[Sect Records]

If you’re an avid LWE reader you may remember DJ Bone’s debut for then unheard of Sect Records that arrived mysteriously in a plain white CD sleeve, which had staff and readers alike speculating over its provenance. Nearly two years on, Sect has introduced the wider world to aspiring techno artists such as Grovskopa, Jolka and even Bone’s own daughter, Aleckxis Jaina — as well as serving as a reintroduction to the underrated D Knox. Bone, on the other hand, has been keeping steady with his own Subject Detroit label, almost single-handedly keeping techno (in a purist’s sense) alive in his hometown.

Bone’s return to Sect is an about face from the frenetic techno that has characterized many of his previous releases. “Sunday Morning” is marked by a plaintive synth and piano chord structure, while the tempo is much slower and percussion more restrained than a usual Bone production. The melody is what stands out as the piano is used to form the base line and the higher notes interplay to form more fleshed out motifs that work well as a whole. “Sunday Night” retains the same melodic theme but ups the ante on the rhythm, bringing in hand drums, a bristling snare pulse and gliding hi-hats. It ends up sounding closer to the Bone we remember, but with more thoughtful melodic development. But it’s “Morning” that stands out, maybe for the sheer fact that it doesn’t sound like the Bone we know.