Minimal techno pioneer Robert Hood is to re-release the album that set out his vision for the genre back in 1994 – Minimal Nation.
The seminal 8-track album was revolutionary for its time, stripping the genre down to its very basics to achieve a greater, more succinct impact – with every track on the double vinyl EP ending in a locked groove, potentially keeping these barren loops playing for eternity.
The CD and digital release comes with 2 new tracks – the unreleased SH-101, made during the same sessions, and the rare Self-Powered, which was previously just a test pressing on Axis.
Speaking about his state-of-mind when he left the Underground Resistance collective and recorded Minimal Nation, Hood recalled: "Around 1992, I was fooling around with the Juno 2 keyboard and I came across this chord sound; once I had that chord sound and a particular pattern I realised I didn’t need anything else. In order to maximise the feeling of the music, sometimes we have to subtract.
“Minimal Nation is not just a collection of rhythm tracks, but a supernatural work of art realised. I felt a strong sense of urgency to create a body of work that identified with what was placed on my heart, as opposed to what was on my mind. Regardless of its diminutive nature, one should never underestimate the neural potency of minimalism.”
A Minimal Nation mix CD will also be released with tracks from the album, and selections from his releases Nighttime World Vol 2, Movable Parts Vol 2, Internal Empire and Hood Music Vol 3 – serving as a greatest hits package of sorts.
The re-issue is out on June 15th on his M Plant label, and there will be a launch party during Sonar in Barcelona on June 18th.
Click here to read our in-depth interview with him if you missed it first time round.
Tracklist:
1. One Touch
2. Museum
3. SH-101 (unreleased)
4. Rhythm of Vision
5. Unix
6. Ride
7. Station Rider E
8. Self-Powered
9. Sleep Cycle
10. Rhythm of Vision (original)