Underground Resistance's truly iconic Red Planet series is a collection of Mars-indebted techno records that no lover of Detroit techno should be without. Composed by the illusive The Martian alias - supposedly credited to Will Thomas but often referring to a number of producers working together - the series was described by one Discogs user as: 'Sounds like some brothers from Detroit and a bunch of Native Americans got together and decided they had enough of this world and went off to Mars to form a musical tribe that would beam back their creations to earth in the hopes of enlightening humanity'. It's certainly striking music with a strong audio fingerprint throughout and, considering its origins in 1992, has remained considerably ahead of its time even now.
"Skypainter" and "Season Of The Solar Wind" are in this week, both taken from RP5. "Skypainter" (along with "Sex In Zero Gravity") is one of the key anthems from the series. A soaring, interstellar ascension into Detroitian synth star clusters it just grows and grows throughout its near 10 minute duration. A breath taking rocket ride you won't wanna get off!
"Season Of The Solar Wind" treads a more tense and foreboding path. Like the first explorers to set foot on a strange new planet, it veers aggressively from traditional dance music standards and has as much in common with the crazed sonics of Cabaret Voltaire or Throbbing Gristle.
Personally, I think every home deserves at least two Red Planet records in it.
"Skypainter" and "Season Of The Solar Wind" are in this week, both taken from RP5. "Skypainter" (along with "Sex In Zero Gravity") is one of the key anthems from the series. A soaring, interstellar ascension into Detroitian synth star clusters it just grows and grows throughout its near 10 minute duration. A breath taking rocket ride you won't wanna get off!
"Season Of The Solar Wind" treads a more tense and foreboding path. Like the first explorers to set foot on a strange new planet, it veers aggressively from traditional dance music standards and has as much in common with the crazed sonics of Cabaret Voltaire or Throbbing Gristle.
Personally, I think every home deserves at least two Red Planet records in it.
STAFF COMMENTS
Matt says: Huge Detroit techno record from the early 90s which has more than stood the test of time - it still sounds futuristic today! "Skypainter" is up their as one of my favourite techno tracks ever made, so I'll take it quite personally if you shun this much needed repress!TRACK LISTING
A1. Skypainter
B1. Season Of The Solar Wind