The duo of Ian McDonnell and Dara Smith recording as Lakker has in the 18 months, give or take, really begun to strike a chord with people. And, for good reason. With their recent work gracing the almost institutional and reliable British techno of James Ruskin’s Blueprint label, together with Germany’s bass pushers Killekill in 2011. And fresh from remixing Dadub on Stroboscopic Aretfacts, the duo are beginning to get the attention their talent deserves. An early remix on Ireland’s mighty Acroplane Recordings, debut album Ruido on Lazybird in 2008, work on Stasis Records, !Kaboogie and right back to their 2006 debut back on Alphabet Set Cosas – Lakker have been around longer than I had realised.

Listening to their work it’s clear the duo bring their years of studio experience to the sound.

I’ve been familiar with the often unique take on bass that Ian McDonnell produces as Eomac for a few years now and he brings that unconventional and experimental edge to what is at it’s core techno with IDM “trip” flourishes. His recently released Angel EP under the name EeOo testament, as if it was needed.

Releasing on Love Love Records with the labels first foray into vinyl some 5 years into their existence – Deathmask is 3 slabs of rich dancefloor grooved techno with synth work to captivate and impress. Raw, sharp metallic hats and percussion propel LF9 along with a Middle East vibe to that sparingly but effectively used synth line. Think Muslimgauze in a reflective mood.

EP title track Deathmask has dusty, beautiful delicate depth with a growing undercurrent presence of dark against light. This would sit alongside any of the strongest ambient techno of the 90s. Further down the rabbit hole, Preset Numb is macabre clank alien tone with what sounds at times like someone digging into the pit. Serene with a captivating darkness.

A very accomplished confident three tracker with enough class, detail and talent to be a future classic.

Grab

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Lakker – LF9
Lakker – Deathmask
Lakker – Preset Numb
LOVWAX01