This weekend, I decided to give Estroe’s album “Elemental Assets” a run for it’s money at loud volume. I’ve listened to it a few times from the comfort of my headphones but this is the first time I’ve experienced it in all it’s “livingroom techno/listening” glory.
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It’s the first full length album to be offered by Connaisseur Recordings a label based in Offenbach, Germany. I’m not sure how they decided on the livingroom techno genre but I think it sums up what you can expect.
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Estroe’s a talented producer and it’s clear she’s more than capable of holding her own alongside the other Connaiseur artists. I like the way the album starts and how it moves into a Detroit style track called “Late Night Thinking” complete with lush synths and a stripped-back vibe.
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Next up is “Passionate Timidly” which is probably my favorite on the album along with “My Challenge“, and together they remind me of mid-90’s progressive house. But they both have a contemporary twist and somehow wouldn’t sound out of place on a Northern Exposure album. Other notables include “Le Flaneur” (featuring vocals by Miss Kitten), and “Updraft“. On closer listening it’s clear to see that the “livingroom techno” tag is appropriate and I’d love to get my hands on club orientated remixes one day… but is it really techno?
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Elsewhere driving basslines and rhythms alongside melodic synths and pads continue to evoke more mid-90’s melancholy. I’m sure some people will make sophisticated Detroit references but I grew up in the UK listening to plenty of Sasha and Digweed; and it sort of reminds me of that.
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However, in other spots it does have a clear techno vibe which people will find appealing but for me this isn’t the essence of the album. It reminds me of Orbital and it reminds me of The Future Sound of London. What’s more it reminds me of the unforgettable nights I experienced growing up, similar to what was captured in the film Human Traffic. (If you haven’t seen it, you really should… follow the link to check out the preview.)
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I can’t quite place it, but I feel like something doesn’t add up when I listen to Elemental Assets. Don’t get me wrong: I really enjoyed listening to it, and it probably has more to do with my confusion between what I think Detroit techno is and what reminds me of mid-90s prog. It’s like the sum of the parts don’t add up the way you expect them to, but at the end of the day it’s a solid first album from a talented producer, released by a very solid label.
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Elemental Assets by Estroe is released November 6th, on Connaisseur Records.
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