Released on Future Days


The title, ‘Emptyset’ refers to void or empty space. This is designed to offer an explanation of what the duo’s sound is like; in short, dance music without the melody or structure.


The opening track, 'Aleph', literally is an ‘Emptyset’. It comprises nothing more than barely audible and muffled noise. This lasts for three minutes. Presumably, it is intended to introduce the concept of the album but, to be honest, it crosses the line between conceptual and pointless.

Although this would probably make the Bristol duo cringe, let us take the second track as the album’s opener. ‘Gate 1’ is extremely minimal techno; there is continuity but no structure as such, and the beat sounds like it is building to a climax but never quite gets there.

For minimal fans the following track, ‘Gate 2’, is slightly more orthodox. It peaks and troughs throughout with an incessant background beat akin to a heart monitor. This is a classic minimal trait and the tune – used in the loosest sense of the word – is pretty good stuff.

From then on, the album takes a more conventional route. Emptyset may not appreciate that being said but, for those people who understand minimal techno, there are some really good tracks. ‘Completely Gone’ is a six minute epic that sounds more like a dubstep track. This tune is the aural equivalent of a piano string being tightened more and more, until it feels as if it is about to break. As with all good minimal and dubstep songs though, it never does.

The tracks on Emptyset were never intended to storm clubs up and down the country. They are instead, self-explanatory and created for their own purpose. For fans of the genre this is seriously commendable techno from the spiritual homeland for the genre in Britain. For those who are not familiar with this type of music, be warned, expect the unexpected!!!

Posted In Album Reviews, Nov 18 2009. Words - Will