Currently enjoying “BCD-2″ by Basic Channel

Basic Channel are a dub techno duo from Berlin who have released a number of landmark tracks under various pseudonyms over the years. Mark Ernestus and Moritz Von Oswald could probably claim ownership of an entire movement if they weren’t so alias-happy; they’ve presided over a number of labels over the years, and helped a variety of artists gain new ground by reissuing their work.

The bulk of their work was released on vinyl, but over time, they’ve collected the highlights on two CD compilations. The first, 1995′s BCD, was a collection of largely brief highlights from the early years. Iit was 2008′s BCD-2, featuring only six tracks averaging thirteen minutes and change in length, that got closer to the heart of what the duo does on vinyl.

What you get from BCD-2 is essentially an assortment of nearly arrhythmic loops played out for the long haul, with subtle but key variations over the course of each track. It takes a little effort to engage with it at first, but it definitely rewards repeated listening. Do check it out.

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