Ian O’Donovan returns on Tronic for the Solas EP. A highly accomplished EP of techno destined to do the business on the dancefloor.
Ian O’Donovan is recognised as one the most skillful producers of melodic techno in the business not to mention a very fine DJ. His tracks have been championed by the likes of Laurent Garnier, John Digweed and Christian Smith yet his contemporary European take on the Detroit sound has perhaps not always received the attention it deserves.
Nevertheless, he remains a name on the lips of many DJs as a producer constantly reimagining and putting his unique stamp on the techno sound. Over the last few years, he has been showcasing tougher techno output alongside the likes of Luca Gaeta whilst entering the world of electro with his wonderful project Chromezone.
Here he returns to the excellent Tronic imprint to deliver three slabs of robust rolling techno that are guaranteed to rock floors. Firstly, comes the rather cheekily entitled ‘Noughties by Nature’ which rolls along on 909 toms and a throbbing acid groove. After a drum-laden intro, in slams detuned rave-inspired chords beloved of the likes of Technasia and snappy percussion that drive along the track relentlessly. Think Samul L Sessions downing a microdot and heading to Tresor.
Next in line is ‘Slingshot’ an appropriately fierce techno stomper that revolves around a Rachmad-like stab and a mutated flute sample. The stabs gradually evolve and open up as the energy rises creating a dangerous dancefloor weapon. Powerful stuff.
Finally, and pick of the bunch in my opinion, comes ‘Solas’ a beast of a track that is bound to have a certain Mr. Garnier chomping at the bit with its dark building layers of melody and deep Reese bass. Halfway through the track breaks down as tape-saturated arps undulate across the techno soundscape driving the track to an emotive dystopian close.
Overall, another highly accomplished EP from the producer and one that is bound to find its way into many of the boxes of the techno DJ fraternity and attract yet more new fans to the Irishman’s loyal following.
Ian O’Donovan ‘Solas EP’ is out now on Tronic.
Order digital: https://www.beatport.com/release/solas-ep/4097961