Do Not Sleep Volume 1 - Exos - Do Not Sleep (IS)
Debut release from this new imprint from Icelandic techno producer, Exos. Side A brings us the "DJ Rush Remix," complete with bangin' beats, sparse percussion and trippy vocal stabs. The flip features a ferocious, jaw-dropping mix from Kasheii and the dark and gritty original, "After Midnight." Ruthless and rockin', this is an outstanding debut from the Do Not Sleep camp. ****(4 of 5)
Raw & Rare Vol. 2 - Various - Utils (DE)
Four wildly diverse techno bangers, from four exceptional talented producers. "Out of Order" by Brian Sanhaji is up first, with its relentless rhythms, hypnotic synth stabs and a tenacious, grinding energy that will engulf anything in its path. "Ferien Auf n Hoggerhof" by DJ Mahatma is next and takes things in a decidedly different direction, with smooth tech-house percussion and a foundation rocking bassline. The flip kicks things up several notches with the blazing "Modulok" from Marky (aka label boss Mark Pecnik) and "The Third Tempest," a scorching techno rocker from the manic mind of Asem Shama. Quality tools for you next techno expedition. ***(3 of 5)
Harmony EP - Jussi Pekka - Frozen North Recordings (FI)
This first release from Frozen North Recordings features label boss and Finish house master Jussi Pekka at the controls. Three tracks of smooth, funky, minimal tech-house to rock any dancefloor. The standout cut, "Harmony," slowly grows and rises with bubbling beats, electro-flavored synths, rocking bass and sinister vocal stabs. Looking forward to release number two and more quality house from Jussi and his new imprint. ***(3 of 5)
The Pop/ Armed To Disarm - Number on Son - Matter Form Record (US)
Brooklyn based Matter Form Records drops release number 9, featuring up and coming talent Erich Lee, aka Number One Son. "The Pop" starts the ball rolling, with simple, effective tech-house rhythms, a chunky, electro-flavored bassline and simple, trippy keys. The true standout here however is on the flip side, "Armed to Disarm." Simple, tech-house beats, vocal stabs, and a fierce bassline dominate this body-rocking jam. Add an up for it crowd and a capable sound system to see the true destructive power of this jam. Tight EP.
****(4 of 5)
Premonition - Kenneth Graham - Magnified Recordings (US)
Amherst, MA based Magnified Recordings is back with their fourth release, this time featuring the deep tech house stylings of Kenneth Graham. "Prior Engagement" is up first, with slow developing patterns of subtle keys and haunting rhythms. The flip brings us "Premonition", a silky smooth, deep tech-house mover with an absolutely gorgeous feel and "Black Magic," a mellow, downtempo affair. Seek out this EP and add it to your collection as soon as possible. ****(4 of 5)
Riding Through - HD Substance + Noah Pred - Metapath (CA)
For the second installment in the collaboration-themed Metapath series, label boss Noah Pred teams up with Spanish Techno master HD Substance. The original mix of "Decision Time" is up first, with Noah Pred showing why he is one of the most in-demand young producers on the scene. Layering funky beats, lush keys and a massive, driving bassline, Pred rocks it from the word go. HD Substance takes his crack at the same track next, bringing us a subtle, lush, Detroit-styled groove. "Estado Nervioso" is the flip side track, and the original rears its head in classic Atlas Records style, with HD layering funky percussion and rich synth stabs with mind-blowing results. The EP concludes with Noah Pred on the remix duties, adding a more funked-up, hard tech-house version. Four brilliant tracks from 2 of my favorite people in the techno world. Great work boys. ****(4 of 5)
Ciucci Kola (Remixes) - Alexander Robotnick - Scatalogics (US)
Original produced in 1983, Alexander Robotnick's "Glory Days" has never been available on vinyl. NY based Scatalogics takes on the project and doles out remix responsibilities to John Selway, Todd Sines and Ulysses. Said to be getting major support from many big players, this is a worthwhile addition to the collection of electro DJs, near and far. **(2 of 5)
