Cast your minds back. It was Summer 2004, minimal wasn’t the word on everyone’s lips (yet) and a relatively unknown man by the name of John Tejada would drop two bombs on separate labels that would for ever leave a mark on the techno world. Sweat on the Walls and Mono On Mono, released on the luminary Pokerflat and his own label Palette Recordings respectively. Combined, they would go on to sell over 23,000 copies on vinyl, no mean feat these days. After a string of 12” releases, remixes and full length releases Tejada is back with his next offering Where.

Tejada seems to mix up tech beats and a minimalist vibe that flows throughout the album, offbeat samples and loose threads tie in nicely, as seen in opening track Feel It. The more upbeat and funkier Moogbits shows Tejada’s skill at layering, multiple melodies and rhythms seem to be running through this track however through excellent production it doesn’t ever seem messy and instead flows smoothly. On a more electronic tip is the happy groove of Turning Point, screaming out for a rougher edge a remix of this could turn it into a dance floor killer.

The only track to feature any real vocals is Desire, a collaboration with LA based vocalist Nicolette. Notorious for her early 90s hit No Government, Nicolette’s unique voice works well with Tejada’s stripped back production work. In this piece Tejada jacks up the beats a notch, juxtaposing long, washed out breakdowns with pumping beats and a squelchy bass line. Very nice. Unless you are into the minimal/tech side of things some of the tracks on here may seem a little grating. Pivot isn’t the easiest track to listen to with its key clashes and high pitched squeaks, but the production definitely isn’t lacking. The highlight of the album is La Mer, and acid tinged groover in which Tejada really shines.

Understated beats are Tejada’s specialty, and he goes to prove that you don’t need a heavily filtered guitar line and screechy 80s vocals to rock a dancefloor and this album should be a pre-requisite for any ‘electro’ lovers ears.

In a word: Subliminimal.