Benjamin Damage Heliosphere [50Weapons, 2013]

Damage is an odd breed of electronic; his samples and progression for many of his tracks would have him fit right into UK IDM, but there’s always a track or two that breathes 50Weapons, Modeselektor’s rapidly rising German techno label. And damn, this guy can juggle those titles effortlessly. Heliosphere is Damage’s second album to date, with a sizable two year gap filled with mostly collaborative work and the occasional dancefloor single (Swarm, track 9). As much as I would like to disagree, his being compared to Black Dog Productions isn’t entirely unwarranted. Ridiculously reminiscent of the 90’s; semi-revitalized, not preachy-nostalgia. His sampling pallet is all his own for the most part, which is surprising for a 50Weapons artist. I could go on. I won’t, but damn this shit is awesome. For IDM, hit up 1, 5, 6, 8, and 10. For techno 2, 3, 4, 7, 9. Easily my favorite release this year.
RECOMMENDED: ALL!