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Review: Skudge – Melodrama / Ontic

Published April 30, 2010 Review 1 Comment
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Label: Skudge Records
Catalog#: SKUDGE 002

Tracklist:

A: Melodrama


B: Ontic

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Recommended!

Going for a more concrete direction, the ’002′ from Skudge feels different from the first, creating an atmosphere that is subtle in a different way.

Kicking beats, haunting elements and a flow that is rare these days, ‘Melodrama’ keeps the pace with a lot of originality as well as the feeling from the ’001′ – a knowing in the right sense. Small variations occour throughout, but they are very subtle and yet they seem to always present themselves in the right moment, which is even more clear on ‘Ontic’ featured on the B side. It’s hard to pin down what makes this record into what it is, it has so many different sides to it as well as a unique sound. Even though the structures of the tracks might be traditional in some sense, both of them feels as if they brought in something new – which is always appreciated.

‘Ontic’ is more of a deeper ride through the tunnels, where swirling percussion and a floating atmosphere binds the rhythm together – without losing track of itself and leaving the “dj tool” stamp far away. ‘Melodrama’ swings more steady, where the uncompromising beat tangles itself onto the vocal, creating a piece that seems essential today as well as in the future.

Review: Dettmann – Dettmann LP

Published April 21, 2010 Review 2 Comments

Label: Ostgut Ton
Catalog#: OSTGUTLP05

Tracklist:

A1: Quasi (Intro)
A2: Argon
A3: Screen
B1: Motive
B2: Drawing
C1: Reticle
C2: Irritant
D: Captivate
E1: Silex
E2: Home
F1: Viscous
F2: Taris (Outro)

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Recommended!

When collecting all inspiration that certain producers have, creating a certain demonstration of strength, a timeless yet at the same time defining “piece” is created. The most interesting aspect of it though, is that the sense of being pulled in the direction of the sound that fills up the release – especially when it’s collected in an album.

Marcel Dettmann is a producer that has been pushing this sound for a long time. Through the Berghain label Ostgut Ton, his own MDR label as well as remixes on a lot of different artists – maintaining a difference in the approach, sound and style, but at the same time always remaining true to his own quality of production as well as keeping this perticular sound intact. Filling up the empty space between going through records, otherwordly sounds and pumping tracks, his own material seems so natural when combining the thought of process behind the work of his own.

The emphasis is very uncompromising. It’s hard to truly define where it is in a concrete way, as “darkness” is clearly not enough to explain this album – there is so much to it, that is very parallell to what we have been hearing as well as his most recent tracks and remixes. Sure, a lot of focus is put on a dystopian sound, but the trained ear can clearly desinguish between those who try and those who know – Dettmann being one of the latter.

Surrounding the album is a lot of talk of “the Berghain sound”, where producers pursue perhaps their own impressions of it as well as attempts to follow it. What seems to be a result of this, is releases that feels as an empty shell with a hollowed space where the energy is “supposed” to be.

The ‘Dettmann’ release is clearly a blueprint of Marcel’s own interpretation of the club, people and music, as well as his personality and style taking up most of the productions – hence creating a release that feels almost too defining for it’s own good. At least, he created something that is honest, that will probably maintain this sound in a energetic and uncompromising way.

Thanks to Marcel Dettmann for this release.

Henrik Bergqvist & Johannes Björhn w/ Ståltrådsvägen #2

Published April 21, 2010 The Futurist 1 Comment
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Fresh mix out of Henrik’s apartment – this time together with Johannes Björhn, a friend that works with us at The Office (as well as being a part of Head Office dj team).

With two turntables, a rotary mixer and a lot of vinyl, this session is dusty and powerful. Featuring aspects of their seperate sounds and style, combined, gives the mix a dynamic and fresh sound.

Review: A Guy Called Gerald – Tronic Jazz: The Berlin Sessions

Published April 5, 2010 Review 1 Comment
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Label: Laboratory Instinct
Catalog#: LI017CD

Tracklist:

01. People Moover
02. Nuvo Alfa
03. Flutter
04. Iland
05. Just Soul
06. The Dip
07. Round Eco
08. Dirty Trix
09. Wow Yheah
10. Indi Vibe
11. Pacific Samba
12. Conclusion F min Blue
13. Merfed

As the album title states, this latest output from A Guy Called Gerald fills up the more intellectual spectrum – a true spirit and a refreshing and original take on techno and surrounding sounds.

The most inspiring factor of this release, is that while maintaining an original sound, Gerald manages to shine through with the inspiration and energy that in common practice is more or less absent in straight up CD releases. Where a musical taste lifts every track into a new level, Gerald displays a knowledge not only sonically bound, but also knowing his way around the equipment he uses in a very solid way – the result is a combination of both perception and craftsmanship.

The mysterious and labyrinth-sense of every track makes it feel diverse and fun – rather than a straight up proper techno LP, which would seem only a bit strange if that was the case, Tronic Jazz feels strongly related to old tradition and style within the genre, rather than current explorations.

‘Tronic Jazz: The Berlin Sessions’ is due in early May.

Thanks to Jonas at EPM for this release.

My favorite tracks:

Dirty Trix


Round Eco

Chart: April 2010

Published April 1, 2010 Chart 2 Comments

http://www.residentadvisor.net/dj/noahgibson/top10?chart=31637

Review: The Panamax Project – Subsolo 006

Published March 26, 2010 Review 2 Comments

Label: SubSolo
Catalog#: SUBSOLO 006

Tracklist:

A: Maximum Height


B: Maximum Width

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Recommended!

In continuation of Shed’s remarkable dub material, Panamax stands for a freight weight of bass. With a modern feel, old tradition and a slow paced evolution within the tracks, the productions are up to his own standard (which he has defined and refined for years).

An easy going aesthetic surrounds these tracks, where the groove goes from a dub centered style into René’s own definition of music – everything is very electric, but at the same time it’s always structured enough to keep the funk. A dusty sense glues every element together in a very spiritual and mighty way on ‘Maximum Height’, where a jackin’ sense fills up between every bar. The groove is just there – a feeling that is required to make a track essential.

‘Maximum Width’ gets the same treatment as the Wax No. ’10001B Panamax Mix’ got last year; sparse, heavy but at the same time very forward. What gives the track a taste, is the excellent influence it’s based on. As well as the A side, things feels very forward pushing and timeless. Excellent production which only leaves a heavy soundsystem weakened.

Review: Perc – Vertigo Part 1

Published March 20, 2010 Review 1 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 2 Comments
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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.

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