Record Review

Kenny Larkin – Dark Comedy Pt 2

Artist Kenny Larkin
Label Rush Hour (4)
Catalog # RH104-12e
Year 2006
Format Vinyl - 12"
Electronic Techno

# Kenny Larkin – Dark Comedy Pt 2

Kenny Larkin has long been a cornerstone of Detroit's electronic music scene, bringing sophisticated production techniques and soulful sensibilities to techno. By 2006, when Dark Comedy Pt 2 was released on the Amsterdam-based Rush Hour label, Larkin had already established himself as a forward-thinking producer capable of blending technical precision with emotional depth. This EP represents a continuation of his explorations into more experimental and introspective territory.

Dark Comedy Pt 2 arrives as a follow-up to the original Dark Comedy project, finding Larkin working within a more intimate electronic framework. The release demonstrates his ability to craft compelling narratives through instrumental techno without sacrificing the dancefloor functionality the genre demands. Released as a 12-inch vinyl, the record captures the artist in a reflective mood, exploring darker atmospheres and complex arrangements.

The EP opens with Paranoid, an eight-minute journey that immediately establishes the album's introspective tone with layered synths and precise drum programming. The B-side shifts perspective with The Bar, a more measured and groove-oriented piece that recalls Detroit's deep house traditions despite its techno classification. Eclectic rounds out the release, living up to its title with a more abstract approach to electronic production, featuring textural elements and unconventional rhythm patterns that showcase Larkin's innovative spirit. Together, these three tracks create a cohesive statement that rewards both careful listening and club play, cementing Larkin's position as an artist unafraid to challenge genre conventions while maintaining artistic integrity.

Tracklist

Tracks
  1. A. Paranoid (8:03)
Side B
  1. 1 The Bar (4:31)
  2. 2 Eclectic (5:14)