[Ann Aimee]

Over the last few years Delsin has refashioned itself with a strong focus on neo-Detroit techno and veered away from the abstract electronic sounds with which it began. Sub-label Ann Aimee was created to address those early Delsin statements but has slowly followed suite with quality techno outings from James Kumo, Syrinx and Delta Funktionen. Brendon Moeller may not seem like a natural fit for the Delsin roster, but that’s only because the two haven’t crossed paths prior to this. As Echologist and under his own name, Moeller has concentrated on techno/house while staying true to the strong dub influence that informs a majority of his work. With the Close Up EP, Moeller’s dub strains help bring Ann Aimee a littler closer to the label’s roots.

“Mobility” starts off with the familiar dub techno strains of the Basic Channel/Chain Reaction axis using gracious amounts of delay on the elastic synth pulsations. However its playful use of effects and rolling bass line skank sets it apart, but not without sacrificing the hypnotic pull that could draw listeners deeper. On the title track Moeller sets off down a more serious path. He creates a slithering snake-like rhythm composed of pitch shifting hi-hats and backwards percussion that overshadows the 4/4 kick drum. Cold synth vamps create a brooding atmosphere as muted snare blasts and echoing drums fade into a grayish oblivion. Moeller is infinitely at-home producing this type of material and it shows through strongly on “Close Up.” This EP doesn’t mark a full deviation from the techno path for Ann Aimee, but it does offer signs that it may eventually retrace its steps.