Three more tracks of chunky minimal tech-house from the everconsistent Photogenic. The title cut is up first with head-bobbing rhythms, thick bass, and a ton of quirky, electrified synth stabs. "Fiddler on the Roof" is a deep, melodic number, while "100 the Gift" wraps things up in subtle, gritty style. **** (4 of 5)
Bad Ass Mixes – Daniel Stefanik – Moon Harbour Records (DE)
Another tight release from the Moon Harbour crew. Side A brings us the "Stefanik Remix of Them People" from Daniel and Mathias Tanzmann. Simple drums, drop bass, and hypnotic undertones combine on this minimal monster. The flip is the real gem here, featuring the "Live Mix of Move Me" by Stefanik, one of my favorite tracks of 2005. Slow-rising, retro-flavored keys rise and rise to engulf everything and everyone in their path. Truly inspiring in an early set build. Rocking Stuff! ***** (5 of 5)
Bass / At the Weekend / Come Around – Zoo Brazil – Systematic (DE)
Following up on their previous smash, Zoo Brazil is poised to do more damage on Marc Romboy's Systematic imprint. All three tracks are worthy of your attention, but I am totally enamored with "Come Around," a truly amazing gem. From the first beat to the last, this is a true minimal smoker. Effortless rhythms, drop bass, and a idiosyncratic, acid synth line that will rock your body and set your dance floor ablaze. Class, as usual. **** (4 of 5)
Virtualism – Jeff Bennett – Bandos Island Music (ML)
Swedish Tech House master Jeff Bennett drops science on this two-tracker from Mali-based Bandos Island Music. While "Virtualism" is solid, the real track to mention here is "Speculations," a truly remarkable, deep masterpiece. With lush pads, effortless, repetitive bass, and a ton of laid back flavor, this track went directly into heavy rotation. **** (4 of 5)
Organic – Jochen Trappe – Connaisseur Recordings (DE)
Young buck Jochen Trappe brings forth his first release for Connaisseur, and what a release it is... The original mix of "Organic" takes up Side A, delivering a simple but manic and minimal destroyer. With glitchy beats, growling keys, and a ton of microedits and acid-flavored undertones. Side B brings forth the "Plain Babicz Style Remix" of Organic and the eminently quirky "Technofunk," a down-to-earth, understated mover. *** (3 of 5)
Guadalajara EP – Christian Bloch – Chrono Tracks (DE)
San Francisco-based and Danish-born Christian Block brings us four wildly diverse tracks of deep, pulsating, techno rhythms. From the dub-flavored broken beats and synth stabs of the title cut to the dark simplicity of "Jerky" and the Detroit flavor of "Dark Clown." this is quality EDM from front to back. **** (4 of 5)
Techno for Tsunami – Various – Techno for Tsunami (DE)
Inspired by the Tsunami disaster, this new imprint was established as an outlet for artists to contribute tracks from which all proceeds will be donated to charities for the victims. Chris Liebing's main man Andre Walter drops "The Mourn," a dark, brooding, techno monster with a long, emotive breakdown and a ton of foundation-rattling power. The other standout here is "Rain" from Hertz, a driving drum track with deep, compelling rhythms and straightahead beats. **** (4 of 5)
The Warning EP – Greg Gow – Sole Unlimited (US)
Another hot release from Toronto-based DJ and Producer Greg Gow. The original mix of "The Warning" is a hard tech-house mover with slow rising keys and vocal samples from the Strictly Rhythm classic of the same name. Montreal-based Mateo Murphy adds a funky remix with head-bobbing beats, shuffling percussion, and keys that help this track grow and morph into a hypnotic destroyer. Two versions of "Transform," a straightahead techno mover, nicely wrap up the package. Rocking stuff that is destined for the top of my chart. ***** (5 of 5)
