In 1994 the Vienna-based project iO from Patrick Pulsinger, Erdem Tunakan, Umberto Gollini and Gerhard Potuznik released a series of 12 inches called Attack, Decay, Sustain and Release on their legendary Cheap Records imprint.
While most of the tracks where minimalistic Detroit-influenced Techno, one particular piece stuck out. Claire! Not only for its mid tempo around 110 bpm, but mostly for the mix of jazz chords, a funky sample-based groove and a bone dry 909.
Here was a tune bridging the gaps between Techno, Trip Hop and House Music. Shortly after the release of the full album containing all previous 12 inches, Claire was licensed to Mo’Wax Records in London. With an even broader audience it was received in a whole different context and became an instant favorite amongst DJs from different genres around the globe and a stone cold classic which is still loved today.
