Regis - Gymnastics

Can you remember when you were first exposed to Regis and that whole loop-driven 'Birmingham sound'?

I think it was mainly via Surgeon. I remember I got Basictonalvocabulary on CD and got into Surgeon through that and then gradually discovered the British Murder Boys stuff. That led to Regis' solo stuff after that. Regis' style is just an exercise in restraint. I think I read in an interview that he made this record with one synth and one drum machine, and a basic effects unit. The tracks don't really do much, but they just punch you in the face. Again, for me, everything's about getting your point across in the least number of moves and this album really does that. It's like a mathematic formula – how can you streamline something to convey an emotional message?

What is it about this record that contrasts with the current harder techno that I know you're not so into?

It's just not as polished. I tend to like things that are a little looser and this is the original vibe if you know what I mean. It doesn't copy anything. It's its own thing.