End of Year reviews: PopMatters
Best Electronic Albums of 2010
Pop Matters article – the best electronic albums of 2010
Scuba “Triangulation” Hotflush (HFLP003)
Alongside Scuba’s Sub:Stance mix or the lightly surging techno he issued as SCB, few electronic records were better suited for headphone listening in 2010 than Triangulation, the twisted, oscillating LP from the Berlin-based producer born Paul Rose. It’s a sonic wonder; ambient dark house, UK garage, and drum ‘n’ bass join a tide of trickling atmospherics on the album. Triangulation is a deep-lurking and kinetic standout in this year’s very impressive array of bass music releases. Those digging Mount Kimbie’s Crooks and Lovers would do well to check into the guy who put out their records. While his Hotflush label has been ahead of the pack in its forward-looking offerings, Scuba’s production work itself is mind-boggling. Triangulation furthers the experimental techno, dubstep, and house blends that the artist has explored recently via heavy EPs on Naked Lunch and his own imprint. On his second full-length release, Scuba’s beats are stacked with splintered verse, wood clacks, and air gusts piping through spare melodies and varied drum sounds. Gritty and potent, the album is melded seamlessly with the stinging efficiency of his DJ sets, so that Triangulation halts us in our tracks, planting us in the dank tunnel where it seems to have originated. Dominic Umile.
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