[Minimise]

A new Minimise release? After retiring the label earlier this year in response to the minimal boom, Donnacha Costello started the Look Long imprint with the philosophy that music should be produced for the long term, not to satisfy any trends. Yet the only “trendy” thing about Minimise was its name; the label’s 35 releases were full of Donnacha’s colorful and melodic take on techno without once sounding like the now oft-maligned “genre.” Nevertheless, a new label seems to have refreshed the Irish producer, who has revived Minimise after only a couple months away with the digital only release “While In Exile,” available for free on the label’s website or as higher quality files for purchase.

“Miss Synclaviera” kicks things off with a slick, tracky beat and swirling, circular melodies, all serving as a frame for the triumphant Synclavier progression to barge through the door. It’s perhaps the biggest and most dance floor-minded tune Donnacha has done in some time — very different from the more laid-back and experimental fare of his Look Long releases. On the (digital) flip is “Tears of the Vampire”, a more gloomy cut whose grimy liquid bass line and half stuttering percussion meets swooning, misty-eyed pads. Whereas “Miss Synclaviera” is my favorite dance cut Donnacha has produced in some time, “Tears of the Vampire” is merely enjoyable, not quite reaching the melancholic heights of “Dry Retch” and “Always a Why.” It seems Minimise was revived because “While in Exile” just sounds like Minimise, which should please the throngs of fans begging Donnacha to resuscitate the expired label. Regardless, “While in Exile” is another hit in a particularly productive year for Donnacha, so take advantage of his generosity and start downloading.