Bloody hell this new Posthuman 12" on B12 was quite unexpected, the opener 'Krill' is a right thumping, fizzing techno classic in the making, that anthemic synth line is surely designed for maximum dancefloor devastation? 'Callisto' starts a bit more downtempo & techy but builds up & up with one of those looming 2LS/Radioactive Man style basslines giving way to some sweet thumping 4/4 beatery whilst muttering & whispering electronic chirrups add an eerie, disorientating edge, reminding me of Bitstream's dystopian future electronica & mid period Skam. The pace of this EP is beautifully measured & proper driving, 'Monsters Exist' opens the flip & is quite reminiscent of label honchos B12 or FSOL with its subtle ambient keys & sympathetic timeless techno beats. ‘The Karman Vortices’ ends the set, taking things right down tempo-wise, reminding us of early Boards of Canada when they were still a bit eerie & deliciously weird. An absolutely cracking return, we all agree. 'Monsters & Vortices' is on black vinyl or tasty, limited slate coloured vinyl with mad fucking etching absolutely all over the place! '
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Sound clips for Monsters & Vortices by Posthuman: on vinyl at Norman Records UK. 12" (vinyl), B12, B1222, £5.69.
* Posthuman’s entry into the electronic music world was via the now legendary Skam Records in the late 90’s.
* After the duo relocated to London in late 1999 they established their own label, Seed Records which showcased many pioneering acts and became the platform from which Bevan and Doherty released three albums between 2001 and 2006.
* After leaving the label behind and focusing on their own projects the duo have established themselves as not only Post human but post techno, post minimal and post rave, cumulating in this excellent, creative and diverse four track EP.
* Musically, their sound was unrestricted by genre, ‘Monsters Exist’ and ‘Callisto’ being Posthuman’s take on dark, brooding, complex and emotional techno, ‘The Karman Vortices’ is a fine example of thoughtful downtempo classy electronica, while ‘Krill’ is aimed straight at the dancefloor and is set to become an instant DJ classic.
