This month’s Broken Disco hearts the 206’s deep pool of
techno talent—so deep it extends to Berlin, where
ex–Seattle resident Jeff Samuel now operates. The
world-class DJ/producer headlines a bill larded with a surplus of
skillful rhythm technicians.
I’ve written plenty about Lusine (aka Jeff McIlwain)
in this space; suffice it to say that he consistently produces
excellent, vividly detailed work, whether in the techno, IDM, or
ambient veins (he’ll be focusing on the former for Broken Disco). He’s
nearly done with his next album for Ghostly International, the
follow-up to the melodically beautiful, rhythmically sophisticated
Serial Hodgepodge, its remix counterpart Podgelism, and
the ambient opus Language Barrier. Besides this show, Lusine’s
spring will be, uh, very eventful, with appearances at elite fests
Movement (Detroit), MUTEK (Montreal), and
Sónar (Barcelona).
Dave Pezzner—who’s also playing MUTEK this
year—recently has been branching out on his own after building a
sterling reputation (with Bob Hansen) as half of left-field
Seattle house duo Jacob London. Solo, Pezzner plies a slightly
more serious brand of tech-house than he does in JL, while maintaining
that group’s slyly irresistible wiggle-ability. With acclaimed 12s on
Freerange and Om and the stomp of approval from top-tier DJs like Steve
Bug, Laurent Garnier, and Peter Kruder, Pezzner is on his way to a
fruitful solo career. (Bonus symmetry: Pezzner has remixed Lusine’s
“Two Dots” for a soon-coming Ghostly release.)
As anyone who’s witnessed Samuel behind the decks can attest, the
native Ohioan has been blessed with golden ears and superb mixing
abilities. His high demand on the international techno circuit can be
attributed to sets that encompass the upper crust of bangers,
experimental cuts, and festive, should-be anthems. The man simply
doesn’t allow dull or cheesy tracks to enter his domain. Samuel’s
performance at last year’s Decibel was transcendent, and his mixes for
labels like Poker Flat corral whatever material’s making the most
discerning heads bob and weave. This should be an outstanding
homecoming (of sorts) for Samuel.
It’s not chamber of commerce-y to declare Seattle one of the hubs of quality techno, as this edition of Broken Disco confirms. The
many weekly and monthly nights happening (Oscillate, Bonkers!, Stop
Biting, etc.) prove electronic excellence abounds here. Trouble is, it
seems this music’s producers outnumber the consumers of it. But most
cities should have such problems…
Recommended shows this week: reliably deep, bubbly, and hypnotic
Canadian tech-house DJ Jay Tripwire, plus Jeromy Nail, Chad
Neiro, Don Tonic (Fri May 15 at Deep Down Lounge, 10 pm, $5, 21+);
Shift Dubstep Session with L.A.’s 12th Planet and locals
Lukki and Pressha (Fri May 15 at Contour, 10 pm, $5 before midnight,
21+). 
