That Way - Kulpa - Manuke (UK)
Six releases on and Manuke continues its string of rock-solid techno
smokers. Featuring the up-and-coming Kulpa, this EP is 3 tracks of
no-nonsense techno predators. "Ordinance" is an effortless, minimal
grinder with rugged beats and a moody breakdown that will have
creative DJs licking their chops. "Follow These Signs" is next, with
a bubbly bassline, repetitive synth stabs and lush, Detroit
undertones. "End Point" wraps things up with an unadorned, trippy
bassline, harmonious percussion and cavernous keys. ***(3 of 5)
Lucid Dreams - Locutus - King Of The Snakes (UK)
Japanese techno producer Locutus drops his first release for UK-based
King of the Snakes. His original version is a rough and rugged techno
mover with heavy beats, repetitive loops and deep synth washes. The
flip features label boss Mark Broom doing the bangin, "kick the club
in the ass and drag them to the dancefloor" thing that he does so
well. The EP concludes with my man Mark Williams on the remix,
dropping a hard, funky, rhythmic track that will have the crowd
tripping out and begging for more. Top work all around.****(4 of 5)
London vs. Madrid - Various - Pure Plastic (UK)
Bringing together a number of the most talented techno producers on
the planet, this is an exceptional release worthy of your attention.
A1 feature Roku (aka Mark Broom and Ben Sims), with a simple,
drudging, drum track of the first degree. Slick percussion, moving
synths and a rooted bassline make this a dancefloor destroyer of the
best kind. The 65D Mavericks bring their eclectic, leftfield style to
the table with a rumbling, gloomy, late night mammoth. The flip
brings us a track by the prolific Cave, doing his big room, tribal
techno thing and a track from Trolley Route (aka Oscar Mulero), with
blazing beats and a head down, unremitting touch.***(3 of 5)
Patrolling The Cypher - Rennie Foster - Rewired (UK)
One of my favorite producers and one of the nicest people on the
scene, Tokyo-based Rennie Foster brings us 3 cuts of his signature
musical techno rhythms on the astonishing EP for Rewired. "From The
Ashes" is first, with crystal-clear percussion, spoken-word samples
and old school Detroit keys that build and move forward, as the track
slowly engulfs your mind. Exceptional way to add some deep flavor to
a banging set. The flip side brings us "Showoff," an ultracreative
techno drum track, with tough beats, sharp stabs and a breakdown that
will have your dancefloor asking "WHAT" just happened. This is a
rocking track of the best kind. The EP concludes with "Cypher
Patrol," a straight-ahead techno mover. With top release after top
release, Rennie's reputation continues to grow and grow and his star
continues to rise. *****(5 of 5)
