Moritz Von Oswald and
Mark Ernestus will most likely be commemorated for their work as
Basic Channel when the day comes to reflect on their astonishing and innovative careers as producers. But their releases as
Round One to Round Five on Main Street deserve similar recognition. One can argue that their work as
Basic Channel broke new ground for techno and that the music compiled on this album merely traces the relationship between house and dub. There is no denying this argument, but one must also recognize how perfect they make the connections between two mediums with little to no previous relation: when house began in Chicago, it was a direct evolution of disco, a distant if unrelated relative of dub. Yet Von Oswald and Ernestus are convincing in their claim, no matter how unsubstantiated it may be. Beginning with the uplifting gay vibes of
Andy Caine on "I'm Your Brother" and concluding with the spliff-like haze of "Na Fe Throw It," this CD captures each of their recordings -- including their ultra-warped Quadrant Dub II remix -- as house erodes into dub, with "Acting Crazy" being the key turning point. If you can't respect this duo for their attempt to marry the two conflicting styles, then just listen to the music, and that in itself is enough to champion this duo. ~ Jason Birchmeier