T r n c h returns with our second all-Australian various artists compilation, taking a deep dive down the rabbit hole of leftfield techno, electro, and breakbeat. Landown Vol. 2 features 11 fresh tracks from our favourite local producers, some who are T r n c h veterans and others who are newcomers to the stable.
3thical Plant Experiments opens proceedings with “Moondance”, a tense ambient techno soundscape comprised of creepy drones, stripped-down beats, and reverbed chords. The spacious, otherworldly sound design continues on “Psychosis” from Dryad, underpinned by a rumbling, incessant groove. An energetic conclusion to the opening trio of broken-beat cuts, Composite Cone’s “Blast Furnace” combines crunchy beats, gnarly modular synth leads, and wonky effects. Techno takes centre stage for the middle third of the compilation, starting with the dark, hypnotic, and psychedelic “Covariance” by Alter-Mind. Up next, half slept channels the futuristic, sci-fi sound of early Detroit techno on “Digital Afterlife”, before ADMINISTRATOR’s “Rhythm Ace Loops” takes things up a notch with up-tempo, groovy drums, spiralling leads, and a tight bassline. “Sunday 22” by Fergus Sweetland injects some funk and melody into the mix, layering tasteful, evolving pads over rolling low-end grooves and snappy percussion, before Alpine Sun goes driving, epic, and uplifting, showcasing the other side of melodic techno with “Destabilise”. We return to syncopated territory for the final stretch, with “In Dis For Free” from MAC Address, which combines razor-sharp drums with classic electro bass stabs, trippy lead sounds, and creative vocal effects. Nathaniel Garry’s “Do it Now (Brother 1)” takes us back to the 90’s with a melting pot of classic house, breaks, and rave sounds, chopped-up vocals, and lo-fi aesthetics. RSC rounds out the compilation with “Tron”, a chunky breakbeat cut that oozes retro-futuristic vibes.
All proceeds from this compilation are going to Room To Read. Room to Read seeks to transform the lives of millions of children in low-income communities by focusing on literacy and gender equality in education.
credits
released October 1, 2021
Mastering on Tracks 1-4-5-6-7-8-10-11 by Diego Pontes
Mastering on Track 2 by Conor Dalton
Mastering on Track 3 by Pheek
Mastering on Track 9 by Joseph Buchan
That compilation is adorable, and most of its tracks are great. It is hard to decide on a favourite piece. Most tracks are very danceable, straightforward neo-electro with a dark touch. Beautiful work - Keep it up, brokntoys! My rating 4/5 quzani
From the peerless Steel City Dance Discs comes the great debut from Nite Fleit full of throbbing, propulsive, sometimes eerie dance music. Bandcamp New & Notable Aug 6, 2022