Dance Terror’s “Dance Terror” – A 1991 Techno Time Capsule That Still Bangs
Alright, let’s talk about Dance Terror, the self-titled debut album by the Spanish electronic act Dance Terror. Released in 1991 under Area International, this album is a proper slice of early ‘90s techno madness. If you’re into raw beats and that underground warehouse vibe, this one’s for you. It’s not perfect—there’s a bit of clunkiness here and there—but hey, isn’t that part of its charm?
The album kicks off with “Bonus Bits,” and man, this track sticks with me. It’s got this hypnotic groove that feels like it could go on forever (and honestly, I wouldn’t mind if it did). The bassline is deep enough to rattle your chest but leaves just enough room for those trippy little synth stabs to shine through. What makes it memorable? Maybe it’s how unapologetically simple it is. No frills, no overproduced nonsense—just pure, driving energy. When I hear it, I imagine some smoky club in Barcelona back in the day, everyone losing their minds on the dancefloor.
Then there’s “Covin’G 2001.” This one’s wild. The title alone makes me chuckle—it sounds like a rejected sci-fi movie script, right? But don’t let that fool you; the track itself is an absolute banger. There’s this eerie, almost robotic melody looping throughout, paired with pounding drums that feel like they’re chasing you down a dark alley. It’s futuristic yet totally grounded in ‘90s rave culture. Honestly, every time it comes on, I can’t help but bob my head like a broken metronome.
What I love most about Dance Terror is how unpolished it feels compared to today’s hyper-clean productions. You can tell these guys were experimenting, having fun, maybe even winging it a little. And yeah, sure, some tracks don’t hit as hard as others, but that DIY spirit is what gives the album its soul.
Reflecting on this record now, it’s kinda crazy to think it came out over three decades ago. Back then, nobody knew where techno was headed—or if it’d even stick around. Yet here we are, still talking about it. Makes me wonder: will people be jamming to today’s hits in 2053? Probably not, but who knows? Anyway, if you’re looking to dive into some old-school Spanish techno vibes, give Dance Terror a spin. Just don’t blame me if you start hearing echoes of “Covin’G 2001” in your dreams.
