Review Summary: Minimal techno guided by dub and garage.
Through steady releases with an ethos of grounded experimentalism, TRULE Records has become a staple of forward-thinking dance music. Label boss Al Wootton takes the reins for the latest, delivering four tracks of minimal, broken-beat techno deeply informed by dub music and UK garage. This EP is perhaps the producer’s finest work yet, and deserves to be heard by those with an ear for subtlety and soul, regardless of dancefloor inclination.
Revealed to be the second part of an EP trilogy,
Callers Spring picks up where last year's
Maenads left off, morphing familiar underground genres into new shapes. Compared to its predecessor, however, slightly more emphasis is placed on soundscapes versus drum patterns, resulting in a more well-rounded experience. The tracks here span a surprisingly wide palette of sound, from deep and murky to uplifting and celestial. Are we in a dark warehouse at 3AM? An algae-filled lake in an alternate universe? Or perhaps gazing at the sunrise from a mountain peak? These disparate images might feel out of sync when placed so close together in another piece of music, but Al Wootton glues them together masterfully. The space he creates in each tune enables thematic ideas to flow smoothly, encouraged by the syncopation rather than having the anxious effect one might associate with just how fluttery everything sounds.
It's also notable how Al Wootton uses space and syncopation to combine experimentalism with accessibility. These elements disrupt our expectations of what a piece of techno sounds like, while still keeping them tethered to a sense of familiar rhythm. Despite how busy and off-kilter the drum programming gets, this still
feels like techno, rather than a splatter painting strictly for IDM astronauts. Skippy rhythms, layered drums, dubbed out pads, and funky basslines help the tunes pulse forward with intention, encouraging bodily self-expression while remaining open to an engaging passive listen as well. This makes the EP as much of a headphone album as it is a dancefloor album.
Broken-beat techno is by no means a new concept, and this isn’t the first time electronic music has been able to toe the line between living room and rave so well. But Al Wootton is distinguished from many of his peers by the particular blend of sounds he pulls from and the particular way he fuses them together. Being able to call on old traditions while creating something so fresh and versatile is an impressive feat, and part of what makes the TRULE Records project so exciting is how understated it all feels. There's little pomp to be found in the label's aesthetic. The vision feels focused, intent on creating new, beautiful sounds for a fanbase that is hungry for more leftfield experiences in the underground.
The
Callers Spring release is no exception, expertly balancing dancefloor utility with sound design and storytelling, providing a convincing peek into Al Wootton's unwavering vision of artistic expression. Unconventional yet accessible, minimal but filled with soul, this EP is a real treat that can be enjoyed in many settings, making it perfect for seasoned heads and curious newbies alike. The only downside I can see here is the year-long break between the first two parts of this trilogy. But if we have another year to go before part three is released, it will certainly be worth the wait.
