Review Summary: Dance music for lofts.
There is nothing particularly new or unique in Logan Takahashi's debut album. However, his influences are so diligently studied and so well assimilated, that everything in
NoGeo sounds natural and fluid. Anyone familiar with the Raster-Noton catalog, -most notably Kangding Ray and Frank Bretschneider-, Mark Fell's work, or modern experimental techno in general, will have an idea about what to find in here. But Takahashi's approach is more accessible, although certainly no less smart. Tracks are hugely rhythmic, not so much made for clubs than for home listening, the type of techno that get your feet moving or your fingers tapping. The beats work as the hook, cleverly done, complex, compelling, but it is how Takahashi build the track around those beats that makes the album exciting and intriguing. The tracks in here shine for the interesting sound design, the multi-layered rhythms, the rich details and varied textures. Each subsequent piece introduces a different motif and properly develops it to its conclusion; nothing in here is neither rushed nor too obvious, everything is clean and elegant, built with a definite purpose.
If the styles and sounds in here are not original, in return
NoGeo is intelligent and polished, paying homage to its influences and skillfully condensing them in 40 minutes: Takahashi's
owns this sound, and proudly and rightfully presents the result to the listener. For its short running-time, there is plenty to chew and digest, but this never feels like a task. Takahashi clearly knows that complexity and accessibility are not opposed. A fine album to be played in private parties.
