Priori is an alias of musician Francis Latreille who quietly shapes the course of contemporary electronic music in Canada and abroad. Besides running the esteemed record label NAFF with Adam Feingold (aka ex terrestrial), Priori is also an accomplished mixing engineer for renowned artists such as Roza Terenzi, D. Tiffany and Maara. On his 2019 debut album ‘On A Nimbus’, released on his own NAFF imprint, Priori explored the possibility and impossibility of technological utopia. The album featured a unique blend of dub techno, drum & bass, IDM, and tech-house resulting in a contemporary album which is undeniably singular. Priori followed his debut with the slow-burning techy meditations of ‘SCN’ and ‘Little Flower’ and inflected towards trance on his ‘Infinity’ release. Where ‘On A Nimbus’ is thoughtful and opaque, Priori rises to a lighter and joyful atmosphere on his cosy, cosmic LP ‘Your Own Power’ released in 2021.

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As in all Priori’s productions, there remains an unresolved tension of opposites; between the biological and the synthetic, the actual and the possible. Therefore, Priori’s work can be seen as a form of nature study, as it explores the many different forms and aspects of life. This ongoing conflict between opposing forces is also central in his newest release ‘Pareidolia’, in which Priori energetically captures the illusive perception of familiarity. Pareidolia refers to the phenomenon that humans perceive a recognizable image or meaningful pattern where none exists or is intended, as in considering the moon to have human features. 

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Minimal Collective presents the opener track ‘Hazard’, a swirling take on progressive techno that neatly combines murky rhythms with intricate details, creating an atmospheric soundscape reminiscent of a swamp where the hypnotic depths are elevated by mystical voices. Priori captures the delicate balance between lucidity and obscurity, resembling one’s blurry perception in a club filled with smoke or a swamp covered in mist.

Pareidolia [MDG021]

Full tracklist 

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1. Hazard
2. Pareidolia
3. Memory Palace
4. Glass Shards

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Pareidolia will be out on April 17th, 2023. Order a copy via Bandcamp.

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