Ambush – DJ T – Get Physical Music (DE)
Here's a scorching two-track EP from the everconsistent Get Physical Music and the manic mind of DJ T. "Stalker" is a minimal tech-house gem with subtle, old school-flavored keys and a silky vibe. However, it is the title cut that really does the business here. Straight-ahead percussion, hypnotic keys and a ton of glitchy, tension-building energy. A hot way to start building from minimal to techno, this is a dance floor rocker. ***** (5 of 5)
Even Steven – Phil Stumpf – Frozen North (FI)
Release number five from the superlative Frozen North Recordings brings us the work of producer Phil Stumpf. The original version of the title track is a simple, minor key-influenced mover and the flip features label boss Jussi Pekka's remix, complete with restrained keys and opulent pads. "Influencer" is an absolutely immaculate deep tech house mover, complete with quirky rhythms, trippy stabs and amazing, deep pads that irrefutably devastate. ***** (5 of 5)
The Dead Serious EP – Jussi Pekka – Frozen North (FI)
It usually takes more than one first-class track on an EP in order for me to write a favorable review. But every once in a while, a record comes along that has a track that is so off the charts, it really doesn't matter what the others tunes on the 12" sound like; this is one of those cases. The original and remix of "Rave Texno" are both solid tunes, but "Dead Serious" is so indisputably strong, that after 5 minutes, I knew a "5 out of 5" rating was to follow. Simply unreal. ***** (5 of 5)
Various Artists Picture Disc – Various – Circle Music (DE)
Four exceptional tracks from Munich based, Circle Music. "LFO Fall" from Southsoniks is first, with compelling techno rhythms, head-bobbing synths and the signature thick, analog bassline that Southsoniks are known for. "Circle Life" from Alex Flatner is given a deep, emotional Detroit flavored reworking from the ever consistent Dan Corco. The flip brings us "Bounty Hunter" from Stryke and Santo; a slow-building mover with thunderous kick, and ton of trippy energy and "Cirrus" by Lucas Rodenbush, with deep, jazzy keys and subtle, but compelling energy. Strong from front to back. **** (4 of 5)
I Forgot the Settings – Stanny Franssen – Monoid (DE)
Rocking four tracker from Stanny Franssen and the crew at Monoid Recordings. "Cascading the Outputs" is up first and is a slow-building, methodical destroyer with driving beats and a rising synth line that grows and grows as it gradually takes over. Previously released as part of Monoid Forty, "Play with the R" is up next, with incessant synth stabs that are ready to work you and your dancefloor into a frenzy. Side B brings "I Forgot the Settings," a straight-ahead rocker and "Grungy Voice from Detroit," a forward-moving, old school-seasoned destroyer. **** (4 of 5)
Articulated Conflicts – Steve Payne – TCP Recordings (UK)
Four tracks of blazing techno rhythms from label boss Steve Payne. "What You Saw" is an electrified, straight for the jugular rocker complete with lashing percussion, sinister stabs and a massive, big room vibe. "Roll on Through" brings another rocking drum track, with compelling rhythms and stripped-down, industrial-flavored vocals. The "Ignition Technician" remix of the title track is up next, with a hard, funky cadence and thick acid synth line. The EP concludes with the original version of the title track, a copious, spellbinding mover. *** (3 of 5)
