From his very first release, Johannes Volk’s strict yet creative adherence to the Detroit tradition has garnered him a position among the greats. Renowned these days as a producer with a seemingly-unending ability to produce classic-leaning futuristic techno, Volk has built a serious discography over the past 11 years. This body of work includes the founding of his own ultra-conceptual label, Exploration, as well as releases on Tief Music, Construct Re-form and Dolly. For his first Token offering, Volk goes above and beyond with the 4-track EP Designing Evolution. 

The title track rushes in with meandering, staccato synth-work while the gradually opening hihat and subsequent ride advance frenetically overhead. The strings are spacey, leading to a cinematic break with full-on regal fanfare. Escapism is sparse and roomy. With more melodic wandering, grand swells accompany a pleasant, digressive bell, forced ahead with functional percussion. Cosmic Clockwork’s subdued lead takes us straight to 1995 Detroit and expands as the track shuffles onto full power. Sleeping On A Razor Blade is a bouncy, unconventional contribution with an off-kilter kick pattern and jazzy accents.