- Zero Hour is something of a landmark for the recent not-quite-dance renaissance, bringing together two generations of techno saboteurs. Chicagoan veteran Hieroglyphic Being and 100% Silk-affiliated upstart Ital first collaborated on a live performance at last year's Unsound festival; here they unite under the suitably cosmic moniker Interplanetary Prophets.
"Burning Chrome," a 13-minute astral dub techno number, dominates the EP, but is actually the least interesting thing here. Which isn't to say there isn't merit in its improvisatory dynamics, finicky clouds of psychedelic texturing and occasional descents into live-jam chaos; it's certainly proof that the duo's aesthetics can be blended into a convincing whole. But its measured, almost cautious tone is a tad disappointing—we might reasonably have hoped for something approaching the brash intensity that both artists have explored in their solo work.
The title track displays Moss's fingerprints more clearly—the parched synths could be lifted from his toolbox, and the sinister monologue he delivers is clearly inspired by his love for NYC post-punk. "Running Out Of Time" is an unsettling drone piece, all pinprick hi-end and gut-quaking sub. Both artists favour quantity-over-quality in their solo output, and Zero Hour feels similarly rattled-off. Fortunately, as usual, there are enough flashes of brilliance to justify the endeavour.
Tracklist A Burning Chrome
B1 Zero Hour
B2 Running Out Of Time