Archive for the 'Review' Category

Review: Perc – Vertigo Part 1

Published March 20, 2010 Review Leave a Comment
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Label: Perc Trax
Catalog#: TPT034

A1: BCG


A2: BCG – Forward Strategy Group Refix


B1: BCG – Milton Bradley Critical Level Mix


B2: BCG – Milton Bradley Beyond The Silence Mix

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The ‘Vertigo – Part 1′ feels like a record that fits excellent in the sound of today, with artists pursuing a sound that binds them together. What strikes most interesting is the fact that when first reading the remixers on the vinyl, it might first seem a little bit obvious having FSG and Milton Bradley doing remixes, but they are in fact a good choice for this track.

‘BCG’ is a track that doesn’t follow Perc’s previous work, it’s more a take on what seems to influence him (and a lot of producers lately) the most. The first listen brings “a regular dj tool” into mind, but trying it out would actually give the track a setting it was made for, making it a good choice with it’s steady rhythm and driving structure.

Forward Strategy Group’s remix is more proper, kicking and fast paced, they show a fearless take on ‘BCG’, where slight hints of the original track can be made out. Which in a sense feels as a solid ground for a good remix. FSG display that they certainly know what they are doing.

With the B2, Milton Bradley’s ‘Critical Level Remix’ follow the path that FSG also took, where a straight forward beat is in focus, and what seems to be the same project as Bradley’s own ‘Minus 126 In Berlin’ (on the first Do Not Resist The Beat!), he combines the elements from his own vaults together with Perc’s original idea, creating a stunning and effective remix.

Milton Bradley’s ‘Beyond The Silence Remix’ is the one that concludes this EP, with a sound that feels very fresh and appreciative, especially because of the fast paced nature of the previous tracks. Here, a slower pace leaves room for a more intriguing atmosphere, combining a step-influence rather than hard hitting tracks. An excellent remix that makes this EP worthwhile.

Thanks to Perc Trax for this release.

Review: Oni Ayhun – OAR 004

Published March 16, 2010 Review 1 Comment
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Label: OAR
Catalog#: OAR 004

A: Untitled


B: Untitled

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Recommended!

There’s this feeling that the Oni Ayhun label is sensible and fun – a combination that the person behind Oni Ayhun previous work was based on, but somehow became so much clearer with the four releases on OAR.

The combination of the indulging rhythm patterns and the Sähkö-alike reduced aesthetic and sound, combined with the sonic advancements from the ‘001′ to this forth moment; Oni Ayhun creates a record that is truly unique.

What’s most interesting about this release, is the fact that there’s so much thought behind it. Neglecting all forms of feedback and keeping things very personal is maybe required for an artist pushing this sound – what does strike as most promising is the wide artistic spectrum this release has marked, in regards to the three previous releases. Keeping things to a bare minimal level, as well as uncompromising progression within all elements, Oni shifts through the atmosphere in light speed – wondering what the hell is going on.

There isn’t so much to tell about this release, other that it is very appreciated, as well as highly recommended.

Review: Scuba – Triangulation

Published March 16, 2010 Review Leave a Comment
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Label: Hotflush
Catalog#: HFCD003

Tracklist:

01. Descent
02. Latch
03. Three Sided Shape
04. Minerals
05. On Deck
06. Before
07. Tracers
08. You Got Me
09. So You Think You´re Special
10. Heavy Machinery
11. Glance
12. Lights Out

Stronger than ever, Paul Rose (Scuba, SCB) releases his third album under the Scuba name. It’s not just an output that feels fresh and encapsulating, but at the same time it displays a state of electronic music that hasn’t been depicted in this way before.

It would be unfair to say that every album fails to do so, but it’s hard finding another album release that delivers such a clear picture in what direction the artist is heading. What seems to be a common ground for the tracks on ‘Triangulation’ though, is that the music continues within the same atmosphere, but in a way that isn’t so distinct that it gets futile. The sense of Scuba writing down his own special sound for the future is weighing heavy over this said atmosphere, as well as the absence of references for his sound, the timelessness is inspirational.

With variations over the course of the album, this sound comes to its strongest side with the tracks ‘On Deck’ and ‘Tracers’ – the reminisces of a Playstation dominant past gets blurred with a strict vision on where Scuba’s music is going – with these tracks, this album lifts itself into a new and unexpected sense that is very welcomed.

‘Triangulation’ is released on 22 March 2010.

My favorite tracks:

Tracers


On Deck


Three Sided Shape

Review: Robert Hood – Alpha / Omega (End Times)

Published March 13, 2010 Review 1 Comment
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Label: M-Plant
Catalog#: M.PM6

A: Alpha


B: Omega (End Times)

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With the M-Plant rising from the dead with represses of its past, Robert Hood manages to fuse in his new inspiration into the label, with a sound that does not fully represent the old M-Plant in a way that one could expect, but in a way that the dance floor demands.

The excellent ‘Superman / Range’ release from last year gave me so much hope for the resurrection of M-Plant, a release that felt as one I’d been looking for a long time. This first release from the upcoming album, leaves what to expect from the rest of it in a even more gray area, where ‘Alpha’ leans toward a sound even more focused on keeping an atmosphere intact and direct.

‘Omega (End Times)’ feels a bit strange at first; it’s one of those tracks that has so much confidence it feels a bit threatening – the inspiration from ‘The Omega Man’ feels clear with this track, as the feeling of an endless progression towards something dark is more tangible than ‘Alpha’, or in my opinion a lot of Hood’s earlier releases. What is different with this release is also very positive, a forward thinking groove with elements not put in for keeping a groove intact, but to actually display an idea or thought in a very visual way.

One of the most direct releases this year.

Review: Dettmann – Dettmann Remixed

Published March 9, 2010 Review Leave a Comment
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Label: Ostgut Ton
Catalog#: o-ton33

A1: Shift – Norman Nodge Remix


A2: Unrest – Norman Nodge Remix


B1: Vertigo – Wincent Kunth Remix


B2: Wound Up – Wincent Kunth Remix

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Recommended!

With the debut album of Marcel Dettmann coming up, a remix EP is released in conjunction with the album. As he previously did with the ‘MDR 02′; the original versions of these tracks will remain unreleased – nothing to worry about though, as these remixes feels as natural coming from two close friends of Marcel’s, as they would being released in their original mixes.

Following a highly conceptual sound, Norman Nodge is able to transform not only Dettmann’s work into something new, but staying true to his fundamental idea of techno – being persistent on letting all elements breathe, the tight groove feels “let loose”, which reflects on the purposes of his remixes. The ‘Shift’ remix feels steady, secure and very profound. Rightfully so, the intellectual sides of a vision trademarked by Norman, hasn’t been as clear as it is with this track for a long time. Nodge keeps the pace with the remix of ‘Unrest’, a title that suggests for a track moving in all directions, with a high intensity and a depth that reaches as high as the 18 meter ceiling of his residency – acidic elements and a knowledgeable sense ties this track together, which makes so much with its bare elements.

One thing that strikes as natural but also interesting, is the debut of Wincent Kunth. What would seem as a daring move for a EP that holds such a strong position, introducing a producer previously unknown, seems to be a creative move in the right direction – being a close friend to Dettmann living in Switzerland, the sound of Kunth is more floating and more focused on the melodic feelings which balances up the straight up grooves on the A-side.

Thanks to Marcel Dettmann for this release.

Review: Cio D’or – Die Faser Part Three

Published February 21, 2010 Review 2 Comments
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Label: Prologue
Catalog#: PRG010

Tracklist:

A1: Organza – Milton Bradley Remix


A2: Organza – Transparet Dub


B1: Mohair – Pendle Coven Pantone Remix


B2: Organza – Samuli Kemppi Remix

With the new album on Prologue, Cio D’or and her ‘Die Faser’ release feels as a natural progression for a woman who certainly has established her own atmosphere and style.

Creating a steady stream of mesmerizing releases requires a feedback from producers and dj’s who, with not only their own support for the releases, also get a chance to display their own interpretations of these tracks. This feels very healthy for this style within techno, as well as natural as a tighter and more steady frame for this particular sound gets established.

As the third and final remix 12″ gets out, three of the most stunning and perhaps forward-thinking producers goes side by side Cio Do’r. With this wide spectrum, the remixers clearly put a lot of emotion and atmosphere into their contributions.

‘Die Faser Part Three’ gets out 26th February.

Thanks to Cio D’or and Philipp for this release.

Review: Skudge – Convolution / Contamination

Published February 9, 2010 Review 1 Comment
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Label: Skudge Records
Catalog#: SKUDGE 001

Tracklist:

A: Convolution


B: Contamination

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Recommended!

After a initial release on alphahouse, Skudge has been working hard on their new material – a direction into a more atmospheric and more focused sound. The emphasis on this release lies not so much on “what works”, but on the small details and things that gets people going.

With a more persistant pursuit of a original sound and affection, Skudge seem to only care about the music actually sounding as their own – even though a wide spectrum of musical influences seem to make it’s way into the final “product”. For this release, a more careful listen will reveal a more detailed sound with the same basics.

‘Convolution’ brings the alphahouse release to mind, where a taunting beat and persistent percussion work strikes into the same feeling and structure. The pace is completely different though, with a heavier and more raw sense to it – the track itself without keeping the first release to mind, feels a little bit as a embodied figure of what Skudge seem to look for. This makes in fact the track interesting in that sense, as well as the excellent momentum it creates.

Where ‘Convolution’ lifts off, ‘Contamination’ on the other side sounds as a peak moment for Skudge – a track that does not compromise at all. It is what it is, and it’s really good.

Thanks to Skudge for this release.

Review: SCB – SCB001

Published February 8, 2010 Review 2 Comments
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Label: SCB
Catalog#: SCB001

Tracklist:

A: 20_4


B: 3_5

The remix series from Scuba’s album ‘A Mutual Antipathy’ first saw the alias SCB, as well as the well recieved mix on mnml ssgs, Scuba delivers the first SCB release on the same titled label. Fusing his very atmospheric and delicate brewing sound with his previously half-established four over four tradition (that got high recognition with the excellent ‘Houndreds & Thousands’ on Hotflush a year back).

A constant floating feeling is always there, the same feeling as with Scuba’s previous work. Letting small details fill the gaps of the beats works very well in a more broken structure – it all gets even more interesting though, when a high tempo 4/4 beat takes up more space and pushes the tempo-feeling into a more steady state.

‘20_4′ transforms this sound even more. Swirling percussion fuses in together with the melody in a way that has never felt so natural. There’s this very tangible climbing sense of the beat, a way that suits Scuba’s more stepping tracks but goes into full capabilities with this one.

On the other side is the phenomenal ‘3_5′, which paces down a bit but goes into a lost feeling of techno. This track features a very special melodic sense to it, where the percussion and noise floats into a new state – a tradition that hasn’t been followed for quite some time now. SCB displays a wider sense to this four over four territory with this track, which hopefully will be appreciated once people realize the power of this track.

The ‘SCB001′ is out 14th February.

Thanks to Philipp and Scuba for this release.

Review: Martyn – Remixes 1 & 2

Published February 4, 2010 Review Leave a Comment
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Label: 3024
Catalog#: 3024-006

Tracklist:

A: Hear Me – Zomby Mix


B: Seventy Four – Redshape Mix

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Label: 3024
Catalog#: 3024-007

Tracklist:

A: Is This Insanity? ft. The Spaceape – Ben Klock Remix


B: Brilliant Orange – Illum Sphere’s No. 14 Mix

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Martyn has pushed his sound and 3024 for quite some time now. After getting recognition for his own and unique sound, he also got in contact with a lot of artists in both of the dubstep and techno genres. Zomby, Redshape, Ben Klock and Illum Sphere brings the original tracks into a new level with their wide takes and original ideas.

On the first record of two, Zomby creates a track that feels a little bit as his LP from last year on Ramp, combined with Martyn’s original atmosphere. The track doesn’t really “go” anywhere, but it has a nice groove combined with Zomby’s trademark melodies and beat structures. Redshape on the other hand, who delivers a remix of ‘Seventy Four’ that resembles a lot to Planet E and it’s artists. A mysterious Noir-like atmosphere fills the track with emotion, with a slow rumbling beat and percussion that undertakes a lot of different patterns throughout. The emphasis of the track is how it all develops. A clear signature sound from Redshape accompanied with a new side of his tracks first heard on ‘The Dance Paradox’ album from late ‘09. A really suitable remix with remarkable appeal.

Ben Klock takes the voice of The Spaceape from the original – that is about the only thing left from it. Fusing his voice into drum elements combined with bleeping atmospheres and a killer beat, he pushes his own sound into a direction that does not only feel as (in a good way) obvious evolution, but also not losing to much ground with his introductionary ‘One’ album on Ostgut. A subtle progression is always there, kicking around the beat with a persistant contribution to everything else surrounding the track – haunting and mesmerizing, the vocal scatters across every other element, growing a feeling of a dusty old basement combined with the core of the energy in Klock’s sound.

For the other side, Illum Sphere’s ambient and droning space finishes up a remix series that feels very true to Martyn’s aesthetics. The ‘No. 14 Mix’ is very original, grasping a sense of a floating beat structure as well as being true to the beatless arrangement – very impressive and fresh.

Review: VA – Sub:stance

Published January 18, 2010 Review 1 Comment
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Label: Ostgut Ton
Catalog#: OSTGUTCD11

Tracklist:

01. Sigha – Light Swells – In A Distant Space
02. Airhead – Paper Street
03. Sigha – Early Morning Lights
04. Pangaea – Sunset Yellow
05. Joy Orbison – The Shrew Would Have Cushioned The
Blow
06. Shortstuff – See Ya
07. Untold – No-one Likes A Smart Arse
08. Scuba – You Got Me
09. Surgeon – Klonk Pt.4
10. DFRNT – Headspace – Scuba’s Secret Mix
11. AQF – Born And Raised – Version
12. Badawi – Anlan 7
13. Joy Orbison – Hyph Mngo
14. Mount Kimbie – Maybes – James Blake Remix
15. Sigha – Seeing God
16. Ramadanman – Tempest
17. Instra:mental – Voyeur
18. Sigha – Shapes
19. George Fitzgerald – Don’t You
20. Scuba – Minerals
21. Shackleton – It’s Time For Love
22. Digital Mystikz (Mala) – Stand Against War
23. Scuba – Last Stand
24. Joker – Psychedelic Runway

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Recommended!

When combining the energy of Berghain and Panorama Bar, together with a (in context) unusual side of dubstep, the Sub:stance club manages to take out the best of both “sides” – and fuse them into a concrete monster. Even though the sharp and ambitious sound may seem a bit uneasy as well as clever, the direction in which Sub:stance is going seems more natural than ever.

Keeping the essence of the sounds that define dubstep, as well as the tempos, structure and attitude while fusing them together with a very techno-fied city and all the inspiration, aspiration as well as unique sense of bass music – Scuba seems more than just fit to create a mix CD of it all.

There is a very scientific feeling that is the backbone of the track selection as well as the progression of the mix as a whole. Keeping a profiled and ambitious droning sound throughout, the subtle (and sometimes very direct) beat goes in and out. This keeps everything interesting, as well as leaving room for a more experimental and a bit untouched sound. Everything reminds a lot of Scuba’s own work, as well as the artists and musicians surrounding him and the Sub:stance club. Expect long droning pieces and soundscapes, combined with deadly levels of bass, as well as sound that is so clear and unique it can almost be physically touched.

Most of the time, the mix keeps an atmosphere of a state of both high awareness and everything in a daze. It requires not so much as to listening, but an open mind to the music. The parallell of it all comes in with f.e. Joy Orbison’s ‘Hyph Mngo’ which, in a good way, breaks everything off and leaves as soon as the mix gets a grip of what is going on. In perspective, this seems very natural for Scuba as well as trying to fuse both vertical and horizontal energy with the mix (and seeing him as a live dj too).

As a conclusion, imagine Berghain with a dubstep sound; this is exactly, with and without frills, the first thing that comes to mind.

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