Ricardo Villalobos, goat (JP) - Without References / Cindy van Acker (Ricardo Villalobos Variations) [

Format: 12" in printed sleeve.
CAT: LTNC038LP

Parisian label Latency presents “Without References / Cindy van Acker (Variations)”, a new release by goat (JP) together with the legendary producer Ricardo Villalobos.

For this project, Villalobos reinterprets two pieces—“Orin” and “Factory”—originally composed by goat (JP) for choreographer and performance artist Cindy van Acker’s dance work “Without References.” The release follows Latency’s recent publication of Villalobos’ variation on “Swamp” by percussionist Mohammad Reza Mortazavi (Latency, 2025), thus continuing the label’s exploration of reinterpretation and rhythmic dialogue.

goat (JP), led by Osaka-based composer Koshiro Hino (YPY, Kakuhan, Boredoms, Mark Fell), is widely recognized as one of the most important forces in contemporary minimalist composition. In “Without References / Cindy van Acker”, goat (JP) transforms non-tonal rhythmic patterns into intricate, hypnotic structures with remarkable depth. In this new version, the group’s sound—simultaneously tribal and futuristic—is re-formulated by Villalobos’ distinctive production style, which draws from both minimalist techno and Latin American rhythmic traditions.

Ricardo Villalobos is a pioneering figure in minimal techno, known for his hypnotic and deeply rhythmic approach to electronic music. Born in Chile and raised in Germany after his family’s exile during the Pinochet regime, Villalobos developed a fascination for percussion from an early age, beginning to play congas and bongos at eleven. This physical relationship with rhythm continues to be a central element in his work as a producer. Influenced by both popular Latin American traditions and the emerging house and techno scenes in Europe in the late eighties, he began DJing and producing in the early nineties and quickly achieved cult status within global club culture.

Cindy van Acker’s dance piece “Without References” features scenography by visionary choreographer Romeo Castellucci. The stage environment evokes a space that fluctuates between a waiting room, a train station concourse, and a mid-20th-century installation. Eleven dancers interpret Van Acker's precise yet fluid movements, interacting with goat (JP)'s percussive and stripped-down compositions to build an intense and immersive experience.

The release artwork includes photographs by Magali Dougados taken during a performance of “Without References” at the Maison de la Culture de Seine-Saint-Denis.