Inspired by the darker sides of film and fiction, Benjamin Wood constructs techno of melancholy demeanour. The dissonant synths, roughed-up percussion, and relentless 4/4 grooves are used to evoke the gritty atmosphere of an illegal after-hours. Taking influence far from his locale, Wood's music sounds foreign in his home town of Toronto and leans to the heavier sounds of Berlin or Detroit.It was through a series of late night excursions in Toronto that Wood connected with like-minded producer Mike Davis (now label head at Carousel Records). A similar interest in off-kilter records led to the exchange of demos, and after his move to the techno mecca of Berlin, Davis built the foundation of Carousel with local mainstay Owen Howells. "Policy" is what first intrigued the two enthusiasts about Wood's project. Inevitably, it will sit as the A side on the label's inaugural release, coming on March 9. The track's insistent repetition of chugging sub bass, and distorted synth stabs is wiped of any monotonous tendencies by a woozy, intoxicating lead melody.Four distinct, introspective works give the EP a cohesiveness that of a full album would. Riding the thin line between a functional floor tool and timeless 12-inch, Wood has come into his own with this one.Carousel Records is on Facebook // SoundCloudFollow Tony Stathos on Twitter