Steve Mizek

In techno, as in rock ‘n’ roll, there will always be a handful of true believers who favor the old to the new and use near-ascetic methods when crafting music. New York trio Prototype 909 was of that mindset, boasting its strict use of pre-midi analog gear in order to sound as authentic as possible. In the early nineties, Prototype 909 and Richie Hawtin (as Plastikman) helped to usher in a revival of acid techno, best known for squelches that sound like a synth with a case of acid reflux. But don't hold that against them; Prototype 909's completely improvised live shows are the stuff of legends, and this is one of its first handfuls of shows since reuniting last year. After eight years apart, the trio is likely to have even more tricks up their sleeves—perhaps even a few digital devices as well. Local phenom Sassmouth and birthday girl Kiddo [Newcity contributor Elly Rifkin] will be there to warm up the crowd.

Prototype 909 performs live, with DJs Sassmouth & Kiddo at Smart Bar, 3730 North Clark, (773)549-0203, on July 27, 10pm-4am. $10 before midnight, $12 after.

(2007-07-24)

Also by Steve Mizek

Step Up
Does dubstep stand a chance in America? A small, devoted group of fans and producers are eager to find out, as they attempt to bring the largely British genre to the Windy City
(2007-07-02)

Every Little Thing
Whether he’s funking you up onstage with his band The Juan MacLean or wreaking havoc on the dance floor behind turntables, John MacLean is a musical force to be reckoned with. Newcity caught up with MacLean in advance of his DJ gig Friday at Smart Bar
(2007-06-26)

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