Mike Parker – Resonator
Catalog Number: DR022
Release Year: 1997
DJ and producer Mike Parker has been making electronic music since 1982. What started it all? – the purchase of his first synthesizer, a Korg Mono/Poly. Mike’s obsession for synthetic sounds grew steadily from that point onward, compelling him to experiment in a broad range of stylistic methods. In 1987, he formed the ambient / noise group P. Children with composer Robert Kirzinger. Together they released several vinyl works, now collectors’ items. Their CD appeared on Charnel Music in ’92, earning world-wide praise.
In 1993, Mike formed the techno / trance project Trybet with his friend and long time collaborator Aric Rist. They released their first record on Defective in ’94, and have since become one of the most prolific groups on the label, releasing two more 12″ e.p.’s, a double 12″ e.p., and a remix on the DJ Who remix compilation double 12″. In addition, Trybet licensed material to the German magazine Groove for their 5th anniversary compilation CD, which featured the likes of Emmanuel Top, DJ Hell, and Mike Dearborn, among others. In addition, they licensed material to the German label Virtual Recordings (previously Labworks Records), which was released in vinyl e.p. format, and which featured remixes by Holger “Hoschi” Wick and Woody McBride.
Mike Parker has a deep respect for the “old school” of repetitive electronic beat music… Kraftwerk, Throbbing Gristle and Tangerine Dream are some of his early influences. It’s because of these influences that Mike creates a dark atmosphere that is difficult to describe within the established techno genres. He combines the sound of dark trance with break beats that might be called “?”… Listen to Mike’s remix of DJ Who’s “Give A Little More” on DR.018 to see what we mean. Mike’s got strong DJ’ing skills too, and when on the turntables, he spins an eclectic mix of dark electro-trance. His live performances are even wilder…
Lotus Magazine, U.S.A., Vol 1, Issue 8
“Two fine works of progressive trance released from Mike Parker, off of Baltimore’s Defective label, are experienced here on the “Resonator” EP. Side A features “Resonator One”, a deep stomping journey through analog rhythms. It builds steadily, but powerfully until the spooky, ethereal breakdown. “Druma” presents a bit of a change, alternating back and forth between a booming four-beat and a looser, funkier, almost industrial beat. A carnival organ playing a house hook is a unique counterpoint to the otherwise dense, dark, electric palette with which this number is composed.”
– Mojo
Squelch E-Zine
“Alway nice to come home and find new mail lying on your doorstep – as long as it’s not bills of course. Fortunately this time it was Mike Parker’s Resonator EP, a new 12” from Defective. Mike is the founder of Trybet, a techno/trance project formed in 1993 (you may recall DJ POA mentioning his fondness for this project in his last Defective review and I would agree). Resonator One is a dark, moody, electronic excursion, and even though the release notes classify it as “difficult to describe,” I would say it’s safe to file this one under acid. It’s getting to the point where it’s hard to pull fresh sounds out of a 303, but with the addition of sparse, trancey vocal samples and some nice breaks in the pace, this is one mesmerizing cut…..I definitely put the money on Resonator One.”
– HarmoniKa
