VARIOUS — Tempo Rubato I

Various – Tempo rubato I opens Mezin’s catalogue with MEZIN03, a 12-inch vinyl that stakes a claim in the minimal techno realm. Issued on 17 January 2020, the record is presented as the first curated series from the label, aiming to explore expressive, unreserved and rhythmic freedom – a concept echoed by the title’s reference to tempo rubato. Four pieces, each distinct yet bound by a contemporary minimal aesthetic, invite the listener to wander through imagined spaces. Within Mezin’s output, Tempo rubato I follows the label’s earlier releases and precedes Crihan’s “An Ordinary Family” (MEZIN04, 2024), situating the EP as an early statement in a catalogue that continues to develop a forward-looking techno perspective. Side A opens with “Wareika – Better Why” (A1), a track that establishes a steady pulse while the title hints at a questioning mood, setting a contemplative tone for the side. The second cut, “Simone Adinolfi – Sliding Doors” (A2), picks up the momentum, its title suggesting movement and transition that bridges the opening piece to the deeper textures on the flip. Side B begins with “Herck – Aztrek” (B1), a composition that deepens the groove, its name evoking a sense of journey through an altered sonic landscape. The record closes with “Soll – Heels” (B2), a final statement that caps the EP with a crisp, rhythmic finish, the title conjuring an image of grounding steps after the preceding voyage. Tempo rubato I occupies a unique niche in the participating artists’ discographies, marking a collaborative moment that aligns with Mezin’s vision of timeless yet contemporary techno. The EP’s four tracks collectively illustrate a balance between minimal structures and expressive freedom, reflecting the label’s intent to capture a moment in time and space. For DJs, the record offers a compact set of four tracks that can be woven into both peak-time and more introspective moments. The steady yet flexible rhythms of “Better Why” and “Sliding Doors” work well for building tension, while “Aztrek” and “Heels” provide a solid foundation for deeper, hypnotic passages. Collectors will appreciate the cohesive curation and the way each piece contributes to a broader narrative without relying on overt ornamentation. The release arrives as a 12-inch vinyl, aligning with the format preferred by techno purists and vinyl enthusiasts alike. Its physical presentation matches the minimalist aesthetic of the music, delivering a tactile experience that complements the auditory one. Various – Tempo rubato I, Mezin, MEZIN03, 12-inch vinyl, four tracks, minimal techno, released 17 January 2020. Tracklist: A1. Wareika – Better Why A2. Simone Adinolfi – Sliding Doors B1. Herck – Aztrek B2. Soll – Heels