Diamond Version is a meeting between Raster-Noton label founder Carsten Nicolai (aka Alva Noto) and fellow experimental techno producer Olaf Bender (aka Byetone). They're joined by Atsuhiro Ito, who uses the Optron -- an instrument described as modified fluorescent tubes that provide "noisist counterpart." When Nicolai and Bender formed Diamond Version, the two already had a long history of working together; beside Frank Bertschneider, they produced several releases under the name Signal. Signed to pioneering label Mute, Diamond Version debuted in September 2012 with EP1, a short set of pared-down but muscular techno. Additional numbered EPs of similar construction followed that November and December, as well as the following March and May. ~ Andy Kellman