End Beginnings

Description

Continuing a compilation retrospective of the techno-man-band's greatest hits on the Where Next? collection from 2024, Sandwell District has reformed the group with trusted new members, Monic and Rivet, to produce their first new material in over a decade. This release comes about a year after the tragic passing of their legendary member Juan Mendez, aka Silent Servant, gone far too soon. Rest in peace, friend. End Beginnings is a majestic fusion of cinematic techno and hypnotic dancefloor dynamism; an album that marries the Drexciyan idea of techno as an act of seditious innovation with a joyful insouciance, an essential imperative for O'Connor. "Having a good time is pretty much the reason you get into it in the first place," he wisely notes. "And it's fun. I think we feel much luckier now, especially after what happened to Juan. We're grateful." Thus, End Beginnings is also a poignant requiem for a fallen soldier - Juan Mendez. In early 2024, Mendez tragically passed away, just as things were heading in a good direction for the collective. His stunning artistic and visual work was always a central pillar of Sandwell District; he was even working on a piece titled End Beginnings, which was to be the album's cover art. This project was never completed, but O'Connor and Sumner chose to adopt its title to honor their friend's contribution. A poignant tribute to the chaotic and discontinuous nature of this rebellious alliance.