THE OTHER PEOPLE PLACELifestyles of the Laptop Cafe Record label: Warp (UK) Format: 2xLP/CD Release date: 25 September 2001 There seems to be some speculation as to who is behind this project. One name keeps popping up over and over again: "Mad" Mike Banks, member of the defiantly underground techno crew Underground Resistence. As with anything that UR does, Other People Place has a sense of mystery to it, but all you really need to know is that this album has a classic Detroit techno feel that works both for the listening room and the dance floor. "It's Your Love" is catchy without being corny, a relaxed and warm cut that's given room to breathe and stretch out. The same could be said for the entire album, actually. "Let Me Be Me" is the definite highlight, containing airy sections with bass lines that crouch close to the ground and a simple repeated phrase: "let me be what i wanna be." With Other People Place, "Mad" Mike has created an album that's neither relentless or forceful - no endless attack of acid squelches - but instead works under the philosophy that "less is more." It's not sparse enough to be minimal, but meaty enough to contain substance. This is one of those releases that proves why Detroit techno must be recognized as an integral part of future soul. Highly recommended. {cali ginseng}
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