Ever since their initial singles were released in the mid-1990s and became international calling cards for the Chain Reaction label, the Porter Ricks duo of Thomas Köner and Andy Mellwig have represented that crucible point in which techno music leaked into new social environments and became the background music for cutting-edge cultural critique.
Their submerged “scuba” sound, presented in dark tone colours and reverberating to infinity, is now instantly identifiable as one of the ‘soundmarks’ of Berlin club culture. Just as importantly, it is still a palpable aftershock of a pre-millennial genre explosion that saw deep dub, shimmering post-rock, abstract hip-hop and artdamaged noise all drinking from the same well of inspiration.
Anguilla Electrica may be their first full-length release in seventeen full years, but it radiates with confidence and with a clarity and intensity rarely seen in a world so oversaturated with communications noise. It’s made clear at once that it’s a continuation of a sonic ideal rather than a tribute to what has already been achieved: the duo is not idly sitting back while their newer acolytes do their talking for them.
This new LP is well worth the wait and is a life-affirming one in an uncertain and perilous time, drowning out daily anxieties like a rush of incoming surf – yet it is far more invigorating than relaxing. True to the Porter Ricks tradition, it will be just as exciting hearing this music as it will be to experience what new cultural mutations it leaves in its wake.