A timeless journey through ambient techno

The Black Dog – Silenced (Dust Science)

In the ever-evolving landscape of electronic music, few acts have left as indelible a mark as The Black Dog. Formed in 1991 amidst the vibrant sound city of Sheffield, UK, after luminaries like Cabaret Voltaire, The Human League, Heaven 17, ABC and Clock DVA, the trio quickly rose to prominence at the forefront of the techno and bleep sound movement.

Synonymous with second gen Warp acts like Aphex Twin, Autechre and B12, their legendary ambient techno albums, including A Temple Of Transparent Balls (1993) and Spanners (1994), solidified their status as pioneers in the genre. However, the departure of Ed Handley and Andy Turner in 1995to continue their side project, Plaid marked a turning point for the group. Ken Downie, the sole remaining member, continued to steer The Black Dog through various line-ups, navigating the shifting tides of electronic music.

As the popularity of chill out and ambient techno waned towards the late 90s, the band explored experimental projects but largely remained absent from the scene. It wasn’t until their collaboration with Martin Dust and Richard Dust from Dust Science Recordings that The Black Dog resurfaced with renewed vigour. Silenced, released in 2005, marked a triumphant return for the act. From the opening track, ‘Trojan Horus (Part 1),’ listeners are enveloped in a mesmerizing soundscape that feels like a transmission from another dimension.

Urban beats intertwine with celestial sounds, setting the stage for a journey through the depths of electronic exploration. Tracks like ‘Lam Vril’ and ‘Truth Benders D.I.E’ showcase the trio’s mastery of IDM, blending melancholic melodies with otherworldly soundscapes. ‘Drexian City R.I.D. E’ and ‘Remote Viewing’ delve into dystopian themes, creating a sonic landscape that is both haunting and captivating. Interludes like ‘Machine Machina’ and ‘Songs for the People,’ which add depth to the narrative and further push the boundaries of ambient music punctuated the album. ‘Sudden Intake’ stands out as one of the most emotionally stirring pieces on the album, evoking a sense of profound introspection. As the album draws to a close with ‘4 3s 555 (Part 1)’ and ‘4 3s 555 (Part 2),’ listeners are treated to a triumphant ambient finale that leaves them in a sense of awe.

With its lush melodies, hypnotic rhythms, and ethereal atmosphere, Silenced remains a masterpiece of ambient techno, standing alongside some of the band’s finest work. it’s more than just an album; it’s a sonic journey that transcends time and space. As The Black Dog’s mythic status is reaffirmed with this re-release, it serves as a reminder of their unparalleled ability to transport, surprise, and entrance.

Besides the reissue of the acclaimed Silenced album, fans of The Black Dog will no doubt know that the band’s earlier works, Bytes and Spanners, have also been reintroduced to the public in the past year. These albums, originally released in 1993 and 1994 respectively, played pivotal roles in shaping the landscape of ambient techno. For those already conversant in these classics, or in search of something a little deeper – at least in terms of profile if not musical depth – the addition of Silenced to their collection will contribute a full comprehension of their early period going right up to the start of their most recent 20 year run of top-notch material.

For this special occasion, Silenced has been remastered and released on CD and limited quantities of vinyl for the first time, offering a new generation of listeners the opportunity to experience its timeless brilliance. The remastering of the album has breathed new life into the music, making it more vibrant and immersive than ever before. With enhanced depth and stronger, lower frequencies, each track now offers a richer listening experience. With this new package, Silenced solidifies its place as a lesser known but future timeless classic in the annals of electronic music history.

Tim Humphrey

Buy Silenced on CD now or pre-order on vinyl, expected on April 12