The Detroit Escalator Co. - "Black Buildings"

Neil Ollivierra takes a more clinical approach to Detroit techno on Black Buildings, but don't take that as a negative. Whereas Soundtrack (313) was based on field recordings of the city, this album exists outside of any specific geographic location, breaking free of the limitations inherent in the "Detroit techno" genre. Black Buildings is a subtle and simply fantastic slice of late-'90s ambient techno. Simple keyboard lines establish and then interweave, gentle bass and beats rumble around in the low end, and the generally blissful ambience of the album slowly permeates the room it is played in over 70 minutes. "Gathering Light" is a highlight, with a gentle but insistent melody line repeating over a soft, luxurious bed of synth pads. This is an excellent release from an artist who really should release more material.

3.5 stars