Various – State of the Union 2 EP: Fist of the North Star

While the original State of the Union EP (featuring Matthew Dear, James T. Cotton, and Osborne) is a stunning showcase of Ann Arbor-based talent, the second installment offers a look at the current shape of underground techno in MontrÈal.

Mainstay Deadbeat (~scape, Onitor) delivers a more upbeat and straightforward variation on his trademark dubscape sound with ìSleazy Skankin,î allowing a kinetic, syncopated organ hit to guide the refrain, while Mike Shannon (Cynosure, Force Inc.) builds ìBlind Loveî around a
bubbling chord structure and jacking, clattering rhythm. The Mole (Arbutus, Mutek_Rec) bases ìDateî on a swinging, scratching beat, carefully morphing it as melodic elements are added with the greatest of subtlety for a lush piece of minimalism.

With just these three tracks, one can understand why, though it may not be properly recognized as such, the electronic scene of MontrÈal is a major force in underground techno that only continues to grow.