Alliance V – The Anxious vs. Bas Mooy – Audio Assault Records (NL)
Four tracks of straightforward, foundation-rocking techno from the Audio Assault crew. Side A features two quality works
from The Anxious, with "Sixfold Symmetry" being the one for me. A simple, driving techno drum track featuring bangin'
beats, industrial stabs and enough energy to set any party off. The best cut off Side B, "Fight the Power," features label
boss Bas Mooy at the controls, yielding a fierce killer with shuffling beats, blazing percussion, and ton of funky synth
stabs. ***** (5 of 5)
Don't Go – Elektrochemie – Get Physical Music (DE)
Tight two-track EP from Elektrochemie on Get Physical Music. "Don't Go", the A Side cut is solid, but for the real gem, go
directly to "You're My Kind" on the flip. Combining the production talents of Thomas Schumacher, Stephan Bodzin, and the
eerie, irresistible vocals of Caitlin Devlin, this is an monster later night mover, destined to make a big splash at WMC and
beyond. Pure class. ***** (5 of 5)
Ohhh – David K – Cocoon Recordings (DE)
Three extraordinary tracks from French producer David K (aka David Kemoun). The title track is an effortless, minimal mover
with bouncy bass, glitchy stabs, and restrained, stirring flavor. The real gem here however, "Me, Laptop & I," is an
utterly gorgeous slice of funky tech house, complete with lovely pads, moving percussion and all the bleeps and bloops
anyone could ask for. ***** (5 of 5)
Get Physical Compilation 1 – Various Artists – Get Physical Music (DE)
With the release of a retrospective of the best of Get Physical coming soon, this consistent imprint have decided to release
several remixes of their most well-known tracks from the recent past. This first edition in this series features reworkings
from Jona, Troy Pierce and Konrad Black. The first track up is the Jona Remix of "Jah" by M.A.N.D.Y. Taking things in a
funkier, techy direction and replacing the massive electro bassline with more soulful keys, this mix works wonders. The
other track worth mentioning is the Knorad Troy Hearthrob Remix of "Mandarine Girl" by Books Shade. Excellent release as
usual. **** (4 of 5)
Earstrain EP – Alex Bau – CL-Recordings (DE)
Absolutely rocking two tracker from Alex Bau on Chris Liebing's Frankfurt based, CL-Recordings. No stranger to killer jams,
Alex jumps in with both feet, grabs hold and never lets go. "Swelling Sirens" is a hard, funky, simple techno mover with
rolling beats and a long, horn-filled breakdown that simply kills. The flip, "Meaning Of Darkness Pt. 2," is a storming
piece of dark, late night, big room madness that also does the trick. Hot from front to back, this is worthy of your
attention and purchase. **** (4 of 5)
Volume 9 – David Squillace/ Kazu Kimura – Sketch (IT)
Hot new mover from Neapolitan techno imprint Sketch Recordings. Label boss Davide Squillace handles things on Side A, with
rocking beats and hypnotic stabs that trip you out from the first note to last. The flip features "Realist" from Japanese
producer Kazu Kimura, a shuffling, acid-infused monster. Both tracks are on point and should be on your wish list. **** (4
of 5)
Mini Sketch 002 – Various – Mini Sketch (IT)
Release number two for Mini Sketch, with two tracks from Paco Osuna and a one massive, trippy destroyer from label owner
Davide Squillace. "Tribaling" finds Squillace back in that soulful, hypnotic, groovy techno place that he is so
comfortable. Compelling rhythms that repeat and ripple across your mind and your dancefloor, taking everyone on a trip.
The flip brings two Paco Osuna movers, "Lola," an unpretentious, funky tech-house jam and "Psycho," an old school
acid-influenced rocker. Amazing release. ***** (5 of 5)
