Diamond Version is a meeting between Raster-Noton operator Olaf Bender (aka Byetone) and label associate and fellow experimental techno producer Carsten Nicolai (aka Alva Noto). They've been joined by Atsuhiro Ito, who uses the Optron -- an instrument of the musician's making described as modified fluorescent tubes that provide "noisist counterpart." When Bender and Nicolai formed Diamond Version, the two already had a long history of working together; beside Frank Bretschneider, they produced several releases under the name Signal. Signed to pioneering electronic music 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. Leslie Winer, Kyoka, and Neil Tennant contributed vocals to a full-length album, CI, issued in 2014. ~ Andy Kellman, Rovi