VA - Consortium Vol.1 (2019)

Consortium Vol 1 on Motech Records brings 2019 to a triumphant close, stylishly wrapping up what has been a great year for this grand Detroit label. 2019 saw the label drop as many as 10 releases throughout the calendar year, remaining one of a few labels that consistently continue to fly the flag of authenticity in techno. Always the greater emphasis is quality and originality of music above less tangible variables such as artist social following, statuses and current creative trends. With Consortium Vol 1 Motech founder and owner Franki Juncaj aka DJ 3000, (an individual very much part of the fabric of Detroit technos story), brings together for this final release of the year, nine hand selected artists. Some are Motech regulars such as French artist P- Ben, who drops a sub-rumbling banger with House of Work and Austrian duo Petit Beurre, who replicate their slick signature filtered chords and string sound (that made their three releases on Motech this year so popular) with the track Phil. We welcome a second appearance on the label from Rotterdams exciting new breed, Najel Monteiro who dropped one of the highlight EPs of 2019 with Acceptance is Silence. Here he gives us the thumping Mirror Man. And there are exciting Motech debuts from Turkey based, Yasha. His track With You is one of those Classic Chicago-influenced Detroit tracks that will wipe away winter blues. London (UK) based Nicolson makes a great debut with the dreamy Synthetic Soul and likewise Michael Mereborgs minimal trip Whack leaves you instantly wanting more from this artist. Jeran Portis piano stabby track Alcala is a pure groover. ARTF announce their Motech arrival with melodic track, Ancient Teachings - a more tribal, organic approach, while Madrids Chaval Records frontman, Victor Santana delivers Comfort Day, in all its driving techno joy. This nine-track journey through Detroit techno leaves us with serious anticipation for what 2020 may hold for Motech, a label that literally refuses to be outnumbered.