Perhaps the most unlikely, yet fascinating fusion of sound has just occurred between two incredibly talented, yet completely different artists, Dynamik Bass System and Aux 88. Coming together as "Heliopause", the two groups create here a classic, yet futuristic rendition of Detroit Techno Bass; with a little West Coast flavor.

Available as a limited colored vinyl edition, as well as digital, this new record not only continues to help bring back a sound that had been missing from the Electro sub-genres for some time, but also accelerates forward, in some ways erasing the boundaries between Electro Funk and Techno Bass, and acknowledging how both styles continue to influence each other.

The record starts off with "Departure", a glitchy sci-fi atmospheric, with a computerized female voice, alerting you as you begin to prepare for take-off. As you begin to leave the orbits of Heliopause, "Destination Planet Earth" is your mission, and there is no turning back. Featuring Tommy Hamilton on vocals, this fast paced jam is a wild ride through space with a mischievous bassline, luminous and intriguing synths, and tough Techno Bass beats. Tommy Hamilton's voice as usual, resonates through the suddle use of vovoders, adding a final touch to this magnificent hit.

Next up is "Forward", featuring Keith Tucker on vocals. This song reminds you of some of the material on Metroplex and Direct Beat, leaving it's essence almost untouched. Classic 808 beats, jazzy strings, futuristic and intriguing basslines lay the way; as K-1 begins to sample vocal bits from "Global Surveyor", a track between Gab.Gato and Keith Tucker, which was released on Dominance Electricity's Global Surveyor 3 compilation, and was remixed by Dynamik Bass System.

"Subtransmission", the last song on this E.P., also brings back elements from "Global Surveyor". This time focusing on the musical parts, rather than vocal, this rework includes the original drums, as well as some of the pads and arrangements; but brings in a dark and playful bassline that was not part of the original remix, as well as gleaming melodic stabs that add that timeless Detroit sound to it. Once again featuring Keith Tucker, the song also brings in signature DBS vocoders, which are a must have in any release that includes this artist. This "remix of a remix" is a great addition to this fantastic record, and concludes transmission as you arrive at your destination: Planet Earth!

This teaming up of two completely unique worlds is very exciting and inspiring, and only leaves us wondering what will come next, how many more unlikely match-ups can we expect to see? If you haven't gotten this record yet, you can buy it on vinyl here, and digital by going here!

• Robot Machine Records' website
• Aux 88's Technobass.net profile
• Dynamik Bass System's Technobass.net profile

Written by: Santino Fernandez