If you didn't know any better, you'd think Draft hailed from das Wunderland of minimal techno in Germany. It achieves a level of sophistication you expect of our friends across the Atlantic — the kind that makes you want to shake your head and whisper "those Europeans" admiringly under your breath.
But Draft isn't from Germany — or anywhere close to Europe for that matter. It's the work of Calgary-based producer Mark Webber, better known as Aphni.
That's right: the Canadian Prairies.
If anything, Mark's latest release distinguishes itself from the pack by harkening back to the genre's North American roots. The self-released album, a nod to the techno titans of the late '80s and early '90s, takes advantage of vintage synthesizers and hardware recorded and mixed onto cassettes to create an authentic and aesthetically pared-down mix.
Many will freely admit that minimal techno is not for everyone. Oftentimes, the endless rhythm and repetition, devoid of popular melody or any kind of real climax, is a hurdle for everyday listeners. It's a genre that requires patience and persistence (as evidenced by the gorgeous opening track, "Ella," which spans nearly seven-minutes). But as the age-old saying goes, "good things come to those who wait." In this regard, Draft rewards its listeners in spades. Aphni delivers six sleek, moody and ambient tracks with a serious side of good vibrations.
(Independent)But Draft isn't from Germany — or anywhere close to Europe for that matter. It's the work of Calgary-based producer Mark Webber, better known as Aphni.
That's right: the Canadian Prairies.
If anything, Mark's latest release distinguishes itself from the pack by harkening back to the genre's North American roots. The self-released album, a nod to the techno titans of the late '80s and early '90s, takes advantage of vintage synthesizers and hardware recorded and mixed onto cassettes to create an authentic and aesthetically pared-down mix.
Many will freely admit that minimal techno is not for everyone. Oftentimes, the endless rhythm and repetition, devoid of popular melody or any kind of real climax, is a hurdle for everyday listeners. It's a genre that requires patience and persistence (as evidenced by the gorgeous opening track, "Ella," which spans nearly seven-minutes). But as the age-old saying goes, "good things come to those who wait." In this regard, Draft rewards its listeners in spades. Aphni delivers six sleek, moody and ambient tracks with a serious side of good vibrations.
