Ben Sims - Theory Of Completion Volume Three FLAC

The first in the series of three of fare-well Theory releases, and what a stomper it is. Things kick off in a reckless manner as the might Tony Child takes Neurosis and drives it over the edge with turbulent drones, planet rattling beats, jab jacking side edits and steam train bass line eruptions carving out pumping big room techno ammo of the highest order. If you got impressed by this year's cavernous Fixed Action Pattern the Surgeon dropped for the Token imprint, this ought to be to your liking as well. This is Surgeon at his most dance floor gratifying and confident edition right here. Not as experimental as his last album, not as screeching and monoenthusiastic as some of his highly venerated early stuff, just cradle rocking techno music. Stellar stuff.

The Terrors, while nice, doesn't really speak to me. First of all, little else will speak to you after the immense Surgeon remix. Secondly, it never really amounts to anything, as it's too damn brief. Sure, you can't do much more in a mere three minute time span, but I could of have rather done it with a more elaborate Sims tool as A2... This, while nice, condensed and properly executed techno, is just slightly uninspired when compared to any of the three gargantuan tracks it is surrounded by.

Now, as for Ben Sims, a few notable exceptions aside, I was starting to have my doubts after the highly successful string of three 12"-ers celebrating the label's 40th release, however, The Fear clears all my concerns with the initial beat drop. If the A side has Surgeon at his best, then B1 here has Mr. Sims having a shot at the title of his own. Fierce loop, stubborn percussion and a towering break.... Menace, prudence, rawness and storming drive. A fantastic slab of chunky 'n' funky UK techno that brings back the finest traits of the Sims aesthetic! Sure, this is primarily a tool, but it has that extra juice to make it stand out from the crowd, being such a delicious tough groover, thoroughly effective. Ben Sims has recorded heaps and heaps of material very much aimed at the DJ, yet this one stands as effortlessly on its own as it'll do those woofers plenty damage when dropped in a set. Pounders a plenty, these two, I tell ya!

Dream State, another favorite here is, you guessed it, more on the dreamy side. Be not mistaken though, not some celestial spread your wings and fly away ten minute journey, it is the sound plethora used here that is more moderate in nature when compared to the previous cuts. Rest assured, Ben's hi-hat action is on the up and up, and the unobtrusive filter sweeps during the breaks are well timed, as they relieve the tension rather than anticipating climax driven passages. The tiny crystaline bit effects are a treat on their own, and this is a wonderful way to end what is otherwise an intense, high octane piece of wax.

Get this. If the intention was to put the label's operations to a full stop with a bang, then the goal has been achieved, at least on the third volume of the series. Two incredibly muscular tools for the peak hours, one equally deadly track maybe more suitable for the later part of the night and a nice little techy work out that I fear will get (justifiably) overshadowed by the sheer explosiveness of its counterparts.
Theory, while it wasn't all always peaches and cream, when the releases that come out of your stable are this good, then I can honestly say it: you will be missed.