Bubble Bath – Baby Ford + Mark Broom – Pure Plastic (UK)
Smooth, funky two-tracker from old school legend Baby Ford and new
school mastermind Mark Broom. The title track is an effortless,
slow-building minimal mover with acid bassline and eerie, off-key
synth line. The flip, "Tightrope," is another down-to-earth grinder,
with thick bass, and gripping, glitchy flavor. Solid release. **** (4 of 5)
Love of Music – Lohm – Manuke (UK)
Brilliant three-tracker from the everreliable Manuke and 24 year-old
Dutch protégé Lohm. While all the cuts are compelling, "Love of
Music" is the one that really does it for me. Simple, cavernous
beats, slow-developing pressure, dark vocal samples, and austere,
shadowy, tribal undertones. Simply put, this will destroy in the
right set. *** (3 of 5)
Arabic Special Gum – Marc Miroir + Tom Klein – Paso Music (DE)
DJ and Producer Marc Miroir and studio buddy Tom Klein drop a hot EP
for Paso Music. "Zupa Soniq" is the tune that is working for me, with
minimal tech house rhythms and sizzling, chunky analog house
instrumentation. Take a pinch of John Tejada, a dash of MANDY, and a
teaspoon of The Greenskeepers, and this is what you would come up
with. Quality house. *** (3 of 5)
The 12th Strike – Various – Giant and Dwarf (DE)
Featuring some of the best producers in the world of techno, this new
compilation brings together tracks from Patrik Skoog, Crazy X-Ray,
Mirko S, Chris Binder, and Swedish newcomer Smekbar – whose "Never
Fear" is the real success here. Shuffling, rocking techno rhythms,
murky undertones, and divine keys unite on this late-night slayer. *** (3 of 5)
Finnluxor/ Black Currant – Boys on Tape – Keys OF Life Records (FI)
Jori Hulkkonen and Tuomas Salmela are two of the most prolific
producers on the scene and some of Finland's most recognized
electronic music talents. On this EP, they once again come together
to produce two top notch tech-house movers. "Black Currant" is a
slow-building, harder jam with a massive analog bassline. Although,
the track begins on the tame side, it quickly morphs into a hot,
dancefloor mover. *** (3 of 5)
Deucebag – Phonogenic – Phonogenic (DE)
One of my favorite labels at the moment, Phonogenic Audio is
consistently releasing class material, and this EP is no exception.
While I really like the Jori Hulkkonen Remix and "Tachyon Beamz" on
Side B, it is the full Side A cut "Deucebag" that really does it for
me. From humble beginnings, this track brings together head-bobbing
beats, a retro-acid 303 bassline, and simple persuasive energy that
absolutely destroys dance floors, setting speakers on fire. Tried and
tested, this track went from the postman's hand to the top of my
chart. ***** (5 of 5)
Two Kinds of People – Devilfish vs. Egotron – BCN REC (UK)
Devilfish return with a compelling release for new imprint, BCN REC.
Featuring stout, funky drums, immense electro-flavored keys, and the
vocals of Ivan Veljkovic; the original is a primetime mover. The flip
features the sinister, stripped-down "Dave Tarrida Remix," but it's
the original that deserves all the attention. *** (3 of 5)
Folks & Flakes EP – Riperton presents Rayvon – Connoisseur Recordings (DE)
Two tracks of smooth, funky, electro-flavored tech house for your next
late night excursion. While the title track is a nice piece of work,
"Traveler" on the flip side is the one – with deep, slow developing
keys, and a ton of subtle rhythms. Not deep enough for the beginning
of your set, and not bangin' enough for the peak of a set – this is a
superb table-setter that is sure to twist the tension to the breaking
point. *** (3 of 5)
Knight 18 / Leporello – Tigerskin – Deepinryhthm (DE)
Smooth, soulful, two-tracker from Tigerskin and Deepinrhythm.
"Leporello" is my pick here, with a simple, slow-building drum track,
vocal stabs, and eclectic, left of center keys that keep things on the
light, laid back, funky tip. ** (2 of 5)
Ride the Pony EP – Funkpony – Get Physical Music (DE)
Hot three track EP from Jay Haze and Samim (aka Funkpony) and the ever
consistent Get Physical crew. All 3 tunes are worthy of your
attention, but it's the title track that I have been hammering lately.
Complete with effortless and slow-rising glitchy percussion, vocal
stabs, and a copious analog bassline – this is a smooth mover of the
best kind. *** (3 of 5)
Hart and Trocken Vol. 4 – Various – Ex Fusion Records (DE)
Four tracks of blazing hard techno from some of the best names in the
business. Crazy X-Ray and DJ Ogi team up on "Otok," a straight-ahead,
scorcher, with driving beats, and eerie, uplifting keys. Michael
Lambart brings forth "Raupenplage," a dirty, gritty rocker with fierce
beats and hot tension-building break down. The flip brings two more
slayers, including "Bad Tool," a ferocious drum track that will
destroy anything in its path. *** (3 of 5)
