AnDCosmic Microwave Background

Manchester scene has always been regarded as one of the most important cradles of techno producers. Among them, AnD have already made themselves a big name — do not miss the astonishing mix they made for Secret 13. This enigmatic duo, which consists of Andrew Bowen and Dimitri Ploumpidis, has been constantly putting out cutting edge pieces for the last few years. Unquestionably, now the two Mancunians have demonstrated that they have followed the path set by their previous works. Halfway between techno and experimental techno, their new album, which is entitled “Cosmic Microwave Background” will be released by Speedy J’s Electric Deluxe label next October 20th.

“Cosmic Microwave Background” is clear proof of AnD’s ongoing commitment to sound perfection. Hard and immersive, this album, which will be released as CD and double LP, incorporates the imprint of 90s British techno, recalling names such as The Black Dog, LFO or Surgeon. While its roughness and intensity can be compared to those icons’, they also combine such elements with their one-of-a-kind approach. Constant heavy rhythms intermingle with bleeps, distorted effects and 8-Bit sounds. Indeed, listeners shall find both pure techno — for instance, on “Acoustic Oscillations” — and experimentalism — like “Galactic Motion” — in equal proportion. From a conceptual perspective, the 12 tracks share something mysterious, like a modernist mantra of killer beats, grainy soundscapes and industrial-evoking pieces. Indeed, it is just unavoidable to get lost in the enormous myriad of hints and details, which of course underlines their superb sound sculpting skills. The ethereal composition on “The Surface of Last Scattering”, which is the closing track, with space or even watery sounds, is in contrast to other anxious heavy songs like “Gravitational Waves” or frantic “Cosmic Strings”. Undeniably, the pieces included in this LP shall satisfy the darkest needs of any techno-addict.

Rough and delicate; explicit and mysterious. These contradictory adjectives would be suitable to describe this superb and unique work by AnD. “Cosmic Microwave Background” is one of the best techno albums of the year and it undoubtedly offers hardness and intensity, but without giving up on experimentalism. As they themselves state, it opens a door between two worlds: “In the universe, there are things that are known, and things that are unknown. And, in between, there are doors.” Please, open this one.

Electric Deluxe will release Cosmic Microwave Background on October 20th, 2014.