BLOCK FOUR — 100 Photography Lessons (2x12")

Block Four – 100 PHOTOGRAPHY LESSONS DIG Records’ DIGRECRELP01 arrives as a 2×12-inch vinyl reissue of Block Four’s 1993 debut, a cornerstone of early Russian electro, trance and techno. The record translates a richly layered album—originally a cassette-culture artifact—into a format that highlights its genre-spanning ambition, from downtempo moods to club-ready kinetic passages. Within DIG Records’ catalogue, 100 PHOTOGRAPHY LESSONS follows the earlier 2025 release LANTERN IN THE WOODS LP (DIGRECLP06) by Misha Sultan, situating the Block Four set as a continuation of the label’s interest in archival, forward-looking electronic works. The pairing underscores DIG’s commitment to resurfacing formative releases that shaped regional scenes while resonating with contemporary listeners. Side A opens with “Radiobiologia (Original Mix)”, a title that evokes scientific precision, setting a tone of methodical groove that segues into “Ah Kak Zhal… (Memory Mix)”, a track whose nostalgic subtitle hints at a reflective atmosphere. The progression continues with “Q-001 (Live Mix)”, a live-oriented take that bridges the experimental edge of the first two cuts, and concludes the side with “Zvuki Royally (Georgian Mix)”, a nod to regional influence that adds a distinct cultural hue. Side B shifts focus with “Kto S Toboy Rabotaet (Job Mix)”, a piece whose title suggests a work-related drive, followed by “Tuvintsy V Shokolade (Sweet Mix)”, a sweeter-toned interlude that eases the momentum. “Sovtransavto (Soft-Trance-After)” then introduces a softer trance ambience, preparing the listener for the more melodic turn of side C. Side C begins with “Vitalnoe Tango (Stereo Mix)”, a tango-inflected track that expands the record’s rhythmic palette, then moves to “Q-002 (Tube Mix)”, a continuation of the Q series that deepens the experimental thread. “Pesn O Nochi (Ethnic Mix)” offers an ethnic-tinged texture, while “Kuda Ushel Pastor Shlag (Alpine Soundtrack)” evokes an alpine cinematic quality, rounding out the side with atmospheric breadth. The final side presents “9: 1/2 Sekund (Sleep Mix)”, a brief, sleep-inspired interlude that functions as a palate cleanser before the concluding “Pesn O Nochi (Dance Mix)”, a dance-floor ready reinterpretation that revisits earlier motifs with heightened energy. In the context of Block Four’s limited discography, this reissue provides a rare glimpse into a formative period when Russian electronic music was forging its own language. The album’s blend of sampling, diverse genre references and unconventional rhythms remains compelling, offering a historical perspective that still informs current underground production. For DJs, the record supplies a versatile toolkit: the opening tracks lend themselves to deep-house or techno warm-ups, the mid-record cuts work well for mood-setting in late-night sets, and the closing dance mix delivers a kinetic climax suitable for peak-time moments. Collectors will appreciate the archival significance and the opportunity to experience a seminal 90s Russian release on high-fidelity vinyl. The release is pressed as a 2×12-inch vinyl set, preserving the original sequencing and allowing full appreciation of the album’s dynamic range across both discs. Block Four – 100 PHOTOGRAPHY LESSONS, DIG Records, catalogue DIGRECRELP01, 2×12-inch vinyl, 12 tracks. Tracklist: A1. Block Four – Radiobiologia (Original Mix) A2. Block Four – Ah Kak Zhal... (Memory Mix) A3. Block Four – Q-001 (Live Mix) A4. Block Four – Zvuki Royally (Georgian Mix) B1. Block Four – Kto S Toboy Rabotaet (Job Mix) B2. Block Four – Tuvintsy V Shokolade (Sweet Mix) B3. Block Four – Sovtransavto (Soft-Trance-After) C1. Block Four – Vitalnoe Tango (Stereo Mix) C2. Block Four – Q-002 (Tube Mix) C3. Block Four – Pesn O Nochi (Ethnic Mix) C4. Block Four – Kuda Ushel Pastor Shlag (Alpine Soundtrack) A1. Block Four – D1 9: 1/2 Sekund (Sleep Mix) D2. Block Four – Pesn O Nochi (Dance Mix)