Tough, metallic, tweaked and edgy, Akkord's designs are constructed to dwell in a distinct hinterland. A collaboration between seasoned Manchester producers Joe Bride (aka Synkro) and Liam Blackburn (aka Indigo), Akkord is an album of pristine steely tech, minimal electronic palettes and chilly soundscapes. Though the duo appear more interested in patterns and textures than melodies, there's an elegant and fiercely alien beauty to their structures. The eerie Smoke Circle, the strobe-lit thump of 3dOS, and even such dub techno/glitch rabbit holes
as Conveyor and Hex AD are immense, paranoid, cerebral symphonies full of sharp corners and deep, cavernous bass. Masters at creating sonic unease and exuding brattish attitude, Akkord exhibit a strong and alluring sense of purpose. JIM CARROLL

Download: 3dOS, Hex AD,
Smoke Circle