Classic slice of techno from one of the most consistent producers on the scene, Rue East. Side A features the "Original Mix", with smooth, compelling beats, chunky bass and lovely, despondent synth pads. The flip brings us the "Extended Raver Mix," a version more than 3 years in the making, complete with big room trancy builds, driving rhythms and a ton of retro, glowstick-inspiring flavor. ****(4 of 5)
Moogie Nights – Kingpin Cartel – Rewired (UK)
Kingpin Cartel is a collaboration between Chris Baker and Mark Broom, and they have been on fire over the past few months. This two-track EP is no exception with thick rhythms and a ton of funked-up flavor. The title cut takes up Side A and is a simple, 80s retro-flavored electrohouse jam. With lush undertones, smooth percussion, thick bass, and a Prince and the Revolution feel, this simply rocks. The flip is part "Set It Off" by Strafe, part Morris Day and the Time, and all funked-up party rocker. The 80s are back, and they sound better than ever. *****(5 of 5)
Old Skool Reunion EP – Stasis/ All-stars – Pure Plastic (UK)
Two classic old school tracks, remastered and repressed for your listening and set rocking pleasure. "20 ft Scarp" by Stasis is first, with funky beats, slow-rising keys and a ton of energy. The flip features "Byters," a 12 year-old collaboration between Dave Hill, Mark Broom, Ed Handley, Plaid, Sasis and Baby Ford. Lush and deep, simple and ambient…this is an analog dream and a truly exceptional downtempo cut. ***(3 of 5)
Phantasmagoria EP - Kuniaki Takenaga – Maunke (UK)
Four dark, evil, rocking tracks from newcomer Kuniaki Tekenaga and the Manuke crew. The two standout cuts here are "Phantasmgoria Noel", a menacing hard rocker with ferocious rhythms and ominous synths, and "Meltybladdia" an ass-shaking, body-rocking techno mover. Strictly for the forward thinking and headstrong amongst you; this is some sinister stuff. ***(3 of 5)
Over The Eight (remixes) – Bart Skils – Pure Plastic (UK)
Bart Skils returns to Pure Plastic, but this time it's the remixers that really do the business. Mark Broom and Chris Baker (aka Kingpin Cartel), turn the original into a phat, think, funky drum track complete with quirky stabs, chunky bassline, and a ton of rocking flavor. Mark Broom also delivers a solo mix, which kicks things up a few notches, adds some amazing lush pads, and simply kills from beginning to end. Already playing a major role in my sets, this is as tight a track as I have heard in ages. *****(5 of 5)
Unreleased Volume 1 – Various – King of the Snakes (UK)
Another quality release from the vaults at King of the Snakes. Featuring Percy X, Locutus, and label boss Mark Broom, this EP is a techno lover's dream. "Missing Link" is first, with its deep keys, stripped-down beats and a ton of subtle, yet driving energy. "Addicted Beats" by Mark Broom and Percy X and is the shortest, simplest, and best track on this EP. Head-bobbing, hard-driving percussion, tight, jackin' stabs and a simply massive tension-building break down. The flip brings us Broom's "Spect to the Man" a shuffling mover and "Broom's Chime Mix" of Lucid Dreams by Locutus; a simple, melancholy mover with rolling beats and a ton of flavor. ***(3 of 5)
Pleasure Seeker – Elektrochemie – Get Physical (DE)
DJ Thomas Schumacher, Producer Stephan Bodzin and vocalist Caitlin Devlin bring us 3 tracks of hot, minimal electro rhythms. The title cut is first, featuring funky beats, sexy, whispered vocals and a massive bassline that engulfs everything in its path. The flip brings forth "Star Struck" and "Vexed," the stand out cut here. Minimal percussion, trippy keys and angst filled vocals come together to form a simple killer. ***(3 of 5)
Schieber 01 – Moritz Piske – Schieber (DE)
Uncomplicated, rocking, minimal tech-house from this new sub imprint of Deeprhythmmusic. "Rohr" is an absolute killer opening track, complete with simple percussion, rolling bass and a ton of ass-shaking flavor. By far, one of my favorite tracks of the last 6 months. The flip features "Bestucker" in both original version and a hot remix. Solid Release. ****(4 of 5)