In recent years, the Spanish producer’s name has become synonymous with exquisitely produced, hyper-functional Techno variants. Releases via Pole Group and Planet Rhythm as well as the artist’s own Mental Disorder outlet have seen Juan Rico develop a distinctive sound that places elements of Noise & Ambient within a contemporary Techno framework - harnessing a dense, abrasive energy without compromising groove. Layers of ethereal pads, filtered noise and feedback FX are compounded into a tight, mono space, pushing back on powerful, propulsive low end - making for a decidedly heady listening experience.
On La Mala Educación, Reeko continues in this vein - though the work leans more towards the noisier, more industrial end of previous output. Across six tracks, the Spanish producer showcases a bipartite approach to form, as punishing dance-floor cuts Desfile Funebre de Rosas and Habitación 877 coalesce with more experimental, atmospheric recordings. Engendrado features a single warping sequence, pitching and bending over the course of it’s four minute run time, while opener Carne y Demonio begins life as a shimmering, wide angle Ambient piece - before sinking deep into high-energy abstraction with a single feedback-heavy polyrhythm driving the work along its course.
The finish on the material is harsh, and sounds meld together with considerable drama - but Reeko’s real skill lies in the binding elements, the steely drones and machine hiss that hold the music together with considerable poise. Whilst La Mala Educación explores disparate expressions within the genre - the same mediative pulse runs throughout the EP, and this sense of cohesion combined with the admirable technical skill on display paints a picture of a producer in full control of his art.
credits
released November 27, 2017
Written and Produced by Juan Rico
Mastered by Neel at EnissLab Mastering, Rome
supported by 36 fans who also own “La mala educación”
Twisted, corkscrew techno with hallucinatory production, freaky synthwork, and grooves that lock like a k-hole. The title track is worth the price of admission. PannionSeer
supported by 28 fans who also own “La mala educación”
Interesting use of texture and rhythm... even if techno isn't your thing, it is worth listening for a few production tips alone. These folks are new to me, shall have to dig into their other stuff! Paul
Two North Carolina projects collaborate on a unique approach to music-making that combines folk, field recording, and one very dark tunnel. Bandcamp New & Notable Nov 12, 2024
supported by 28 fans who also own “La mala educación”
Textured techno music. It has a very nice experimental sound to it, while remaining very accessible. I guess the best way to know if you will like it is to listen to it :-) Thibaut Devigne