Gui Boratto's "Chromophobia" is easily one of the greatest full-length albums from the Kompakt label. For the most part, it stays true to the Kompakt formula, while venturing off in new directions melodically. Boratto has always demonstrated a gift for combining lush harmonic material with his minimal techno beats - here I'm thinking of the Atol 12" - and "Chromophobia" provides many opportunities for him to showcase this.
There is a nice variety here. We've got melodic tracks such as "Scene 1", which opens the album with a dramatic flourish; we've got straight-forward techno tunes, such as the infectious "Shebang"; and we've even got an uplifting vocal piece ("Beautiful Life"). These various styles all cohere around Boratto's excellent beats. The percussive sounds fit his usual model of tight, defined sounds, often with a swung 16th note groove. If you're familiar with his other music, you know what to expect.
When an artist who usually releases 12" singles finally puts out an LP, you have to wonder what you're going to hear. Will it be four strong tracks surrounded by b-side-grade filler? Will it be more of a compilation of singles? In this case, the material is all new and, with a couple exceptions, all the tracks are very strong on their own. The album has nice pacing and even though it IS minimal techno, there's enough variety to maintain interest purely for listening.
Techno fans should check this out, as should anyone who likes Matthew Dear. It definitely reminds me of the best moments from "Leave Luck to Heaven". This album is sure to become a classic in its genre. I highly recommend it.