When it comes to tribal flavored techno, few producers can match Norwegian wonder kid Cave. On this release for Ben Sims Ingoma label, he lives up to the hype and turns in two outstanding pieces of work. “Tambores” is the B Side cut here, but certainly the one that I gravitated towards from the get go. Absolutely blazing percussion and a lovely, tension-easing breakdown come together to completely destroy anything and everything in its path. “Timbales” is another Brazilian influenced stormer that sounds a lot like Street Carnival part 2. Relentlessly funky. *****(5 of 5)
Titanium Bass Alloy EP – Felipe & Nicolas Bacher Primate (UK)
Another slammin’ EP from the main men in Austrian techno, Felipe and Nicolas Bacher. Kicking things off, “Equinox”, an absolute monster track with blazing drums and dark evil undertones. “Shambala” is next with tribal percussion and hot, old school keys, while “Subpolar” rounds things out with a deeper, slow developing, tension builder. Another blinding release. ****(4 of 5)
Tomorrow World – Polyvinyl Genetic Recordings (Germany)
Hot on the heels of their last release featuring the ever-consistent Davide Squillace, Genetic Recordings is back with another stormer. Eliciting Slovenian techno madman Umek (here under his Polyvinyl pseudonym), this EP features two superior tracks and 4 locked grooves for your crowd-moving pleasure. Truly outstanding stuff that will appeal to DJs across many genres and styles. ****(4 of 5)
Uken EP – Umek Jericho (UK)
Umek is a man on a mission. Spreading his wings and showing his production chops have grown past the repetitive, filtered disco flavored workings of his past, he is in brilliant form and showing the depth of his talent. “Uken” is a silky smooth, tripped out workout, complete with lush keys and driving Latin flavored percussion. “Lontenon” features a similar vibe, with old school synth lines and a long, tension-building breakdown. ****(4 of 5)
You’re a Freak – Mr. C End Recordings (UK)
Label boss and prolific producer of all things funky, Mr. C is back with another top-notch addition to End Recordings impressive discography. Sounding like an old school Josh Wink or LFO track, the original is a straight, funky electro smoker. The flip features two tech house reworkings by David Duriez, including the “Ghetto Edit”, a smooth, slow growing smoker with a fierce bassline and ton of old school flavor. ****(4 of 5)
