Tag Archives: Techno

Aybee – Worlds (Deepblak)

Reviewed by: Neil Sherwood

Aybee – Worlds (Deepblak)

Aybee has been producing music under a number of different pseudonyms with a variety of different styles since 2001. Real name Armon Bazile, Aybee is the name used for some of his most well-known work and quite possibly his deepest.

Just by reading the tracklisting, with names such as ‘Solaris’ and ‘Moon’s Whisper’; it’s obvious there’s a space theme going on here. This definitely comes across in the music, in fact ‘Worlds’ sounds like the soundtrack to a great sci-fi movie yet to be made. That might sound like a cliché in the world of electronic music, but Aybee manages to side-step the obvious with some skilful production styles. One of the albums strongest features is the beat programming. Aybee opts for off-centre and disjointed beats throughout. This gives the music an interesting organic feel.

The album starts and ends in gentle mode with beatless intros and outros, ‘The Portal’ and ‘Ascending’. ‘VGR’ builds things up smoothly with icy electronics and slo-mo off kilter beats. ‘Rays’ glides along at a higher tempo with a haunting melody underpinned by crunching industrial sounds. More beautiful synth melodies take the lead on ‘Dawn’ with light, building percussion throughout. ‘Landing’ is one of the strongest dancefloor cuts on the album. Dark, pulsing synth lines, distant echoing voices and lurching bass all vie for attention in the music. ‘Moon’s Whisper’ and ‘Solaris’ continue the spacey soundtrack ride taking us further into the unknown. Finally What Is’ and ‘Ascending’ drop the tempo and bring us back down to earth for the finale.

‘Worlds’ is a strong electronic, yet deeply human album. The tracks live side by side perfectly, making it an album that is perfect for listening from beginning to end. This is a rare pleasure in these days of dipping in and out of music.

This release is available to preview/purchase HERE:

Carl Grant & Leo Electroid Present: The Serendipity Show 42 (07.05.13)

1. i CUBE . Le Dub.

2. Global Communication.14.31. (No Link Available)

3.Arthur Russell. In the light of the Miracle.

4.Moodymann. A place where Niggas Roam. (No Link Available)

5. Round Two. New Day

6. KCL Project. Cititalk. Summer.

7. K Alexi. SEX-N-R 001. All About Us.

8. Dan Curtin It tastes like.

9. Planetary Assault systems Gruve.

10. Format 2 Damn Right.

11. John Arnold. Universal Mind.

12. Rythim is Rhythim. Drama.

Leo ….
1. Gallup – JTC

2. Let you body rule – Chicago Damn

3. I feel it in my forehead – The Abstract Eye

4. Possible Worlds – Bookworms & Steve Summers

5. Floo – J Velez

6. Bitter Sweet – Scott Grooves

7. Nobody – Norma Jean Bell

8. Demi Gods – 3 Chairs

9. Revs/Cost – Levon Vincent

10. Lifting Weights – Pepe Bradock

11. Call of the wild – Steve Summers

12. Kali – Fit

13. 1960 What – Gerado Frishina Cuban Soul mix

14. Throw – Paperclip People

MGUN – If You’re Reading This E.P. (Don’t Be Afraid)

Reviewed By: Persephone
cover

‘If You’re Reading This’ is the title of a new 6 track E.P. by MGUN. Otherwise known as Manuel Gonzalez, MGUN (the Detroit based producer) has been making music for just three years, but is without doubt a name to watch especially if this E.P. is anything to go by.

The opening track ‘Hand Over Fifth’ begins with some very ‘wibbly wobbly’ keyboards and a drum machine. The track moves forward with more weird and wonky bleeps, but it is all held together by the constant rhythm and beat patterns. Then just before it ends you’re fooled into thinking it’s about to take off when it comes to a halt. Very minimal Techno and trippy stuff!

‘Proxy’ starts with a deep bass, matching beats and a deep heavy synthesizer. Extraordinarily spellbinding, this track keeps you rooted and then that low down and dirty 303 is thrown into the mix. This is dark acid at its filthiest, squelchy, but gritty. The final section is pared down somewhat, but suddenly the bass is brought back in ending this track on a dark note.

‘Funnel Vision’ commences with keyboards that could pass for someone running their finger around the rim of a glass and then the ringing changes in note. Some dark eerie sounds and percussion are then introduced. Again this track has the ability to completely hypnotise you. I love the way the layers become stripped back in places and more emphasis is given to the simple melodic synthesizer. Subtle underlying nuances are brought in and taken out from time to time, but the rhythm remains.

‘Jijijijiji $ijijijiji’ begins with keyboards that almost scream at you, a smattering of cowbell and some fairly simple beat layers. There is a fair amount of distortion on this track making the synths sound scuzzy in an old school way. The distortion increases with the aid of some echo and reverb. At certain points it sounds as if a keyboard button has become stuck. Surprisingly though, it all gels extremely well.

‘Tritan’ is easily the killer track of the six. Starting with a great kick drum and deep bass, a cymbal on the half beat and some wickedly dark, bouncy synthesizers add to the overall appeal of the track. Some great hi-hats, 808 handclap style beats and another beat layer that sounds like machine gun fire lend the track some funky breaks. Very deftly arranged this track beats the others hand down for me.

The final track ‘Bean Chirp’ is gorgeously deep and again distorted. There is an element of Moroder evident here, not to mention other early Detroit influences and even a nod to Brooklyn (I can hear a distinct similarity to Critical Rhythm). The rhythmic pattern on this track really hooks you and those wonderfully deep synthesizers take you on a journey to another dimension.

This was delightfully different in comparison to some of the paint by numbers Techno E.P.’s currently out there. Each track is commendable and each for their own reasons. If you’re looking for a change from the usual crop of Techno records then this E.P. is definitely for you.

This release is forthcoming and links to preview and purchase will be made available as and when we receive them.

Floorplan – Paradise LP (M-Plant)

Reviewed by: Persephone
Floorplan_Paradise_pack
The unstoppable force that we know as Robert Hood has decided to unleash a brand new Floorplan album upon us called ‘Paradise’ which is the perfect title for an album of this calibre. Not only is Robert Hood a master in minimal Techno, but in his own style he knows how to keep minimal funky. If you are unfamiliar with Robert’s Floorplan works then this album is a good place to start. It comprises 10 tracks in total and each one is an absolute killer!

The first track ‘Let’s Ride’ starts with a banging kick drum and bassline and subtle synth work. We’re then introduced to a simple hi-hat, before those unmistakable, almost militaristic beats are added as another layer. The vocal loop of a child’s voice with a slight delay, are truly inspired and the melodic keyboard adds another dimension to this otherwise pounding track.

‘Baby Baby’ is a personal favourite. It has just the right ingredients for a serious floor filler. The wicked vocal loop that doesn’t let up right from the start, the funkiest beats, great keyboard stabs that focus on just one note, handclap beats, hi-hats (well of course!), a dash of percussion and a fantastic brass section sample. You just can’t beat it!

‘Never Grow Old’ is a gorgeous track. The focus here is on the more soulful side of things. A beautiful vocal loop, great piano sections, heavy on the percussion and the beats are much more chopped up and funky. Those all important hi-hats are much more arresting than on previous tracks too. This is one track that really stirs your emotions and has a wonderfully uplifting quality to pull you out of the doldrums.

‘Higher’ is instrumental and has a darker feel about it. Thumping beats, deeper synths, huge bassline and much more minimal. This is one of Robert Hood’s finest moments in my humble opinion, from the way the track builds up gradually getting more intense. It creeps up on you putting you in a near trance like state. Then he cleverly strips it back midway before re-injecting the track with some fantastically tribal like beats. This is something only an expert like Robert Hood can pull off. Superb!

The last track Above The Clouds commences with some big beats, then in comes the hi-hats for a few bars before being taken out and another percussive element is brought in. This all comes together with some fabulously warm and wavy synthesizers. The beat remains a constant as do the keyboards while the underlying percussive elements change throughout. This is an understated and effortless sounding lesson in minimal Techno. Pure class!

This album has been an absolute joy to listen to. ‘Paradise’ is full of classic tracks, I can guarantee you will listen and dance to this album time and again. Don’t miss out on this. Get your copy here.

This release is forthcoming and links to previews and purchase will be added as and when we receive them.

Carl Grant & Leo Electroid Present: The Serendipity Show 41 (30.04.13)

Tracklisting (with links):

Carl

1.Model 500. Neptune.

2.M5003MB. Cosmic Courier.

3.Space Dimension Controller. Flight of the escape vessels.

4.Wamdue Kids Alasque.

5. Space Dimension Controler Tiraquons Return ( A new Home).

6.As One . Shambala.

7. Directions Busted Trees. Carl Craig Mix.

8. Moody Mann Track four.

9. Recloose. Dont Get Me Wrong.

10 Metro.Straphanger.

11.Blake Baxter. One More Time.

12.M&M get Off Your Butt.

13.Phuture.Phuture Jacks.

14.Liz Torres. Cant Get Enough.

15. Elbee Bad . Just Let your Body Ride.

Leo

1. Sunshine Pt.2 – Rick Wilhite

2. Altered States – Ron Trent

3. The Shit – Sean Deason

4. Moxa’s Theme – Osunlade

5. 6 Mile – 3 Chairs

6. Rainforest – Mr Raoul K

7. DoRight! – Trevor Deep JR

8. Part Two – A Drummer From Detroit

9. Now (Loving You) – Creative Swing Alliance

10. Hindsight – Trus’me

11. Elate – Begin

12. Magic Water – The Goodson

13. Sandstorms – Carl Craig

14. Berlin meets NY – F. Kervorkian & Moritz von Oswald

15. Twilight – Carl Craig

16. Suspiria – Carl Craig

Kyle Hall – The Boat Party (Wild Oats)

Reviewed by: Neil Sherwood
boatparty
Kyle Hall has been a name to watch ever since his first release for Omar S’ FXHE label back in 2007. He was only a mere 16 then. Since that first release he has unleashed a series of gritty, lo-fi EPs; mostly on his own Wild Oats label. Records such as ‘The Dirty Thouz’ and ‘The Sun Goddess’ have been some of the most interesting music to come out of Detroit in a long time.

Before we get into the music on this new offering, the first thing that grabs you is the cover. Hall sits on the edge of an abandoned speed boat on a frozen lake, with the stark urban backdrop behind him. This sets the scene perfectly for the musical treats in store at this ‘Boat Party’. Hall’s productions have always had a raw, ‘rough round the edges’ charm that demands immediate attention. This album is certainly no exception.

‘KIXCLAPSCHORDSNHATS’ opens proceedings warmly. The track does exactly what you’d expect with such a title. My only gripe here is that it’s all over in under 2 minutes. ‘Dr Crunch’ and ‘Spoof’ are a couple of jolting, energetic workouts made up of metallic beats and distorted bass noises. These are likely to be the highlight of many a Techno night in 2013. ‘Finna Pop’ and ‘Flemmenup’ head close into footwork territory, the high-speed underground sound from Chicago. I can imagine the likes of Pearson Sound and Addison Groove fitting these into the sets. The House heads are kept happy with ‘Crushed’ and ‘Measure 2 Measure’. Distorted Disco loops and tape hiss filter in and out of the mix creating a sound that is strangely hypnotic, particularly on ‘Crushed’. ‘Grungy Gloops’ completes the set with a clattering, unbalanced sound that echoes some of Flying Lotus’ craziest work. Another track that is over in a blink of an eye.
Overall ‘The Boat Party’ has a raw energy that is enjoyable from start to finish. Noisy and deranged it certainly is. However it makes for a thrilling and intense listen.

This release is available to preview and purchase HERE:

Leonid – Midas EP (Photic Fields)

Reviewed by: Tom Long

photic3

The photic fields imprint, a recent addition to the all powerful Clone dynasty (and mastered by Clone electronoisseur Alden Tyrell to boot) have made their aims quite clear. Nijmegen based label head Micha Venderbos describes the label as being “far from hypes and useless attempts to appoint music in specific genres” as it focuses on “honest and deep electronic music with the soul deep within” and, obviously, is pressed solely on vinyl. A seemingly noble standpoint, but one so often taken these days you have to wonder if the anti-hype is maybe becoming the hype. However, whether or not you buy in to this well trodden path of familiar off-road anti-establishment, you can’t argue with the quality of audio produce the label is offering.

Having made only a smattering of appearances over the past few years, the elusive Leonid ekes out three wonderfully crafted pieces of electronica for this, the label’s third disc. Tricky but tranquil, groovy yet gracious, all three pieces have equal impact and appeal whether you’re on the dancefloor or on the sofa, a rare and extremely hard to execute feat. Normally I’d identify my pick of the EP at this point, but not this time. A 360 degree delivery of luxuriant electronica from a label that has a good grip on the quality over quantity approach.

This release is forthcoming but is available to pre-order HERE:

Mr. Jones – Apogeum (The Public Stand)

Reviewed by:The Bearded Wonder

TPS024

Better known as none other than Dave Clarke’s studio/production partner, Mr Jones has carved himself a solid reputation as a solo producer and continues to build on that here. With an impressive string of releases on labels such as Angel Alanis’ Slap Jaxx, Electrique Music, Mixtape Germany as well as The public Stand and many more, Mr. Jones works hard to spread his pounding take on Techno.

Jones’ original mix of ‘Apogeum’ is a classic ‘Klang Klang’ style Techno track, aimed equally at big cavernous warehouse parties as it is intimate, dark strobe lit clubs. I am sure this will appeal to many fans of the more ‘Teutonic’ side of Techno, but to be honest, as much as I’m usually a fan of Jones’ work this is not one of my favourite works from him, it does not have the energy and momentum of many of his other productions. The strength of this release in my opinion lies in the two remixes.

Audio Injection’s interpretation picks up the pace and intensity whilst remaining faithful to the Original mix in essence. The lead sound becomes an insistent siren, the percussion whilst driving in nature, compliments the track rather than overpowering it. Tim Wolff’s version, though similar in nature in some ways to the Audio Injection version has a quirkier feel to the drums and some of the crispest 909 snare action I’ve heard in many moons. The drums lend a more erratic, nervous intensity to the mix and despite it being a close call I think this is my preferred mix.

All in all a beefy Techno package that will satisfy the most demanding of recipients!

This release is available to preview and purchase HERE:

Neurp presents: Psychoneurotic Transmissions-37 – 08/05/13

Trackllisting (with links):

Thomas Fehlmann – Friedrichstraße

The Gentle People – Journey (Aphex Twin Care Mix)

Bogdan Raczynski – MyLoveILove A2 Vinyl HERE:

Plastikman – Psyk Vinyl HERE:

Jammin’ Unit – Blind Television (Version)

Mike & Rich – Mr. Frosty

Jollymusic – DiscoDisco

Jollymusic – Kfun

MAT101 – Dirty

Shitcluster – Beyond A Joke B1

Thomas Fehlmann – Flow, Form & Spiral

Plaid – Eyen Vinyl HERE:

Nµwalker – Between Good ‘n’ Better Vinyl HERE:

Plaid – Ti Bom Vinyl HERE:

Electro Nation – Psycho Smurf

The Orb – Oxbow Lakes (Psychic Pals Family Wealth Plan Mix)

Vodershow – Cha Cha Chi

The Maniacs – Raiden

Cristian Vogel – Defence Cloud

Dr. Mottes Euphorhythm – Patrik (DJ Hell & Filippo Moscatello 1997 Rmx)

Narcotic Syntax – Descarga Narcotica

The Black Dog – Virtual Vinyl HERE:

Plastikman – Hypokondriak Vinyl HERE:

Ian Pooley – Celtic Cross (Motor City Dub)

Ingator II – Skyscratch (Tresor Mix)

Neurp Psychoneurotic Transmissions-36 – 01/05/13

Tracklist (complete with links):

1. Schizophrenia – Schizophrenia or HERE:

2. Ceephax – Flight Of The Condor Vinyl HERE:

3. Plastikman – Kink Vinyl HERE:

4. DJ Edge – Pulse Race

5. Wevie De Crepon – Ton Wah (Mouse On Mars Stick Your Hand)

6. Psyche – Crackdown Vinyl HERE:

7. Electronome – Een Drumcomputer & Een Synthesizer

8. Eo – A.D. 2600

9. Maurizio – Ploy (Strategic Repulse)

10. Source – Beyond Time Vinyl HERE:

11. CJ Bolland – Mantra

12. Duracel – Don’t Vinyl HERE:

13. Virtus – Oppressoaring

14. DJ Edge – Swarm

15. Shitcluster – Den Haag A2 Vinyl HERE:
16. Nimoy – Brainsnack or HERE:

17. Shitcluster – Den Haag A2 Vinyl HERE:

18. Nimoy – Remix Or HERE:

19. Drexciya – Species Of The Pod Vinyl HERE:

20. Speed Jack – Storm

21. Plaid – Porn Coconut Co. Vinyl HERE:

22. Mr.76ix – 6b116112058To803 Vinyl HERE:

23. Wagon Christ – Shimmering Haze

24. Clementine – Head Nodder Vinyl HERE:

25. Oliver Kapp & Zoltan – Subware Elements – A1

26. Mescalinum United – We Have Arrived (Aphex Twin QQT Mix) Vinyl HERE:

27. The Private Lightning Six – Future Music

28. Source – Source EP A1

Colin Dale – Please Stand By E.P Abstrakt Dance

Reviewed by Persephone

abstrakt
Back in 1982 an unknown was about to become a warm up DJ for the esteemed UK hip hop dj Tim Westwood. Little did he know the phenomenon he would become and the ripples he would cause on the UK and global dance scene. That man is none other than Colin Dale. Colin’s notoriety grew by playing at clubs such as Rage and soon teamed up with Colin Faver to create their own night Deep Space. Colin also had a regular slot on the pirate radio station Kiss FM and guest slots on that show included the likes of Dave Angel, Derrick May, Laurent Garnier, U.R., Carl Cox, Stacey Pullen and a whole host of others. Having recorded on several labels Colin was responsible for creating none other than one of the UK’s finest Techno labels in the 1990s; Abstrakt Dance. This year sees the relaunch of the label with a brand new release ‘Please Stand By’.

The opening track ‘Please Stand By’ starts with a nice loud kick drum, some wicked beat layers, bleeps, percussion and strange noises. As the track continues to build a voice is added telling you to ‘please stand by’. The real magic begins when that awesome bassline with a great echo kicks in allowing for some depth and creating a sense of space. Fantastic keyboard trickery lends intensity to the track. In fact, this track would have sounded amazing on the main dance floor of a club like Rage. I can just hear this bouncing off the walls with those superb acoustics.

‘The Lord featuring Matti Dinah’ has more of a House flavour with a massive four to the floor beat. Great spoken vocals and a seriously deep bassline push this track along nicely. A melody is then introduced with a subtle harmony underlying it combined with more synth layers and some sparse percussion. This track is a touch darker than the title track, but just as good.

‘The Lord featuring Matti Dinah’ (Jules Dickens Rework) starts off with the bassline being the first thing you notice together with a subtle keyboard and a thumping beat. When you hear it you just know this is going to kick some serious butt. Then in come some more beats and keyboards before those distinctive vocals come into play. This is much funkier than the original and has a more euphoric atmosphere which increases as the track progresses.

The final track The Project commences with a huge punchy beat which is accompanied by more beat layers. Some percussion is added, a vocal loop and hi-hats. Some beautifully warm, deep keyboard layers are thrown into the arrangement. As the track builds there’s some additional synth work, but doesn’t detract from the overall feel of the track so it works well giving it just a frisson of darkness and creating an edginess.
Considering this is a first release for a label relaunch Colin can pat himself firmly on the back with this amazing E.P. Abstrakt Dance could always pride itself for being at the cutting egde of techno and if this E.P. is anything to go by, it looks as if Abstrakt Dance will be picking up where it left off Get your copy of Please Stand By here.

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:

Keith Anderson and Terry Mitchell present: “Incoming’ vol.1

 

Keith Anderson (Links in real time in the video):
1. Herva – Paranoid Thinking

2. Plant43 – Radiant Flux

3. Aubrey – Ain’t Nobody’s Business (Original Mix)

4. Borderline (Atkins & Oswald )- Electric Garden (Jazz In the Garden Mix)

5. Ed Chamberlain – Somefind (Promo – No Link)

6. Introspective – The Way I Feel When I Think Of You

7. Trish Van Eynde – Goon (Orlando Voorn remix)

8. Moments – Black Eyes

9. Various/QY – Hokus

10. OuD!n13 – Rob Belleville-Les outrages du temps-(OuD!n13 remix)

Terry Mitchell (Links in real time in the video):

1. Basic Bastard aka Orlando Voorn – External

2. Mark Ambrose – Shooting Stars (Aubrey’s Dark Mix)

3. Alland Byallo – Wiring Range

4. Cosmin Trg – New Structures For Loving

5. Deep-Space-Orchestra – Aa-arif

6. Kirk Degiorgio presents SambaTek – Borel (NX1 Remix)

7.Stephen Brown – Reflective Practice

8. Cosmin Trg – Gordian

10.Donnell Knox – Be Mindful

11.Mr. Jones – Apogeum (Tim Wolff Remix)

12.Aux 88 pres: Black Tokyo – Blue Love – Instrumental

13.Mokos Vibe – Madness

14.Optic Nerve – One_Moment_In_Time_Arnold_Steiner_Rmx_master

Preview: DJ Rolando New Realease Ostgut Ton

Keith Anderson presents: The Jitterbug Show 19 (24/4/2012)

 


 

Now with tracklist and links embedded in REAL time in the video. Enjoy.

Tracklist (Links displayed real time in video):

1. Booshank – Interstate

2. Crystal Maze – Dr Claw

3. Deep-space-orchestra – Deep-space-orchestra-bantam-lions-cottam ]

4. Legowelt – Earthslide

5. Crystal Maze – Overture

6. Pepe Bradock – Mujeres Nerviosas

7. Bicep – Courtside Drama (Promo)

8. Booshank – Single Dutch

9. JTC – Gallup

10. A5 – W

11. Mr Beatnick – Symbiosis (Promo)

12. Andy-ash – circular-rhythms (Unreleased) (Promo)

13. Roberto Bosco – State Of Mind 3 – (Promo)

14. David Durango – Grey & Blue (Original Mix)

15. Various – Four Tet – For these times

16. Steve Summers – New Surroundings

17. Mood Edit -Broken plan

18. Ike Release – Westview

19. Legowelt – Deputy’s First Hood Patrol

20. Terrace – Out of Time (Original Mix)

21. Deymare – Rising (Deep Space Orchestra Mix)

22 . Bicep – Stash (Promo)

23. Various/North Lake – Griswold

24. Fulbert – Theme From Rawthentic City

25. Various/Basic Soul Unit – MMME

26. Phil Weeks – Acid Pattern

27. Chicago Dam – Be Your Man

28. Aroy Dee – Soul Searcher

29. Todd Terry Project – Just Wanna Dance

Rob Belleville presents The Charm of Vinyl 2




Tracklist (complete with links):
1. sterac – thera

2. wulf ‘n bear & random factor – body music (finale)

3. visitors – sunbeam (no link available)

4. percy x – as is

5. parallel 9 – quadrus

6. sean deason – the shit

7. minimal man – coyote flux

8. marcel janovsky – still in paradise

9. ultraviolet – union

10. oz-artists – debetkort

11. model 500 – no ufos

12. ur – electronic warfare

13. double x – ungleich 1 (A2)

14. winx – don’t laugh

15. the optic crux – mushroom on wax

16. d. diggler – lubricated

17. jam & spoon – keep on movin’

18. spicelab – feathers (humate’s flying high mix)

19. acid junkies – da junks fool brother

20. acid junkies – turn over

21. heckmann – satan und deibel

22. welt in scherben – welt in scherben III-1

23. christian morgenstern – hawaii blue

24. mario j – awakenings (A2)

25. kz04 – untitled

Trish Van Eynde – Goon (FT. Orlando Voorn Rmx) (Motorcity Sounds)

Reviewed by: The Bearded Wonder
mcr

One half of the ‘Motorcity Sounds’ Radio/DJ team Trish Van Eynde will be a name familiar to many, endlessly fighting the good fight, promoting and playing only the finest in underground Electronica. A real ‘face’ on the Internet with regular shows and guest slots everywhere this young lady has fantastic taste in music. This is evident not only in her DJ sets but now also in her production and choice of remixers.

Trish’s original version of Goon is an insistent, straight up Techno thumper, sparse but laden with a hint of melody and splash of groove. Plenty of heart and dedication has obviously gone into this and it has an erratic, random and somewhat organic edge to it which despite the Techno ethos gives the track a more human feel.

Klaina’s take on ‘Goon’ is driven by 808 percussion, focussing more on the warm pads that enter toward the end of the original version, looping them up in such a way as to give the track a little more pace. More variety on the drum programming here giving it a busier, less ‘sparse’ feel. This mix is definitely aiming for that ‘Motor City’ feel with warming Soul and abstract melancholia in equal measures. Nice stuff.

Now, I am sure Trish and Klaina will not mind me saying that the one and only Orlando Voorn’s version is the star of the show here. Whilst the original and Klaina’s mix have plenty to say for themselves, what Orlando has done here is take the heart and soul of the original version and RAN with it… The inimitable Mr Voorn here delivers his trademark thunderously groovy percussion and takes the main groove from the original and twists those chord sequences around it to form something irresistible. When all of the elements finally meld together the genius of this arrangement becomes clear, the parts all come together to form a conclusive whole. A real story is told within this mix, and this story has a happy ending for all involved. THIS is how you do a remix everybody… Full marks, and then some.

Nice work Motorcity!

This track is available to preview and pre-order 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:

Cosmin TRG – Gordian LP (50 Weapons)

Reviewed by: the Bearded Wonder
gordian
Cosmin TRG has long been and remains in my opinion one of the most interesting and diverse producers on the Techno scene. Following on from, and some would say expanding upon the excellent ‘Simulat’ LP for 50 Weapons a couple of years ago, ‘Gordian’ is an extremely mixed bag and that is undoubtedly a very good thing. This LP is multi layered , diverse and at times downright noisy, then sublimely beautiful. I am not going to spend too much time comparing this LP to the last as it really is a totally separate entity. Though obviously by the same artist, and not by any means taking anything away from the last LP (which is still always in my box) there is a real sense of progression here, progression in multiple directions.

Those haunting, rainy day melodies remain and are somehow enhanced, more complex. The percussion ranges from funky to fierce, sometimes both. A sense of the abstract is maintained throughout, and really is his trademark – you never know what is waiting for you after the next bar. Distinctly European sounding with a slight tip of the hat to both Detroit and Berlin. This LP is by no means all easy listening and nice harmonics, deliberately disjointed and unnerving at times, at others, slamming dancefloor grooves with tight rhythms and soaring melodies.

I am not going to give you a track by track breakdown either, I will give you a few highlights but be warned; this is one of ‘those LP’s that deserves to be consumed as a whole.

‘Vertigo’ was released as a single a while back and is a strong contender for the most dancefloor friendly track on here, driving energetic drums with great snare sequences and a hypnotic riff that eats it’s way into your psyche. Techno proper. ‘New Structures For Living’ is dreamy and original as hell, subtly uplifting with a warm, floating bass and punchy yet minimalistic drum work this has an element of Four Tet to it. ‘Gordian’ itself is a slightly spooky builder, with rolling almost marching drums and some twisted effects work. The brilliantly as well as aptly titled ‘Defeated hearts Club’ resonates with abstract harmonics on the melancholic side. ‘Terminus Abrupt’ oozes dark soul, and crazy rhythms.

There are many more gems on this LP and whilst not all the tracks might not be to everyone’s taste I hope you all enjoy the originality and envelope pushing taking place on this release. Fantastic stuff.

This release is available to preview and purchase HERE:

DONNELL KNOX – INSIGHTFUL THOUGHTS EP (SONIC MIND RECORDS)

Reviewed by: The Bearded Wonder

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Mr Knox has long been a purveyor of the dirtiest, filthiest, funked up trax, trax which are somehow infused with a soulful warmth that is distinctively all his. Now residing in Warsaw Poland but with his heart coming straight out of his hometown Kalamazoo, which is almost exactly midway between Chicago and Detroit, Donnell’s sound bears testament to his hometown roots. The heart tugging melancholy harmonies and futuristic Funk of Detroit contrast sharply with the ‘Jack me Up’ beats of Chicago and combine to deliver the sound of Kalamazoo.

Donnell seems to be back on a roll release-wise lately and this is in no way a bad thing for the Techno scene which desperately needs more artists with their own individual sound like him. Individuality seems to be sorely lacking these days.

‘Insightful Thoughts’, released on Donnell’s own Sonic Mind’ imprint delivers three slamming numbers aimed squarely for the floor but which also open the mind. ‘In the Midst’ has plenty going on from the start, nothing minimal here. Weird, chant like vocal samples collide with deep, warm pad sweeps that pull your head in many different directions at once – then that percussion set kicks in and the journey truly begins. Hypnotic, driving and totally engaging for the dancer or listener with a feel of a ‘live’ as opposed to ‘programmed’ arrangement this is monstrous. Metallic Bass sounds and tripped out lead synths and tough drums with a real thud to them make this Tech – plus.

Next up is the rather optimistically entitled ‘Stay Positive’ with its phat as hell, quirky rhythm section and insistent radar blip/sonar sound blaring throughout building in intensity as those drums batter their way into your synapses. Then the twisted tech angle strikes with the force of Thor’s hammer, until Knox’s trademark pad sweeps come in to soften the blow just a tad. This is Techno at its purest, with a real ‘freeform’ feel where you sense absolutely anything could happen next. Unpredictability is a speciality of Mr. Knox and there is no lack of that here.

Finishing up this three track bundle of joy is ‘Be Mindful’ which kicks in magnificently from the start with thunderous beats which build magnificently to introduce ‘that’ abstractl, groovy bassline reminiscent of a funky worm that really permeates the brain leading to not entirely unpleasant spasmodic jitters and braingasms. Littered with vocal snatches that really do add variation and rhythm to the track and gloriously evolving lead synths coming at you from all directions, this really is incomparable to other works of Techno.

Full marks to an artist definitely carving out his own niche sound.

This release is available to preview/purchase HERE: