Techno 12” Single Reviews for Dancemusic.com – July 13, 2004
Breeder Of Psychosis – Avus (Poodle-UK)
Compelling two track EP from Avus (aka Scott Edward) on UK based Poodle Records. The original is an innate, sexy, tech house affair with exquisite keys, oozing bassline and trippy, sci-fi vocal stabs that make this an amazing addition to any late night set. On the flip, the remixing reigns are handed over to Smithmonger (aka Paul Smith.) Known more for breaks productions and remixes, he turns in a solid tech house builder, utilizing atmospheric keys, vocal samples and a ton of fierce rhythms. Another reliable release. ****(4 of 5)
Dark Journeys (Remixes) – Suburban Knight (Polarized-US)
Three appealing remixes turned in for this latest project on Polarized. Adam Beyer and Henrik B team up for a remarkable collaboration. Combining rough, lashing percussion with lush keys and ghostly vocal samples, this remix is an undeniably groovy excursion to the deeper side, and should be a big record for techno jocks near and far. The flip features label boss, Locutus on the mix, turning in a rugged techno work out, complete with brutal beats, filtered high hats and a body rocking bassline. The final remix is from Sedat The Turkish Avenger, who strays from his usual filtered house territory to turn in a compelling, lush, Bryan Zentz style tech house romp. Nicely done.***(3 of 5)
Move Over Remixes – Paul Mac (Primate Recordings-UK)
The most outstanding full-length techno album of 2003 was undoubtedly “Push Comes To Shove” by Paul Mac. On this 12” one of the best cuts from that album, “Move Over” is given to Marco Bailey, Mark Williams and Paul himself, to remix and rework. The disc kicks off with Mr. Bailey at the wheel, turning in an absolute stormer of a remix. Blazing percussion, funky vocal stabs and signature stress filled horn samples, build and build to create a devastating track. Mark William is up next, adding a lovely, tribal flavored tech house smoker, complete with compelling percussion, vocal samples and deep, lush pads. The B Side features the “Original” mix as well as the brand new “Stimulus” reworking done by Mr. Mac himself. Taking vocal samples from the original and fundamentally beefing up everything else, he once again proves why he is a true techno maestro. Bangin’, while still retaining a ton of funky flavor, this is the stand out remix here. A top quality release worthy of your full attention.
****(4 of 5)
Paranoid Android EP – D_Code (Affected-UK)
Aside from the fact that I loved the last D_Code release “Ritual Patterns” and Affected is amongst the most consistently solid tech house/ house labels on the scene, I was provided with very little information here. When I dropped the needle on the first track and heard broken beats I was surprised (to say the least), but being a fan of breaks and this label, I adjusted my point of view and got down to giving the EP a critical listen. The first cut on Side A (no track names were provided) features sharp, forward moving beats, compelling synth stabs and a sexy, PMT-ish bassline, while track two features a slightly darker, more industrial tinged feel. The first cut on the B Side takes things in a more old school, electro direction, evoking the feel of an old LFO or Kraftwerk cut. Drop bass, subtle riffs and a tension-building breakdown that really sets up the dancefloor for what is to follow. The EP concludes with an eerie, minor chord filled, electro clash style cut, with retro sounding pads, shady bass and an ominous feel. Not quite as immediate as their last release and nothing like most things in the Affected catalog, this is still a very exciting and compelling release that is worthy of attention from breaks and house DJs alike.
***(3 of 5)
