VA Black 01: A Dark Dive into Techno’s Underbelly
Alright, let’s talk about VA Black 01. Released in 2017 under France’s Nocturnal Frequencies Records, this album is a gritty journey through the darker corners of electronic music. It’s not your Saturday-night-at-the-club kind of record—it’s deeper, moodier, and honestly? A little unsettling in all the best ways. If you’re into techno, minimal techno, or that industrial edge that makes your skin prickle, this one might just stick with you.
Now, I’m not gonna lie—this album isn’t for everyone. The vibe is raw, almost like it was stitched together late at night by someone who doesn’t care if you “get it” or not. But when you do get it? Damn. That’s when things get interesting. Let me break down a couple tracks that hit hard.
First up, there’s “Profanity.” Oh man, this track slaps. From the moment those heavy kicks kick in (pun intended), it feels like you’ve stepped into some abandoned warehouse rave. There’s this weird tension in the background—a low hum that builds and builds until you’re practically holding your breath waiting for what comes next. And then BAM, the drop hits, but it’s not overdone. Nope, it’s subtle, dirty even, like the producers knew they didn’t need to try too hard. This is the kind of track that makes you wanna close your eyes and nod along, forgetting where you are for a minute. Or maybe that’s just me losing myself in its hypnotic rhythm… who knows?
Then there’s “You’ll Never Make It.” What can I say? This one feels like a dare. It starts off slow, almost teasing you, before morphing into this relentless beat that just won’t quit. The bassline is so thick it could choke you if you let it, and the distorted synths sound like they’re coming from another dimension. Honestly, every time I hear it, I imagine running through an empty city at 3 AM, rain pouring down, no idea where I’m going but knowing I gotta keep moving. It’s haunting, yeah, but also kinda freeing. Like screw whatever’s chasing you; you’re already untouchable.
The rest of the album keeps the energy alive, whether it’s the cold precision of “Terminal” or the eerie vibes of “Visible & Sighted.” Each track adds something new to the mix without straying too far from the overall tone. You can tell these artists were given freedom to experiment, and boy, did they run with it.
But here’s the thing about VA Black 01: it’s not really meant to comfort you. Instead, it challenges you, pushes you out of your comfort zone. Listening to it feels like being handed a map to a place you’ve never been before—but the map’s torn, and half the landmarks are missing. Are you lost? Maybe. Do you care? Not really.
So, would I recommend this album? Absolutely—if you’re ready to embrace the shadows. Just don’t expect sunshine and rainbows because this ain’t that kinda party. In fact, listening to it feels less like entertainment and more like eavesdropping on a secret conversation between machines plotting world domination. Weird? Sure. But sometimes weird is exactly what you need.
Final thought: whoever said techno couldn’t be poetic clearly hasn’t heard VA Black 01. Or maybe they just haven’t stayed up late enough. Either way, crank this bad boy loud and see how long you last before the existential dread sets in. Spoiler alert: it’s worth it.
Luke (scenedrone)