Changing States - Jambi - District of Corruption (DE)
Washington DC-founded and Berlin-based, District of Corruption is the brainchild of young gun Aaron Hedges. On this, their fourth release, the talents of Jambi are unleashed on three exceptional cuts. "Inaction" starts things off, with dark and retro keys, forward-moving beats and a decidedly old school flavor. The flip features "Reaction," a slow-developing, dark tech-house grinder with quirky beats and an irresistible evil bassline and "Action" the standout cut here. With stripped-down rhythms and a simple, smooth keys, this track is a subtle destroyer of the best kind. ****(4 of 5)
Quiet - Marlow feat. Delhia - Moon Harbour Records (DE)
Another exceptional release from the manic mind of Marlow and the crew at Moon Harbour. The original mix of "Quiet" is a stripped-down tech-house mover with tripped-out vocals, rolling bass and quirky flavor. The flip features the low-key, downtempo "Co-Mix" from Marlow and Comix and the truly exceptional "Losoul Remix." Minimal, almost broken beats are combined with a dark, growling bassline and a ton of killer funky vocal stabs with amazing effect. A truly body-rocking jam that will have heads nodding and asses shaking. *****(5 of 5)
Midnight Express/ Hyperbolic - Split Second - Cyber Record (NL)
Dutch label Cyber Records returns with two exciting tracks from Rex Mundi, Johan Cyber and Graylock, collectively known as Split Second. "Midnight Express" begins as a dark, brooding progressive grinder, but quickly lightens up as it incorporates uplifting keys and gently rising rhythms to slowly but surely work over any crowd. The flip features "Hyperbolic," a funky, tribal mover with smooth rhythms, trippy bass and vocal stabs that move the track onward and upwards. Exceptionally-produced and expertly executed, both tracks are sure to appeal to a variety of DJs and work in a myriad of situations. Highly Recommended. ****(4 of 5)
Freak It - Masi & Mello feat. Mahdi - So Deep Music (US)
New Jersey based So Deep Music continues its string of consistent releases with this new track from label owners, Masi & Mello. The "Original Heavy Weight Mix" has NYC Super club written all over it with big, boomy beats, hypnotic synth stabs and a massive, attention-grabbing male vocal. The "Sexy Slut Mix" takes a deeper and darker approach to things, while the "Raw Dub" adds hot, tribal-flavored percussion and a ton of energy. Solid as usual. ***(3 of 5)
Untitled - Leandro Gamez - Intec Promo (UK)
Madrid-based techno producer Leandro Gamez returns with another exception 4 track EP for Carl Cox's Intec imprint. "Body Shaker" is an absolutely amazing hard tech-house rocker with lovely, deep keys and typically funky Gamez style beats. "Lansadera" is next with a lush, Detroit-style groove, combining silky keys, a ferocious bassline and smooth, yet moving flavor. The flip brings us "Oaxaca," a slick, Alexander Kowalski-esque jam with forward-moving beats and sexy pads and "Limbo," a big room trance-influenced rocker. Another quality release from Tin Tin and the boys. ****(4 of 5)
The Return Of The Evil Dick Ninja - Marco Nastic - Recycled Loops 017 (DE)
Here's a body rocking 4 track EP from rising techno luminary Marco Nastic. Just 26 years old and hailing from Serbia, Marco has had a recent string of exciting releases for labels including Earresistible, Recon, and now, Recycled Loops. From the rocking opening strains to the final beat, you know you are in for something exceptional. "Shut Up And Dance" kicks things off, with body-rocking beats and a ton of driving energy. "Smekerica Kulijana" is next with compelling rhythms and trippy keys, while "Flojd" is a body-rocking, disco-flavored mover. The standout track here is the final entry; titled "Ma Vazi Na Plazi," a lashing, relentless, take no prisoners techno drum track. Impressive release from this rising star. ****(4 of 5)
