Artist: D. Diggler
Title: Apricot EP
Label: Lucidflow
Cat. Number: LF107
Release Date: 27 June 2016

 

Tracklist

1 D. Diggler – Apricot
2 D. Diggler – The Pearl
3 D. Diggler – C-Labs

 

Having guested on a variety of Lucidflow’s epic remix albums from the very early days, Andreas Mügge finally debuted under his own volition with this year’s ‘Radium’ EP. This seems to have been the breaking of the seal somewhat as this is now followed up by the ‘Apricot’ EP. With a production career that stretches back to the late nineties, Andreas has his rough and rubbery techno sound down to a fine art.

This precision assembly is evident straight from the title track, which lays down elements like the building of a wall, audio bricks falling straight from a Tetris block machine. Unrelenting, the musical elements drift in over this rigid construction, feinting to a surprisingly emotional breakdown with the slightest touch of funk to the solo that adorns it.

Following on from this, ‘The Pearl’ rumbles along in a similarly tribal manner. A breathy 909 open hi-hat gives the dense churn a lightness, ably assisted by the distant billowing pads the provide the melody.

For the lightness that the previous pair of tracks bring, ‘C-Labs’ has a darkness running through it. It’s central conceit is toying with your internal metronome, running elements on different time signatures, syncopating against the mechanical drum pulse. Reminiscent of the darker elements from classic nineties progressive – fans of the Northern Exposure series can check in here – it mines a vibe that is on the verge of a renaissance.