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The visionary alliance between techno mavens Chris Liebing and Speedy J, known collectively as Collabs 3000, marked a triumphant return in 2025, after a legacy spanning over two decades. They managed to encapsulate their signature high-energy syncopation into a meticulously crafted EP, titled “2025 EP.” With the duo’s collaborative history, their music has always been a reflection of their relentless pursuit of innovation, constantly pushing the boundaries of audial aesthetics.
No strangers to the techno scene, both artists have established themselves as individual powerhouses prior to their mutual venture. Born Christopher Liebing in Gießen, Hesse in 1968, Chris Liebing was an undeniable force on the Frankfurt dance scene since the early 1990s. He founded the Spinclub techno club and worked at Eye Q Records. His label, CLR, was born amidst his prolific DJing and producing career, with pinnacles such as his philosophy-themed album “Evolution” and his numerous international performances.
Taking the techno scene by storm since the 90s is Speedy J, the Dutch electronic music producer whose breakthrough was “Pullover” in 1992. This Rotterdam native has had an impressive career, with a string of releases on Warp Records’ Artificial Intelligence series and other notable labels. His debut album “Ginger” was released under Richie Hawtin’s label, Plus 8, while his experimental work, including his 2002 album “Loudboxer” showcased his versatility with a return to more minimal techno.
Combining their collective genius, their 2025 EP, a collection of hardcore techno, relentlessly unfolds with a furious momentum. Kicking off with “Zwart,” this piece thrills and excites with a jackhammering beat, while “Spiegeling” weaves together spectral sonics layered atop a heartbeat rhythm, transitioning smoothly into the tumultuous orchestration of drum machines on “Strum”.
The EP is an ecstatic culmination of Chris Liebing and Speedy J’s decades-long dedication to their craft. It’s a well-crafted blend of their individual flairs with the memorable essence of their collaboration over the years. Their affinity for pushing the boundaries of techno is comparable to the poignant efforts of other luminaries in the music scene, such as Gary Numan and Martin Gore.
The partnership between Chris Liebing and Speedy J, as Collabs 3000, has been a heartening narrative of symbiotic growth, ingenuity, and unrelenting energy. The 2025 EP serves as an exciting testament to their profound musical journey together. Not only is it a tribute to their lasting contribution to the techno scene, but it also serves as an inspiration for other artists in the realm of electronic music, such as Surgeon and Armin Van Buuren.
