Plastikman

When Richie Hawtin announced he was reviving the Plastikman name, many wondered if the growing popularity of EDM would infiltrate his moniker's steely sound. In the 11 years between releases, the Windsor-raised/Detroit-weaned producer's DJ sound became more absorbing and populist. But from the album's minimal title and cover art to the fact that it was recorded live from a museum (rather than an Ibiza club), it's clear that the Plastikman of yore is here to stay. Having written a brand new set designed to debut at the Guggenheim, Hawtin has given the material on his sixth full-length a more rubbery and less controlled feel than what you'd find on albums like Closer or Consumed. Using a finite set of equipment to create these seven tracks, much of EX comes off strikingly similar in sound, but Hawtin being the staunch veteran that he is, uses it to his advantage, reusing and appropriating signature tones and modes to craft the most solid live set you weren't lucky enough to attend.