Consumed in Key

Richie Hawtins third album as Plastikman was a major departure from the manic, percussion-heavy acid techno hed been associated with since the early 90s. Plunging fathoms deep into unknown waters, Consumed approximated the sensation of being trapped in a submarine at the bottom of the ocean, echoing the nautical dub techno of Porter Ricks Biokinetics but tapping into a much bleaker, more isolated frame of mind. It remains a singular entry in Hawtins catalog, and is easily his greatest work. Chilly Gonzales heard Consumed for the first time following its 20th anniversary, and decided to write piano counterpoints for the album. The result essentially sounds like the same sub returning to the exact same coordinates, but this time with a grand piano stashed inside. Gonzales adds his piano accompaniment to Consumed in its more-or-less original form, with the exclusion of one brief experimental piece. He locates some space to dwell within the swirling, murky throb of "Contain," gently tickling the ivories and sometimes being swept in reverse. "Consume" has a more aggressive groove, coming close to the schaffel sound that Kompakt would popularize during the early 2000s, and the pianist finds an easy, natural way to add some rolling accompaniment. He wisely stays submerged under the pressurized thump of "Cor Ten," and teases some extra cinematic tension out of the Gas-like "Converge." ~ Paul Simpson