Pill Popper – Mike Hoska – Nosi Music (US)
Up and coming production wiz, Mike Hoska adds to his growing resume with another quality release for new imprint, Nosi Music. Chunky rhythms, rolling bass, vocal stabs and a massive electro synth that is twisted to the breaking point make this a peak time mover that fans of Sebastian Leger and Eric Prydz should take notice of. **** (4 of 5)
Bluefire – Jaytech – Rapid Response Recordings (US)
Release number two for Rapid Response finds Jaytech picking up right where he left off with his highly regarded first release. “Genesis.” This new track, “Bluefire”, is a sure fire, smooth, uplifting, progressive jam that will work in a variety of settings, and for Djs across genres. Simple, building, hypnotic keys, hefty bass, and lush undertones make this another musical masterpiece. ***** (5 of 5)
La Otra Cara Del Enano EP – Monoblock – Immigrant (UK)
Four tracks of sublime, minimal mastery from Uruguay born, Spain based producers Guillermo Miranda and Martin Teysera (aka Monoblock). “Lugomi” is a swirling, simple, stunner, while “Enanoide” is an effortless, cyclic rocker that slowly rips your mind to shreds. Getting heavy support from all the usual suspects, you should add this to your wish list immediately. ***** (5 of 5)
Way out Lines – Mario & XM – Defrag (DE)
Collaboration between Italian techno luminaries, Mario Masullo and Maurizio Martusciello. “X Crossing” is a smooth, subtle mover, but “Dogon”, with its old school acid bassline and chugging beats is the one for me. Not immediate, but given the chance to breath for a few minutes, these tracks come alive and shine. **** (4 of 5)
Winter EP - Aril Brikha – Kompakt (DE)
Fierce two tracker from one of the most consistent imprints in the world and the always impressive Aril Brikha. “Berghain” is a forward rocking techno mover, and “Winter” is an undeniable techno mover. Part Alexander Kowalski, part Oliver Lieb and all good - this is one of my favorite EPs at the moment. ***** (5 of 5)
Paradox – Valentino Kanzyani – Jesus Loves You (SI)
“Paradox” is a hot, single track, digital only release from Slovenian electro master, Valentino Kanzyani. With driving percussion, massive synth stabs and a ton of steady, growing oomph – this is a dance floor slayer and Valentino’s best track in years. ***** (5 of 5)
Schnick Schnack EP – Tactik – BCN Rec (DE)
I had a tough time picking my favorite here. “Island Groove” is a searing, retro Detroit techno mover, and the “Nick & Danny Chatelain Remix” is equally impressive. But in the end, it was the compelling “Original Mix” of the title track, with its straightforward, funky techno appeal that really did it for me and my crowd.***** (5 of 5)
Darko Vinyl 2 – Booka Shade – Get Physical Music (DE)
Booka Shade is back, with four new versions of their exceptional “Darko” track. The EP kicks off with the unadorned, glitchy “Tiefschwarz Remix”, and proceeds through two other solid interpretations. The last mix is given over the man of the moment, Matt Edward (aka Radio Slave), for a throbbing, hypnotic mover Slow to start, this track twists your mind in knots and before long, grabs you by the throat and compels you to move. **** (4 of 5)
El Zapo Hablo – Dani Casarano – Connaisseur Superius (DE)
Italian born, Chilean based producer and DJ, Dani Casarano drops this absolutely stunning release for Connaisseur Superiur. The “Original Mix” is a tech house mover with glitchy percussion, massive bassline and a ton of multi-layered, melodic undertones. The “Motorcitysoul Remix” takes things in a slightly more straight forward direction, adding retro flavored keys and a sparse drum track. **** (4 of 5)
Sub Dich Weg / Sonne Im Arsch – Jay La Forge & Gauchel – Deepinrhythm (DE)
Picking up where the original left off, the “Monoroom Remix” of Sub Dich is one of the biggest records in my bag at the moment. Part minimal, part techno, part breaks, and all good. The other stand out here is the Original Mix of “Sonne Im Arsch”, a smooth, groovy, progressive mover. **** (4 of 5)
Infectious Groove EP – Manic Mind – Notorious Elektro (DE)
Getting big support from all of the major electro tech player (Leger, Oxia, David Duriez), this new release from Manic Mind find the boys back on top form. While I like the title track, it’s the B Side entry, “Mountains” that’s really working for me. Thick, clean, booming beats, hypnotic synths, colossal bass and a ton of get-up-and-go. Destined for the top of my chart. ***** (5 of 5)
Homestop Welcome – Repeat Repeat – Soma Records (UK)
The second single from their brilliant full length “Squints”, Dave and Mark (aka Repeat Repeat) are back, this time with the help of the legendary Andrew Weatheral. Weatherall’s remix is a deep, moody, broken beat affair that will have heads bobbing and asses shaking. The “Original Mix” is also included here, in all its laid back, subterranean glory. *** (3 of 5)
Prima Materia – Alex Smoke – Soma Records (UK)
Glaswegian Alex Smoke brings forth his 11+ minute epic masterpiece from his 2006 full length, “Paradolia.” The “Abort Mix” starts off ambient and slow, but assuredly evolves through a soundscape of twisted, clicky, flanged, and delayed audio babble. Also included is the minor key, melodramatic “Abort Mix” of Always and Forever. One again Alex is in top form, as his legend continues to grow. *** (3 of 5)
Around The Planet EP – Marco Bailey – MB Elektronics (BE)
Scene big wig and all around nice guy, Marco Bailey is back with some main room, peak hour business. The title track is a dark, evil, electro mover with driving beats and a ton of ass shaking, booty rocking flavor. “Colorfest” is a retro techno house killer with compelling percussion and a ton of uplifting keys, and “E-Facts” a total crowd slayer. It’s been a while since Marco shined like this. Glad to have him back. ***** (5 of 5)
