The third in the series of
Plastikman albums produced by
Richie Hawtin,
Consumed is a turn away from the high-bpm, drum-machine mania that characterized much of his its two predecessors,
Sheet One (1993) and
Musik (1994). The acid techno motifs remain in place, and
Consumed is structurally similar to
Musik: it commences and concludes with standout epic tracks while its mid-section tends to be experimental in nature, filled with shorter Ping-Pong-ing tracks that aim to disorient. However, this is an ambient techno album, make no mistake, driven largely by deep, rumbling basslines and accentuated with shimmering synth washes and almost subliminal microsound ticks -- and not only is it ambient, but it's dark and mysterious in tone. Moreover,
Consumed plays like a continuous album rather than a collection of tracks; individual tracks stand out only when memorable moments arise, the opening build of the title track, for instance. It's easy to be drawn in by
Consumed, which makes the title all too fitting, for the ambient mood and dark tone are inviting while the mammoth basslines and synth washes are enveloping. All of this makes
Consumed Hawtin's most listenable album to date. His previous
Plastikman albums are remarkable achievements, for sure, and are filled with plenty of astounding tracks; likewise, his
Concept album has its own share of highlights. But none of those albums is as thoroughly excellent as this one, even if it's fully removed from the dancefloor, best enjoyed at home rather than in a danceclub context.