Today Is the Tomorrow You Were Promised Yesterday

After nearly two years of promises, rumors, and several record labels, Detroit techno stalwart Stacey Pullen finally released his first proper studio album. Those who know Pullen from his dynamic DJ sets or his high-pressure dancefloor releases under the names Black Flag, Kosmic Messenger, or Silent Phase could have expected this album to throb with dancefloor workouts. Instead, Pullen presented a collection of gridwork electronics infused with an ample helping of '70s funk. Tracks like "Powershot" layer Herbie Hancock-esque synth flourished with raw analog sweeps, while "Tiznit" moves with a wah bass that would make Bootsy Collins jealous. While Pullen doesn't exactly add much to techno's sound arsenal, this record stands out for its total disregard for the austere recording qualifications of most Detroit artists. The composition may be intricate, but the recording is brazen in its tone and somewhat harsh in its execution. Today Is the Tomorrow You Were Promised Yesterday falls into an interesting place halfway between headphone-listening and the dancefloor. At times, this lack of compartmentalization can make listening uncomfortable, but for those who seek challenge over complacency, it's definitely a work worth investigating. ~ Joshua Glazer