Minus is respected Detroit DJproducer Richie Hawtin’s impossibly cool Berlin-based sister label to his Plus 8 Records, one of the original and most trailblazing techno imprints to appear in the late 80s. After nine years releasing stunningly innovative 12”s defining the term ‘minimal’, Minus ropes together highlights for a breathtaking overview and declaration of intent. They still keep their eye on the future and much is fairly recent with the formidable roll call of Loco Dice, Troy Pierce, JPLS, Magda, Mathew Jonson, Heartthrob, Gaiser and Hawtin himself.
The full effect of monsters such as Ambivalent’s sleazy R U OK and Troy Pierce’s cheeky 25 Bitches on one CD is a non-stop barrage of unearthly delights. The style might be called minimal, but tracks are subtly constructed and intricately woven into pulsing, alien symphonies, more than simple dancefloor fodder. It’s as if the original acid house spirit of 20 years ago has come of age and, while never losing sight of the clubs, grown with technology to forge a new strain of electronic music packed with atmosphere, innovation and, importantly, a mischievous strain of humour. There’s also a bonus mix CD, Something More, by Troy Pierce, spotlighting the rampant dancefloor demolition running riot in this camp.
