Morphosis - What Have We Learned - 1xCD - MMD-CD1

The next full length from techno tastemakers Delsin is co-released by the man who made it, Morphosis aka Ra.H aka Rabih Beaini, on his own Morphine Records, as well as by close associate M>O>S. Entitled "What Have We Learned", the Lebanese-born producer’s album is due in April 2011.

Beaini has been crafting away in the nether-regions of the techno underworld since the 90s. Initially as a DJ, it was a move to Italy in 1996 which proved the catalyst for him to start experimenting in the studio. And he really did experiment: few people craft the sort of emotional, imaginative techno as has Beaini for labels like M>O>S and his own imprint, Morphine Records.

Keen followers of techno will already have heard some of the offerings from this album, as both ‘Android's Among Us’ and ‘Dirty Matter’ were remixed by Newworldaquarium & Just For One Day for a limited edition white label late last year. The excitement surrounding that release was palpable enough, but get lost in a full length Morphosis experience and you enter a whole new world of techno excellence…

Kicking off with the Redshape-channelling, misty, slo-techno march and buried percussive clatter of ‘Silent Screamer’, the album builds through a plethora of grainy landscapes. They’re sometimes dense with a dusty static, sometimes lit up by a female vocal or occasionally paired with a round house kick, but always sound rooted in some real (albeit far off and desolate) world.

The hum and buzz of Beaini’s bottom ends have instruments and synths spiralling round as the only reference points in an otherwise engulfing sonic fog. Churning the listener round and round with his confident, assertive grooves, Morphosis’ dark and long house and techno fusions explore - like few others can - engaging new ground with their every subtle turn.

Influences range from Krautrock via New Wave but, importantly, all are digested by Morphosis before being re-imagined as something wholly fresh and original which, in turn, stands up well to both dancefloor deployment and intense home listening. What Have We Leaned? That house and techno still have a lot to offer thanks to the likes of Morphosis.