SOME
people might say it takes a certain degree of chutzpah for a producer to incorporate the nickname of the pioneers
of Detroit techno into their own working name. Other people might say it’s
nothing more than a fine tribute to the genre’s legendary originators rather
than some kind of ersatz tribute act.
Whereas others might say, what the hell is chutzpah?
All
the same, good on you Rob Belleville, whose nom
de plume is a reference to the so-called Belleville Three of high-school
pals, musicians and techno dons Juan Atkins, Derrick May and Kevin Saunderson.
Because a little honest homage never did any harm.
Moreover,
the experienced Dutch producer has long been his own man anyway with a lengthy
discography stretching across labels such as Pong Musiq and Sander Prins and
Tim Gaal’s aDepth audio. Now he’s gone and rocked up with a four-track vinyl
release on Common Dreams, the lovely little boutique imprint run by respected
producer Brad Peterson.
And
whaddayaknow, it’s a perfect
match.
Indeed,
eponymous opening track Implacable Force is
almost a calling card for the label itself; satisfyingly dreamy pads, intricate
drum patterns, a distant-future vibe and an inherent intelligence. Proper
electronic music for the grown-ups.
Yet
there is so much more to this wonderful EP than clever house and techno. Sungazing is a real crowd-pleaser as it
were for the deeper heads, myself very much included, with a more mellow and
uplifting aesthetic, whilst the gorgeous Rise
N’ Shine embraces a similarly optimistic, summery and euphoric lilt.
Winding
up proceedings is Sands Of Time, an
accomplished and more chilled, almost ambient-like take on this house and
techno thing. Not only electronic music of the highest order from Mr.
Belleville (it’s not his real name you know), an EP to revisit again and again.
Check out:
Implacable Force EP @ Juno
Rob Belleville on FB