Tag Archives: Tech-House

Having been sent this release by a good friend I was somewhat intrigued as to what I would find. The quality of the release was never in question but the collection of artists intrigued me. What I can say is that all four tracks are of excellent quality, each with its own take on electronic funk.

First up is a Mark Archer cut, who as always, delivers. There is a decidedly warm feel to ‘Chuch’ complete with bleeps. Its basically the evolution of his sound, not really fitting into any genre, just does its thing, proper dance floor music for the more discerning listener. Next up is Derek Carr with ‘Centrepoint’. Starting of with plenty of soul and just delivering a thoughtful track full of space and a solid beat keeping it all together and driving us forwards. Blackjack is next with ‘Future classic’ and a slightly different sound here, more electro but still with plenty of depth. This is different and a fresh sound, not to say that the first two cuts aren’t equally as good just there’s something else happening here. This is more head music yet could equally kick things off at the right club. After a nice long intro the beat just hits you and sits neatly with the rest of the dextrous production. Finally we have Mark Ambrose and ‘Insane’ which is an altogether different track again with its crunching beats and nagging, well insane looping riff complete with a vocal sample that just drops at the right time, oh and cow bells too. Later into the track some suitably quality synth work drops that just completes the track perfectly.

What we have are four excellent showcases of the new label Rhythmic Science where each artist provides their own interpretation on the Detroit sound. The label is the best kind as its name perfectly captures its sound. This is high quality underground electronic Funk and it goes without saying that if you have been enjoying this sort of music for a long time you will enjoy the nods and evolutions of sound provided here. Alternatively if have an appreciation of perfectly crafted electronic music then this showcase and label should be a welcome addition to your collection. Enjoy.

Mark Archer – (altern8, nexus 21, bizarre inc, etc).
Mark Ambrose – (established artist and dj’s around the world on a weekly basis).
Derek Carr – (has released for over 10yrs and eanred a rep for chilled spacey detroit techno).
Black Jack – Upcoming scottish producer with releases on detroit based labels like soiree and travels to detroit to DJ at DEMF events most years.

This release is available to pre-order HERE:

Neil Sherwood – In Transit 18 19/05/13

1.Pharaohs – Island Time (ESP Institute)

2. Mr Beatnick – Symbiosis (Don’t Be Afraid)

3. Skymark feat. Lady Blacktronica – Use Me (NSYDE)

4. Dam Funk – New Knock (Stones Throw)

5. Roman Rauch – That Damn Thing (Quintessentials)

6. Paul Randolph – Soldier (Daz-I-Kue mix) (Offering Recordings)

7. Pablo Fierro – Whistle (Atjazz Astro remix) (Atjazz)

8. Ralf Gum feat. Kenny Bobien – The Only Way (Raw Artistic Soul Spiritual Touch)

9. Moomin – What My Eyes Can See (Closer)

10. Elliott Thomas – Sirius (Voyeurhythm)

11. Kyle Hall – Crushed (Wild Oats)

12. The Digital Kid vs The World – Shooting Star (Audion & Ryan Elliott remix) (Classic)

13. Ksoul & Muteoscillator – Aphrology (MOS Deep)

14. Tennis – Make It Good (Larry Heard Vocal dub) (Life and Death)

15. Rvds & Rau – Umbe Data (Smallville)

16. Norm Talley – Travlin (Landed)

17. Smallpeople – Ninja Restaurant (Running Back)

18. Roman Flugel – Even More (Clone Jack For Daze)

19. Romanthony – The Wanderer (Dixon edit) (Glasgow Underground)

Neil Sherwood presents: In Transit 16 (05-05-13)

Tracklist (incl links):

Funkineven feat. Fatima – Kleer (Eglo records)

Jonatan Backelie – Rave To The Bottom (Atjazz)

Emanative – We Travel The Spacebeats (Soundspecies remix) (Emanative)

James Pants – Dragonslayer (Stones Throw)

Eddie C – Every Life Under The Invisible Hands (Endless Flight)

Mr Beatnick – Symbiosis (Don’t Be Afraid)

Floating Points – Vacuum Boogie (Eglo records)

Jazzanova feat. Vikter Duplaix – That Night (Wahoo mix) (Compost)

The XX – Sunset (Jamie XX edit) (Young Turks)

Colman Buckley – No Dice (One Offs)

DeejayKul – Dream Deep (DeejayKul meets Soultechnic mix) (Atjazz)

Sunlightsquare – Ochosi (Jose Marquez mix) (Sunlightsquare)

Moomin – A Day & A Night (Closer)

Papol – The Time Is Over (Norm Talley remix) (Esperanza)

Move D feat. Juju – Your Personal Healer (Uzuri Recordings)

Botshelo Huma feat. Nkokhi – Something New (Josh Milan’s Honeycomb vocal) (Tribe)

Kuniyuki – Earth Beats (Fingers Acid edit) (Mule Musiq)

Nu Era – Microchip Angel (Omniverse)

Iron Curtis – Horses (KDMS Drums Of Love remix) (Mirau Musik)

Vester Koza – Mosquito (Maslo)

Nu Era – The Third Adam (Omniverse)

Shokazulu – Sour Grapes (2000black)

Forthcoming: Redshape on Delsin (With previews)

redshape

The man in the mask returns with a fine release on Amsterdam’s Delsin. This mini album will be available as a double 12inch and digital from 3rd June and looks like its going to to be a hit with the Timeline Music listeners. Check the previews HERE:

Various Artists – Soma 21 Compilation

Reviewed by: Persephone
soma 21
As with all Soma compilations number 21 in the series is not to be sniffed at. There are 12 tracks in total. Each one has been carefully selected for the style of music and the flow of tracks works especially well within the context of their group order. Some absolute classics can be found on here by artists such as Heiko Laux and Steve Rachmad, Gary Beck and so on.

‘Tonality Of Night’ the opening track by Deepchord is deep and lush, as you would expect. Such warm drifting synthesizers push you along carelessly as the track progresses. A big thumping beat adds to the enchanting feel that helps to drive the track forwards and keeps you dancing.

‘Origami’ is a wonderfully uplifting track by Pig & Dan with Mark Reeve which edges just a little into the darker side of Techno. Fantastic rhythms, keyboards that sound a tad gritty and a wicked beat seamlessly meld together with those all important hi-hats. Killer dance floor track.

‘Seawall’ by Envoy, remixed in this case by Ricardo Villalobos is a nice modern take on the original classic. This remix is a touch lighter, more ambient in it’s appeal. Some great effects have been overlain as well as some fabulous percussion and the bass creates just the right level of depth on this remix.

This is a great album full of well loved tracks. If you’re missing some of these tracks then this is the perfect excuse to buy it. Get your copy now.

This release is available to preview and pre-order HERE:

Neil Sherwood presents: ‘In Transit’ 14 (21-04-13)

Tracklist (complete with links):

Oriol – 5 Bars (Planet Mu)

Bantam Lions – No Going Back (Cottam mix) (Scenery)

Benjamin Sun – Salty Tears (Voyeurhythm)

Paskal & Urban Absolutes – Dynamo (Quintessentials)

Omar S – Rewind (FXHE)

Diephuis feat. Ursula Rucker – Listen To This Drum (Foliage)

Mr Fingers – Dead End Alley (Alleviated)

Black Motion feat. Jah Rich – Mtshongolo (Tribe Records)

Gregory Porter – 1960 What? (Opolopo remix) (Motema)

Tuccillo & Kiko Navarro – Lovery (Louie Vega Dance Ritual remix) (King Street Sounds)

Tevo Howard feat. Rick Howard – House Room (Bio Rhythm)

El Prevost feat. DHam – Allez Ally (Third Ear)

Motor City Drum Ensemble – The Stranger (MCDE)

Murat Tepeli – Workinstrugglin (Soulphiction remix) (Philpot)

Axel Boman – Television People (Hypercolour)

Pharaohs – Replicant Moods (100% Silk)

Anton Zap – Sign Language (Ethereal Sound)

Reflektor – Tulum (Wild Oats)

Delroy Edwards – Feelings (L.I.E.S.)

Alex W – Essential Moment EP (Logos Recordings)

Reviewed by: Persephone
alex w

This 2 track ep is a reissue and remix of the original track by Alex W . The original track was first released 4 years ago on a compilation album, but has since been picked up by Takasi Nakajima to make a fantastic remix. Hailing from Russia, Alex’s skills include painting, photography and bass guitar before moving into Electro under the name of Protector Hood. Takasi is well known as one half of the Different World collaboration,the other being Claude Young.

Essential Moment (original mix) begins with a huge four to the floor beat and a gorgeously deep synth. Then extra layers are added by way of more keyboards, beats and hi-hats galore. Then the depth subsides as the melody is brought to the fore. The track then builds again with layers dextrously added beneath the melody and just keeps building until the melody is once again brought back to the pinnacle. I am amazed that this ended up on a compilation, but I’m equally glad it is now being given the recognition it so rightfully deserves.

Essential Moment (Takasi Nakajima remix) on the flip side is a touch more downtempo, lower on the octave and a lot deper than the original. The rhythms are a little more complex and the track builds more gradually than the original. When the melodic piano is introduced it is like a breath of fresh air. Then in come some lovely underlying harmonies on keyboard before the track really takes off with Takasi’s wonderful flare for creating complicated melodies and harmonies, but manages to make them intertwine seamlessly formulating a kind of musical symbiosis. The beats towards the end are just fantastically hypnotic too. This is a real journey in Techno.

What can I say, except I am in absolute awe of this EP. Get your hands on a copy!

This release is available to preview and purchase HERE:

Leah Floyeurs – Leah ‘With Sound’ 24 (17/04/13)

Tracklist (with links):

voPhonic – Cosmogonie Essence – Dawn (2013)

Streetwalker – Future Fusion – Cititrax/Minimal Wave (2013)

Franklin de Costa – Fragile EP – Curle (2013)

Moodyman – Det.riot ’67 – KDJ (2008)

Alex Smith aka Omar S – Here With Me – FXHE Records (2009)

Deep Space Orchestra – Mongolian Knights – Quintessentials (2012

Kowton – Never Liked Dancing – Idle Hands (2012)

Crystal Maze – Enter the Maze “Overture” – aDepth Audio (2012)

Japanese Synchro System – Check It Spread It – Life Line (2006)

Andre Lodemann – Fragments Originals – Best Works (2012)

Recondite – EC10 – Dystopian (2013)

Crystal Maze – Enter the Maze “I Feel You” – a Depth Audio (2012)

Matthew Dear – Don & Sherri – Ghostly International (2007)

The Third Man – The Double Dawn – EPM (2013)

DJ F – Transformation – EPM (2013)

Skudge – Haste – Skudge (2012)

Function – Incubation – Ostgut Ton (2013)

Lamar aka Keith Worthy – Guilty Pleasures – Aesthetic Audio (2013)

Matti Turunen – Elokuu – Muhk (2012)

L.B. Dub Corp – Take It Down (In Dub) – Ostgut Ton (2010)

TSC – Escape – One Track (2012)

Blackjoy – Untitled (Stefan Goldmann & Solid Groove Remixes)

Quentin Harris – Let’s Be Young (Part 2) – NRK

Jungle Wonz – Time Marches On – Trax (1987)

Jacksonville – Altitude EP (Various Artists) – Atmospheric Existence (2013)

Rio Padice – A Vision of A Dream – Hudd Trax (2012)

Neil Sherwood ‘In Transit’ 13 (14-04-13)

Tracklist (with links):

1. JTC – Gallup (Hoya Hoya)

2. Kuniyuki – Between Shadows & Lights (feat. Anne Clark) (Mule Musiq)

3. Kassem Mosse – We Speak To Those (NonPlus)

4. Ben Sun – Affirmation (Delusions Of Grandeur)

5. FETSUM – Letters From Damascus (EnaWadan remix) (Sonar Kollektiv)

6.Galaxy Group ft. Rich Medina – Lady Harlem (Agent X Strictly Beatdown rmx)

7. Velvet Suite Lounge – Fade Away (Sophisticado)

8. Black Coffee feat. Nomsa Mazwai & Black Motion – Traveller (Ocha)

9. Alpha & Olmega – Kumbatha (Nulu)

10. Marcus Worgull & Osunlade – Reno (Innervisions)

11. Ralf Gum feat. Kenny Bobien – The Only Way (Raw Artistic Soul Spiritual Touch)

12. Omar S – Be Yoself (FXHE)

13. Neville Watson – One Four Green (Teng)

14. Kink vs Marc Romboy – Delusion Of The Enemy (Systematic)

15. L-Vis 1990 – Circuits (Clone Jack For Daze)

16. Martyn – What Is Room 101 (Dolly)

17. Romare – Taste Of Honey (From The City) (Black Acre)

18. Motor City Drum Ensemble – SP 11 (MCDE)

19. Atjazz – Khora (Atjazz)

20. Underground Resistance – Amazon (4Hero remix) (UR)

21. OL – Cover (Faces)

DEEP SPACE ORCHESTRA / BANTAM LIONS / COTTAM – WE HELD ON EP (SCN002 )

Reviewed by: Neil Martin
Scenery
What a quality four tracker we have here, full of depth, warmth and soul. First up is Deep Space Orchestra with two wicked tunes, real driving club tunes. ‘We held on’ kicks off and doesn’t stop. The beats just build and build in a kind of early 90s way and given the current trend for the 90s deep DSO take us back to 1994 via 2013 especially with the piano riff, incessantly nagging away from half way though. There is a kind of bleepy feel to the track as well, a burner for sure. Next up ‘Arif’ carries on with some commanding percussion leading us into some dirty synth territory, perfect. Complimenting this is some electro type keys followed by more piano. This is perfect for that 4am crescendo where dancing is all that matters.

Perfectly complimenting the A side we have two mixes of a Bantam Lions tune – ‘No going back’. Coming complete with a Cottam mix as well, slowing the tempo down but no change in the quality at all. The original mix is all spacey, dubby bliss just how we like it. A real standout cut with plenty of character and bounce. This fits in perfectly to that slo-mo House, dubby territory. A new name to me but just listening to the track over a few times and it’s a treat to enjoy the vibe of this track, really nice analogue styles. Closing off this great EP is a mix of ‘No going back’ by Cottam who just does his thing. There’s a feel of Charles Webster for me here, Deep House that makes you smile. Tough to choose between the original and remix, Cottam has picked the pace up slightly and added some nice detail in the beats.

A really great release offering four excellent tracks, kind of fitting in with the current trend of 90’s styles and yet all four tracks are very much the sound of next year too…just buy it folks.

This release is available to purchase HERE:

Neil Sherwood: ‘In Transit’ (07-04-13)

Tracklist (complete with links):

1. Letherette – D&T (Dorian Concept) (Ninja Tune)

2. Basic Soul Unit – Breathe (Still Music)

3. Inkswel – LFO Bounce (Funkineven mix) (Firecracker)

4. Paskal & Urban Absolutes – Dynamo (Quintessentials)

5. Baby Prince – Last Song Of The Dance (feat. Pillow Talk) (Soul Clap)

6. Mr Pauli & David Vunk – Italian Dreams (Moustache)

7. The Reflektor – El Mirador (Wild Oats)

8. Juan Atkins – I Love You (Tresor)

9. Omar S – Shit Baby (FXHE)

10. LAL – Background (Roy Davis Jnr mix) (Mixed Signals Music)

11. Vick Lavender & Tina Howell – Intelligent Beings (Dejay Cease mix) (Sophisticado)

12. Ambient Jazz Ensemble- Jazz Face (Simbad Rainy remix) (Here & Now)

13. Ron Trent & Tkumah Sadeek – Crossroads (Future Vision)

14. Irfan Rainy & Rex Leon – Earth Shaking (Rainy Afro Acid mix) (Rainy City Music)

15. Zoovox – Transistor Madness (Lectric Sands)

16. Murat Tepeli – Workinstrugglin (Soulphiction remix) (Philpot)

17. Deep Space Orchestra – Noire (Quintessentials)

18. Omar S – It’s Money In The D (FXHE)

19. JTC – South Brooks (Hoya : Hoya)

20. L-Vis 1990 – Not Mad (Night Slugs)

21. Marcel Dettman – Linux (50 Weapons)

22. Heidi Vogel – Turn Up The Quiet (IG Culture remix) (Far Out Recordings)

23. Steve Summers – In The Mode For Love (L.I.E.S.)

24. Bernard Badie – Come To Me (Mojuba)

Carl Grant and Leo Electroid Present: The Serendipity Show 36 (26.03.13)

Carl Grant:

1.Guy Called Gerald. FX The Elevation mix.

2. Critical Rhythm. Fall into Trance.

3. John Beltran. The Dawn.

4. LHAS. With In With Out.

5. Chris Gray. As The Sun Sets

6. Abacus . Black Thanx.16 B mix.

7. Chris Gray. Drownin In .

8. Glenn Underground. Keep The Hidden Treasures.

9.Chris Gray. Emotional Distortion.

10. Boo Wiliams Tech It Out.

11. The Sweat BoyZ Do You Want To Percolate.?

12 Aaron Carl.My House. Remixes.

13. Glenn Underground. There is a Time.

14. Guy Called Gerald. The Dip.

15. BeanField.Tides Carl Craig Mix.

16. Dream Frequency. Live The Dream.

Leo Electroid

1, Monorail – Motor City Drum Ensemble (John Roberts Rmx)

2, Static – KRL (Wolf EP011)

3, Upper Alley – Hundred20

4, Defunct – Trus’me

5, Wayne County Hill Cop’s Part 2 – Omar S & OB Ignitt

6, Oh Jabba – OB Ignitt

7, Beat It – Disco – D

8, Pegasus – Kid Machine

9, Key Horizon – Willie Burns

10, Wayfaring Stranger – Legowelt

11, Sketches Part 4 – Carls Davis

12, Argo – JTC

13, Afterlife – Secret Circuit (Vakula Rmx)

14, Divine Intervention – Marquis Hawkes

15, A Path – Fingers Inc

16, 326 Donnie – Mr Fingers (Gene Hunts Box Rework)

17, Office Analogue – Jared Wilson

Aubrey/Mark Ambrose/Black Jack – The Renegades (MURGE)

Reviewed by: The Bearded Wonder
Mrg007

Shaping up to be one of the UK’s finest producers of deep and techy House Music, Black Jack delivers a sublimely heart warming groove with ‘Do Anything’. Pads laden with soul and purpose drift endlessly over nicely swung percussion and vocal snatches discussing formative musical genres. The bass is fat and wobbly and the keys are epic and yet understated. This is definitely one for the more discerning of dancefloors.

Cloudmaster Weed’s (great name BTW) remix of ‘Do Anything’ is more minimal and repetitive in feel than the original mix and less warm and soulful and intentionally so. Utilising the bleepy elements from the original with an insistent vocal snippet running throughout. To be honest, this mix is not really this reviewer’s ‘cup of tea’ although for those of you with a taste for the more sparse and repetitious side of House it is worth checking.

UK Techno legend and in my opinion possibly one of the most underrated talents in his field Aubrey delivers a stunningly original slice of ‘Groovetech’ here with his trademark ‘phonk’ elements but totally innovative, metallic lead sounds that pull the listener along on a wide eyed, ‘Jazz hands’ freakout from start to finish. Proper Techno for open minded hipsters everywhere, full marks.

Another ‘Don’ of UK Techno flavoured House is featured here in the shape of Mr Mark Ambrose who delivers an equally original and hip swinging number with ‘Motion’. Quirky, muddy analog bass and bleeps reminiscent of early ‘Unique 3′ but with a distinctly ‘Housetech’ percussive element. Fantastic stuff to round off a great EP that truly demonstrates the talent that resides within the UK scene. Full respect to Murge for delivering another quality example.

This release is due out on 22nd April, links to preview and purchase will be added as and when we receive them.

Moko’s Vibe – Mirage EP (Logos recordings)

Reviewed by: The Bearded wonder
LOGOS 048

Those kind folks at Logos have once again seen fit to drop which can only be described as a bomb on an unsuspecting public in the shape of Moko’s Vibe’s ‘Mirage EP’. A finely crafted three tracker delivering energy and heart in a refreshingly upbeat manner.

‘Madness’ is based around a frenetic, filtered percussion loop that really works a treat, with dreamy Vox type pads casting a ray of sunshine over the explosive energy of the drums. This track is a solid example of how Techno can really be a driving and powerful force without the dark, sinister overtones so commonly associated with the genre. A treat.

Title track ‘Mirage’ has some great drum work, a mixture of ‘Tribal’ and ‘Latin’ style I would say and an infectious, almost Disco-like bassline. The drums build nicely as the hook enters the fray and atmosphere builds. A real ‘feel good’ party track I can imagine Derrick May or Ben Sims throwing down in the middle of their set. Peak time business.

Last up is ‘Good Times’ which is possibly the least ‘feel good’ track on here so I find the title a little confusing. Having said that, it is a great track, a real solid builder. Commencing with a hollow, distorted percussive element over kick and progressing nicely into a driving, unrelenting Techno beast with an almost ‘Minimal’ synth lead over fierce percussion and an intense vocal loop.

All in all, another fine release from the Logos stable and thoroughly recommended by Timeline Music.

This release is available to preview/pre-order HERE:

Neil Sherwood: In Transit 11 (31-03-13)

Tracklist (complete with links):

1. Rhye – The Fall (Maurice Fulton remix) (Polydor)

2. Eddie C – La Palette (Endless Flight)

3. Cottam – I Remember (Aus Music)

4. Syclops – 5 In (BubbleTease Communications)

5. FaltyDL – She Sleeps (2000Black remix) (Ninja Tune)

6. Bonobo – Crrus (Ninja Tune)

7. Motor City Drum Ensemble – Send A Prayer (part 1) (MCDE)

8. Moire & Lessons feat. Heidi Vogel – Lose It (Werkdiscs)

9. OB Ignitt – Oh Jabba (FXHE)

10. Brisa – The Soul (Jazzy Sport)

11. Mala feat. Danay Suarez – Noches Suenos (Zed Bias remix) (Brownswood Recordings)

12. Ben Sun – Your Footprints (Delusions Of Grandeur)

13. Ron Trent – Blood & Fire (Electric Blue)

14. Boddhi Satva feat. Oumou Sangare – Ngnari Konan (Louie Vega remix) (BBE)

15. Perseus Trax – Thinking Of A New Day (Use Of Weapons)

16. Braiden – Paganini (Rush Hour)

17. Four Tet – For These Times (NonPlus)

18. Midland – Trace (Aus Music)

19. Basic Soul Unit – Across The Room (Still Music)

20. Joe – R.E.J. Bit (Hemlock Recordings)

21. Space Dimension Controller – Welcome To Mikrosector-50 (R&S)

22. Letherette – D&T (Dorian Concept remix) (Ninja Tune)

Rob Belleville – ‘The Charm Of vinyl’ Pt.1 (28/03/13)

Tracklist (complete with links):
1. Sven vath – Drifting like whales in the darkness.

2. Thor – You’re All Lost

3 Havantepe – Caterpillar (Luke Hess Remix)

4. Mr Cloudy – Einklang

5. Scott Grooves – C-Track

6. Delano Smith – Celebration

7 Life recorder Inside Feelings

8 Steffi -Tank (String Version)

9 Aril Brikha – Tundra

10 Santiago Salazar- Stress Valve

11 Citizen – Truth

12 Random Noise Generation – RANDOM FUNK

13 Jeff bennett- Involvation

14 Francois Dubois – No Witnesses

15 FX Creators – Survival Of The Trippest Version 1.01

16 Taras Van De Voorde – Hongkong

17 Sterac – Axion (Joel Mull Remix)

18 Solab – Distant Galaxy

19 Quazar – The Seven Stars

20 Quazar – One1

21 Jeroen & Michel – Freight

22 Johannes Heil -Der Formel Der Liebe pt.2

23 Urban Electro -Wildpitch

24 Jerome – Elementz

25 Loona – Eat My Bitch

26 Joey Beltram -Believer

Mr Beatnick – Savannah (Don’t Be Afraid Records)

Reviewed by: Persephone
DBA011_B

If you don’t already know who Mr Beatnick is you are about to find out. British born Mr Beatnick is a real dark horse, having previously produced Hip Hop only to become a Techno and House music producer just a few years ago. Working with artists such as Atjazz and Ayzmuth, he is a talent that needs to be heard more in his own right.

The first and title track on this EP starts with a great booming kick drum and some little squishy synths until the overriding melodic synth is introduced followed by a wicked bassline and beautifully timed hi-hats. Then as the track progresses an overlapping harmony is brought in along with a backward loop. Then further on the melody changes again. A percussive layer is added giving the track yet another dimension. It is gorgeously warm and just a touch melancholy, brimming with emotion all the way through. It ends on a succinct note creating the perfect finish. This is a proper journey in Techno.

‘Symbiosis’ is a more than apt title for this track. It starts with a four to the floor kick drum with a few extra half beats and hi-hats added. A huge bassline then ensues along with a deep and sumptuous synth. Simple lilting strings are then combined along with a much deeper synthesizer and a handclap beat with a slight delay. The melody and harmonies move and intertwine effortlessly along with more prominent hi-hats, beats and what sounds like an electronic/brass element which gels so smoothly. Sublime!

‘Parallax Scroll’ starts with some funky cymbals, then in comes a heavy beat with handclaps, a bass and a deep keyboard which becomes more melodic growing louder and then quieter and the underlying harmony is superbly squelchy and deeper still. What is so surprising is the use of the breakbeat which works so well, but as Mr Beatnick is no stranger to hip hop he placed it in just the right section. The vocal sample is also perfectly placed and looped. This track is so refreshing and just shows that you can use old samples and techniques to create something that sounds completely new. This is a showcase in fantastic production skills.

The final track entitled ‘Blue Dream’ begins hauntingly with a beat slowly becoming louder along with a strange synth. Then a much heavier beat is overlain with more strange hissing noises and percussion. Then a piano loop and bass drive the track forwards coupled with a deeper harmony. Bleeps that almost chime are then dropped into this exquisite fusion of sounds. It truly is such a dextrous arrangement and again an appropriately titled track you literally could drift into a dreamworld of your own listening to this.

Savannah is genuinely such a captivating ep you will kick yourself if you don’t get a copy.

This release is released on 8/4/2013 – Previews below.

Affie Yusuf Presents Lilac Road Productions – Something Special For You/Parrot Soup (Mind Your Head Records)

Reviewed by: The Bearded Wonder
lilac

A long time ‘Don’ of the UK Acid House scene and so much more, Mr Yusef has consistently released top drawer (some would say ‘top shelf’) Techno and Acid throughout his career. And continues to do so here. In all honesty these tracks did see the light of day on a very limited release in the late nineties and have been kept securely under wraps since then. Now those forward thinking souls at Mind Your Head Records have had the wisdom to see that sometimes you need to look a little bit into the past to move ahead. They are relaunching the label with this release and for now it is available solely through the link below in another limited, vinyl only release.

‘Parrot Soup’ is a fine example of just how a track title can have absolutely no relevance to the music whatsoever. This is a lovingly constructed example of how to convey images with sound, this music renders images brimming with joy and loss, icy cold chills and the warmth of the first rays of sun on a spring morning. Tight, punchy drums with crisp 808 snares and driving toms lovingly complimented with dream like pad sequences and soul searching strings and lush bassline form a quality crossover track here that will appeal to lovers of many styles of Techno and House.

‘Something Special’ is on a different tip, more driving and direct in style with the ‘Everybody…’/ ‘Something Special’ vocal samples put to great use (need to be heard in context!) and that essential ‘Affie Acid’ bassline which really is something else, marching and yet hip swinging in style. The lead follows a similar pattern to the Acid but pulls your head in a slightly different direction leaving the listener suitably twisted!! Proper ‘Party Acid’ this one has just the right level of balls to destroy a dancefloor without scaring off the faint of heart. Lovely work Affie!!

All in all, a highly worthy and long overdue reissue and highly recommended.

This release is available excusively from this link HERE:

Omar S – Thank You For Letting Me Be Myself

Reviewed by: The Bearded Wonder

001

Omar S is undoubtedly a strong contender for leader of the Detroit Techno/House’s new guard, his sound encapsulates everything that ever defined the ‘Detroit Electronic’ sound – and then some. His sound is gritty, unpolished and raw with a natural kind of beauty and a light that shines from within.

From the thunderously lo-fi, hi-tech- filth that is ‘Helter Shelter’ to the euphoria inducing ‘Amalthea’, that really is just the nicest and downright funkiest House number I’ve heard in years, this LP displays the talents of a man whose effortless grace in creating a diverse range of genre warping slices of life in audio format seemingly knows no bounds.

‘Tardigrades’, for instance, whilst an amazing track and eminently danceable, is totally unclassifiable as either Techno, House, Disco ….Or anything in between! The LP’s title track is House, pure. Profoundly soulful with a nice, funky, dripping wet bassline. And speaking of ‘wet’ basslines meet ‘Ready My Black Asz’ a sleazy, nasty Acid House track, in proper style this one ‘with shrieking highs and thundering lows’, dirty.

On a softer tip we have the incessantly groovy ‘Messier Sixty Eight’, with one of the most ‘killer’ percussion loops driving things along since, well, forever. ‘DumpsterGraves’ is a heavily Reggae influenced number with an infectiously quirky bassline that stays with you long after listening. Haunting and beautiful in equal measures.

‘Air of the Day’ harks back to some of the Motor City’s earlier Techno releases utilising crisp 808 percussion and heart rending chord sequences and uplifting brass-type stabs to drive the track. Amazing stuff, and though ‘harking back’ sounds more progressive and forward thinking than a lot of today’s output.

One of my favourites on this LP is ‘It’s Money In The D’ which works absolute miracles in combining a raw, energetic drum sequence and quite the dreamiest Rhodes riff to create what is for me one of the most original tracks to hit the stores in many moons.

Suffice to say it is obvious from my demented enthusing here that I am somewhat of a fan of this LP and suggest that you all really do support the artist and therefore the future development of our sound and actually pay for this record at the first available opportunity.

This release is available to preview and purchase HERE: