Record Review

Alter Ego – Slaughterhouse

Artist Alter Ego
Label Klang Elektronik
Catalog # KLANG 44
Year 2000
Format Vinyl - 12"
Electronic Dub Techno Minimal Ambient

# Alter Ego – Slaughterhouse

Alter Ego's 2000 release on Klang Elektronik represents a significant moment in minimal electronic music, showcasing the project's sophisticated approach to experimental production. Released as a 12-inch vinyl, Slaughterhouse captures the artistic vision of a producer working at the intersection of dub, techno, and ambient soundscapes during a pivotal period in electronic music.

The album spans four tracks that demonstrate remarkable textural diversity. "Smithereens" opens with intricate layering, while "Burning The Bristles" builds tension through minimalist arrangements. The title track, "Slaughterhouse," serves as the EP's centerpiece, delivering a more substantial techno-oriented experience that justifies the record's bold naming. The B-side closes with "Mensa (Dub)," a remix version that strips elements back to their essential components, emphasizing the dub aesthetic that threads throughout the release.

What distinguishes Slaughterhouse is its balance between restraint and sonic detail. Rather than overwhelming listeners with dense production, Alter Ego employs negative space effectively, allowing individual elements to resonate. This approach situates the record within the minimal and ambient movements while maintaining techno's rhythmic foundation, making it essential listening for collectors interested in intelligent electronic music from the turn of the millennium.

Tracklist

Side A
  1. 1 Smithereens
  2. 2 Burning The Bristles
Side B
  1. 1 Slaughterhouse
  2. 2 Mensa (Dub)