ARTIST(S): Dax J
TITLE: Imperial Propaganda
LABEL: Monnom Black
CAT n°: MONNOM005
FORMAT: 12”
RELEASE DATE: March 9th, 2015
London born, Berlin based techno artist Dax J has carved a unique place for himself in the world of underground techno of late. From EarToGround Records to his own Monnom Black imprint, Dax J’s tunes have seen some heavy rotation from the scenes elite, finding permanent homes in the record boxes of heavyweights like Klock and Dettmann.
Monnom 005 is composed of 4 well balanced late night techno assaults with lashes of dark brooding elements, heavy rolling textures and contrasts of bubbling chord progressions and stabs. At first listen the detail in Dax’s work becomes apart. Percussion change ups are scattered throughout the release which never provide a dull moment. Marry that alongside dark pulsating elements and crisp production, and you can quickly validate why this release has already garnered heavy support from Ben Klock, Norman Nodge, DVS1 & Tommy 47 to name a few.
Watch Tommy 47 playing Imperial Propaganda to a packed out Cocorico earlier in the month
The title track ‘Imperial Propaganda’ is pretty much built to shatter dance floors, anchored by a cavernous kick and unrelenting snares that modulate in intensity, are set against a backdrop of brooding stabs. ‘Closer To God’ is a low level roller with a bassline that would sit just as comfortably in an earlier Synewave release. Mix that with swirls of haunting chords, snappy marching hats and you’ve pretty much come close to defining Dax J’s sound.
It’s hard for me to describe ‘The Future’ as being anything but reminiscent of pre 2000’s techno. And believe me thats not a bad thing. The EP rounds out with a killer cut, ‘Twilight Zone’. Trademark haunting chords lay comfortably together against a prominent swirling progression and a 909 open hat that changes up and keeps things rolling along. After listening to the EP a few times over you can really begin to grasp Dax J’s influences. Something which he successfully interprets in all his releases. More so than ever on this record.
Preview the Official Video for Twilight Zone
Preview the promo trailer for Imperial Propaganda, compiled by Japanese VJ artist Yousuke Fuyama