Detroit mastermind Huey Mnemonic returns with Virtuosity, an animated two-tracker of techno brilliance. The Follow up to his self-titled EP on Vanity Press last year, he continues to tap into Detroit’s rich lineage of dance music, once again exploring sci-fi themes through the lens of Black liberation. This fifth release also marks the debut of Subsonic Ebonics, his new label and outlet for future projects to come.
An avid visual artist and graphic designer, the EP was born out of an A/V idea Huey had about a program called Virtuosity. Using it, one would be transported into a digital mainframe to experience the possibility of immortality and eternal euphoria. The installation would include analog synthesis, digital media, and 3D renderings touching on digital consciousness and identity, to provide the viewer with a simulation of the program’s features.
The music on this release serves as the soundtrack to his planned installation, employing elastic arpeggios and euphoric repetitions designed to make one leave their body. The title track is a bouncy, uptempo spasm, much in-line with the sound of Detroit’s later metamorphosis. The 2nd track Hermitsio, a word Huey made up to describe a sort of virtual hermit, is a rhythmic ride of throbbing chords and introspective synthesis. As a bonus, also included is a hacked up pounding remix from MoMA Ready, one of NYC’s most powerful voices in modern club music. Virtuosity is another luminous chapter in Huey Mnemonic’s journey through sound, a vision of Detroit techno’s future legacy.
Words by David Barnes (Dave Quam)
credits
released June 5, 2020
Virtuosity EP (EBON001)
Artwork by Darryl Bunch (Heavee, of Teklife)
Track 1 –
Written by Huey Mnemonic
Mixed by Austin Ruhstorfer (River City Studios)
Mastered by Brandon Terral (Escaflowne)
Track 2 –
Written by Huey Mnemonic
Mixed by Austin Ruhstorfer (River City Studios)
Mastered by Brandon Terral (Escaflowne)
Track 3 –
Remix by MoMA Ready
Mixed by MoMA Ready
Mastered by Brandon Terral (Escaflowne)
A stunning journey through Detroit's Black musical traditions from one of the city's longtime beat music stalwarts. Bandcamp Album of the Day Nov 16, 2022
Marc Mac, of 4Hero, uses vintage gear to conjure up irresistible, futuristic, jazz n'boogie flavored electronic music. Bandcamp New & Notable May 3, 2013
supported by 153 fans who also own “Virtuosity EP (w/ MoMA Ready Remix) [EBON001]”
All the tracks are great but Stepper is the standout for me! pounding syncopated kicks, rolling handdrums and playful sample work, dancefloor destroyer. Jack G.