Where

John Tejada's body of work has built up to such extensive levels that it's almost a bit shocking, not merely doggedly pursuing his electronic music as wider interest has refocused elsewhere, but continuing to warrant attention, if not always rapturous response, as he goes (in that respect his closest contemporary might be Richie Hawtin). The crisp punch of Where is on the one hand "just" another post-Detroit techno effort from Tejada with plenty of familiar touches — even the distorted sample from 2001: A Space Odyssey on the opening "Feel It" comes across as a fully obvious nod — yet at its best the album shines, as much an argument for the perfection and continuity of a musical approach as any album released years after a putative genre's heyday can be, no matter what the sound or style. "Turning Point," with its seemingly unending series of perfect hooks over a straightforward beat, almost feels like the greatest song early Orbital never wrote. The album's one vocal number, a collaboration with Nicolette called "Desire," showcases the singer's beautiful purr nicely, and a fuller collaboration between the two would be well warranted. Beyond that, Where is almost best appreciated as a flowing whole, Tejada's abilities readily showcased throughout as an example of prime skill at work.