Blawan, the visionary UK techno producer renowned for impeccable production and groundbreaking compositions has (finally) unveiled his highly anticipated new Ep, Dismantled Into Juice.
Released via XL Recordings, the Ep comes a full two years since his last release, Woke Up Right Handed (XL Recordings, 2021). Building upon the foundations laid by this and other releases, Blawan explores new frontiers of sound. With elements of sludgy modular freakiness, experimental electronics, and a fearless approach to rhythm, this latest offering delves fearlessly into uncharted realms, just about changing the "rules" of techno in the process.
The man otherwise known as Jamie Roberts, has carved a distinct path in the electronic music landscape through mesmerising drum work and consistent genre-defying creations. Aside from the Blawan alias, he is also part of the modular-focused Karenn (alongside Pariah) and metal band Persher (also with Pariah). As Blawan, however, early tracks like Fram (2010) and Bohla (2011) have proven his mastery of intricate drums that resonate with a four-dimensional brilliance. Across his illustrious career, Blawan has continually evolved, seamlessly integrating his signature techno style with elements of post-punk and experimental electronics.
The groundbreaking Woke Up Right Handed served as a watershed moment in recent techno history, showcasing his ability to manipulate modular techno into a realm of intricate textures and non-standard meters. With Dismantled Into Juice, Blawan again defies genre categorisation, breaking free from conventional constraints from the moment the needle drops. Throughout, Blawan effortlessly navigates between instrumental tracks and vocal-led compositions, revealing a profound technical prowess. Though the hard-hitting drums of his past work take a back seat, a more abstract and deconstructed realm emerges.
Each track offers a glimpse into Blawan's multifaceted production abilities. The opener, Toast, submerges listeners into a world of wobbly club music, where squirming synths intertwine with hybrid techno beats, hinting at drum & bass and dubstep influences. Yet, Blawan's giddiness in crafting the strangest, most enthralling sounds is palpable. The drums thrash in spasms. The groove warps and shifts, creating a disorienting and deranged atmosphere that assaults the senses.
But Dismantled Into Juice embraces an array of textures and tones. Body Ramen immerses us in queasy soundscapes, featuring a tumultuous amalgamation of voices and sudden bursts resembling strings, all fusing with resounding drums. Panic emerges as a certified dancefloor banger, propelled by a relentless low end rhythm a la The Bug. Yet, simoltaneously, its synth ever-so-delicately gasps for respite, writhing above the chaos.
Blawan's collaborations with vocalist Monstera Black further enrich Dismantled Into Juice. You Can Build Me showcases Black's shimmering vocals, with caroming snares transitioning from bite-sized verses to an expansive chorus. Meanwhile, the title track captivates with its charred chantlike vocal melody ("I pick up my pieces") gradually intertwining with unconventional timekeeping.
In the era of business techno, Blawan's ability to create simultaneously claustrophobic and detailed music is as commendable as it gets. The meticulous precision of his production is matched only by the ever-present sense that utter pandemonium can be unleashed at each and every turn. Dismantled Into Juice epitomises Blawan's evolution from his previous successes, venturing further into experimental realms.
As Blawan continues to shape the future, his ability to seamlessly blend genres and defy expectations sets him apart and Dismantled Into Juice is a testament to his insatiable appetite for sonic experimentation. This Ep proudly joins the lineage of club tracks that disrupt the dancefloor, with Blawan taking things even further, gleefully flipping expectations and revelling in the chaos created.
