Darkhaus, Volume 2

Released in 2013 on Dust Science Recordings, Darkhaus, Volume 2 is the second installment in a series where The Black Dog explored a more functional, aggressive techno sound. While the group (Ken Downie, Martin Dust, and Richard Dust) is historically linked to the melodic 'Artificial Intelligence' era of Warp Records, this EP sees them leaning heavily into industrial influences. The inclusion of a remix by Regis (Karl O'Connor), a pioneer of the 'Birmingham Sound,' signals the EP's intent: this is music designed for dark, cavernous spaces rather than home listening. The tracks 'Cracked' and 'Broken Mind' utilize heavy compression and distorted textures to create a sense of mechanical decay. Critics, including those at AllMusic, noted the project's shift toward a more menacing and club-focused aesthetic compared to their full-length albums like 'Music for Real Airports.' It stands as a testament to the group's versatility and their ability to translate their signature urban melancholy into a much more confrontational sonic language.