This Friday night, Jack welcomes Gesaffelstein (AKA Mike Lévy) to Dublin. While he himself represents somewhat of an enigma in the music scene, Lévy’s trademark dark techno leaves nothing to the imagination, and more than makes-up for his elusiveness. His sound epitomises the best of what French music has offered us in recent times, through infusing wavy atmospheric synths, in a style reminiscent of M83, with techno beats that push and push in a manner that one Laurent Garnier would undoubtedly approve of. Citing the likes of Kraftwerk and The Hacker as influences, Lévy has drawn on such eclectic styles in carving out his own stylistic trajectory, the platform of which he shares with the likes of fellow techno big-hitters Tiga and Brodinski. It is on Tiga’s own label and through collaborations with Brodisnki, that Gesaffelstein’s popularity in recent times has deservedly sky-rocketed. Like many of his French deck-spinning compatriots, Gesaffelstein’s reach is broad, catering for a diverse range of tastes. On one end, the fans of his merciless techno are constantly satisfied, with his release of “Hate or Glory” Monday certainly falling into that category. While at the other end of the spectrum, his electro tendencies really come to the fore, with “Depravity” being particularly reminiscent of Boyz Noize and definitely worth a listen.
Lévy rolls into autumn after a relentless string of summer dates dotted all over the northern hemisphere. From Awakenings to Dour to Sziget, his performances have spanned the length and breadth of the techno scene in the last 3 months, and it’s clear just how sought-after this guy is. And if you thought he’s ready to let up, think again. With his debut album ALEPH approaching its release on the 28th, things are only just getting started for Gesaffelstein, and this couldn’t be a better time to catch him. The upcoming album’s much talked-about track “Pursuit” has already garnered a fair amount of hype online, with it being a perfect example of his predilection towards dark production while being underpinned with a thumping bass line. And no doubt it’s a precursor for the rest of the album, which if so, will certainly cause a stir in this revitalised techno environment.
Support on the night comes in the form of the Japanese Popstars, who are riding the crest of a wave after what has so far been an immensely successful 2013. The Disconnect/Reconnect album (released in June on John Digweed’s label, Bedrock Records) marked a more than welcome return to action for the Northern Irish lads, with their own take on techno prevailing throughout. Keep an eye out too for this tasty track they released in August, with a tasty progressive sound that’s bound to go down a treat on Friday.
Prodigious Dublin talent Jack Mason completes the bill, with a fine repertoire of techno movers up his sleeve ready to be unleashed on Friday’s lucky patrons.
With this much talent primed to take on the Button Factory, it’d be rude to miss out.
Get your tickets from Ticketmaster or Resident Advisor for a mere €15.