Go anywhere in British producer Max Cooper’s catalog and you instantly sense you’re in the presence of a masterly sound scientist. Using Ableton digital audio workstation, Cooper creates intricate rhythms alongside pointillistic, glitchy textures and poignant melodies. His tracks often split the difference between the classical recital hall and the sweaty underground techno club. Because he’s such a skillful technician and arranger, Cooper never lets his music take on the antiseptic quality that afflicts many electronic musicians who eschew hardware. by Dave Segal