dark maneuvres is a track which lives up to its name, the original expressing pumping, dark and crunchy sounds interspersed with string arrangements and overdubs which move the track in various different directions. the 1996 original is a great example of some production techniques of the time and is of interest in identifying the direction of the techno sound in that era, as well as being eminently listenable. slam were very much involved in the progression of techno at the same time as envoy was creating tracks such as dark manoeuvres and as such they have a real handle on how things have evolved, enabling them to bring a classic release such as this bang up to date. the distinctive hook, attention-grabbing melody and strings which are distinctive elements of the original are all incorporated in a full and fresh dynamic which sees some of these elements regrouped in individual sections such as the strings or moulded with deeper, darker resonance into a new expression.

solo debut album from nyc artist gavilán rayna russom.