Chicago based Gabe Palomo has been on the scene for more than two decades and continues to push boundaries and establish himself as a respected name on the worldwide techno and electro scene. His two entries here "Phase 1" and "Fx" are rocking, electro-styled hard techno movers that will absolutely slay in a blazing set. The flip features Deecoy, a rising start on the electro scene after his debut album (as The Dirty Criminals) on Deejay Gigolo Records. His two tracks here meld electro sensibilities, synth pop elements and compelling beats. ***(3 of 5)
Infectious - Gene LeFosse - Convolute (US)
Another in a long line of superior releases from Convolute and Mr. Gene LeFosse. Side A features the title cut, a funky, progressive infused tech-house mover with tribal undertones, affecting beats, vocal stabs and a gigantic bassline that will rock the house. Exceptional. ****(4 of 5)
Beautiful - Big Head - Sinister Recordings (AR)
Sinister label boss, Big Head (aka Fernando Alvaro) is back with another brilliant tech house mover. The "Original Mix" takes up residence on Side A and features a sexy tech-house groove built around the haunting vocals of fellow Argentinean Sumala. The flip is a remix from Texas producer JV that brings a funky, techy vibe to the track. Deep keys, lush pads and gorgeous vocals are combined with booty-shaking beats, to amazing effect. Hot jam with a ton of support for some big players on the scene.*****(5 of 5)
Heavy Rescue - Ian Lahman - Abiotic Recordings (US)
Minneapolis based Abiotc Recordings is owned by two of the hottest young talents on the US techno scene, Dustin Zahn and Ian Lehman. Here, Ian is at the controls, dropping more of his signature techno madness. Side A features the original version of "Heavy Rescue", a hard-nosed, dancefloor rocker with relentless rhythms, rocking bassline and a ton of evil undertones. Sweden's even consistent Patrik Skoog takes on the remixing duties on Side B. Forward moving rhythms and a more stripped down take on the percussion, take this version through the roof. The EP wraps up with another Lehman original, with more of his signature atmospheric keys and straight, bangin' percussion. Excellent record from top to bottom. ***(3 of 5)
Ramsay - Lake & Asher - Statra (US)
Chris Lake and Asher Jones (aka Rhythm Code) team up to create Ramsay, their dark progressive alter ego. "Sweat" is a dark, brooding grower with tribal-infused rhythms, vocal stabs and a massive bassline from hell. Supreme production technique and a ton of flavor make this an instant late night jam. "Four Seasons" is a forward moving, Steve Porter style progressive journey, complete with soulful beats, chunky bass, lush keys and tribal chants. ***(3 of 5)
Bishamon - Bishamon - Futago Technologies (JP)
Rennie Foster's most excellent Futago imprint is back with another four-track monster. The "Original Mix" of Bishamon is up first, with shuffling, tribal drums, vocal drops and rising, hypnotic synth stabs. Damon Wild is next, dropping an absolutely awe inspiring tribal tech-house bomb. Solid beats, vocal stabs, depth-charge samples, lush keys and a ton of body rocking flavor, make this the stand-out track on the EP by a long shot. The B Side brings us Rennie Foster's blazing, tech-trance flavored reworking and a super funky, minimal tech-house original called "Waterdrum." ****(4 of 5)
Chicken or Beef/ DooYoo - Eddie Richards - KG Beats (US)
One of the most respected names on the worldwide dance music scene, (Evil) Eddie Richards is a name that is synonymous with quality tech-house tracks. One of the more skilled DJs in the world, Richards has slew of quality productions that are just as tight and this release from US based KG Beats will do nothing but further his reputation. "Chicken or Beef" holds down Side A, with groovy, forward moving beats, vocal samples and smooth, old school bassline the twists and hypnotizes you throughout. The flip brings us "DooYoo," a dancefloor rocker, with hot rhythms and a slow building synth line that slowly, but surely, grabs your attention and compels you to dance. Hot EP. ****(4 of 5)
