by Rob Theakston
A collaboration between Parisians Arnaud Rebotini and Kill the DJ label head Ivan Smagghe, Black Strobe fuses together traces of acid techno, death disco, industrial, and neo-trance with their distinct sound. Both former employees of the Rough Trade dance section, the group released their debut recording on the third installment of the Sourcelab compilations in 1996 with the club anthem Paris Acid City. The duo recorded several tracks that appeared on numerous compilations and released a succession of 12 singles on the Output imprint from 2000-2004. The group has also remixed some of the most revered artists of the indie electronic movement, including Bloc Party and Alter Ego, and has also lent their remixing skills to synth pop juggernauts Depeche Mode and EBM pioneers Nitzer Ebb. The duo is expected to release a collection of their remix work in October 2006. A full-length album is slated for release on Beggars Banquet in February 2007.