zhao...
The most obvious point for me is that to so strictly associate these sets of emotions / characteristics with genres as expansive as dubstep and techno is a mistake, and an unfair one given the ferocity with which you're dismissing an artist's work (and essentially attacking his personality), without even listening to the record! Haha although I haven't listened to it yet so I'm doing something similarly ill-informed!
With regard to the dominant forms within those genres (techy, juddering halfstep and dark, clicky minimal), I would agree with you, mostly. I also increasingly feel that the means of production most dominant in these genres (sealed, digital production studios) tend towards the sense of soulessness.
But I would say that there are still substantial pockets within both of these genres which completely avoid the traps which you identify (I really felt you on the paragraph on embodiment of alienation). And for me, personally (although I would steer well clear of imposing my own values onto anyone else), it is this music which most greatly connects with me; that which incorporates humanity, emotion and hope, within a futurist outlook. And Pinch at his best, with the likes of Whirl, hits that spot for me very precisely.
The most obvious point for me is that to so strictly associate these sets of emotions / characteristics with genres as expansive as dubstep and techno is a mistake, and an unfair one given the ferocity with which you're dismissing an artist's work (and essentially attacking his personality), without even listening to the record! Haha although I haven't listened to it yet so I'm doing something similarly ill-informed!
With regard to the dominant forms within those genres (techy, juddering halfstep and dark, clicky minimal), I would agree with you, mostly. I also increasingly feel that the means of production most dominant in these genres (sealed, digital production studios) tend towards the sense of soulessness.
But I would say that there are still substantial pockets within both of these genres which completely avoid the traps which you identify (I really felt you on the paragraph on embodiment of alienation). And for me, personally (although I would steer well clear of imposing my own values onto anyone else), it is this music which most greatly connects with me; that which incorporates humanity, emotion and hope, within a futurist outlook. And Pinch at his best, with the likes of Whirl, hits that spot for me very precisely.
