Pitched firmly as techno from the normally heavy Korpus 9 label, the title track of the “Virtual Being” EP is almost as much progressive house as it is techno. Soft arpeggiating melodic patterns and a gently thrumming bassline are softer than I was expecting, though there’s certainly a richness to the low kick EQ that can’t be denied or ignored. There’s a sense of travelling that borders on urgency, but it doesn’t carry much attitude. The DJ Dextro mix injects more urgency and a more acid tinge, plus an unusual birdsong-like call sound that replaces some of the softer melodic parts.

The B-sides are more overtly and undeniably techno, with more of a thump to them, particularly the more kick-centric “Full Circle”, while “Madness” revolves around a dizzying but catchy central loop that’s simple but effective, and probably the best track of the pack.

Laden neither with lots of surprises nor lots of attitude, it’s a very polished EP that does wash over you if you don’t keep it in focus.