STM 064 - Ontal

Secret Thirteen Mix 064 is a meticulously curated and dynamic compilation that seamlessly weaves together 59 magnetic tracks spanning from 1980 to 2013. Featuring timeless works by influential artists like Autechre, Orphx, Emptyset, Demdike Stare, Aidan Baker, Shapednoise, Ugandan Methods, Zoviet France, and other kindred spirits, this mix stands as a testament to the enduring power of avant-garde electronic music.

The masterminds behind this mix are Boris Noiz and Darko Kolar, Serbian electronic music producers and DJs who form the duo Ontal. Since their formation in 2011, Ontal has delved into energetic, subtly abrasive, and obscure soundscapes rooted in techno and industrial music. However, Noiz and Kolar are far from novices in the electronic music scene. Noiz has an established solo career and runs the project Lost In The Sound, while Kolar recently launched his imprint, Unknown Structures. Their infectious enthusiasm and nuanced approach have quickly garnered attention within the techno community. Ontal's remix for Fausten, released by Ad Noiseam, alongside their rhythmically intense mixes for Mantis Radio and Subsekt, further underscore their rising influence. With forthcoming releases like the Output EP on Darkfloor and records on the cutting-edge Violet Poison label, Ontal is rapidly becoming a name to watch. They've also made their mark at notable festivals such as Exit Festival, Fondation Sonore, and Naherholung Sternchen. These two are not just emerging talents—they’re innovators with a wealth of fresh material and hidden gems to share.

Secret Thirteen Mix 064 is a fluid, gradually evolving journey that mirrors the mobility, consistency, and timelessness of the tracks selected. The mix was crafted using multiple formats—vinyl, CD, cassette, and digital—drawn from Ontal's extensive music library, reflecting the tracks that have profoundly shaped their sound and artistic vision. From the opening moments, the mix captivates with its meticulously planned and executed progression, functioning more as a sound collage than a conventional set. Tracks unfold beautifully, layered and blended with precision, creating new harmonies and textures that offer a fresh conceptual perspective. The mix traverses a broad sonic landscape, touching on IDM, techno, experimental, and ambient styles. Its foundation is built on expertly crafted, deformed beats, deep and abyssal basslines, and intricate, mathematical synth patterns. Ontal's dexterous electronic modulation, combined with vigorous rhythmic matrices and expansive ambient layers, results in a multidimensional listening experience. The high-quality, innovative, and occasionally improvisational sound synthesis reflects Ontal's meticulous approach to production, where expression and perfection go hand in hand.

Secret Thirteen Mix 064 can be likened to Bruce Nauman's resistant contemporary lithograph No, where emotive and irregular brushstrokes challenge and disorient the viewer. Just as Nauman's work refuses to offer comfort or conform to expectations, Ontal's mix rejects the superficial and the transient, instead offering a deeply considered exploration of sound that is as challenging as it is rewarding. This mix is a testament to Ontal's commitment to their craft, their respect for the legacy of electronic music, and their drive to push the boundaries of what techno can be.