Blush Response – Dimensional Research [Kontaktor Records]

Berlin-based producer Joey Gonzalez aka Blush Response has ended a very active 2023 with the full length Dimensional Research – published on Erika Synths’ label Kontaktor Records.

If the previous album Neuroscape added a human dimension to its industrial-techno/IDM core via vocal interventions from guests and Joey himself, this time the artist indulges in his cyberpunk roots conceiving a harsh environment made of experimental takes on the industrial-techno infused with noise and broken patterns.

The opening track “Virulence” is a sum of many ever-present topics from the producer career: mechanical rhythms, syncopated beats, dark-techno soundscapes and a malevolent atmosphere in which even glimpses of distorted oldschool techno motives can be found.

An episode like “Reality 30XX” showcases IDM sounds recalling Aphex Twin’s playfulness without losing the author’s identity and the taste for robotic sequences, while the title-track employs subtle ambiances and slow crescendos, developing an obsessive and crawling affair that evolves toward rhythmic-noise territory.

“Outbound Civilization” is a breakbeat/techno number with some cunningly used rhythmic abstractions and modified samples, and “Northmoor” returns to suspended IDM movements with 90’s elements and some nice melodies in the second half of the track.

The final track “Fourth Dimensional Fragment” reminds us that Blush Response has a taste for ambient pieces too, employing orchestral suggestions collapsing into eerie soundscapes punctuated by broken rhythms.

All in all, nothing groundbreaking or game-changing for the producer – all of the sounds and structures here encountered have been previously explored in a similar way through his career – but as always a top-notch production and professional sound-design present us a quality album that will offer some new numbers to both listeners and night-life DJs.

Release date: November 24th, 2023.

Text by: Davide Pappalardo.