraktion" pseudonym we seen two solid projects on the German label Resopal, which acted as catalyst for the musical evolution and the popularity of the artist. This project called "Neural Block" make visible how Gaiser uses a geometric and refined sound design.

On a1 the self titled track is structured by the typical elements of Gaiser’s productions: the classic 808 track compressed and equalized in the right way, reversed snares and hi-hats, background noises, softy and reduced bleeps, alternation of low and high frequencies, an excellent use of effects (reverb, delay) also in most imperceptible sounds and, in addition, a considerable work in the vocal cuts.

On a2 we see "Half Life", which is my favourite track; it’s not so distant from the other works, but the artist has made some noteworthy changes. The drum is equalized in a different way, giving to the bass a more incisive shape. Moreover, his acid bassline and reverbered pads creates a compelling hypnotic track, suitable for any kind of dance floor.

The B side is surely dedicated to a different moment of the party. In fact "Seepage" on b1 and "Separation" on b2 are different from the A side just for them impact on dance floor. It is structured by rarefied atmospheres, which makes it perfect for the ending of the set, in the early hours of the morning.

Finally "Offprint", available just in digital format on Beatport, gives a sense of completeness to the project, like if, after listening to the entire EP, Gaiser finishes to communicate us a complete message. Umpteenth announced hit for M_nus, that doesn’t want to brake its success, after a breathtaking year like 2006. The label boasts a crew of enviably artists, enabling an hopeful 2007. But the year isn’t finished yet: another release from the Canadian duo Adam and Joel "Tractile" called "Silent Movie" will be probably released in the mid December. Waiting the next release, don’t forget to run in the shops to reserve your copy of "Neural Block" !!