I Robot/Less Than Human

VINYL FORMAT. After three seminal electro-dance singles, we see yet another angle of Juan MacLean on this latest release, titled perhaps a humble nod to our Teutonic electronic godfathers. "I Robot" takes a subby acid-tinged Trans-European trip down the Autobahn (or maybe some crappy Midwestern freeway). Frantic synth lines weave from lane to lane, and analog bleeps remind that the Polizia aren't far behind. As the song reaches its midpoint, the drums slow, a choral sample rises, and utter paranoia blindsides us. Tough and gentle at the same time, it is techno that can be played in the club, in the car or in the bedroom. "Less Than Human" should calm you somewhat. It is many years later and Richard D. James sits in the passenger seat, the English countryside speeds past the Ecstasy-fueled Mini. Juan remembers when techno was analog and innocent and not made on a Powerbook with patches-- barely.