Skee Mask - ISS010

The first time I came across Skee Mask was the second release in this series back in 2017, and I have been hooked since then. Whether it’s to your taste or not, you can guarantee you’re going to hear something fresh and interesting. His output on Illian Tape and remix work across labels such as Warp & Delsin have consistently showcased his ability to pull in influences from far and wide, and stamp his trademark on them however he sees fit. Whilst it doesn’t feel like there are many bases he hasn’t covered, his Techno output up to now has generally leaned more towards UK/breakbeat influences, but this one sees an arguably more functional direction with unambiguous nods to 90s and Detroit Techno in-particular.

‘Dub Schneider’ sets the precedent for the rest of the EP by establishing the first groove, which bounces along nicely with skillfully interchanging hi-hat patterns that are used to maximum effect, no doubt it will make light work of getting a dance floor moving. The Dub-Techno influence continues with tracks ‘Double Standard’ and the heads-down ‘Matchpoint’ which melds a deep, dubby soundscape with a pounding peak time drum track. It reminds me a bit of this Psykofuk track which is also on Detroit based label Matrix, well worth a dig if you're looking for more classic 90s sounds!

‘Dachtekker’ is the first of 2 tracks which channel those Detroit influences, with my pick being ‘The Bills’. As a member of the Discogs comment section massive correctly points out, this time this one is almost a direct attempt to update Jeff Mills - Alarm track. In signature Skee Mask style he crafts a heavily percussive drum work out. Its hypnotic, sucking you in and out for the duration of the track and is another schooling in maintaining groove. I won’t get drawn into who’s is better, but if it can hold up in this instance you gotta be doing something right, right?

The D side takes things down a notch with “Small Stone S700” returning to a more stereotypical Skee Mask sound, think choppy breaks & 909s which breeze their way to the finish through a feather light atmosphere. All in all, it’s another classy display in Skee Mask’s already stand out catalog. As I said originally, there aren’t many who can draw influence from existing genres (which have been rinsed over & over) and manage to produce music which is distinctly their own and keep it fresh & original, or at least as is possible today. For me, he’s well worthy of his regard as one of the best out there.