One

During a time when many DJs and producers aim for aggressively minimal compositions, Berlin-based artist Ben Klock seemingly flips the equation, submitting a debut album that skates along under subtly violent, gray skies. Rumbling bass kicks, distressed divas, and short, snapping arpeggios characterize an album that sounds constantly under threat, usually from within. A resident DJ at Berlin's famed Berghain club, Klock has been dropping singles and remixes-- many of them on BPitch Control and the Berghain-affiliated Ostgut Ton-- since the turn of the century. One follows January's aptly titled Before One EP, a stamp of four metallic cuts that ramped up anticipation for the full-length and ensured that Ostgut Ton would remain relevant after last year's overlooked (here we sit, red-faced) Shed album and the continuation of their excellent Berghain mix series (Berghain 03, coming later this year, will be mixed by Len Faki).