Face To Face is the underground techno stable from Berlin-based Manmade Mastering engineer, Tim Xavier.
Combining with Donnell Knox aka D-Knox, this collection of recordings was conceived organically, taking shape over the course of a year through spontaneous experimentation with hardware, sequencing, and sound design.
What began as informal exploration, gradually evolved into a transnational exchange, with ideas and sequences moving fluidly between Berlin and Warsaw. The intention behind the project was to gently push beyond conventional boundaries while maintaining a sense of cohesion.
Best known as a mastering and cutting engineer at Manmade Mastering in Berlin, Xavier spends his days immersed in the detailed world of other artists’ music and compositions, as well as harnessing a rich production history spanning decades.
D-Knox is originally from Kalamazoo, Michigan, and is the Sonic Mind Records owner, that has a catalogue reaching back to 1995. He also includes appearances on Jay Denham’s Black Nation, EPM Music, Repetitive Rhythm Research, and Magic Trax.
Tim explained about the EP, “Each track on ‘Soul Kraft’ was developed to function both as a playable piece and as a listening experience, offering depth, texture, and musicality for a more engaged audience. Rather than approaching the release as a collection of isolated tracks, the focus was placed on crafting a unified artistic statement with clear direction and substance.”
He continued, “In a landscape where many EPs are produced and quickly rinsed into the nirvana of techno-dom, this work seeks to balance immediacy with longevity. Ultimately, the process embraces the uncertainty inherent in music-making. There is a point at which one must simply commit, release, and allow the project to speak for itself.”
Opening with “Soul Kraft Intro” and it’s engaging prowess, the slinking chords slide through the airwaves with a wonderful grace, and limited percussion elements provide a dreamy ride.
Launching in to a twisted groove, “Stream of Consciousness” has raw rhythm and stabbing, delayed elements before abstract tones and a droning whistle takeover creating a disjointed and experimental affair.
“Off into the Abyss” drives down to a heady trip. Using a bubbling bassline and steady hats to keep things flowing, the ear-catching, morphing effects and gritty textures create an unusual stripped-back style.
Opting for a sound switch-up, “Tomorrow Is a Rainy Day” features a broken beat bursting in swagger. Muted synth stabs add a contrasting depth, delivering a solid, funked-out jam with just enough experimentation.
“3choes of 3ther” has a cyclical, grinding, modular hook at its core, and expertly blends in a breakbeat sample for a tasteful, hypnotic cut full of flavour.
Finishing off with “Dead Stare Grinder,” its stuttering style and dirty synths lash out in a bizarre but controlled pattern, making a punchy techno track with electro characteristics.
Grab it here!