France’s Unklevon returns to BNR for the final release of 2022, the E-Computer EP. Unklevon has always been a researcher of classic electro, interpreted with a modern touch, and the E-Computer EP turns the clock further into the future.

The titular opener serves stabby, broken beat electro, a pastiche of aggressive Detroit synths and Teutonic atmosphere. Driven by pulsing bass nearly sub-audible on headphones, “E-Computer” holds a deceptively massive club track beneath the sparse surface. Cinematic qualities are expanded with “Pressure,” featuring Paris’ To Van Kao. Drenched in a torrential acid rain, this is 8D electro, with cold female vocals and ominous pads punctuated with threatening detuned punches. Four on the floor returns with “System Clone (Acid Mix),” a hypnotic, late hour 140bpm runner that packs real power in its thick percussion. The closer, “Type-U”, synthesises the previous tracks into a real peak time menace. Far from robotic, the reversed kicks and bouncy bassline lend a groove that moves bodies like bodies. It’s dark and nasty and knows it, with ravey accents that command faces to melt.

Unklevon has always made effective DJ tools and reliable club tracks, but “E-Computer” debuts an expanded sonic palette for the young producer. While the worldbuliding may be more rich and the stereo spread wider, the backbone of Unklevon’s practice remains as strong as ever - distilling the dark energy of the club into the perfect dose, always ready to drop.