If you know Techno, you know Mark Reeve. The industry veteran has nearly two decades under his belt, with groundbreaking productions released under Drumcode, Cocoon, Bedrock, Truesoul, Terminal M, Soma, Second State, ELEVATE, Intec, Bek Audio, and, of course, his own label, SubVision. For his latest project, Mark has delivered a raw and emotional LP, entitled Raw Mind.
The Album
Raw Mind satisfies the appetite of Techno purists searching out vibrant techno with its roots in dark cavernous clubs with pummelling sound systems and bass that hits you hard in the chest. Opener ‘Asia Worlds’ hits a dubbed-out early night vibe, the sort of track seasoned DJs play as the club is filling, setting the mood and creating the right vibe in a venue. ‘Decisions’ kicks things up a few degrees with a hip motor city House groove fused with modern Techno aesthetics as lush chords and beats create a gentle swaying hypnotic flow. ‘Anticipation’ is the soundtrack to a lost weekend at Berlin Techno temples like Berghain and Tresor. Discordant chaos and shuffled industrial percussives meet classy composition and arrangement, yet with a freedom in structure that’s independent of time constraints.
For ‘Run Down’, Mark teams up with Swedish Techno sensation and legend, Samuel L Session, for an uncompromising, punchy gem that is upbeat and aimed at maintaining energy in the room. ’Don’t Stop’ is a thumping 4/4 beast, with its relentless and ruthless attacks tempered slightly by the cool retro Chicago House MC sample. Title track ’Raw Mind’ continues the onslaught and encapsulates what Mark is all about: driving pounding kinetic uncompromising Techno. ‘Concentrate’ sees Mark call upon regular partner in crime, KLØSET. This track portrays minimalistic, stripped-back, thumping Techno with serious emphasis on its tense sound architecture. ‘Shadow’ showcases crisp beats and hissing cymbals setting a platform for Mark to add more off-kilter elements into its freeform structure.Â
With LP in full flow, ‘Burning Up’ is aimed at the dancefloor, letting the crowd know that they are there to enjoy themselves. Alway passionate about embracing new talent, ‘Future’ introduces NaDeenfor in an intense pared-back ride brimming with energy and excitement. ‘Madness’ was the first in the raw series on SubVision. Here Mark delivers a special Raw Edit, which amps up all the key elements of the original while still maintaining the edginess people loved earlier this year. ‘Refraction’ is proper textbook Mark Reeve with its relentless driving intensity, swirling resonating arps and throbbing bass. In contrast ‘Prism’ sees Mark stretch out, flexing his production muscles to deliver rich layers, deep lush synths and sumptuous pads. All of this lulls you into a false sense of security as ‘Obliterate’ lives up to its title: a Techno juggernaut sweeping everything out of the way, yet carrying a groove and low rumble perfect for the early hours. The LP closes out on style as ‘Romantic Place’ shows another string to Mark’s bow. Here he creates a hauntingly beautiful and emotive piece of Electronica.
Mark’s Raw Mind captures a Techno artist at the top of his game. Someone who is passionate and protective of the underground scene and a spirit dating all the way back to those early days in Germany, Detroit, and clusters across Europe. Yet the album also comes from someone who embraces and supports new talent in the sense of community. We hope to see more of this alignment in the future of the genre.
