Bleep

Juan Atkins continues to position himself at the forefront of electronic music, reviving the legendary Model 500 project for the latest LP in 16 years entitled Digital Solutions. Featuring additional production from UR’s ‘Mad’ Mike Banks, the release also coincides with Metroplex’s staggering 30-year anniversary and is typically future facing, launching off with the propulsive, jazz-tinged electro bounce of ‘Hi NRG’ and the modernist, cyborg-pop of ‘Electric Night’. Muffled synth notes prop up the funked-out ‘Standing in Tomorrow’ - a utopian glance at the future sound of pop, whilst the controlled sub-bass throb of ‘Encounters’ references newer strands of dance music, juxtaposed with anachronistic, Kraftwerkian vocodered vocals. Juan’s unwavering understanding of grooving, 4-to-the-floor techno glows on ‘Storm’, with its tapered hi-hats and incessant dynamics whereas the genius amalgamation of a wailing guitar solo and melodic future jazz melodies on ‘Station’ demonstrate the undeniable innovation of a master who is still at the top of his game.