Techno is an ever-evolving genre. Changing tastes and technological advances mean that the music is in a perpetual state of innovation and reimagination. While trends may fall back into fashion, the prevailing sounds change rapidly and older tracks can become dated quickly.
There are, however, a number of records that stand the test of time, and few can boast to have been behind as many as Luke Slater. A multi-faceted artist, he has an extensive and lauded back catalogue with a host of pseudonyms. However, it is his Planetary Assault Systems moniker for which he is most widely recognised, and it’s been under this name that he has produced some of the most seminal techno records of the past two decades.
The first instalment of the acclaimed ‘Planetary Funk’ series was released on Peacefrog back in 1993, and now, 22 years later, Slater is bringing back the series as ‘Planetary Funk 22 Light Years’ on his own imprint Mote Evolver. A number of releases are planned, and each will feature a selection of the original tracks paired with modern edits and remixes.
Alongside the release schedule, Slater is also on tour with a string of dates across Europe. Kicking off last week in Concrete, Paris, the tour will see him visiting clubs throughout the continent and he’ll be bringing along several of the artists featured on the series.
July 16th is a date for the diary; Slater, Steve Bicknell and Function will play their first performance together as ‘L.S.D’, in none other than Berlin’s Berghain.
The first two instalments of ‘Planetary Funk 22 Light Years’ are already in stores. Be sure to check them out, and watch this space for a review of both releases later in the week.