DTR | ME002 – Refracted
Label : Mind Express
CAT# : ME002
Artist : Refracted
Title : ME002
Released : 21 September 2015
A1. Variable
A2. Constant
B1. Polynomial
B2. Use Of Abstraction
Facebook – SoundCloud – Discogs – Resident Advisor
Refracted can count labels such as Aconito, Silent Season and Reaktivate in his back catalogue and here steps up with four originals for the second release on his own Mind Express imprint. His profile states “Deep rhythms and atmospheric elements have always played a major role in Refracted’s music” and in these days of hype, it’s pleasant that it’s spot on.
These tracks are not about big build ups and breakdowns. Nothing short lived or tacked on to enhance a part. Each tune sets up a deep, heavy groove and explores variations within it. If you listen closely there are myriad of subtle variations, all cleverly interacting to make musical sense. The producer has clearly spent a lot of time developing the ideas and fitting them together and it shows in a polished and coherent set of tracks.
“Variable” is a little more straight ahead than the other tunes with upfront broken beats and a wobbling, pulsing sample. A lovely “click” to the percussion on this. A chiming woodblock takes centre stage for most of the track, driving, muted, echoing and everything in between. The groove is so strong and stable that the mind hears new interactions between the different elements – one listener will hear slightly different to another – this is exceptional music. Again the abrupt fade, leaving the sounds echoing in the mind.
“Constant” is an exercise in understated power. There are distinct elements that spend 6 minutes plus interacting with each other and morphing individually. At its heart is a fast paced rolling bassline locked to clicking percussion and pulsating static. The bassline breathes and tightens as the track progresses, changing up to an incisive melody and then diving back down. Very subtle, yet powerful. Around the top, panning ethereal and unnerving notes, gliding into each other, reminiscent of Lakker; also sharpening and loosening (hints of acid) in a continuous cycle. A repeating 2 beat loop, a muted siren call, puts the icing on this intelligent and perfectly realised tune.
“Polynomial” takes some of the themes from the first track and runs with them. A big, measured kick underpins the signature pulsing bassline that just does not let up. The build in this track is unstoppable – gradually overdriven synth notes, rising hi-hats and (is it imagined?) a slow tightening of the screw, bass getting louder, is the track getting faster? The percussion cuts, the bass evaporates and you’re left with a fading synth echo to remind you of the tension.
“Use of Abstraction” at first seems mistitled – there is nothing abstract about the tight, powerful bass drum groove. Counterpoint cymbal work is gradually introduced alongside ephemeral, floating background notes. Some deeper sounds occur too – is there a very processed vocal clip in there? A long, long note builds to a shattering brightness before a beautiful melodic collapse. The note plays out, with sounds of a synthetic sea washing over the listener to the end. This would be my pick of the EP, but I honestly can’t choose between this and “Variable” as my favourite.
Mind Express 002 is out on 140g vinyl via Juno Records and is available from usual outlets. It’s pretty much an essential item if you like deep, atmospheric and powerful Techno.
– Reviewed by Stuart Ingram for deathtechno.com
PREVIOUS REVIEWS :
CLICK HERE – SEANCE1201 – Kryss Hypnowave – Endosphora EP (incl. Edit Select & DJ Datch Remixes)
CLICK HERE – FIIF-D-002 – Tim Xavier – No Edges
CLICK HERE – FLOAT004 – TWR72 – Reflect (Part 1) (incl. Developer, Kwartz & Myk Derill Remixes)
CLICK HERE – DV001 – Dubtek Vinyl
CLICK HERE – SG1570 – Henning Baer – In Pursuit of Myself
CLICK HERE – AVN020 – Sigha – Techno Derivatives
CLICK HERE – HET002 – No Platforms
CLICK HERE – MONOCLI86 – Vladw – Metalica EP (incl. Alderaan & JoyB Remixes)
CLICK HERE – ETB022 – Oliver Deutschmann – Resist (incl. Luca Agnelli & Electric Rescue Remixes)
CLICK HERE – DREF025 – Abstract Division – Metropolis EP (incl. Trolley Route, Function & Marcel Fengler Remixes)
CLICK HERE – DFR035 – Sutter Cane – Alchemy EP (incl. A.Mochi Remix)
CLICK HERE – NRLP001 – Joton – Casting Out Nines
CLICK HERE – WOLF032 – Doka – Ask (incl. NX1 & Aiken Remix)
CLICK HERE – ETG013 – Jonas Kopp – Triptology
CLICK HERE – BCR010 – Brian Sanhaji – Panic
CLICK HERE – TRP002 – De Niro Is Concerned
CLICK HERE – WCR007 – Ground-Fault-Interrupt Volume 1
CLICK HERE – AFFIN025LTD – Keith Carnal – Instantaneously (incl. Subjected Remix)
DTR | SEANCE1201 – Kryss Hypnowave – Endosphora EP (incl. Edit Select & DJ Datch Remixes)
Label : Seance
CAT# : SEANCE1201
Artist : Kryss Hypnowave
Title : Endosphora EP
Released : 31 August / mid September 2015
Vinyl + Digital
01. Endosphora
02. Eksosporium
03. Endosphora (Edit Select Remix)
Digital Only
04. Anaerobi
05. Anaerobi (DJ Datch Remix)
www.seanceradio.co.uk – Facebook – SoundCloud – Bandcamp – Beatport
These are very interesting times in electronic music, where every day there are new projects like this. Seance is a new London based Techno and Electronica label ran by Warren of The Clairvoyants, well known from their former radio show from Rinse FM. We have the privilege to review their first release SEANCE1201 from Italian producer Kryss Hypnowave aka Christian Scalas and two bomb remixes from Glaswegian Edit Select (CLR/Soma) and DJ Datch.
A daring bassline is first to appear on “Endosphora” with an obscure tone which reminds me of the Acid Techno era. A reverberant pad introduces the kick with crisp closed hats, followed by a rolling shaker for extra texture. At the breakdown the bassline gets filtered down momentarily, returning with a percussive companion for extra push along with the beat. This really sets the scene and encompasses a deep and dubby style.
Edit Select‘s remix comes from the graves up to the ground, a bass line and kick are leading the way, escorted by a dense pad generating echoes and reverbs in different layers. A slowly developing ticking noise with subtle delay works perfect as a closed hat here, achieving the necessary top end combination. The breakdown is about the bass line and the pad that continues morphing reverberant noises. A smooth track for starting sets or interludes on the floor.
“Anaerobi” drives with a pounding kick set on a thick pad, whilst panned percussion and closed hats make a fierce mood. Wooden noises add to the equation every 2 beats and filling the space completely. A chopped synth starts to unfilter, creeping forward as the main melody for the rest of the track. Very vibrant lows on this one.
DJ Datch takes on this remix and is one of my favourites overall, building up the groove from a low vibrant trench with a muted kick and bass notes. A synth from the melody starts to become prominent from the background to the forefront, with some clap stabs here and there as the melody expands, reaching the intense and throbbing groove. Percussion added later gives a more industrial feel, then by the time the beat returns after brief tension build up it gets into a full flow, delivering a climactic groove that will be appreciated by strident Techno lovers.
This is an excellent appetiser for the material to come from Seance. Refreshingly full of risks for their first release that will undoubtedly have a major underground acceptance worldwide. You can grab the digital version on their Bandcamp page now above.
– Reviewed by Juan Trujillo for deathtechno.com
PREVIOUS REVIEWS :
CLICK HERE – FIIF-D-002 – Tim Xavier – No Edges
CLICK HERE – FLOAT004 – TWR72 – Reflect (Part 1) (incl. Developer, Kwartz & Myk Derill Remixes)
CLICK HERE – DV001 – Dubtek Vinyl
CLICK HERE – SG1570 – Henning Baer – In Pursuit of Myself
CLICK HERE – AVN020 – Sigha – Techno Derivatives
CLICK HERE – HET002 – No Platforms
CLICK HERE – MONOCLI86 – Vladw – Metalica EP (incl. Alderaan & JoyB Remixes)
CLICK HERE – ETB022 – Oliver Deutschmann – Resist (incl. Luca Agnelli & Electric Rescue Remixes)
CLICK HERE – DREF025 – Abstract Division – Metropolis EP (incl. Trolley Route, Function & Marcel Fengler Remixes)
CLICK HERE – DFR035 – Sutter Cane – Alchemy EP (incl. A.Mochi Remix)
CLICK HERE – NRLP001 – Joton – Casting Out Nines
CLICK HERE – WOLF032 – Doka – Ask (incl. NX1 & Aiken Remix)
CLICK HERE – ETG013 – Jonas Kopp – Triptology
CLICK HERE – BCR010 – Brian Sanhaji – Panic
CLICK HERE – TRP002 – De Niro Is Concerned
CLICK HERE – WCR007 – Ground-Fault-Interrupt Volume 1
CLICK HERE – AFFIN025LTD – Keith Carnal – Instantaneously (incl. Subjected Remix)
CLICK HERE – SOMA426 – Woo York – Blade Runner (incl. Zadig Remix)
CLICK HERE – WTZ002 – Menno Cirk – Sector Two (incl. MM:MS Remixes)
CLICK HERE – RS1503 – Lakker – Tundra (incl. Q&A)
DTR | FIIF-D-002 – Tim Xavier – No Edges
Label : Face To Face
CAT# : FIIFD002
Artist : Tim Xavier
Title : No Edges
Released : 3 August 2015
01. No Edges
02. Bennington Hill
03. The Wolf Speaks
04. Distant Keys
www.manmademastering.com – Facebook – SoundCloud – Beatport
Face To Face Records is a new vinyl and digital venture from the maestro and Manmade Mastering sound guru. Ahead of his forthcoming Exclusive mix for us, Tim Xavier the recently released “No Edges” is officially the second digital only from the Berlin based imprint.
The title track “No Edges” gets down with a thumping beat and funked-up, industrial sound that’s an instant winner in my book. Moody synth stabs raise the energy, soaking in reverb and delay, they also get hit with what seems like a gated repetition in certain parts. It gives it a live edited feel for even more movement in the track. Huge to say the least, great opening track and full of depth.
“Bennington Hill” seems like a strange name choice, but altogether intriguing. Seemingly darker than the first, it takes you for a spin into a more glitchy laden affair. At the breakdown it goes into full modular mode before it powers back into a massive Techno groove. High pitched whines and squeals can be heard in the mix with lots of crazy and crunchy fx. Slightly odd and brilliant all in one.
Track three called “The Wolf Speaks” has a monstrous kick, whilst rocking a jackin’ rhythm that’s surrounded by haunting atmospherics. It has an old school and driving sound with stabbing aggressive electric surges pushing things forward. The real hook appears later from metallic layered notes that bring a party vibe. Definitely a crowd pleaser with a modern classic feel.
The last one here is “Distant Keys” that starts off concentrating on a throbbing bottom end with deep tom rolls. Quirky acid loops that expand and contract with a stinging feel soon get overshadowed by a highly prominent, dreamy filtered pad, creating a soulful and euphoric ambience. A more chilled out number to end the EP, but no less of a track that could bring a club to it’s knees be it building up or winding down.
Definitely a master at work can be heard here, someone that can clearly visualise and construct their ideas as they see fit.
– Reviewed by Jack! Who? for deathtechno.com
PREVIOUS REVIEWS :
CLICK HERE – FLOAT004 – TWR72 – Reflect (Part 1) (incl. Developer, Kwartz & Myk Derill Remixes)
CLICK HERE – DV001 – Dubtek Vinyl
CLICK HERE – SG1570 – Henning Baer – In Pursuit of Myself
CLICK HERE – AVN020 – Sigha – Techno Derivatives
CLICK HERE – HET002 – No Platforms
CLICK HERE – MONOCLI86 – Vladw – Metalica EP (incl. Alderaan & JoyB Remixes)
CLICK HERE – ETB022 – Oliver Deutschmann – Resist (incl. Luca Agnelli & Electric Rescue Remixes)
CLICK HERE – DREF025 – Abstract Division – Metropolis EP (incl. Trolley Route, Function & Marcel Fengler Remixes)
CLICK HERE – DFR035 – Sutter Cane – Alchemy EP (incl. A.Mochi Remix)
CLICK HERE – NRLP001 – Joton – Casting Out Nines
CLICK HERE – WOLF032 – Doka – Ask (incl. NX1 & Aiken Remix)
CLICK HERE – ETG013 – Jonas Kopp – Triptology
CLICK HERE – BCR010 – Brian Sanhaji – Panic
CLICK HERE – TRP002 – De Niro Is Concerned
CLICK HERE – WCR007 – Ground-Fault-Interrupt Volume 1
CLICK HERE – AFFIN025LTD – Keith Carnal – Instantaneously (incl. Subjected Remix)
CLICK HERE – SOMA426 – Woo York – Blade Runner (incl. Zadig Remix)
CLICK HERE – WTZ002 – Menno Cirk – Sector Two (incl. MM:MS Remixes)
CLICK HERE – RS1503 – Lakker – Tundra (incl. Q&A)
DTR | FLOAT004 – TWR72 – Reflect (Part 1) (incl. Developer, Kwartz & Myk Derill Remixes)
Label : Float Records
CAT# : FLOAT004
Artist : TWR72
Title : Reflect (Part 1)
Released : 3 August 2015
01. Reflect (Developer Remix)
02. Reflect (Kwartz Remix)
03. Reflect (Original Mix)
04. Reflect (Myk Derill Remix)
www.float-records.com – Facebook – Twitter – SoundCloud – Beatport – Resident Advisor
When we talk about something fresh, I must mention Float Records, which is a relatively young Techno label from Amsterdam and is controlled by the stunning local duo TWR72. Titled “Reflect (Part 1)” which is their first release of 2015 and the fourth in their overall catalog, comes with an original mix from the label bosses and remixes from the brilliant Developer, Kwartz and Myk Derill.
The first in line is Developer, thickened out with rough textured sounds, it’s a vibrant tune full of mind blowing intriguing details. Complex rhythms from the low section are punched by a slightly driven kick and dusty hat combinations make a top end blessed with character. A beep which consists of two pairs of notes make the hypnotic melody, like if it someone were calling you from the distance and setting the mood for the rest of this journey.
Kwartz has a similar approach but with a more pounding kick, industrial sounds blend nicely with the bass line, filling the room with drum vibrations for the cool groove. He proposes a chained noise blended with closed hats on top. Beeping notes also design the melody, but this time a sharp stab sound is answering back every 4 beats that is my highlight. The breakdown is a pad full of reverb sustained by the chained noise on top, from where the stabbing answer is built from.
Now is the turn for the Original Mix. A low formation of different percussions married with the fat kick makes an awesome and active groove. Filtered notes from a dusty synth travel in the mid, whilst a reduced attack on the additional textures blend with the rhythms in the low end, achieving an intense momentum. Reverberant pads at the breakdown are introduced by closed hats, then open hats take charge later, just when the beat drops back in. An excellent track for building a set.
Myk Derill proposes a fat/filtered type of sound, like those you find on vinyls and I personally love that. A tight clean kick is complimented with bouncy low drums, creating a deep groove. A constant lead note makes the smooth melody, which expands with extra panning and delay from time to time, adding a sense of hypnosis. Steady shakers unfold on top with ticking noises full of reverb, leaving a grainy trail behind for extra amplitude.
Float Recordings bringing the heat, one bomb track with 3 educated remixes. My patience will be tested waiting for the next material from these guys!
– Reviewed by Juan Trujillo for deathtechno.com
PREVIOUS REVIEWS :
CLICK HERE – DV001 – Dubtek Vinyl
CLICK HERE – SG1570 – Henning Baer – In Pursuit of Myself
CLICK HERE – AVN020 – Sigha – Techno Derivatives
CLICK HERE – HET002 – No Platforms
CLICK HERE – MONOCLI86 – Vladw – Metalica EP (incl. Alderaan & JoyB Remixes)
CLICK HERE – ETB022 – Oliver Deutschmann – Resist (incl. Luca Agnelli & Electric Rescue Remixes)
CLICK HERE – DREF025 – Abstract Division – Metropolis EP (incl. Trolley Route, Function & Marcel Fengler Remixes)
CLICK HERE – DFR035 – Sutter Cane – Alchemy EP (incl. A.Mochi Remix)
CLICK HERE – NRLP001 – Joton – Casting Out Nines
CLICK HERE – WOLF032 – Doka – Ask (incl. NX1 & Aiken Remix)
CLICK HERE – ETG013 – Jonas Kopp – Triptology
CLICK HERE – BCR010 – Brian Sanhaji – Panic
CLICK HERE – TRP002 – De Niro Is Concerned
CLICK HERE – WCR007 – Ground-Fault-Interrupt Volume 1
CLICK HERE – AFFIN025LTD – Keith Carnal – Instantaneously (incl. Subjected Remix)
CLICK HERE – SOMA426 – Woo York – Blade Runner (incl. Zadig Remix)
CLICK HERE – WTZ002 – Menno Cirk – Sector Two (incl. MM:MS Remixes)
CLICK HERE – RS1503 – Lakker – Tundra (incl. Q&A)
DTR | DV001 – Dubtek Vinyl
Label : Dubtek
CAT# : DV001
Artist : Various
Title : Dubtek Vinyl 001
Released : 17 August 2015
A1. David Meiser – Epsilon
A2. Kereni – Mutual Gravitation
B1. Jake Conlon – Cry of the Necromancer
B2. David Meiser – Epsilon (Louis Ray Remix)
www.dubtekvinyl.co.uk – Facebook – SoundCloud – Twitter – YouTube – Instagram
I first met Dubtek main man Omid Mahmoudi in a sweaty club in Manchester last year and immediately hit it off – this is a man who is in it for the music one hundred percent. Since then, I’ve made it over The Pennines to some of his Dubtek nights where he’s had some of the cream of UK and Euro underground artists heading up his events at various venues. I knew releases were on the cards at some point, so I was delighted one day when a package (not-so mysteriously) entitled Dubtek Vinyl 001 landed with me. I knew it would be special, even more so when I saw the artists involved.
A1. David Meiser – “Epsilon”
The kicks/bass combo has a fantastic sense of urgency – it sounds like it’s speeding up when you concentrate fully on it, but the pace is constant, this gives a great energy to the track. A high, plucked melody chatters away at the top, constantly morphing, echoing, panning, developing twinges of acid and mutating – this is really fantastic musically. A lower mid melody backs this up and the whole track is injected with further drama by hissing hi-hats leading into breakdowns where the melody is chopped and filtered out to nothing, then that bass/kick drops. As solid as it comes.
A2. Kereni – “Mutual Gravitation”
Moving into slightly deeper territory, this number ups the pace and leads you heads down onto the dancefloor. At it’s heart is a pulsing groove of percussive kicks, rolling bass and sub bass flowing like a river. Up top, hissing claps, snicking hi-hats and laser synth stabs provide the drama across a breakdown and introduce the main melody – a jacked up synth line that tears through the next breakdown and filters out to a single note hovering over the huge drums and bass – the moment of the track for me, you realise just how heavy the bottom end is. And it goes from here, picking up the energy and drama through more breakdowns and cleverly applied reverb and filtering. Late night bomb.
B1. Jake Conlon – “Cry of the Necromancer”
The more I hear of Jake’s productions, the more I realise how talented he is. During the intro of cracking, solid kick drums and slowly building bassline, a ghostly yet powerful notes pan around in the background – you just know they are going to develop. They do just that, gaining more weight and penetration and circling the listener with increasing urgency and intensity. Shaker, hi-hats and percussive knocks lead to the breakdown which is frankly monstrous. Aforementioned notes take a grip on your soul and blot everything out until a moment of silence and then a subtle and devastating drop. Superb.
B2. David Meiser – “Epsilon” (Louis Ray Remix)
The original gets a new sheen of menace, a bump in pace and some serious weight behind the kicks. The machine-gun-percussion is in full show here, nicely offset by simple ride cymbals and open hats. The melodic parts develop through a few breaks, always with that threatening note circling in the background like muted jet planes, which are kept to simplistic beeps and an energetic counterpoint rhythm during the main section of the track – this comes out to the fore in the latter half, while those weighty kicks stomp away at your guts and the hissing hi-hat infiltrates your brain.
For me I think the Conlon track just edges it here, but these are all excellent tracks, testament to the skills of the artists and to Omid’s judgement in getting them together on a single release. The artists are all playing at the Label Launch Night on 15 August at Wire in Leeds along with Birmingham’s duo InnerCystem. Kereni performing LIVE is not to be missed and I suggest you get yourself down there. The EP itself is released on heavyweight vinyl and pre-orders are being taken direct from the Dubtek Vinyl online store already. A cracking start for the new label and you can be sure there is more to come!
– Reviewed by Stuart Ingram for deathtechno.com
PREVIOUS REVIEWS :
CLICK HERE – SG1570 – Henning Baer – In Pursuit of Myself
CLICK HERE – AVN020 – Sigha – Techno Derivatives
CLICK HERE – HET002 – No Platforms
CLICK HERE – MONOCLI86 – Vladw – Metalica EP (incl. Alderaan & JoyB Remixes)
CLICK HERE – ETB022 – Oliver Deutschmann – Resist (incl. Luca Agnelli & Electric Rescue Remixes)
CLICK HERE – DREF025 – Abstract Division – Metropolis EP (incl. Trolley Route, Function & Marcel Fengler Remixes)
CLICK HERE – DFR035 – Sutter Cane – Alchemy EP (incl. A.Mochi Remix)
CLICK HERE – NRLP001 – Joton – Casting Out Nines
CLICK HERE – WOLF032 – Doka – Ask (incl. NX1 & Aiken Remix)
CLICK HERE – ETG013 – Jonas Kopp – Triptology
CLICK HERE – BCR010 – Brian Sanhaji – Panic
CLICK HERE – TRP002 – De Niro Is Concerned
CLICK HERE – WCR007 – Ground-Fault-Interrupt Volume 1
CLICK HERE – AFFIN025LTD – Keith Carnal – Instantaneously (incl. Subjected Remix)
CLICK HERE – SOMA426 – Woo York – Blade Runner (incl. Zadig Remix)
CLICK HERE – WTZ002 – Menno Cirk – Sector Two (incl. MM:MS Remixes)
CLICK HERE – RS1503 – Lakker – Tundra (incl. Q&A)
DTR | SG1570 – Henning Baer – In Pursuit of Myself
Label : Sonic Groove
CAT# : SG1570
Artist : Henning Baer
Title : In Pursuit of Myself
Released : 8 July 2015
01. Say Nothing To No One
02. Empire Down
03. On Craft (SFT Mix)
04. Everyday Life
www.sonicgroove.com – Facebook – SoundCloud – Beatport – Resident Advisor
Sonic Groove is a label steeped in history and is not scared to take chances since launching in 1995. Lead by one of New York’s early Techno pioneers Adam X, also known as the thrilling Traversable Wormhole. Their newest release is courtesy of Henning Baer the head of Grounded Theory Berlin events.
“Say Nothing To No One” begins with a pounding, broken, distorted kick, sharply followed by a haunting melody of bells and a fizzing sound replacing the standard hat, which adds a unique touch. The absolute highlight for me is the gated fx that leads into an incredible apocalyptic crack on the 4 beat shortly after the intro. Fierce and driving, this will tear any dancefloor to smithereens without fail.
The second track “Empire” seems a little more laid-back but nonetheless strong mechanical feel. A heavy analogue 1-2 kick tom pairing, where the second and fourth is pitched up slightly that lends itself to that of a marching troop. A malfunctioning sounding modular screech is the main looping melody that rarely changes on top, as the textures are provided by delays and panning on some deep drum one shots. There’s a killer droning roar underneath that expands and contracts becoming more noticeable down the line. Quite obscure and well crafted, it would make a great building track in any set.
Track three titled “On Craft (SFT Mix)” is a whole new world. Low atmospheric swells that are like breaths from the deep, which throw you off a little, but soon followed by another stomping beat and morphing crackles holding the groove. The snare is aggressive and again underlined with hats and fx, as slowly but surely the stabbing muted modular bleeps become the main ride that raise up a notch for the short break. Definitely a strong hardware sound shoots the spine of this one.
Last here is “Everyday Life” that hurls out a more spacious and jacking rhythm from use of tasty tom work with a chunky beat and accenting metallic shimmers. Almost instantly your treated to a glitchy cut up lead sound that certainly sounds like a destroyed vocal (but honestly you can’t tell for real what it is). A great piece of confusing creativity that gets my nod of approval. A sputtering clacking creates the missing frequencies, adding the forward push. Rooted harmonic stabs added to the fold finish off this number.
Takes me back to some stuff I used to hear DJs play back in the day that really shaped my interest in Techno. Henning chose some killer cuts on this one, not a weak track in sight and more like a quadruple A-side. As it should be in my opinion.
– Reviewed by Jack! Who? for deathtechno.com
As a nice little extra I came across this recent Slices Feature with the guys…
PREVIOUS REVIEWS :
CLICK HERE – AVN020 – Sigha – Techno Derivatives
CLICK HERE – HET002 – No Platforms
CLICK HERE – MONOCLI86 – Vladw – Metalica EP (incl. Alderaan & JoyB Remixes)
CLICK HERE – ETB022 – Oliver Deutschmann – Resist (incl. Luca Agnelli & Electric Rescue Remixes)
CLICK HERE – DREF025 – Abstract Division – Metropolis EP (incl. Trolley Route, Function & Marcel Fengler Remixes)
CLICK HERE – DFR035 – Sutter Cane – Alchemy EP (incl. A.Mochi Remix)
CLICK HERE – NRLP001 – Joton – Casting Out Nines
CLICK HERE – WOLF032 – Doka – Ask (incl. NX1 & Aiken Remix)
CLICK HERE – ETG013 – Jonas Kopp – Triptology
CLICK HERE – BCR010 – Brian Sanhaji – Panic
CLICK HERE – TRP002 – De Niro Is Concerned
CLICK HERE – WCR007 – Ground-Fault-Interrupt Volume 1
CLICK HERE – AFFIN025LTD – Keith Carnal – Instantaneously (incl. Subjected Remix)
CLICK HERE – SOMA426 – Woo York – Blade Runner (incl. Zadig Remix)
CLICK HERE – WTZ002 – Menno Cirk – Sector Two (incl. MM:MS Remixes)
CLICK HERE – RS1503 – Lakker – Tundra (incl. Q&A)
CLICK HERE – EDR007 – NoizyKnobs – Dissolve (incl. JoeFarr & The Fourth Alarm Remixes)
CLICK HERE – POLEGROUP31 – Oscar Mulero – Muscle And Mind
CLICK HERE – RLPS001LP – Relapso – States Evolution
DTR | AVN020 – Sigha – Techno Derivatives
Label : Avian
CAT# : AVN020
Artist : Sigha
Title : Techno Derivatives
Released : Vinyl 12 May 2015 / Digital 13 July 2015
01. 02
02. 04
03. 06.5
04. 09
05. 12
06. 14.5
www.avianmusic.net – Facebook – Twitter – SoundCloud – Beatport – Resident Advisor
“Derivative” – a form that has undergone derivation from another, as atomic from atom
London based producer James Shaw aka Sigha already has an impressive catalogue of releases to his name on labels including Hotflush, the fantastic Blueprint and his own Our Circula Sound. His debut LP “Living with Ghosts” in 2012 showed what he was capable of in the realms of esoteric, industrialised electronic music (yes I would call it techno), combining ambience, silence and punishing rhythm. This six-tracker is the 20th on the well respected UK imprint Avian ran by Shifted and Ventress, which further explores these areas – the title and its definition couldn’t be more appropriate.
“02” – The first track sets the tone of the EP with a heavy, muted kicks closing each bar and a delayed synth note pulsing and echoing, throwing off licks of reverb, perfectly matched to the skittish, flat percussive echos that tail off its peaks. A wide bassline wobbles underneath, a twisted and distorted drum note rears it’s head occasionally. There are glorious, teasing moments of 4/4 where you realise the absolute power of this track.
“04” – A repeating static note provides the rhythmic anchor for this track – the sound brings to mind electronics caught in an endlessly rotating feedback loop. A rumbling single note adds gloomy weight to the bottom and the progression comes via a series of artful sonic brush strokes, like digital birdcalls raising their voices in a forest of sharp percussive spikes and stabs. Almost hidden beats seep in further through the track, adding more power and completing the unnerving vision in the listeners head.
“09” – Leads with a zipping, echoing synth stab over a machinistic rhythm, half heard icy click and a menacing rustling sound. Muted beats carry the track onwards through a discernible breakdown, where the whole thing sounds like the electronic insides of a machine whose purpose and intent is not clear, an extremely involving piece of music. On a clued up dancefloor this would be devastating and this is my pick of this release.
“12” – A few more traditional sounds here, pulsing 808s overlaid with a pattering hi-hat, that’s beautifully emphasised every second beat. Nestled within are a single note rolling bassline and one of those synth patterns that Sigha does so well, an acid tinged wipe that spits out unnerving echoes as the track develops, a high pitched revering note introducing the breakdowns.
The entire EP is engrossing, with clear form and structure, yet such a range of patterns and sounds within, it’s sometimes disorientating, especially when listened to in isolation (in the dark and at high volume, you only hear the complete soundscape this way). The vinyl and download are available now from the usual outlets and either is a valuable addition to your collection if you want to look beyond the normal run of the mill.
– Reviewed by Stuart Ingram for deathtechno.com
PREVIOUS REVIEWS :
CLICK HERE – HET002 – No Platforms
CLICK HERE – MONOCLI86 – Vladw – Metalica EP (incl. Alderaan & JoyB Remixes)
CLICK HERE – ETB022 – Oliver Deutschmann – Resist (incl. Luca Agnelli & Electric Rescue Remixes)
CLICK HERE – DREF025 – Abstract Division – Metropolis EP (incl. Trolley Route, Function & Marcel Fengler Remixes)
CLICK HERE – DFR035 – Sutter Cane – Alchemy EP (incl. A.Mochi Remix)
CLICK HERE – NRLP001 – Joton – Casting Out Nines
CLICK HERE – WOLF032 – Doka – Ask (incl. NX1 & Aiken Remix)
CLICK HERE – ETG013 – Jonas Kopp – Triptology
CLICK HERE – BCR010 – Brian Sanhaji – Panic
CLICK HERE – TRP002 – De Niro Is Concerned
CLICK HERE – WCR007 – Ground-Fault-Interrupt Volume 1
CLICK HERE – AFFIN025LTD – Keith Carnal – Instantaneously (incl. Subjected Remix)
CLICK HERE – SOMA426 – Woo York – Blade Runner (incl. Zadig Remix)
CLICK HERE – WTZ002 – Menno Cirk – Sector Two (incl. MM:MS Remixes)
CLICK HERE – RS1503 – Lakker – Tundra (incl. Q&A)
CLICK HERE – EDR007 – NoizyKnobs – Dissolve (incl. JoeFarr & The Fourth Alarm Remixes)
CLICK HERE – POLEGROUP31 – Oscar Mulero – Muscle And Mind
CLICK HERE – RLPS001LP – Relapso – States Evolution
DTR | HET002 – No Platforms
Label : No Platforms
CAT# : HET002
Artist : Various Artists
Title : HET002
Released : 30 June 2015
01. Jari Saarinen – Minun Folk
02. Auvo Salonen – Ulkomaalainen
03. Matias Salo – Kokeilu Live
04. Einari Niemi – Avaruusalus
Facebook – SoundCloud – YouTube – Beatport – Juno Download – Resident Advisor
HET002 is the second release from No Platforms Recordings that is making its way in to the scene with huge success. Ran by Logotech and Mark Morris this time they have brought a quality package by four unknown producers from Finland.
The first track is from Jari Saarinen and is called “Minun Folk.” Well organised notes, from bass synths on the lows to flying glassy notes making the melody. A sharp percussion is handled with reverb showing more importance. A tight kick pushes the closed hat on top creating an awesome groove. A well-modulated pad works the background and through to the breakdown where groovy claps maintain the beat. Delayed notes bounce along the track allowing me to discover new areas which make it a great introspective listen.
Auvo Salonen is next up with “Ulkomaalainen,” demonstrating a more industrial feel with equal amplitude. Vibrant toms accompany the kick in multiple layers and a stuttered beep note automatically catches my attention dragging me into the groove. Panned percussion circulates the ambient sounds generating free movement on the beat, synthetic hats of different shapes and sizes accent the top with a really cool dynamism and hypnosis.
“Kokeilu Live” is the track from Matias Salo, with a faster BPM it is full of radiant rhythms. Energetic claps and vivid synths endeavour the mid section. A conservative kick rides very subtly under the bass notes for an understated flow giving it a building feel. A Slightly driven trail from the synth in the distance compliments the lead melody. Open and closed hats give plenty of room for my mind to travel along this one with a progressive sound that reflects the title, as it must have been recorded in one sitting. After the short break the melody turns more aggressive with an added acid coating for an extra high vibe.
Einari Niemi is the last track from the EP. Dropping the BPM back down, it makes “Avaruusalus” a very nice and rolling track. Bass notes bouncing from every other kick and a mid/low synth section create a dramatic style, where imagination meets movement. Stabbing beeps kick in and a dark pad expands the ambient flair further. Reverb takes over at the breakdown and the beeps fade away slowly to finish this one out.
Consistence is the formula for this EP. Clearly good work tools to have with multiple posibilities when playing for exigent crowds. I look forward to more from No Platforms label.
– Reviewed by Juan Trujillo for deathtechno.com
PREVIOUS REVIEWS :
CLICK HERE – MONOCLI86 – Vladw – Metalica EP (incl. Alderaan & JoyB Remixes)
CLICK HERE – ETB022 – Oliver Deutschmann – Resist (incl. Luca Agnelli & Electric Rescue Remixes)
CLICK HERE – DREF025 – Abstract Division – Metropolis EP (incl. Trolley Route, Function & Marcel Fengler Remixes)
CLICK HERE – DFR035 – Sutter Cane – Alchemy EP (incl. A.Mochi Remix)
CLICK HERE – NRLP001 – Joton – Casting Out Nines
CLICK HERE – WOLF032 – Doka – Ask (incl. NX1 & Aiken Remix)
CLICK HERE – ETG013 – Jonas Kopp – Triptology
CLICK HERE – BCR010 – Brian Sanhaji – Panic
CLICK HERE – TRP002 – De Niro Is Concerned
CLICK HERE – WCR007 – Ground-Fault-Interrupt Volume 1
CLICK HERE – AFFIN025LTD – Keith Carnal – Instantaneously (incl. Subjected Remix)
CLICK HERE – SOMA426 – Woo York – Blade Runner (incl. Zadig Remix)
CLICK HERE – WTZ002 – Menno Cirk – Sector Two (incl. MM:MS Remixes)
CLICK HERE – RS1503 – Lakker – Tundra (incl. Q&A)
CLICK HERE – EDR007 – NoizyKnobs – Dissolve (incl. JoeFarr & The Fourth Alarm Remixes)
CLICK HERE – POLEGROUP31 – Oscar Mulero – Muscle And Mind
CLICK HERE – RLPS001LP – Relapso – States Evolution
DTR | MONOCLI86 – Vladw – Metalica EP (incl. Alderaan & JoyB Remixes)
Label : Monocline Records
CAT# : MONOCLI86
Artist : Vladw
Title : Metalica EP
Released : 30 June 2015
01. VVVV
02. Metalica
03. Metalica (Alderaan Remix)
04. Metalica (JoyB Remix)
05. Modularia
www.monocline-records.com – Facebook – Twitter – SoundCloud – Beatport – Resident Advisor
Monocline is an underground techno label from Lisbon, Portugal and just released “Metalica” which is an amazing EP from Argentinian producer Vladw with awesome remixes by Alderaan and JoyB making this release pretty serious stuff.
The title track starts up in the sky with a percussive and repetitive synth as the melody. It drags a low tail in the background that plays with the bass perfectly along with a compact kick completes the beat. A hard closed hat takes the top and before long I felt like I was in the middle of an intense party. Open hats and claps full of rhythm, accompany the groove until the breakdown. A pad with an electric feel expands the room just enough to divert my attention from the melody that stands alone in the middle of the mix adding a reverb and increasing pre-delay, welcoming the exploding beat again. Lurking high stabbing notes partner the claps toward the end of this amazing track.
Alderaan adds a harder cut in his remix. A faster BPM, with a pounding kick makes this tune one of my favourites. Dirty sounds coming from the growling bass bounces from the bottom end with a muted percussive melody make it hard to stay still. Driving closed hats appear, while a pad works the mids from side to side. Gradually the intense pad injects a mysterious energy that serves as a cushion to the pretty intense ride. Open hats appear cutting the air with surgical precision, while metallic and industrial textures flow through the track making it the darkest and most powerful of the bunch by far.
The remix from JoyB takes no prisoners either. A tight kick dancing with sharp bass stabs create the perfect storm that’s complimented by the looping and subdued initial melody. Gradually the lead begins to unfilter which allows stereo trails to develop that serve as a harmonious response to the undertones. Stereo clicks and scratching textures guide me through this crazy trip, whilst grainy hats fade in and out toying with your ears, making the journey more interesting and hypnotic.
“Modularia” gives this release a good contrast. A tough, raw beat and laboratory bleeps take charge from the beginning. Reverberant sparks and flanged, high pitched sweeps create a great mood, but the claps that appear later on really push this track forward. An outer space, searing pad fills out the mix before the breakdown where the echoing notes develop freely. Lots of depth hidden away in the layers of this one that make for great exploring.
A wonderful collection here, showing an experienced ear of the label boss Re:Axis for bringing these amazing producers together and achieving a set of high class techno. Pieces of audio art, without any doubt.
– Reviewed by Juan Trujillo for deathtechno.com
PREVIOUS REVIEWS :
CLICK HERE – ETB022 – Oliver Deutschmann – Resist (incl. Luca Agnelli & Electric Rescue Remixes)
CLICK HERE – DREF025 – Abstract Division – Metropolis EP (incl. Trolley Route, Function & Marcel Fengler Remixes)
CLICK HERE – DFR035 – Sutter Cane – Alchemy EP (incl. A.Mochi Remix)
CLICK HERE – NRLP001 – Joton – Casting Out Nines
CLICK HERE – WOLF032 – Doka – Ask (incl. NX1 & Aiken Remix)
CLICK HERE – ETG013 – Jonas Kopp – Triptology
CLICK HERE – BCR010 – Brian Sanhaji – Panic
CLICK HERE – TRP002 – De Niro Is Concerned
CLICK HERE – WCR007 – Ground-Fault-Interrupt Volume 1
CLICK HERE – AFFIN025LTD – Keith Carnal – Instantaneously (incl. Subjected Remix)
CLICK HERE – SOMA426 – Woo York – Blade Runner (incl. Zadig Remix)
CLICK HERE – WTZ002 – Menno Cirk – Sector Two (incl. MM:MS Remixes)
CLICK HERE – RS1503 – Lakker – Tundra (incl. Q&A)
CLICK HERE – EDR007 – NoizyKnobs – Dissolve (incl. JoeFarr & The Fourth Alarm Remixes)
CLICK HERE – POLEGROUP31 – Oscar Mulero – Muscle And Mind
CLICK HERE – RLPS001LP – Relapso – States Evolution
DTR | ETB022 – Oliver Deutschmann – Resist (incl. Luca Agnelli & Electric Rescue Remixes)
Label : Etruria Beat
CAT# : ETB022
Artist : Oliver Deutschmann
Title : Resist
Released : 30 June 2015
01. Resist (Luca Agnelli Remix)
02. Resist
03. Hope
04. Hope (Electric Rescue Remix)
www.etruriabeat.it – Facebook – Twitter – SoundCloud – Beatport – Resident Advisor
This impressive pack is refreshing with a minimum 130 bpm across the board. The Italian label Etruria Beat ran by Luca Agnelli has explored different sounds in it’s varying releases, with the Techno prominent ones my obvious preferred tipple which have included some undeniably massive tracks. They caught my eye initially from seeing DJ Emerson and DT guest Mattias Fridell on remix duty and this new release just reinforced their winning direction.
Oddly, the first track is Luca’s remix of Oliver Deutschmann‘s title track “Resist.” Thud, it fires off with a looping rough texture and subtle accent from a soft synth with perfect delay, in no time at all the hat was the icing on the cake. A great combo of layered hats and claps drags you with it at all times, as a haunting whirl creeps in and the key vocal makes it instantly a banger. If that wasn’t enough, stuttered, low mid synth stabs raise the energy up a notch again until the break and at this point it’s more than needed as it recharges for mayhem to ensue.
The second track is the original of Resist, that has a more old school drive about it, from a fairly damp kick that’s nearly out shined by a wicked throbbing sub bass roll underneath it. It packs an unwieldy punch that exceedingly works out the ears, where an overall tribal emphasis is also apparent. It’s like stepping back in time to a banging rave, such a beast.
“Hope” the third offering is a completely different animal. Exhibiting a melancholic vibe from whining synth notes that have a slightly sinister edge too. A really interesting combination at play that shouts Berlin warehouse to me, as the tough 909 beat drives on and increases tension with crushed screeches, faint crunches and crackles. Rolling toms thrown in to the groove amongst the other textures really mesh well and make this a timeless tune.
Skryptöm head honcho, Parisian Electric Rescue has his presence instantly felt, giving a freaky makeover by adding new looping lead notes like a surging current with additional blips and beeps for sonic satisfaction. He flips the beat with a droning, powerful sub that’s accompanied by hats appearing at different depths in the mix to show attention to detail. The original synth notes are chopped in this too, taking on their own personality, where a lot of hidden depth shows a real maestro making a technical rework sound effortless and unique at the same time.
Amazing to say the least, these works just need to be heard.
– Reviewed by Jack! Who? for deathtechno.com
PREVIOUS REVIEWS :
CLICK HERE – DREF025 – Abstract Division – Metropolis EP (incl. Trolley Route, Function & Marcel Fengler Remixes)
CLICK HERE – DFR035 – Sutter Cane – Alchemy EP (incl. A.Mochi Remix)
CLICK HERE – NRLP001 – Joton – Casting Out Nines
CLICK HERE – WOLF032 – Doka – Ask (incl. NX1 & Aiken Remix)
CLICK HERE – ETG013 – Jonas Kopp – Triptology
CLICK HERE – BCR010 – Brian Sanhaji – Panic
CLICK HERE – TRP002 – De Niro Is Concerned
CLICK HERE – WCR007 – Ground-Fault-Interrupt Volume 1
CLICK HERE – AFFIN025LTD – Keith Carnal – Instantaneously (incl. Subjected Remix)
CLICK HERE – SOMA426 – Woo York – Blade Runner (incl. Zadig Remix)
CLICK HERE – WTZ002 – Menno Cirk – Sector Two (incl. MM:MS Remixes)
CLICK HERE – RS1503 – Lakker – Tundra (incl. Q&A)
CLICK HERE – EDR007 – NoizyKnobs – Dissolve (incl. JoeFarr & The Fourth Alarm Remixes)
CLICK HERE – POLEGROUP31 – Oscar Mulero – Muscle And Mind
CLICK HERE – RLPS001LP – Relapso – States Evolution
CLICK HERE – EDR006 – Complicit – Drome (incl. Annie Hall & Plane Shifter Remixes)
CLICK HERE – MISTRESS05.3 – The Redhead
CLICK HERE – CRG001 – Cleric – Codes of Chaos EP
CLICK HERE – TRP001 – The Deviant Octopus
DTR | DREF025 – Abstract Division – Metropolis EP (incl. Trolley Route, Function & Marcel Fengler Remixes)
Label : Dynamic Reflection
CAT# : DREF025
Artist : Abstract Division
Title : Metropolis EP
Released : 22 June 2015
01. Metropolis
02. Metropolis (Trolley Route Remix)
03. Metropolis (Function Remix)
04. Metropolis (Marcel Fengler Remix)
www.dynamic-reflection.com – Facebook – Twitter – SoundCloud – Beatport – Resident Advisor
I came across the new one from Utrecht’s Dynamic Reflection that churn out quality releases time and time again. Credit goes to label boss Paul Boex for such a selective ear. The Dutch label has featured some of the biggest artists going and this release is no exception from the long line of on point material. It features Paul’s own production alias with fellow artist Dave Miller as the always impressive Abstract Division.
The original mix of “Metropolis” instantly proves itself as a pretty laid back, floaty and melodic number, that strolls forward with a dry sub kick and panning open hats. A looping, muted acid lead controls the pace with a deep and uplifting vibe, which evolves at all times leaving trails in its wake that intensify into numerous building crescendos. Adding multiple sound textures really fill out and amplify the track as it progresses with a great sense of euphoria. Easy to get lost in the depth on show here.
Remix number one comes from Trolley Route also known as the rare alias of one Mr. Oscar Mulero, which has been under wraps since 2010. A more hypnotic overall tone appears with a sweeping fx and more electro style on the lead this time, that I also get a more funky feel from if you listen in closely. It has a stripped back aspect about it with a 5am chill-down vibe to sooth the minds of a club audience.
Function steps it up notch with a deep and pounding kick, where he uses the main lead as more of an overtone groove while he adds his own deep, scything synth chords to the mix with some subtle claps for extra satisfaction. Some peaking accents bleep and fade away as it breaks down for a short pause then comes back to the main rhythm then gently disappears from the horizon it seems.
A chunky kick and scuttling textures gets Marcel Fengler‘s take on Metropolis off with more intensity. An urgency that seems hidden in the sub stabs is revealed as they go up an octave which adds a new sense of confidence to the track, then is complimented with dreamy and harmonic strings bringing an overall melancholic feel. Still showing enough energy, it could certainly be used as a highlight in the middle of a set and wouldn’t be a miss as a monumental opener or closer either, depending on your task at hand.
All in all 4 different moods here of superb production, paying homage to the city of Detroit and it’s futuristic soul.
– Reviewed by Jack! Who? for deathtechno.com
PREVIOUS REVIEWS :
CLICK HERE – DFR035 – Sutter Cane – Alchemy EP (incl. A.Mochi Remix)
CLICK HERE – NRLP001 – Joton – Casting Out Nines
CLICK HERE – WOLF032 – Doka – Ask (incl. NX1 & Aiken Remix)
CLICK HERE – ETG013 – Jonas Kopp – Triptology
CLICK HERE – BCR010 – Brian Sanhaji – Panic
CLICK HERE – TRP002 – De Niro Is Concerned
CLICK HERE – WCR007 – Ground-Fault-Interrupt Volume 1
CLICK HERE – AFFIN025LTD – Keith Carnal – Instantaneously (incl. Subjected Remix)
CLICK HERE – SOMA426 – Woo York – Blade Runner (incl. Zadig Remix)
CLICK HERE – WTZ002 – Menno Cirk – Sector Two (incl. MM:MS Remixes)
CLICK HERE – RS1503 – Lakker – Tundra (incl. Q&A)
CLICK HERE – EDR007 – NoizyKnobs – Dissolve (incl. JoeFarr & The Fourth Alarm Remixes)
CLICK HERE – POLEGROUP31 – Oscar Mulero – Muscle And Mind
CLICK HERE – RLPS001LP – Relapso – States Evolution
CLICK HERE – EDR006 – Complicit – Drome (incl. Annie Hall & Plane Shifter Remixes)
CLICK HERE – MISTRESS05.3 – The Redhead
CLICK HERE – CRG001 – Cleric – Codes of Chaos EP
CLICK HERE – TRP001 – The Deviant Octopus
CLICK HERE – AFK013 – Uncode – Cmtrn EP
CLICK HERE – AD023 – Rommek – 1 View, 100 Versions
DTR | DFR035 : Sutter Cane – Alchemy EP (incl. A.Mochi Remix)
Label : Driving Forces Recordings
CAT# : DFR035
Artist : Sutter Cane
Title : Alchemy EP
Released : 25 June 2015
01. The Alchemist
02. Transmutation
03. Transmutation (A.Mochi Remix)
www.driving-forces.net – Facebook – Twitter – SoundCloud – Beatport – Resident Advisor
One of the things I like the most about driving techno is the projected energy onto the dancefloor and the feeling of being in the middle of something apocalyptic. For a prime example we look to none other than Driving Forces, the Austrian based Techno label from well known producer Sutter Cane. This time we come across an amazing EP from the founder himself.
Named “Alchemy EP” it contains two high calibre tracks and includes a remix by no other than the Japanese enigma A.Mochi, a huge Tokyo based producer who adds a darker twist.
The first offering called “The Alchemist” has an electric feel on the mid range that combined with a powerful, pounding kick and subtle overdriven hats, makes you move your feet right from the start. Percussive and constant semi-distorted arrangements force your mind in to a space where the bottom end starts to fade away, but just when I’m beginning to wonder how is this going to continue, a clap glued to the kick pulls my flying thoughts back to the ground where I was before. What a first track.
“Transmutation” has a little more melodic touch but no less powerful at all. Keeping the pounding bottom as expected, it shows some chopped and hard worked synth rhythms that can hypnotise anyone. The arrangements work very well with a tubular percussive sound that begins to appear and disappear in the background mixing with wood sounds and cleaner hats that flow smoothly with shakers and a snare that gets in the mix from time to time.
A.Mochi has a more stripped back and hypnotic approach that gives this release a good contrast. It has a thundering bottom end as he plays with intricate details on top of a delay on the tubular sound and later the addition of a bell for an even more sinister feeling. Sweeping dark pads show their face occasionally through the murky waters as the breakdown’s vocoded snare expands and builds tension before the hellish ride continues.
This is an awesome package that will make any nightclub walls sweat, whilst also having a depth of quality behind it.
– Reviewed by Juan Trujillo for deathtechno.com
PREVIOUS REVIEWS :
CLICK HERE – NRLP001 – Joton – Casting Out Nines
CLICK HERE – WOLF032 – Doka – Ask (incl. NX1 & Aiken Remix)
CLICK HERE – ETG013 – Jonas Kopp – Triptology
CLICK HERE – BCR010 – Brian Sanhaji – Panic
CLICK HERE – TRP002 – De Niro Is Concerned
CLICK HERE – WCR007 – Ground-Fault-Interrupt Volume 1
CLICK HERE – AFFIN025LTD – Keith Carnal – Instantaneously (incl. Subjected Remix)
CLICK HERE – SOMA426 – Woo York – Blade Runner (incl. Zadig Remix)
CLICK HERE – WTZ002 – Menno Cirk – Sector Two (incl. MM:MS Remixes)
CLICK HERE – RS1503 – Lakker – Tundra (incl. Q&A)
CLICK HERE – EDR007 – NoizyKnobs – Dissolve (incl. JoeFarr & The Fourth Alarm Remixes)
CLICK HERE – POLEGROUP31 – Oscar Mulero – Muscle And Mind
CLICK HERE – RLPS001LP – Relapso – States Evolution
CLICK HERE – EDR006 – Complicit – Drome (incl. Annie Hall & Plane Shifter Remixes)
CLICK HERE – MISTRESS05.3 – The Redhead
CLICK HERE – CRG001 – Cleric – Codes of Chaos EP
CLICK HERE – TRP001 – The Deviant Octopus
CLICK HERE – AFK013 – Uncode – Cmtrn EP
CLICK HERE – AD023 – Rommek – 1 View, 100 Versions
DTR | NRLP001 : Joton – Casting Out Nines
Label : Newrhythmic
CAT# : NRLP001
Artist : Joton
Title : Casting Out Nines
Released : Vinyl 12 May 2015 & Beatport 31 May 2015
01. Intro
02. Gray Matter
03. Archetype
04. Red In The Face
05. Quantum Algorithm
06. Clean Skin
07. Hidden Pulse
08. Metabolize
09. N.E.X.O.
10. Kill Switch [Bonus Track]
www.newrhythmicrecords.com – Facebook – Twitter – SoundCloud – Beatport – RA
Newrhythmic Records is a León, Spain based label from Jose Angel Palacios Robles aka Joton. He recently released what appears to be the album of his life titled “Casting Out Nines” and it has garnered support from producers like Ben Sims, DVS1, Danny Tenaglia, Samuli Kemppi, Pfirter, Joseph Capriati, just to name a few. I decided to have a deeper look into some of the tracks…
Two single notes looping with an amazing delay are the first sounds to appear, and while astute filtering down introduces the beat for “Gray Matter.” The shots that perform as a pad shortly in, welcome the expected kick. Compact bass notes set the groove and wasting no time the track is already rocking. Ride shakes immediately, awakening the beeping melody and… lift off!!! Voice stabs with different top combinations deliver space for the melody to work with the ongoing loopy pad that expands at length. I really like this constant and euphoric tune.
Spawn a broken beat and claps drawn in it, “Quantum Algorithm” is a bit more of a dramatic journey. A dynamic pad widens up the space and repeated short synths set the groove with intelligence, the top consists of a steady ride while a mid shaker gets in the mix too. Synths conduct the way toward the break and the pad that becomes an enjoyable chainsaw massacre takes over the track, what an outstanding finale.
“Clean Skin” maintains the minimalistic approach, but promptly expanding hats welcome the melody, in this case resembling a train passing by. A kindly distorted alarm responds in the mids, achieving new levels of consciousness, the constant hats rolling on top conceive and incredible dynamic pace, that quickly boost the dance floor. While the angry melody screams, groovy percussion controls the beat from the beginning making this track one of my favorites of the package.
Best described by its name, “Hidden Pulse” has an intermittent low tom between kicks that works great, delayed notes from an organ synth massage my brain with elasticity and the incoming hat has an interesting echo toward the right side also. The melody on the mid range makes the most impact on this one with a delayed pulse response with a kind of shimmering tail. A short breakdown alters the release on the melody notes… intensifying the feeling and let’s the huge kick breathe and sound thunderous. Clearly there is a bright mind behind this production trying new ideas.
I much more mellow vibe from this next one. Well-adjusted rotating pads with clean clicks set a wonderful ambience and developing low frequency notes from the bassline excites the easy listening break-beat. “Metabolize” is a fresh vacation, where shakers contribute to the picture and filtered closed hats appear here and there for highlights. The breakdown is about pads which have a feeling of being alone in the dark and very atmospheric. The beat draws you back into the groove, this time with extra panning on the now developed notes from the synth. It sounds so smooth from start to finish.
After several years, Joton has managed to include a well studied variety of his work in this album, travelling through ups and downs, highs and lows, we found a well-organized and creative package which demonstrates his unique talent and a true pleasure to listen too.
– Reviewed by Juan Trujillo for deathtechno.com
PREVIOUS REVIEWS :
CLICK HERE – WOLF032 – Doka – Ask (incl. NX1 & Aiken Remix)
CLICK HERE – ETG013 – Jonas Kopp – Triptology
CLICK HERE – BCR010 – Brian Sanhaji – Panic
CLICK HERE – TRP002 – De Niro Is Concerned
CLICK HERE – WCR007 – Ground-Fault-Interrupt Volume 1
CLICK HERE – AFFIN025LTD – Keith Carnal – Instantaneously (incl. Subjected Remix)
CLICK HERE – SOMA426 – Woo York – Blade Runner (incl. Zadig Remix)
CLICK HERE – WTZ002 – Menno Cirk – Sector Two (incl. MM:MS Remixes)
CLICK HERE – RS1503 – Lakker – Tundra (incl. Q&A)
CLICK HERE – EDR007 – NoizyKnobs – Dissolve (incl. JoeFarr & The Fourth Alarm Remixes)
CLICK HERE – POLEGROUP31 – Oscar Mulero – Muscle And Mind
CLICK HERE – RLPS001LP – Relapso – States Evolution
CLICK HERE – EDR006 – Complicit – Drome (incl. Annie Hall & Plane Shifter Remixes)
CLICK HERE – MISTRESS05.3 – The Redhead
CLICK HERE – CRG001 – Cleric – Codes of Chaos EP
CLICK HERE – TRP001 – The Deviant Octopus
CLICK HERE – AFK013 – Uncode – Cmtrn EP
CLICK HERE – AD023 – Rommek – 1 View, 100 Versions
DTR | WOLF032 : Doka – Ask (incl. NX1 & Aiken Remixes)
Label : Wolfskuil
CAT# : WOLF032
Artist : Doka
Title : Ask
Released : Vinyl 10 June 2015 & Beatport 15 June 2015
01. Ask
02. Ask (NX1 Remix)
03. Ask (Aiken Remix)
www.darkoesser.com – Wolfskuil Records – Twitter – SoundCloud – Beatport – Resident Advisor
The Amsterdam based producer named Doka just released his most recent work “Ask” on Wolfskuil Records and it’s pretty cool stuff.
One of the features in Doka’s productions is the creativeness and this release is no exception. A title track and two remixes from Spanish artists NX1 and Aiken make this release three high quality options.
The original mix has a thick and throbbing kick which makes you feel its power instantly, repetitive driving notes from filtered synths deliver the melody, which expand with stereo trails. Holding a rotating and very strident hat, claps appear in tandem to introduce the breakdown which is the wider part of the melody. The kick drops shortly after that, filtering down the synths and bringing back the euphoric rhythm. There is a depth of textures in the track, with bleeps programming my brain as binary code, which persist until the end.
NX1 has a more accelerated approach, with bouncing drums revealed by the kick and accenting sub sweeps create a great vibe. Metallic, windswept atmospherics appear and gradual, fading reverberated claps join in for a temporary breather in the beat before going full throttle again. The delightful skirl which remains in my head resembles a cricket of the night, that carries the ride forward as the sounds continue to morph with a strong old school tribal feel.
Going for a more energetic style here, Aiken adds a stripped back feel at the same time, with metallic sounds and huge swelling bass under the compact kick and quirky glassy rolls show a cool character. Phased organ notes shoot through the mix towards the half way point in the track, which are totally unexpected, but work really well as sounds slowly fall away and it becomes the dominant solo feature. As it soothes and captivates, a sudden switch back to the original arrangement drops and contrasts, but with added claps this time.
Each track very much of their own accord and special tools as and when you require them in a set.
– Reviewed by Juan Trujillo for deathtechno.com
PREVIOUS REVIEWS :
CLICK HERE – ETG013 – Jonas Kopp – Triptology
CLICK HERE – BCR010 – Brian Sanhaji – Panic
CLICK HERE – TRP002 – De Niro Is Concerned
CLICK HERE – WCR007 – Ground-Fault-Interrupt Volume 1
CLICK HERE – AFFIN025LTD – Keith Carnal – Instantaneously (incl. Subjected Remix)
CLICK HERE – SOMA426 – Woo York – Blade Runner (incl. Zadig Remix)
CLICK HERE – WTZ002 – Menno Cirk – Sector Two (incl. MM:MS Remixes)
CLICK HERE – RS1503 – Lakker – Tundra (incl. Q&A)
CLICK HERE – EDR007 – NoizyKnobs – Dissolve (incl. JoeFarr & The Fourth Alarm Remixes)
CLICK HERE – POLEGROUP31 – Oscar Mulero – Muscle And Mind
CLICK HERE – RLPS001LP – Relapso – States Evolution
CLICK HERE – EDR006 – Complicit – Drome (incl. Annie Hall & Plane Shifter Remixes)
CLICK HERE – MISTRESS05.3 – The Redhead
CLICK HERE – CRG001 – Cleric – Codes of Chaos EP
CLICK HERE – TRP001 – The Deviant Octopus
CLICK HERE – AFK013 – Uncode – Cmtrn EP
CLICK HERE – AD023 – Rommek – 1 View, 100 Versions
DTR | ETG013 : Jonas Kopp – Triptology
Label : EarToGround
CAT# : ETG013
Artist : Jonas Kopp
Title : Triptology
Released : Vinyl 12 May 2015 & Beatport 8 June 2015
01. STP
02. CE-5
03. Mental Message
04. Distance
05. Tibi Jam [Digital Exclusive]
www.eartoground.co.uk – Facebook – Twitter – SoundCloud – Beatport – Resident Advisor
EarToGround Records new collection named “Triptology” is the most recent EP from the now Berlin based and world renowned Argentinian producer Jonas Kopp, with 5 tracks ranging from the coolest garage music to deeper waters.
“STP” the first piece of this set has multiple colours, set on a four note bassline resting on a cogent kick, but only to the exact point without making it too bold, coming and going pads become dominant in the track and working from side to side. They allow short synths to occasionally see the light at a jovial rate maintaining the dynamism and complementing each other. A voice sample works as a stab and serves as an answer to melody. The top consists of closed rolling hats, which are quick to open and get replaced by a simple clap that fits just great. It is a track with steady pace that envelops you in minutes.
With a less attacky kick but much more pounding, “CE-5” is a far more dense proposal. There’s no need for a bassline, that kick is doing all the work, sat next to closed rolling hats with a machine texture, the canine stab on the mids are wet with reverb and delay giving the track everything it needs to make you travel down a darker path. Open hats and loud claps enter later and the sharp resonance they generate deliver contrast from the almost detectable bouncy lows. A nice piece to keep the floor moving.
“Mental Message” is the following track, with a little more emphasis on the kick and bass bouncing from it, quickly achieving an attitude that drives it forward, plenty of playing hats, open and closed fabricate the chaotic top end on this tune. A melody made of voices crumbling with reverb that deform gradually empowering the track title. There are some drum sounds that appear from time to time dancing with hats that come and go, giving enthusiasm and wrapping the wide range of this track.
With the highest BPM, “Distance” is my favorite, a bell style synth leads in the middle and its the bass range brother that takes over my mind. The kick is definitely there stuffing the low end in a 1-2, 1-2 pattern simulating the movement of the speakers and hitting the chest of the listener. There is a grainy noise that leaves the kick rest, balancing perfectly with the closed hats and vocoder texture. Rolling open hats appear later on and serve as an excuse for the clap. Definitivamente this track has great vibe on any dj set.
To close this trip we have Digital Exclusive “Tibi Jam” the most experimental track on here. It comprises of a synth with an acid touch as it goes from an acute point and dives to low bounces that merge with a distant kick encompassing all space. Delayed hat stabs lead the way for the ride to drop and mixed with shorter hats, establishes the rhythm. Reverberant claps and impatient noises are the give and take that is repeated till the end.
Clearly Jonas knows what works, whilst getting creative under the “hood” so to speak, introducing exciting and distinct details.
– Reviewed by Juan Trujillo for deathtechno.com
PREVIOUS REVIEWS :
CLICK HERE – BCR010 – Brian Sanhaji – Panic
CLICK HERE – TRP002 – De Niro Is Concerned
CLICK HERE – WCR007 – Ground-Fault-Interrupt Volume 1
CLICK HERE – AFFIN025LTD – Keith Carnal – Instantaneously (incl. Subjected Remix)
CLICK HERE – SOMA426 – Woo York – Blade Runner (incl. Zadig Remix)
CLICK HERE – WTZ002 – Menno Cirk – Sector Two (incl. MM:MS Remixes)
CLICK HERE – RS1503 – Lakker – Tundra (incl. Q&A)
CLICK HERE – EDR007 – NoizyKnobs – Dissolve (incl. JoeFarr & The Fourth Alarm Remixes)
CLICK HERE – POLEGROUP31 – Oscar Mulero – Muscle And Mind
CLICK HERE – RLPS001LP – Relapso – States Evolution
CLICK HERE – EDR006 – Complicit – Drome (incl. Annie Hall & Plane Shifter Remixes)
CLICK HERE – MISTRESS05.3 – The Redhead
CLICK HERE – CRG001 – Cleric – Codes of Chaos EP
CLICK HERE – TRP001 – The Deviant Octopus
CLICK HERE – AFK013 – Uncode – Cmtrn EP
CLICK HERE – AD023 – Rommek – 1 View, 100 Versions
DTR | BCR010 : Brian Sanhaji – Panic
Label : Blank Code
CAT# : BCR010
Artist : Brian Sanhaji
Title : Panic EP
Released : 8 June 2015
01. Panic
02. Pending Errors
03. Initial Boot
www.blankcode.com – Facebook – Twitter – SoundCloud – Beatport – Resident Advisor
For the German producer from Frankfurt Brian Sanhaji, simplicity has become a seasoning that never fails in his work, he does so in a way that only the “great” can do and is clearly demonstrated in his latest release “Panic” on Blank Code Records.
Not even a few seconds had passed and the title track on this trio immediately made me feel a sense of rebellion. A dry kick and a filtered bassline meant serious business right from the intro. Having a distorted resonance, it reminded me of when a club venue rattles, which immediately transported me to that place. Reverberating tones next to chained noises serve as a lead to the beeping melody that cling to the hissing in the track. When the shakers appear as a last top end ingredient, the confusion takes hold in my subconscious, where I can’t quite decipher the sounds as you should, be it a fade in the pad, or the background feeding the upcoming breakdown and the stab tones reappear. Behind the filtered drums and broken top end sounds, the humming bassline is highly dynamic bringing the tough beat back to life and ready for the action again.
Brian’s consistently sharp judgement never ceases to amaze, where a pair of elements possess all the tools for breaking the dancefloor in half. “Pending Errors” takes off with a pounding kick, a dirty synth that loops and flies across the top end puts this one right up there from the beginning. Cleverly hiding what is best described as an electric current, it begins to emerge slowly with choppy hats that complete the equation. The breakdown is composed of a buzzing cut-up synth, coupled to the filtered beat and the expanding hats, it makes you turn your head to look around and see if you are the only crazy person dancing frantically. When the dominating beat comes back in, a dusty and metallic ride which acts as an extra peak that makes it impossible not to keep moving. The second break is like a static roar with more panning and electric surge that gives this one in particular a more experimental edge.
Last but not least, “Initial Boot” has a refreshing electro feel, from a groovy break beat, to harmonic pads, this track will widen your senses dramatically, making it launch a pad for an infinite number of destinations. A tom filling leading from the start is melted away with delayed synths, where a closed, accented hat provides the steady rhythm. Fantastic notes from the pads develop in my flight towards the middle of the track. When the tone drops in the rising melody, it gives me an accurate guide of my place in his galaxy. Where soon after, extra stabbing bass notes appear and compliment this brilliant ride, that instantly makes me want to reboot and begin again.
Without a doubt another success from this standalone producer, who succeeds as the captain on his own intergalactic mission on this one.
– Reviewed by Juan Trujillo for deathtechno.com
PREVIOUS REVIEWS :
CLICK HERE – TRP002 – De Niro Is Concerned
CLICK HERE – WCR007 – Ground-Fault-Interrupt Volume 1
CLICK HERE – AFFIN025LTD – Keith Carnal – Instantaneously (incl. Subjected Remix)
CLICK HERE – SOMA426 – Woo York – Blade Runner (incl. Zadig Remix)
CLICK HERE – WTZ002 – Menno Cirk – Sector Two (incl. MM:MS Remixes)
CLICK HERE – RS1503 – Lakker – Tundra (incl. Q&A)
CLICK HERE – EDR007 – NoizyKnobs – Dissolve (incl. JoeFarr & The Fourth Alarm Remixes)
CLICK HERE – POLEGROUP31 – Oscar Mulero – Muscle And Mind
CLICK HERE – RLPS001LP – Relapso – States Evolution
CLICK HERE – EDR006 – Complicit – Drome (incl. Annie Hall & Plane Shifter Remixes)
CLICK HERE – MISTRESS05.3 – The Redhead
CLICK HERE – CRG001 – Cleric – Codes of Chaos EP
CLICK HERE – TRP001 – The Deviant Octopus
CLICK HERE – AFK013 – Uncode – Cmtrn EP
CLICK HERE – AD023 – Rommek – 1 View, 100 Versions
DTR | TRP002 : De Niro Is Concerned
Label : Trip / трип Recordings
CAT# : TRP002
Artist : Various
Title : De Niro Is Concerned
Released : 18 May 2015
A1. Bjarki – Revolution
A2. Deniro – Dumans
B1. Barcode Population – Untitled
B2. Kraviz & Exos – No Criminals
C1. Parrish Smith – L’importance de Doute
C2. Steve Stoll – D.U.M.B.O
D1. Nikita Zabelin – Rush
D2. Deniro – Organezized
www.ninakraviz.net – Facebook – Twitter – SoundCloud – Beatport – Resident Advisor
Trip (трип) is the feisty new label from Nina Kraviz that made a head turning start back in December with “The Deviant Octopus” that showcased some artists that look to be regulars in a wide ranging, often druggy collection of tracks, with a surprising variety on close listening. The second double pack adds to this with an extremely high quality selection of tracks from some of the aforementioned artists and that absolute missile of a tune from Barcode Population. Many of the tracks are live recordings and this gives the release a feeling of immediacy and intimacy.
The musical highlights:
A1. Bjarki – Revolution
I love the subtlety of this production. A chattering percussion line and muted but powerful kick lay down the road, but travelling centre stage along it is the nagging, repetitive percussion taken straight from a voodo rhythm. This gives the tune a tribal and hypnotic feel, which is only added too by the pulsating, reverberating note running under everything. The breakdown is beautifully handled with a subtle drum fills, offbeat clapping hihats and a large dash of sheer musicality. Excellent work, one to really dive into.
B1. Barcode Population – Untitled
What is there to say about this track – a huge classic from 1996 and props to Nina for getting it on a release and out to a wider audience. The track was originally A1 on a highly sought after run of 300 called “All Aboard The USS Severe” and including it here isn’t just about unearthing an old gem, it 100% fits with the other tunes on the release. Instantly captivating with its punishing, high bpm kicks, chugging bassline, hat/clap/shaker combo and surgical acid line. The percussion reels you in and lets you drop, cranking up the energy to a frenetic euphoric break from which there is no escape, before introducing a second, popping melody and bringing forward the bassline to play out on. Major classic. Special mention on the Trip youtube video which captures perfectly what clubbing should be in my opinion – no rules, no egos, happy faces and room about freedom to express yourself to the music.
C1. Parrish Smith – L’importance de Doute
Both a threatening statement and a trance like journey, this track adds yet another dimension to the release whilst again fitting snugly with the overall feel. There is such variety in this tune. Industiral knocks and claps. Breakbeats and 4/4, old school style. Floating, ethereal synth. Popping, trancey acid. Unnerving, deep melodies. But it’s so well arranged that none of that is hard work; it flows, develops and intermingles and makes total sense – epic and intense.
C2. Steve Stoll – D.U.M.B.O
Is a dense, brooding acid workout worthy of classic status. A solid, fast 808 and bassline pulls the track along like a freight train, whilst behind the main acid pattern (we’ll come to that) there are lots of other elements of interest. Most notable among these is a repetitive ethereal note, threatening to burst from the shadows for most of the track as it weaves in and out of the other elements. An abrasive, acid tinged squiggle that slowly creeps up and nabs your attention just before/around the first crescendo (yes it’s been there all along). On the acid – like all classic patterns this starts off regular and morphs and builds, adding extra notes, varying emphasis and cleverly using reverb and delay without losing it’s signature sound.
TRP002 is out now on vinyl and digital from the normal retailers – but if you want the Barcode Population track be quick as it’s only on the wax. Trip is most definitely high on the watch list for future releases – well done to Nina for showing her committment to underground sounds old and new along with developing a unique form and direction for the label. Who knows what she’s got up her sleeve next?
– Reviewed by Stuart Ingram for deathtechno.com
PREVIOUS REVIEWS :
CLICK HERE – WCR007 – Ground-Fault-Interrupt Volume 1
CLICK HERE – AFFIN025LTD – Keith Carnal – Instantaneously (incl. Subjected Remix)
CLICK HERE – SOMA426 – Woo York – Blade Runner (incl. Zadig Remix)
CLICK HERE – WTZ002 – Menno Cirk – Sector Two (incl. MM:MS Remixes)
CLICK HERE – RS1503 – Lakker – Tundra (incl. Q&A)
CLICK HERE – EDR007 – NoizyKnobs – Dissolve (incl. JoeFarr & The Fourth Alarm Remixes)
CLICK HERE – POLEGROUP31 – Oscar Mulero – Muscle And Mind
CLICK HERE – RLPS001LP – Relapso – States Evolution
CLICK HERE – EDR006 – Complicit – Drome (incl. Annie Hall & Plane Shifter Remixes)
CLICK HERE – MISTRESS05.3 – The Redhead
CLICK HERE – CRG001 – Cleric – Codes of Chaos EP
CLICK HERE – TRP001 – The Deviant Octopus
CLICK HERE – AFK013 – Uncode – Cmtrn EP
CLICK HERE – AD023 – Rommek – 1 View, 100 Versions
CLICK HERE – DEADCERT014 – Bruno Ledesma / Ledd – New Routes of Thought (incl. Subfractal Remix)
CLICK HERE – LIMITEDG006
CLICK HERE – EDR004 – Uun – Chaos Element (incl. DJ ESP Woody McBride & James Kelley Remixes)
CLICK HERE – TOKEN48 – Aphelion
CLICK HERE – DEADCERT013 – Alessan Main – Global Position (incl. Mick Finesse Remix)
CLICK HERE – DEADCERT012 – Black Mail IV
CLICK HERE – EDR003 – JGarrett – Monochrome Pusher EP (incl. Luis Flores & Jay Zoney Remixes)
DTR | WCR007 : Ground-Fault-Interrupt Volume 1
Label : Weekend Circuit
CAT# : WCR007
Artist : Various
Title : Ground-Fault-Interrupt Volume 1
Released : 8 June 2015
Format : Digital & Vinyl
01. Coldgeist – Orion Ancestors
02. Sleeparchive – Before
03. Developer – Control Room
04. Antonio De Angelis – Polar
05. Dax J – Knights Of The Round
06. P.E.A.R.L. – Cursive
07. Alderaan – Relative Way
08. Yan Cook – Hidden
www.weekendcircuit.com – Facebook – Twitter – SoundCloud – Beatport – Resident Advisor
VA albums can sometimes be a hit and miss affair. Some tracks great, others not so good, and nearly always some that just aren’t your style, and this can put a bit of a dampener on your enjoyment of them. Not so with Ground-Fault-Interrupt Volume 1. This 8 tracker on the London based Weekend Circuit label features a diverse range of tracks and artists, and there’s not a single thing on it that isn’t top notch. It’s testament to label boss Michael Wells’ selecting that this is the case – the compilation covers a huge amount of ground and yet each track seduces you with its own charms. As always with an album, the music should be experienced by the listener in its entirety, but here are some things that stood out for me:
Opener “Orion Ancestors” by Coldgeist weaves a hypnotic and edgy atmosphere at a good clip, a metallic dripping sound taking centre stage at the higher, contrasting perfectly with a slowly morphing single stab lower down, and both of which are offset by an eerie, drawn out high note. Offset handclaps and a variously ticking and hissing hi-hat measure out the percussion. No breakdowns it seems, just sound building, building, building. This is a heads down, late night techno groove of the highest order.
“Polar” by Antonio De Angelis marries a popping bass line with a maddening cyclic note not that always just escapes comprehension (hence the “maddening” – I found myself always hearing different nuances in it and just about grasping one when another one seemed to surface). The steady beats and chattering hats are accentuated by single bleeps, percussive accents and half heard variations in the melodies. A soft breakdown towards the end of the clip brings out the subtleties in these variations before the track drops back in.
“Knights of the Round” from Dax J steps up the pace to a frantic level and piles on the intensity. Hammering kicks and pattering hi-hats never let up and the drama is brought by percussive samples and a series of gradually building synth notes in the shadowy background. Plenty of changes of emphasis every 8/16 bars keep the track moving at high speed, in a furious race to reach the next phrase. Absolute peaktime devastation.
“Hidden” from Yan Cook features a beautifully realised chiming bell note at it’s heart, and this sound is expertly developed over the course of the track with harmonic notes, and subtle echo and filtering. A solid handclap line follows the regular kicks (with a cheeky little fill) and a slightly muted hat. The highlight of this track for me is the breakdown. the percussive elements gradually fade out, leaving a shining, disorientating reduction of the chiming melody to do its work on your brain – everything spins gloriously downward for a few bars before the groove re-establishes itself. Probably this is the pick of the release to my mind.
So, an absolutely essential compilation, put together by someone who clearly knows what they are doing and the direction they want to go in. A diverse collection with tracks to suit every situation, this better be part of your arsenal if you like playing modern Techno. More importantly, being Volume 1 means we can look forward to more in the future!
– Reviewed by Stuart Ingram for deathtechno.com
PREVIOUS REVIEWS :
CLICK HERE – AFFIN025LTD – Keith Carnal – Instantaneously (incl. Subjected Remix)
CLICK HERE – SOMA426 – Woo York – Blade Runner (incl. Zadig Remix)
CLICK HERE – WTZ002 – Menno Cirk – Sector Two (incl. MM:MS Remixes)
CLICK HERE – RS1503 – Lakker – Tundra (incl. Q&A)
CLICK HERE – EDR007 – NoizyKnobs – Dissolve (incl. JoeFarr & The Fourth Alarm Remixes)
CLICK HERE – POLEGROUP31 – Oscar Mulero – Muscle And Mind
CLICK HERE – RLPS001LP – Relapso – States Evolution
CLICK HERE – EDR006 – Complicit – Drome (incl. Annie Hall & Plane Shifter Remixes)
CLICK HERE – MISTRESS05.3 – The Redhead
CLICK HERE – CRG001 – Cleric – Codes of Chaos EP
CLICK HERE – TRP001 – The Deviant Octopus
CLICK HERE – AFK013 – Uncode – Cmtrn EP
CLICK HERE – AD023 – Rommek – 1 View, 100 Versions
CLICK HERE – DEADCERT014 – Bruno Ledesma / Ledd – New Routes of Thought (incl. Subfractal Remix)
CLICK HERE – LIMITEDG006
CLICK HERE – EDR004 – Uun – Chaos Element (incl. DJ ESP Woody McBride & James Kelley Remixes)
CLICK HERE – TOKEN48 – Aphelion
CLICK HERE – DEADCERT013 – Alessan Main – Global Position (incl. Mick Finesse Remix)
CLICK HERE – DEADCERT012 – Black Mail IV
CLICK HERE – EDR003 – JGarrett – Monochrome Pusher EP (incl. Luis Flores & Jay Zoney Remixes)
DTR | AFFIN025LTD : Keith Carnal – Instantaneously (incl. Subjected Rave Edit)
Label : Affin
CAT# : AFFIN025LTD
Artist : Keith Carnal
Title : Instantaneously
Released : 1 June 2015
Format : Digital & Vinyl
01. Keith Carnal – Instantaneously
02. Keith Carnal – Instantaneously (Subjected Rave Edit)
03. Keith Carnal – Hundge
04. Keith Carnal – Untold
www.affinrec.wordpress.com – Facebook – Twitter – SoundCloud – Beatport – Resident Advisor
I heard a track in a friend’s mix recently and was literally stunned by it’s eerie excellence. A little digging later and suddenly discovered it was from a label I have enjoyed for many years and ran by a previous guest of Death Techno. The now Berlin based Affin, should be and must be on your favourites list. Ran by Joachim Spieth who is becoming the purveyor of some of the finest cuts you will hear at this time.
This EP from Affin stalwart Keith Carnal, is nothing short of sublime. The title track “Instantaneously” manages to hold a solid groove and melancholic balance with consummate ease. It confidently drives you forward with pounding kick and crashes, with an atmosphere comprising of muted lazers to barely recognisable nature calls. Soon it throws at you spellbinding, emotionally charged notes, that flutter around like an accordion. A real floor monster.
The remix is from Subjected of the prolific Vault Series project given the tag “Rave Edit.” It goes straight at it, brandishing instantly, a creepy siren and powerful beat. As it rolls on, the suspense builds from what sounds like drenched castanets and pitch bending hats, as a lead synth note starts becoming the main focal point with an extra subtle wobble placed in the bottom end. Adding some more gloomy sounds it rises high then breaks like a tidal wave and destroy everything in it’s path.
“Hundge” is one of the best tracks I have heard in a long time. A thundering beat is soothed by spitting hats panning around your ears and tension builds like a ferocious beast. Soon in the distance you hear some lead notes that sound like ghost whispers and are ridiculously satisfying to my ears. Adding some soaked white noise, claps are thrown in for extra impact as it broods away. Coming off as a cross between a tool and absolute killer track, it is near perfect in execution, never succumbing to trying more than it has too to succeed which many find hard to achieve.
The fourth track is by no means least, as this EP is full of bombs and decapitating gold. “Untold” takes on a massive groove again, while going down a deeper route which it may not seem at first because it’s just so heavy! A sparse atmosphere takes hold as delayed and softened lead notes give this one a slightly ominous feel. Panning beeps are apparent too for extra mystery to ensue and leaves you in a trance come the final moments.
Such a lethal collection of the highest quality Techno.
– Reviewed by Jack! Who? for deathtechno.com
PREVIOUS REVIEWS :
CLICK HERE – SOMA426 : Woo York – Blade Runner (incl. Zadig Remix)
CLICK HERE – WTZ002 : Menno Cirk – Sector Two (incl. MM:MS Remixes)
CLICK HERE – RS1503 – Lakker – Tundra (incl. Q&A)
CLICK HERE – EDR007 – NoizyKnobs – Dissolve (incl. JoeFarr & The Fourth Alarm Remixes)
CLICK HERE – POLEGROUP31 – Oscar Mulero – Muscle And Mind
CLICK HERE – RLPS001LP – Relapso – States Evolution
CLICK HERE – EDR006 – Complicit – Drome (incl. Annie Hall & Plane Shifter Remixes)
CLICK HERE – MISTRESS05.3 – The Redhead
CLICK HERE – CRG001 – Cleric – Codes of Chaos EP
CLICK HERE – TRP001 – The Deviant Octopus
CLICK HERE – AFK013 – Uncode – Cmtrn EP
CLICK HERE – AD023 – Rommek – 1 View, 100 Versions
CLICK HERE – DEADCERT014 – Bruno Ledesma / Ledd – New Routes of Thought (incl. Subfractal Remix)
CLICK HERE – LIMITEDG006
CLICK HERE – EDR004 – Uun – Chaos Element (incl. DJ ESP Woody McBride & James Kelley Remixes)
CLICK HERE – TOKEN48 – Aphelion
CLICK HERE – DEADCERT013 – Alessan Main – Global Position (incl. Mick Finesse Remix)
CLICK HERE – DEADCERT012 – Black Mail IV
CLICK HERE – EDR003 – JGarrett – Monochrome Pusher EP (incl. Luis Flores & Jay Zoney Remixes)
DTR | SOMA426 : Woo York – Blade Runner (incl. Zadig Remix)
Label : Soma Records
CAT# : SOMA426
Artist : Woo York
Title : Blade Runner (incl. Zadig Remix)
Released : 25 May 2015
Format : Digital & Vinyl
01. Woo York – Blade Runner
02. Woo York – Phantom
03. Woo York – Blade Runner (Zadig Remix)
www.somarecords.com – Facebook – Twitter – SoundCloud – Beatport – Resident Advisor
Woo York have been consistently impressing me with their sound and diversity of work for a while, so had to show some love on their latest Soma offering titled “Blade Runner.”
Truth be told, it didn’t quite click as an EP that instantly made and impact on me, but the longer (and louder) you listen, the true depths start to unfold.
“Blade Runner” has managed to harness the tripped out, hypnotic and melodic style they seem to have down to a tee and near untouchable for me right now. It really goes to town on complementing chords and subtle notes, creating surreal netherworlds that’s an absolute pleasure to be a part of as a listener. Crafted to exact perfection, it’s a real treat, not to mention the deep rolling groove that swells away in the underbelly and makes you think your on an interstellar flight…
“Phantom” takes a more thunderous approach from the off, but keeping the deep space feeling again. The lunar styled artwork at this point becomes ever so clear, as this number has a feel like your spiralling out of control, as if your falling into oblivion and there’s no coming back. Unreal subconscious images appear as you ride this one out, with only odd bursts of digital hats in the wonderful sparseness to give you something to grab on too.
The only remix here is by Zadig of the lead track Blade Runner. He adds adds a tougher beat with some well placed deep toms to break up the beat. While possessing a quite demented sense of tension, it spins you round like you keep choosing the wrong escape route from a black hole. A quality rework that brings with it plenty of new interesting characteristics on the original.
This functional 3 tracker is Exclusive to Beatport at the moment with a vinyl cut on its way soon.
– Reviewed by Jack! Who? for deathtechno.com
PREVIOUS REVIEWS :
CLICK HERE – WTZ002 : Menno Cirk – Sector Two (incl. MM:MS Remixes)
CLICK HERE – RS1503 – Lakker – Tundra (incl. Q&A)
CLICK HERE – EDR007 – NoizyKnobs – Dissolve (incl. JoeFarr & The Fourth Alarm Remixes)
CLICK HERE – POLEGROUP31 – Oscar Mulero – Muscle And Mind
CLICK HERE – RLPS001LP – Relapso – States Evolution
CLICK HERE – EDR006 – Complicit – Drome (incl. Annie Hall & Plane Shifter Remixes)
CLICK HERE – MISTRESS05.3 – The Redhead
CLICK HERE – CRG001 – Cleric – Codes of Chaos EP
CLICK HERE – TRP001 – The Deviant Octopus
CLICK HERE – AFK013 – Uncode – Cmtrn EP
CLICK HERE – AD023 – Rommek – 1 View, 100 Versions
CLICK HERE – DEADCERT014 – Bruno Ledesma / Ledd – New Routes of Thought (incl. Subfractal Remix)
CLICK HERE – LIMITEDG006
CLICK HERE – EDR004 – Uun – Chaos Element (incl. DJ ESP Woody McBride & James Kelley Remixes)
CLICK HERE – TOKEN48 – Aphelion
CLICK HERE – DEADCERT013 – Alessan Main – Global Position (incl. Mick Finesse Remix)
CLICK HERE – DEADCERT012 – Black Mail IV
CLICK HERE – EDR003 – JGarrett – Monochrome Pusher EP (incl. Luis Flores & Jay Zoney Remixes)
DTR | WTZ002 : Menno Cirk – Sector Two (incl. MM:MS Remixes)
Label : writtentozero
CAT# : WTZ002
Artist : Menno Cirk
Title : Sector Two
Released : 20 May 2015 / 03 June 2015
Format : Vinyl & Digital
01. Menno Cirk – Epsilon
02. Menno Cirk – Zeta
03. Menno Cirk – Epsilon (MM:MS Remix)
04. Menno Cirk – Epsilon (MM:MS Total Rebuild)
05. Menno Cirk – Sigma [Digital Exclusive]
www.writtentozero.de – Facebook – Twitter – SoundCloud – Bandcamp – Beatport – RA
Sometimes the greatest things are when you just stumble upon new quality work absolutely randomly. Here we have a really bolshy and in your face Techno EP from the young Berlin label called writtentozero ran by duo MM:MS who offer their remix services here. Celebrating it’s 1st birthday in June this year, it’s second release is out on vinyl now and digital early next month.
The original artist Menno Cirk hails from Amsterdam, having also spent time in Birmingham before relocating to Berlin and really draws on this spectrum of cultures and influence in the tracks featured here.
With the seemed to be running name theme of their releases, the first track to get into on [Sector Two] is called “Epsilon.” It takes no prisoners and fires off with a frantic rolling tom rhythm and sputtering hat, that makes you instantly realise that he means business, also harnessing a straight up old school feel. On top of the driving drums is an analogue siren sound that is the spine of the whole track that only softens, morphs and cuts towards the middle break. It sharp builds up momentum again before it has a “as you were” moment with clean, punctuated to perfection, cymbals and hats to finish off. What a ride.
“Zeta” instantly takes you down to darker territory, with a simple powerful kick lead by a huge whirring, gritty synth that creates an angry atmosphere. Subtle shimmering hats to a somewhat dulled set of shakers soon pick up the pace. Crashing rides hit you just before the break where everything amplifies and it really goes into top gear with a truly sinister feel about it.
MM:MS submit 2 new versions of the Epsilon original with vastly contrasting takes. The first labelled as “Remix” somehow adds even more energy and cements a raw tribal feel. The freshly edited siren pierces through the mix, complimented by another glitchy audio bite and an onslaught of metallic, bell like hits. Damn this is something else, you can really lose your mind on this one.
The second remix titled “Total Rebuild” has a funkier and completely stripped tribal sound that still expertly manages to retain the energy which comes across like a DJ Tool or to be used while building a set. A real classy rework, it could honestly slot into any time of a set, depending on how you want work it as it still possesses ample audio stimulation from faint new textures and a partially hidden groove.
“Sigma” is the final offering on this stunning package that is Exclusive to Digital, satisfying another dimension to Techno heads by beginning with a broken beat. Ruthless, it has haunting and hypnotic drive, lead by a frosty, glass like backing note and a synth that tick-tocks steadily in and out of focus. It plunders against the tide with a controlled aggression as some industrial clatters and abrasive sweeps appear in the mix building tension. The beast then turns its head and goes all out four-to-the-floor after the break.
I definitely look forward to hearing more from these guys as they firmly planted a root in my brain. Top stuff.
– Reviewed by Jack! Who? for deathtechno.com
PREVIOUS REVIEWS :
CLICK HERE – RS1503 – Lakker – Tundra (incl. Q&A)
CLICK HERE – EDR007 – NoizyKnobs – Dissolve (incl. JoeFarr & The Fourth Alarm Remixes)
CLICK HERE – POLEGROUP31 – Oscar Mulero – Muscle And Mind
CLICK HERE – RLPS001LP – Relapso – States Evolution
CLICK HERE – EDR006 – Complicit – Drome (incl. Annie Hall & Plane Shifter Remixes)
CLICK HERE – MISTRESS05.3 – The Redhead
CLICK HERE – CRG001 – Cleric – Codes of Chaos EP
CLICK HERE – TRP001 – The Deviant Octopus
CLICK HERE – AFK013 – Uncode – Cmtrn EP
CLICK HERE – AD023 – Rommek – 1 View, 100 Versions
CLICK HERE – DEADCERT014 – Bruno Ledesma / Ledd – New Routes of Thought (incl. Subfractal Remix)
CLICK HERE – LIMITEDG006
CLICK HERE – EDR004 – Uun – Chaos Element (incl. DJ ESP Woody McBride & James Kelley Remixes)
CLICK HERE – TOKEN48 – Aphelion
CLICK HERE – DEADCERT013 – Alessan Main – Global Position (incl. Mick Finesse Remix)
CLICK HERE – DEADCERT012 – Black Mail IV
CLICK HERE – EDR003 – JGarrett – Monochrome Pusher EP (incl. Luis Flores & Jay Zoney Remixes)
DTR | RS1503 : Lakker – Tundra (incl. Q&A)
Label : R&S Records
CAT# : RS1503
Artist : Lakker
Title : Tundra
Released : 11 May 2014
Format : Vinyl, CD & Digital
01. Echtrae
02. Milch
03. Mountain Divide
04. Three Songs
05. Ton’neru
06. Halite
07. Tundra
08. Pylon
09. Oktavist
10. Herald
I remember first hearing Lakker‘s work on the 2007 long player “Ruido.” What struck me then (and still does now) was the sheer scope of the influences that the Dublin duo draw on and the huge depth and range of sounds used in their productions. Since then I’ve followed their productions and live performances with a keen interest, and the announcement of “Tundra” back in March (the “Irish Techno wizards” said FACT magazine) was cause for some excitement. The new LP on R&S Records is unlike anything else out there right now – by turns operatic, dark, uplifting and raw, immaculately produced and presented with amazing artwork. It’s very hard to pick a few of the tracks to go into more detail on from such a superb selection. But here are some things that stood out for me.
From the opening strains of “Echtrae” the production values are apparent. Every track on this album sounds a million miles wide. “Milch” uses juxtaposition of choral notes and firing synth stabs as percussion to devastating effect, with a haunting whispering that’s barely heard in the background. Listening to the percussive notes widen and develop into bass and drums as the track progresses is like hearing something coaxed into life by the haunting melody being sung over it.
I can safely say I’ve never heard a track quite like “Three Songs.” A sung choral intro of unsurpassed beauty is brutally cut off by fast kick drums and fizzing, static percussion, with a flat note measuring out the bars. At first listen this is shocking but a few choral notes carry through and lead you to the deep, lilting melody. Skittering hats and increased pressure in the kicks at this point recombine with choral notes and soaring synth notes, then the soundscape unfurls fully. Beauty and power, at once perfectly opposed and combined. Simply an astounding, euphoric piece of music.
The title track “Tundra” starts out as one of the most straight ahead compositions on offer here, with its measured breakbeat to click and rattle, but what grows out of it is anything but. Powerful growling notes slowly take precedence, increasing in volume and intensity and sounding like the birth of stars. Part way in, there’s the briefest touch of lighter notes and again that sense of ethereal euphoria that features throughout the album, before a gradual fading and the reintroduction of the beats. These are slowly eclipsed again, this time by sawing, tearing distortion, overdriving and expanding like a thousand supernovae and then sputtering out to nothing.
To be honest every track here is a highlight. The barely controlled aggression of the notes in “Pylon” and its clicked up beats. The understated menace and melodic chimes of “Oktavist.” The hissing, percussive syncopation of “Herald.” With Tundra, Lakker prove once again that they can continually achieve that oh-so-difficult task in modern electronic music – a sound that’s all their own and completely unique. This album deserves to be counted as a classic alongside works by artists such as Aphex and Autechre. If you go for such concepts as ‘Album of the Year’ (I don’t) then this may very well be it.
Tundra is out soon on the prolific R&S Records and is available in beautiful limited edition “splattered” vinyl as seen below and also CD and Digital formats. A more intriguing and immersive experience in electronic music you are very unlikely to find right now.
– Reviewed by Stuart Ingram for deathtechno.com
Q&A with Lakker
by Stuart Ingram for deathtechno.com
> 01. The track “Three Songs” is exceptionally varied in its musical content. Was it the intention with this album to seek out and arrange deliberately contrasting sounds?
The intention was to have an honest representation of who we both are as musicians, and contrasting different sounds is something we’ve both always found interesting. We’ve always loved the melding of different styles and different soundworlds coming together to create something new and interesting.
It wasn’t really a conscious decision to do this on the album, it’s more that that’s what felt natural to us when we were making the tracks.
> 02. Can you tell us how the artwork ties in with the music on the album and who produced it?
It was produced by an amazing artist called Eileen Carpio, whose voice also features on a number of tracks. It is an image that she drew, black ink on white paper, while listening to the album, inspired by the tracks, and when she showed it to us it immediately felt right.
> 03. How do you feel your outlook on music and sounds has changed since the early days? What is different about your influences these days?
I think now we have more of an appreciation for the sounds themselves, and also less of a desire to do so much. When we were younger we used to try and do way too much in each track, and layer things too much, create tracks that were too dense. A lot of the time we would use interesting sounds, but they would get lost in the mix. Nowadays we are more careful to not cram the tracks too full of sounds, or ideas. We are not afraid to be more simple, and let things be a bit more, rather than having to make everything chaotic or complex.
Our influences are wider than ever before. In a funny way sometimes. I think we both have an appreciation for things like garage or house music, or even pop music – more accessible things we may have shunned years ago.
> 04. Did you approach this album in a different way to “Ruido” in terms of the source sounds and the production methods?
Yes, and no. In production terms this album is a lot more refined and cleaner than Ruido. More mature. Less crammed full of sounds and ideas, as we mentioned above.
In terms of sound sources we still have a similar approach – we still use a lot of found sound, and still try to find a balance between organic and electronic sounds. But now we try to use them in a more refined way. Letting more of individual sounds have their place in the mix, taking more care with how we use the sounds.
Also nowadays we do a lot more synthesis of our own sounds, whereas Ruido was very much sample based.
> 05. It’s been over 7 years since the last album. Was there a conscious decision to wait until now before producing another, and has it been important for you both to develop musically to this point?
Absolutely. After Ruido came out, we both decided our sound needed to develop, and we wanted a period of just releasing EPs and 12″s to be able to explore that. We always felt an album is a statement, so we did not want to do a second album until we felt we were at the point to we had something to say – something that would hold up in an album format. We didn’t want to put another album out just for the sake of it. And it took until now for us to be happy and confident enough in our sound to do that. That’s what Tundra is and we’re both super happy with it!
PREVIOUS REVIEWS :
CLICK HERE – EDR007 – NoizyKnobs – Dissolve (incl. JoeFarr & The Fourth Alarm Remixes)
CLICK HERE – POLEGROUP31 – Oscar Mulero – Muscle And Mind
CLICK HERE – RLPS001LP – Relapso – States Evolution
CLICK HERE – EDR006 – Complicit – Drome (incl. Annie Hall & Plane Shifter Remixes)
CLICK HERE – MISTRESS05.3 – The Redhead
CLICK HERE – CRG001 – Cleric – Codes of Chaos EP
CLICK HERE – TRP001 – The Deviant Octopus
CLICK HERE – AFK013 – Uncode – Cmtrn EP
CLICK HERE – AD023 – Rommek – 1 View, 100 Versions
CLICK HERE – DEADCERT014 – Bruno Ledesma / Ledd – New Routes of Thought (incl. Subfractal Remix)
CLICK HERE – LIMITEDG006
CLICK HERE – EDR004 – Uun – Chaos Element (incl. DJ ESP Woody McBride & James Kelley Remixes)
CLICK HERE – TOKEN48 – Aphelion
CLICK HERE – DEADCERT013 – Alessan Main – Global Position (incl. Mick Finesse Remix)
CLICK HERE – DEADCERT012 – Black Mail IV
CLICK HERE – EDR003 – JGarrett – Monochrome Pusher EP (incl. Luis Flores & Jay Zoney Remixes)
DTR | EDR007 : NoizyKnobs – Dissolve (incl. JoeFarr & The Fourth Alarm Remixes)
Label : Eternal Drive Recordings
CAT# : EDR007
Artist : NoizyKnobs
Title : Dissolve (incl. JoeFarr & The Fourth Alarm Remixes)
Released : 22 April 2014
01. NoizyKnobs – Dissolve (Original Mix)
02. NoizyKnobs – Fiji (Original Mix)
03. NoizyKnobs – Lantern (Original Mix)
04. NoizyKnobs – Come To Me (Original Mix)
05. NoizyKnobs – Dissolve (JoeFarr Remix)
06. NoizyKnobs – Come To Me (The Fourth Alarm Remix)
The Turin based NoizyKnobs collective were new to me for this review and once again I’ve been excited and delighted in equal measure by a new artist that I’ll certainly be following in the future. This the seventh EP on Eternal Drive Recordings of Canada and is given over entirely to four originals from NK and remix duties by The Fourth Alarm and the exceptional JoeFarr rounding things out. If varied, melodic and powerful music is your thing then this is for you.
“Dissolve” sets the tone perfectly with its dubbed out, echoing overtones. Subtle, panning hi-hats roll around your head on the breakdown. An isolated snare fill brings the energy up further as more insistent percussion sees the track out through another breakdown, this one led by a rising synth note, bringing a touch of euphoria. Dubby it may be, but underneath is a hefty kickdrum and some insistent percussion, perfectly complimenting the increasing complexity in the melody.
“Fiji” ploughs straight ahead with pacy drums and a fantastically energetic bassline that bounces up and down for the duration with hardly a pause. This solid base allows a platform for experimenting with the dubby lead notes and percussion and this is done with subtle skill. The notes move slowly in and out of the fore and echo and touches of delay are used expertly in one of the most teasing breakdowns I’ve heard in a while. The track becomes pretty heavy as it continues with some emphasis changes in the notes and stomping percussion leading the charge. Well danceable, a very good track indeed!
“Come To Me” uses a mixture of fast and slow, open and closed hats, a solid kick and a repetitive looping sample to establish a strong groove, moving the EP in a darker direction. A tense breakdown with a dubbed out siren note and layers of echoing reverb follows, and hits again after a time, accentuating the heads down, deeper nature of this tune. One for the “heads” and late nights for sure.
The JoeFarr interpretation of Dissolve takes the original and adds liberal weight to the kickdrum, keeping the dubby melodic notes in the background initially, and leading with a rattling, machine gun percussion. His creativity shines in the breakdowns which are long and varied, teasing forthcoming elements of the track (of which there are many, too many to list in fact). Funky, powerful and gritty, this is a fine rework.
I haven’t reviewed all the tracks here but they are all extremely good so check them out for yourself! Six slabs of fresh techno full of ideas, from an artist and label that should certainly be on your radar – they are now firmly on mine.
EDR007 Dissolve EP by NoizyKnobs is available digitally at Beatport.
– Reviewed by Stuart Ingram for deathtechno.com
PREVIOUS REVIEWS :
CLICK HERE – POLEGROUP31 – Oscar Mulero – Muscle And Mind
CLICK HERE – RLPS001LP – Relapso – States Evolution
CLICK HERE – EDR006 – Complicit – Drome (incl. Annie Hall & Plane Shifter Remix)
CLICK HERE – MISTRESS05.3 – The Redhead
CLICK HERE – CRG001 – Cleric – Codes of Chaos EP
CLICK HERE – TRP001 – The Deviant Octopus
CLICK HERE – AFK013 – Uncode – Cmtrn EP
CLICK HERE – AD023 – Rommek – 1 View, 100 Versions
CLICK HERE – DEADCERT014 – Bruno Ledesma / Ledd – New Routes of Thought (incl. Subfractal Remix)
CLICK HERE – LIMITEDG006
CLICK HERE – EDR004 – Uun – Chaos Element (incl. DJ ESP Woody McBride & James Kelley Remixes)
CLICK HERE – TOKEN48 – Aphelion
CLICK HERE – DEADCERT013 – Alessan Main – Global Position (incl. Mick Finesse Remix)
CLICK HERE – DEADCERT012 – Black Mail IV
CLICK HERE – EDR003 – JGarrett – Monochrome Pusher EP (incl. Luis Flores & Jay Zoney Remixes)
DTR | POLEGROUP31 : Oscar Mulero – Muscle and Mind
Label : PoleGroup
CAT# : POLEGROUP31
Artist : Oscar Mulero
Title : Muscle and Mind
Released : 20 April 2015
01. Mind-Body Interaction
02. Dualistic Concept
03. Involuntary Response
04. Anatomical Variation
05. Mentally Induced Action
06. Interrelated
07. Mindful Body
08. 201 Element
09. Mechanical Function
10. Muscle and Mind
11. Mental Causation
12. Unconscious
I’m consistently impressed by the huge variety of the sounds and compositions on electronic albums these days. Especially since you have to concentrate on each track and listen to the whole album to really appreciate it properly, as intended by the artist. After a pretty significant gap of not paying attention to albums at all and even picking out only the most ‘dancefloor’ tracks for DJ use, I now look forward to quality albums more than any other format of release. There’s no cheap hit; you put in some time and you reap the reward.
This is nowhere more true than on Oscar Mulero‘s recent album on his own imprint PoleGroup titled “Muscle and Mind.” The once Madrid now Gijón based artist rightly needs no introduction here and his third artist album (following “Black Propaganda” in 2012) is bristling with assurance, experimentation, power and beauty. This is an exceptional and mature release from Mulero, full of highlights, just a few of which we cover here.
“Dualistic Concept” is a pure techno groove. Variations so subtle they are even hard to catch listening at home but put this on a big, quality system and immerse yourself in the sounds, then the intelligence of this production becomes apparent. Insidious percussion writhes slowly in and out of itself, underpinned with tight, thunderous bass and kicks. A beautifully understated break comes almost out of nowhere and the track builds again in waves of shimmering cymbals. A single missing kickdrum drives the pace onwards – heads down, heavy deepness.
The echoing, chiming notes of “Anatomical Variation” reminds me of Gamelan music – the gentle notes for the first few seconds sounding arrhythmic, and then revealing a cohesive, tight pattern. Is that a rimshot beat lending a dose of funk behind the hi-hats squarely in the forefront? The track builds into an immersive, disorienting soundscape that you could lose yourself in for much longer than the 5.38 runtime.
Then we hit “Interrelated.” I don’t think I’ve heard a tune quite like this before. On the one hand its pulsing, laser cut techno and in the other it’s a jangling, dissonant piano riff, full of lazy hot sunshine. Just as you’re getting used to this surprising and perfectly executed juxtaposition, an extended, wispy synth line introduces another element, with doubled kicks and hissing hats building the crescendos. As with many tracks on this album, the atmosphere and tension is expertly wound up and released. Incredible.
The title track features broad strokes of atmospheric synth, lovely bass drops and a broken beat that can either be taken as downtempo or frenetic depending on your mood. Later tracks on the album explore some esoteric ground – “Unconscious” and “Mental Causation” especially painting lush sonic landscapes that seem rooted in nature rather than electronics. For the rest, you need to go and find out yourself and enjoy your own experience!
If you know Mulero then you won’t need convincing with words to buy this album. If you don’t, then this stands as one of the defining productions of his career, and certainly one of the most significant releases you will see this year. In either case it’s unmissable.
“Muscle and Mind” is available from the PoleGroup bandcamp page on vinyl, CD and Digital.
– Reviewed by Stuart Ingram for deathtechno.com
PREVIOUS REVIEWS :
CLICK HERE – RLPS001LP – Relapso – States Evolution
CLICK HERE – EDR006 – Complicit – Drome (incl. Annie Hall & Plane Shifter Remix)
CLICK HERE – MISTRESS05.3 – The Redhead
CLICK HERE – CRG001 – Cleric – Codes of Chaos EP
CLICK HERE – TRP001 – The Deviant Octopus
CLICK HERE – AFK013 – Uncode – Cmtrn EP
CLICK HERE – AD023 – Rommek – 1 View, 100 Versions
CLICK HERE – DEADCERT014 – Bruno Ledesma / Ledd – New Routes of Thought (incl. Subfractal Remix)
CLICK HERE – LIMITEDG006
CLICK HERE – EDR004 – Uun – Chaos Element (incl. DJ ESP Woody McBride & James Kelley Remixes)
CLICK HERE – TOKEN48 – Aphelion
CLICK HERE – DEADCERT013 – Alessan Main – Global Position (incl. Mick Finesse Remix)
CLICK HERE – DEADCERT012 – Black Mail IV
CLICK HERE – EDR003 – JGarrett – Monochrome Pusher EP (incl. Luis Flores & Jay Zoney Remixes)
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