Ø [Phase] has been a leader in the techno game for the past fifteen years. As a UK techno legend now residing in Belgium, he is associated with the very in vogue Token Records, a label that has been responsible for some of the scene’s most respected tracks over the last couple of years. His 2013 artist album, ‘Frames of Reference’, was one of 2013’s best techno releases, and clocked a highly respectable 4.0/5 on Resident Advisor (“…a techno album of real imagination and depth…”). He has gained a loyal following which includes fellow techno connoisseurs Marcel Dettmann and Ben Klock, and he regularly performs all around the world at clubs and festivals like Berghain and Belgium’s annual I Love Techno gathering. With recent remixes for scene favorites Robert Hood, Peter van Hoessen and Mark Broom, there is no doubt that this will be a visit from one of techno’s hardest working, and most popular, servants.
Listen to Ø [Phase]’s podcast for the 10th edition of Dekmantel Festival’s podcast series here!
Clocking in at just under 75 minutes, this one is for the heads: it starts off in supple, subliminal techno territory with distant drones and rubbery synths working you into a hypnotic state and then gradually unfolds through many different textures. Always rooted to a seductive and repetitive kick, this is a masterclass in control and restraint, in tension and balance, and it will keep you locked for the thrilling duration as a result.
London born but best known by his work on the Belgium based Token Records, Ø [Phase]’s style ranges from gritty minimal techno to Detroit influenced material. Originally a mastering engineer, he began producing as a sideline, releasing his debut ‘Module Overload’ on Steve Bicknell’s Lost/Cosmic records in 2000. This was followed by a string of productions for London’s Surface/Inceptive Records and Ben Sims Ingoma imprint, all of which saw consistent support throughout the techno community.
Since he started working with Token in 2007, his music has progressively earned more and more worldwide recognition – most significantly on 2012’s much acclaimed ‘Binary Opposition’ single and subsequent ‘Reprocessed’ remix package. In 2013 he finally released his first full length album, ‘Frames of Reference’.
Recent times have seen him remix for the likes of Robert Hood, Peter Van Hoesen & Mark Broom, while avid support from Marcel Dettmann and Ben Klock have led to regular appearances at Berghain in Berlin. Today, his DJ schedule is busier than ever, having performed in Rome, Oslo, Amsterdam, London, Stockholm, Buenos Aires, Brussels, Marseille, Nijmegen, Glasgow, Vienna, Shanghai and at several festivals including I Love Techno over the last few months.
Catch one of Techno’s busiest and most respected producers, Token Records’ Ø [Phase] on Friday May 15 at Stranger, Brown Alley, Melbourne – and on Saturday May 16 at the Dimensions Festival Launch Party, Burdekin Hotel, Sydney. Tickets available from www.novel.com.au.