Keith Tucker is a hero amongst the first generation Detroit techno and electro producers; a contemporary and collaborator with many of the city’s greats like Juan Atkins, Moodymann, Terrence Dixon, Suburban Knight, Drexciya and the whole Underground Resistance crew. Under aliases DJ-K1, Optic Nerve and as one half of AUX 88 with Tommy Hamilton, Tucker has been a pioneer of electro and continues to put out some of the genres purest and grittiest tracks. Co-owner of Puzzlebox Records with Anthony Shakir from 1996, this has been home to the majority of Tucker’s productions and affiliated projects. Like many of his Detroit peers, Tucker also was influential introducing electro over to Europe, especially with the raw and snappy EP, ‘Brace Yourself’ which came out in 1998 on Cologne’s Electrocord.
Another of Tucker’s standout EPs, ‘Detroit Saved my Soul’ sees a well-thought after repress on newly established imprint, Mint Condition. Originally released on Glasgow-based label, Seventh Sign Recordings in 2005, it’s now been remastered by London's Curve Pusher. 2017 has been a solid year for the label, which focuses on unearthing and reviving classic house and techno gems; and whilst not ready to flog out £50+ on Discogs for the original, most now can truly appreciate their efforts!
The title track is a pulsating minimal cut with sentimental trippy vocodered lyrics. The hooks and paddy percussion have the classic weight and grit of early US techno, speaking true to Detroit’s musical legacy. ‘My Mental State’ has similar punch with bouncy rhythm, syncopated percussions and more psychedelic vocals. Acidy electro. Then ‘Electronik’ again epitomizes the early US electro sound. It’s stabby and invigorating with riveting dichotomies of cold percussion, mystical synths and growling bass. Unlike the other two tracks, ‘Electronik’ has those futuristic keys designed to take the listener to the furthest corners of space.
Words by Fred D