When Germany-based Township Rebellion announced a forthcoming EP 2020, fans of the cosmic techno duo knew it would be masterfully handcrafted for twilight, but few could have expected the marvel they would unveil. Teeming with sweltering basslines and transcendental builds, the tracks “Plastic World” and “Definition of Mimosa” underscore the gravity of their stylish skill. It also showcases the brilliance with which their productions unfold. It has the further distinction of being Township Rebellion’s first major release on Rose Avenue – the new spaced out techno label from cinematic synth-gods RÜFUS DÜ SOL.

Through undulating euphoria with a seductive and still gritty flair, the two-channel synergy from their decade-long friendship that works well off-stage as well as on it. For technophiles, the rising underground interest in the project represents a kind of cult that seems to only meet on far out dancefloors. The two never even do interviews.

In fact, the secrecy of the pair is eccentric to a degree that’s typically only found in the most talented mad geniuses. Now with the added isolation brought on by Coronavirus and the subsequent cancellation of tours for the year, the duo is beginning to open up so that they can stay connected with the community. And, most importantly, their fans.

“We can’t really dance together currently, but we still want to share our new music with everyone. Especially in these times where music can be one of the few things that can help you escape for a few moments.” Mürle tells VMAN.

Early on the duo caught the attention of RÜFUS DÜ SOL while performing from a three-story high spaceship with a 60,000 Watt sound system at Burning Man. It’s the sort of discovery story budding producers dream about.

“It’s still quite surreal for us how everything came to be,” they shared. “We actually only had seen after the Burn that RÜFUS were at our set and that they were loving it.” They subsequently reached out on social media, engaging Township Rebellion wherever the set was posted. It was here aboard an art installation from The Fluffy Cloud, where the seeds of their relationship with the electronic trifecta took root.

“We love their music and it was quite an honor for us to realize that they were in our audience that night,” they explained.

They later linked up at the Amsterdam Dance Event and got a chance to meet each other. It was a rare chance to watch sparks bounce off the railways of their minds.

“Some time after that they asked us if we would be interested in releasing on their label.” Township added. “Now, around a year later we are happy to be able to share the result!”

In the new two-track EP 2020, fans are driven on a journey. At the same time listeners are implored by arpeggios “to draw their own meaning from it”, say the outfit. When we asked about the philosophy at work behind the music and their captivating albeit secret allure, they had a fitting response. They both pointed to a quote from the cryptic wisdom of the exceptional German painter Gerhard Richter, who famously described his own work, saying: “If you want me to explain what I have drawn I would have used words to express myself and not a painting”.