Shinedoe – The Observer (full album)(mp3)

Shinedoe joins The Escape Velocity – Jeff Mills’ curated techno project for Axis Records. The project gathers together some of the planet’s most innovative techno visionaries to produce work based on Space Science and Science Fiction – released at a high frequency and delivered direct to customers only via digital formats. The project also gives space for each artist to express their thoughts and feelings for the album in detail, should they wish.

Shinedoe’s installment encapsulates all the reasons why she is regarded as one of the most important producers active today, showcasing her brand of precision techno with soul. Based in Amsterdam and with Nigerian roots, Chinedum Nwosu’s relentless passion for the finer elements of electronic dance music has seen her win over hearts and minds in every aspect she has turned her attention to – from her transformative DJ performances, authoritative productions and exquisitely curated labels – Intacto and now the newly formed Music That Moves (MTM Records).

These six tracks emphasize her mastery of deep, futuristic techno very much in line with the vision shared by the Detroit originators. The title The Observer relates to the process of observing without judgement, a state whereby we are in the moment, experiencing our surroundings without translating those senses into thought or reaction. For Shinedoe, this state of mind is exactly how she relates to the creative process, working entirely in the present to develop her pieces. It’s the essence of the techno experience – losing oneself in the music, free from attachments and dancing in a state of pure bliss.

The title track sets out the atmosphere – a drifting, piece of ambient electronica which suggests we are embarking on a serious deep space voyage. Next up is Before The Silence, our first contact with the groove that propels the release. It’s relentless pulse is offset by edgy, untethered arpeggiated synths and raw textures that hark back to the early Detroit sound, with an entirely contemporary twist.

Distraction starts with a looped up percussion groove that references a more afro- tech approach, and maintains its fierce impact throughout through hypnotic loops and a simple one note melody.

Redraw All Senses is similarly affecting – featuring a beautiful robotic vocal element intertwined with mutating pads and a deep, driving groove. Next up Agape returns to the ambient textures of the opening track, before making way for Control – a slice of stripped back techno power that feels as though we are hurtling through space at light speed. It’s a perfect example of Shinedoe’s talents – combining a deep knowledge and respect of techno’s past with something perfectly futuristic.

The Observer: Listen to vibrations moving around, as an observer you watch without thoughts and feelings without judgement. Feelings and thoughts may occur, but you are not it. How do you feel after listening to the observer?

Before the Silence: Before the Silence some many things happening in the world, around you, emotions, feelings, thoughts.

Distractions: Is about the world wanting something from you, which makes you remove yourself from your own core. All distractions.

Redraw all senses: How will the world be when we redraw all senses: acting, touch, hear, look, smell, not have any judgement about our senses.
When we watch, without judgement, taste without judgement, smell without judgement, hearing or look without judgement. How will this be? On the dance floor I can get in a state of redrawing all sense, and it feels beautiful. For me another dimension. With music I can get to this state as well, this is freedom.

Agape: Means unconditional love.
Inspired by Martin Luther King and Agape Spiritual center from Michel Beckwith.

Control: is about human beings wanting to control life. Can we really control everything? Can we take control over our lives? What about the power of the  Universe? Control raises questions.