(idm) Re:Varathane

From Andrew Duke Cognition
Sent Mon, Nov 2nd 1998, 18:01

***[Brooklyn-based Hydrant does its own thing while other labels crowd the copier. "Ruddy Brown Primer" is the
third Varathane release for the imprint and begs attention. Forget pinning tech-step or suchlike on this sound.
This healthy fusion of techno textures and vigorous rhythms with a drum n bass attitude is, simply put, damn
good.] --excerpt from the July 98 Cognition Audioworks Electronics Report (shorter version of the Report
published monthly as the "Electric Independence" column in VICE magazine) Jeff Allen runs Hydrant and is
Varathane.  Released since the Varathane album--and the label's latest--is an EP from Ceiling (not Allen, can't
remember who it is); short review in the Sept 98 Electronics Report.  (http://www.globalserve.net/~cognition)
Andrew

xxxxx@xxx.xxx wrote:

> Varathane - Ruddy Brown Primer cd (Hydrant Records)
>
>         With all the talk about labels like Suction, Plug Research and Schematic, I'm
> really surprised that no one has mentioned this release.  Amazingly enough,
> it's not a super-ultra, you'll never find it so don't even bother limited
> edition, and, plus, it's really good.  Something I might compare it to, if I
> was in the mood, would be the more electronic parts of the Richard D James
> album (yellow calx, Peek).  It doesn't really sound like it, but it has a
> similar percussive style (ie those really fast sharp beats that aren't quite
> drill and bass), and a similar fascination with weird song structures.
>         I really like this record, it's one of the nicest things I've picked up in a
> while.  It's very quirky, and hard to describe so go to:
>
>         http://www.hydrant-records.com
>
> Where you can find some nice real audio snippets and you can get the disc
> direct from Hydrant for just ten bucks. You should support independent artists
> like Varathane. That way he'll release more records and I'll get to listen to
> them. (And no, I am not affiliated with Hydrant in any way. I even paid for
> the cd. I'm not one of those lucky fellows who gets promotional copies. Though
> I sure wouldn't mind getting them. No, not one bit.)
>
>                                                                                                         -DTC



--
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