Audiopile Review: Somewhat overlooked during our current revaluation of ‘90s electronic music, Robert Leiner, probably best known under his Source Experience moniker, was nonetheless an impactful figure of the beloved era, landing smack dab in the middle of that great collision between post-rave techno, early IDM and chill out room aesthetics that arose at the dawn of ‘90s. Dropping a series of now sought after 12”s on the legendary R&S imprint, he’s likely best known for 1994’s Visions of the Past (one of two full lengths issued that year), a now wildly collectible double album that synthesized kosmiche textures, driving techno pulsations and psychedelic playfulness, lifting off into a similar cosmic ether that was concurrently being explored by the great Pete Namlook. While the past decade has been quiet compared to the extensive catalog he stacked up through the ‘90s, Leiner returns to De:Tuned, an imprint which he helped launch with an EP ten years back. Leiner is, in many ways, an archetypal artist for De:Tuned, the label having dedicated their steady output to the classic sound of ‘90s ambient-techno, IDM, electro and other hardwired dance music, often reissuing archival music or compiling rarities for cult electronic acts like FSOL, Nuron, Stasis or As One. Leiner re-joins De:Tuned with his own batch of unissued material recorded in 2005-2015, surprisingly culled from an era that lands well after his significant period in the mid ‘90s. With that in mind, it’s a wildly strong batch of atmospheric techno and dream-time IDM run on vintage analog gear, which somehow feels particularly fresh and invigorated despite the fact that these tracks have languished on the shelves for the past few decades. While we await a reissue of Visions of the Past or a proper overview of Leiner’s earlier work, you can do no better than start right here.

Belgian independent label De:tuned, founded by Ruben Boons and Bert Hermans, celebrates its 50th release with the long-awaited 10-track studio album ‘Analog Days’ by Swedish electronic music pioneer Robert Leiner. During the first years of De:tuned, Robert Leiner (aka The Source Experience) played a vital part in kick-starting the label. He also graced the De:tuned parties with his outstanding dj sets and captivating live acts.

Continuing the label’s 15th anniversary celebrations, De:tuned and Robert Leiner mark the occasion with an extraordinary collection of mostly hardware productions recorded between 2005 and 2015. These diverse jams have now been mixed and completed for this momentous milestone. On offer a unique interplay of rhythmic movement and soothing sounds, each presenting Robert’s distinct characteristics. Enjoy the trip. It has always been there, you just have to discover it!