Paperclip Minimiser - II

Label: Peak Oil – PEAK27
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: March 2026
Genre: Electronic
Style: Abstract, Experimental, Breakbeat, Leftfield

Paperclip Minimiser is the cyberpunk minimal techno project of Manchester producer John Howes. On II, his second transmission under the alias, Howes dives deeper into the icy aesthetics of early-2000s digital futurism.

Created using an intentionally limited studio setup centred around classic hardware like the Nord Modular G2 and Elektron Machinedrum, the record captures a sleek, stripped-back sound rooted in minimal techno and IDM. Across seven tracks, glitchy textures, precise percussion and bass-heavy rhythms unfold with careful space and restraint.

Side A focuses on crisp, flickering rhythmic sketches, while Side B sinks into deeper territory with dubby, fractal basslines and hypnotic low-end movement. The result is a cool, futuristic listen that feels both nostalgic and timeless. II is a refined, hardware-driven release that highlights Howes’ minimalist approach to sound design and rhythm.

• REVIEW BY ASMI SHETTY