[Mikrodisko Recordings]

Since he began making music in 2003, Kassem Mosse has kept a pretty low profile. He has only a handful of releases, most of which were released on the tiny (but badass) label Mikrodisko Recordings. Nonetheless, he’s garnered some significant attention: the A-side from his Workshop release appeared on Ellen Allien’s Boogy Bytes Vol. 4, as well as Ryan Elliott’s blog hit “The R Factor.” On “Aqueous Haze (The World Dissappeared Into An),” his first release of 2008, Kassem Mosse wrings chilly emotion from analogue drum machines and synthesizers, just as he’s done in his productions and performances all along. His sound is vivid and unique, and it takes shape more splendidly on this release than ever before.

“No Peace/No Love/No Unity” has a bleak vibe fitting of its dour title. With its slow groove and soulless percussive sounds, it takes the listener on a night drive through a dilapidated urban landscape. As the track progresses, tortured half melodies drift into focus, eventually forming a deep, belching synth line that makes it all sound very Sähkö. “578” is colored in the same gravelly hues, but is otherwise much more indulgent than the A-side. Its bass kicks fall with a dusty thud, complimenting mechanical buzzes and metallic scrapes to set the stage with industrial imagery right off the bat. The next five minutes are dominated by an evocative, foggy melody that makes this the choice track of the EP. Its sound offers something refreshingly out of place in today’s techno milieu, and would make for an exhilarating climax in a set of atonal Berghain bangers. Sadly enough, I’ve never been to a seedy warehouse party, but this is exactly the kind of music you would hear in one in my daydreams. “No Peace/No Love/No Unity” reflects more studio mastery, but the emotion of “578” is impossible to deny. Kassem Mosse has been a well kept secret until now, but if other techno nerds feel the way I do, “Aqueous Haze” could earn him the widespread recognition he’s due.