Published by Davide Pappalardo on December 8, 2018
Marc Ash is the mastermind behind the Berlin based label Blacksilk Records, and a producer/DJ in the field of experimental techno with industrial and dark leanings. His debut cassette under this moniker Ostracism (Clan Destine Records, 2017) saw obsessive electro-industrial rhythms, lamenting vocals and stressful soundscapes; a revision of old-school motifs in a modern techno setting with obscure vibes.
Now he returns with Litanies For The Self, a 6-track work with 5 original cuts and a remix by Silent Servant, offering new depths to his sound and enriching his sonic palette with techno attacks, EBM mantras, electro-tinged numbers, and marching sequences. The result is an enthralling effort with a strong character, which doesn’t estrange the sinister side of Marc’s music.
Violent passion surrogate starts the work with its throbbing lines and fast rhythms, conjuring a dramatic chase in the form of pounding dark techno. Old-school arpeggiators and droning rhythmic patterns guide us among riffing soundscapes and fast tempos. So low slows things down, showcasing crawling rhythms and distant vocals in an electro setting made of diaphanous atmospheres. The track evolves thanks to a nervous crescendo, climaxing into a more energic affair with obsessive sounds.
Kein schmerz delivers squeezing synth-sounds and deadpan vocal samples, then it employs urgent lines and hypnotizing kicks. A club number of sort, but with an unmistakable irreverent nature in which different sounds and structures are juxtaposed. Kleopatra dwells in more minimal territories, underlining strong rhythmic patterns with looping effects. During the second half, mysterious melodies evoke an eerie atmosphere, without forfeiting the dominant rhythmic mantra.
Take your judgments ends the work with two versions, the original one and the aforementioned remix by Silent Servant. It starts with medieval motifs (reminding us of a less crushing take on Ancient Methods’ modus operandi), upon which marching rhythms are layered. The result is a mesmerizing episode that captures the listener’s attention, even by the means of an almost epic soundscape. The following remix renders the track into a dark techno version with a way more dramatic tension and droning bass-lines, showing obsessive snare drums and menacing vibes. Noir atmospheres complete a welcome addition to the regular track list.
Litanies For The Self is a fine example of post-modern techno going well beyond simple entertainment, an evocation by music of our existence and times, their contradictions and possibilities. Starting from where the previous work ended, it builds upon Marc’s style, evolving in different directions, while retaining all of his main themes and characteristics.
Label: Blacksilk Records
Rating: 7,5