Machines (Laurent X)

• acid-house
• house
• techno
• Laurent X

There’s a certain magic that envelops you when listening to an old track, especially one that has left its mark on the sands of time. Today, we delve into a piece of history, an EP that has withstood the test of time and still reverberates within the soul of the electronic music community. We’re talking about Laurent X’s “Machines” EP, released in 1988 by Core Music. A seminal release in its own right, “Machines” continues to inspire and delight even as we approach the 35-year mark since its release.

From the eerie undertones of the “Apocalypse Mix” to the pulsating beats of “Drowning In A Sea Of House,” the record embodies the spirit of the late 80s, transporting us to a time when Chicago house music was breaking new ground and reaching for the stars. As we dive deep into the intricacies of the EP, we can’t help but be reminded of the impact Laurent X has had on the electronic music landscape, his distinct sound influencing countless artists and producers over the years.

Machines (Apocalypse Mix)

A masterclass in the art of building anticipation, the “Apocalypse Mix” lures us in with its haunting synth lines and ominous beats. The beauty lies in its simplicity, as the unrelenting rhythm and hypnotic melody draw us deeper and deeper into its world. The track’s raw energy is infectious, speaking to the soul in a way that transcends time and space.

In the realms of rhythm, the track is a testament to Laurent X’s genius. The relentless beat throbs in our hearts, while the intricate hi-hats and snare patterns weave a web of sonic delight. Here lies a producer who understands the power of music to transport and transform.

Whatcha Tryin’ T’ Do T’ Me

The second track on the A-side, “Whatcha Tryin’ T’ Do T’ Me,” is a soulful, funk-infused gem that showcases Laurent X’s mastery of rhythm and groove. The vocals, dripping with attitude and swagger, lend the track a sense of urgency that is undeniably infectious.

The track is a testament to the producer’s uncanny ability to marry the raw energy of house with the sophistication of funk, creating a sound that is at once cutting-edge and timeless. It’s in these moments of fusion that we witness the birth of a sound that would come to define an era.

12 A.M.

“12 A.M.” is a track that breathes life into the night. The haunting melodies and eerie synths create an atmosphere of darkness and mystery, beckoning us to explore the shadows that lurk within. In the depths of the night, we find ourselves lost in the music, our hearts pulsing in time with the beat.

The track’s brilliance lies in its ability to paint a vivid picture of the midnight hour. The eerie atmospherics and hypnotic beats transport us to a world of shadows and secrets, a place where the line between reality and fantasy is blurred.

Drowning In A Sea Of House

The final track on the EP, “Drowning In A Sea Of House,” is a force to be reckoned with. Inspired by DJ Jack and sampling Dickie Goodman’s “Mr. Jaws,” the track is a mesmerizing concoction of hypnotic beats, swirling synths, and infectious samples. As the beat builds and the melody swells, we are swept away in a sea of rhythm and sound, lost in the currents of electronic bliss.

In its structure, the track is a masterclass in the art of layering. The intricate interplay of melody, rhythm, and samples creates a sonic tapestry that is at once complex and captivating. It’s in these moments of ingenuity that we glimpse the essence of Laurent X’s genius, a producer who pushes the boundaries of what is possible within the realm of electronic music.

Influences and Legacy

Laurent X’s “Machines” EP is a time capsule of the late 80s, a testament to the power and innovation of the Chicago house music scene. The record draws inspiration from a diverse array of influences, from the pioneering work of DJ Jack to the clever sampling of Dickie Goodman’s “Mr. Jaws.” In synthesizing these varied influences, Laurent X has crafted a sound that is uniquely his own, a sonic fingerprint that has left an indelible mark on the electronic music landscape.

As we listen to the tracks on this EP, we can’t help but be reminded of the countless artists and producers who have been inspired by Laurent X’s work. From the pulsating beats of the “Apocalypse Mix” to the haunting melodies of “12 A.M.,” the record’s unique elements have been echoed in the music of countless successors, a testament to the enduring legacy of the “Machines” EP.

Personal Interpretation

The theme of the “Machines” EP is one of transformation and exploration. The record is a journey into the heart of the electronic music landscape, a voyage that traverses the boundaries of sound and rhythm. Each track on the release offers a different perspective on the world of electronic music, from the hypnotic beats of “Machines (Apocalypse Mix)” to the soulful groove of “Whatcha Tryin’ T’ Do T’ Me.” Together, these tracks paint a vivid portrait of a genre in flux, a sound that is constantly evolving and redefining itself.

In its essence, the “Machines” EP is a celebration of the power of music to transport and transform. As we listen to the haunting melodies and pulsating rhythms, we are reminded of the limitless potential of the human spirit, our innate ability to create and innovate. It’s in these moments of transcendence that we glimpse the true power of music, a force that transcends time and space, connecting us to one another and to the world around us.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Laurent X’s “Machines” EP is a record that stands the test of time, a testament to the enduring power of electronic music. From its haunting melodies to its pulsating rhythms, the record captures the essence of a genre in flux, a sound that is constantly evolving and redefining itself. As we listen to the tracks on this release, we are reminded of the countless artists and producers who have been inspired by Laurent X’s work, a legacy that continues to shape and define the electronic music landscape.

In the anaphora of rhythm, we find ourselves lost in the music, our hearts pulsing in time with the beat. In the anaphora of melody, we glimpse the limitless potential of the human spirit, our innate ability to create and innovate. As we celebrate the 35-year anniversary of the “Machines” EP, we are reminded of the power of music to transport and transform, a force that transcends time and space, connecting us to one another and to the world around us.