Dakota Bones Here Come the Lions

I've heard buzz lately that techno is experiencing some sort of revival. With all the new artists turning up lately, it does seem techno is on the up and up. I can't speak for the rest of the world, but I do know that here in Detroit, techno never left -- most of us just stopped paying attention. So let's dial in.

Currently expanding my understanding of music is a crew of beatmakers doing it a little more D.I.Y than the rest. These dudes are the builders and the tinkers; making electronic music as much for the sound as for the physical pleasure of building their instruments. You may never know how much they geek out to weird gadgets and strange sonics, you might not even be able to see them past their wall of synthesizers or gear littered tables. It's a mysterious world these guys dwell in, and I can't help but find it intriguing.

Along with Kyle Hall, we have a whole slew of emerging artists rockin the weird beat (Lord Scrummage), the jazzy synths (Slufter), live-mixing and holding up the fort for techno-inspired electronic wizardry.

Joining the ranks is Dakota Bones, aka Ben Christensen. Hardly new to the craft, Christensen's style is best described as high-tech soul; the elements involved are just that. "Here Come the Lions" is just a small taste of his talents, a tiny insight into the vast scope of his productions. I suggest you dive into his SoundCloud and start to explore just what handcrafted sound it all about.

Christensen sets off on a mini tour starting July 2013, so keep up on his whereabouts on his website -- and if you get a chance to catch a performance, expect to be mystified.