The Vision – Spectral Nomad

Spectral Nomad by The Vision is a captivating fusion of cinematic soundscapes and soulful electronic grooves. The album blends techno with minimalism into a narrative-driven experience that feels both expansive and introspective. Tracks like "Spectral Nomad" & "Explain The Style" create atmospheric depth that transports the listener to distant, ethereal realms. There’s a sense of movement throughout, as if the music itself is constantly evolving, mirroring the journey of the nomad it evokes.

The Vision’s knack for subtle but powerful arrangements shines here, offering a sonic landscape that is at once immersive and emotionally resonant. Spectral Nomad is a beautifully crafted exploration of sound, perfect for those who enjoy music that invites both contemplation and immersion.

one circle blew my mind when it came out and still does today

The title track is both the odd one out and the ground breaker on this golden highlight from RH; While the others tread amazing yet familiar/signature R-Hood minimalist ground, 'Spectral Nomad' welds that sound with something more primal & offbeat, chattering hats & scratchy synth patterns give way to imploding 'pots n pans' percussion, almost cheap sounding, certainly purposely flat & allowing the thwarted keys conversation to take the front seat. I was waiting for a Kazoo to rasp at some point... the choice of tools here most unusual & all the better for it.

So much talk about Rob Hood's awesome releases throughout the year, but this one was never mentioned once.
This is his baddest release right there.

A2 Explain The Style especially, is the most gut-wrenching and subtle machine funk record created by the Man. Patterns are lazy, dirty and will turn your mind into a soup at 4 am. It's only after long minutes that the smallest hihats will come pack another punch into the funky run, forcing you to bring your arm up.

Detroit techno diamond with an ironic title. You know what to play when someone asks you to "Explain him the Style"..

One of the first techno records I bought. So glad I still have it! This is what it's all about.

Pretty obvious a repress is needed...carn Metroplex.

Ten years ago, just like today, the 'm' word often had little to do with the concept attached to it. Sure, there are a few tracks here which are pretty stripped-down, but they seem more 'economical' and 'disciplined' than anything else. Still, Hood is amongst those for whom this lack of the 'M' Factor matters not one dot. The elements, the sequencing, the mixing all display that subtlety and intelligence for which he's become well-known. I believe these particular tracks are also amongst the first on which he deploys his signature 'vague-shapes-of-bass' (possibly created by live-tuning a kick drum over a one-bar sequence?) The title track stands-out from the other excellent pieces here for me, by a short-finger. It's the staccato, seemingly random pad pattern which miraculously assembles itself into a coherent gestalt in your mind, that's going to lure you, if you don't know this EP. Half-way through, the track opens-up like a metallic butterfly in a robotic cacaphony of extra drums. Yet somehow it seems eerily to remain glued together, as if it's on an assembly-line with dozens of robots tweaking various parts of it whilst it remains in motion. Like all obscure, rare and seemingly opaque artifacts, once understood, never forgotten.

Detroit: One Circle should never have been licensed, because it's too good. Every one I have played this for loves it, even if they are anti-Detroit, they cannot deny the clever cyclical motion of the looped progression,
along the lines of Orbitals, Star Trek/Worf sample "Space, where time becomes a loop", this inverts on itself with a mind melting ease that still to this day has me utterly enchanted, Essential Detroit, Essential Hood, Essential Music for those who know!

Hypogenetic [def: Born under the surface of the Earth: Collins Dictionary] g out as I dig my way to Detroit through the core of the earth.

This 'is' DETROIT TECHNO. If someone asked me to define what detroit techno sounds like, i would hand them this record. I know in my past reviews i seem generous giving out the "10/10" rating, but this one deffinatley deserves it and i think every detroit techno fan would agree!!

You can believe me, that is the ultimate piece of the master of minimal techno. A2, B1 (different versions of the same track) are incredible voltage-loaded tunes and and an unspoken slogan for detroit society. Essential.