A few days ago, I was introduced to Basic Channel and their track “Radiance II”, which came out back in 1994. I was just two years old at the time.

Basic Channel was the project of Moritz von Oswald and Mark Ernestus, two Berlin producers who helped reshape techno in the early ’90s. Their sound focused on hypnotic repetition, echo and delay borrowed from Jamaican dub, and a less-is-more approach to songwriting.

Instead of making records that grew through melodies and sweeping changes, these two created music that evolved subtly. Sound that creeps up on you.

“Radiance II” feels like skydiving to me – air rushing past your ears, your senses pinging. Exhilarating, but at the same time, I imagine there’s an odd sense of calm that comes with freefall. A mix of adrenaline and serenity, all in one.

Beginning with looped tape delay, waning synths soon join in. The chords sound as if they’re bouncing off the walls of a room. This sort of effect is now synonymous with dub techno; these fellas made it a thing 30 years ago. Atmosphere established immediately.

Then arrives this subterranean bass pulse. Powerful and clean, like a musician expertly knocking on a hard surface to establish a beat. From here on out, the track barely deviates – and that’s the beauty of it. Mark and Moritz deftly play with the EQ, creating space where necessary, letting the audio simply ride.

“Radiance II” came to life on analog equipment. And because of that, it feels like there’s a chance the parachute may not open; a safe landing isn’t guaranteed. This instability and slightly off-the-rails nature makes it appear more real, truer even.

When I listen to it, I feel gratitude. For the people I know, the places I’ve been, the opportunities I’ve had and am yet to have. This is soft chug music from the top of the pyramid.

Press play, close your eyes and be thankful.