These two new four-trackers from Richie Hawtin’s M_nus imprint are essentially two sides of the minimal techno coin: both are Michigan-based artists, both are releasing their debuts, and both bear the tangible influence of their label boss. While clearly cut from the same cloth—deep, bubbling bass lines, thudding 4/4 beats topped with skittering percussion and hand claps, analog swoops, pings, and twitches, the odd processed vocal sample—there are subtle differences that bring different rewards from each. Gaiser’s outings are a bit more floor-friendly and densely constructed for the most part, and more likely to work into a standard techno set. Nixon (aka Detroit native Ryan Crosson) keeps it a bit more minimal and percussive, flaunting more of a Villalobos/Plastikman vibe; in fact, flipside highlight “The Depths” wouldn’t sound at all out of place on the latter’s Consumed, nor would the title track, as both work in a dubbed-up, dark, atmospheric vibe with lots of space and clattering percussion. Call Nixon’s the winner here, but fans of the vernacular will be pleased with both releases.

Minus / 36
Minus / 37
[Todd Hutlock]