Marc Houle - No One Knows (2020)

Marc Houle kicks off the new decade with the release of his latest album 'No One Knows' on his home label Items & Things. Nine tracks, revisiting his Detroit Techno roots, highlighting the ar-tists' distinct sound of heavy beats and strong melodies. The title track is dark pumping energy featuring a deep vocal ambience with an equally melancholic message. The accompanying bass-line emits a brooding vibe while an emerging acid line keeps it deep in the party realm. From there, the action continues with minor synth chords and a hollow arp synth on 'Mock Me'. It's a solid repetitive groove that bounces back and forth between analog synths, snare rolls and a poignant vocal line. 'Scalery' takes the synth theme a step further and harder with a haunting vocoder and a chorused Juno bassline to deliver the most frantic steam on the record yet. The track 'Glit for Pink' gives the album a chance to breathe with an acid line basking in reverb while machinery decorates the background.