Another talented producer from Argentina, Leondra Pugliese (aka Lega) explores his dark, minimal side for New York-based Intrinsic Design. The title cut is the one doing the business for me, with minimal beats and an ultrasexy bassline that takes this track deep into your consciousness. Early in a set or late late at night, this will be one you reach for over and over. ****(4 of 5)
Orange Slices One – Various – Gotham Grooves (US)
The EP kicks off with all around techno god Rennie Foster working funky, subtle, percussive techno like only he can. A2 features two of NYC's hardest-working techno heads, Agent Orange and Becca, with a simple grinder featuring head-bobbing percussion, rolling bass and dark, old school-flavored synth stabs that grow on you over time. The flip futures a track with Agent on his own and wraps up with Beretta Music's Ryski doing his deep, tech-house thing. Four of my favorite people in the techno world are involved in the project. That fact that it rocks is just the icing on the cake.
****(4 of 5)
Avatar – Noah Pred – Robb Audio (US)
Yet again, Vancouver-based Noah Pred proves why he is one of the most talented young producers in electronic music today. Deep, subtle, lush and full of Detroit-flavored undertones, this is an EP perfect for a long, introspective drive or the mind-clearing section of a late night party set. Showing his depth of talent, Noah once again proves he can rock us in oh so many ways.
*****(5 of 5)
Collateral Damage EP – Various – Audio Assault Arms (NL)
Release number 7 from this Audio Assault offshoot finds the boys in their usual top form. Side A kicks off with "Ataque" a straight up ass-whopping, techno rocker from Brazilian masters Pet Duo. Mike Humphries checks in next with his remix of an older Audio Assault track, "The Hours." The flip features label boss Bas Mooy teaming up with newcomer Charlton on a blistering affair, while Japanese grinder Ryuji Takeuchi wraps things up with "Why Now?" a hard, minimal affair that will rip apart any dancefloor. Relentless and oh so good.
****(4 of 5)
You Work It (remixes) – DJ Urban – Flux Recordings (UK)
One of the most consistent labels in the world of techno, Flux is back with another stellar release. This time featuring remixes of this 1998 Chicago House classic. Ben Sims takes the lead and brings his big, booming, hard-jacking version to the table, complete with vocal stabs, tension-building breakdown and a ton of head-bobbing flavor. Chris Finkes is up next, turning in a stripped-down, retro-flavored mix that adds a ton of flavor and old school 808 drum stabs. The original is included for good measure, but one of these two remixes is sure to find its way into the sets of all the major players in the techno world.
****(4 of 5)
The Chemical House EP – Tom Parris – Red Ant (UK)
Body-rocking, ass-shaking 3 tracker from ever-consistent beat master Tom Parris. From the first note to the last, the production quality is top notch, the beats are fierce, the acid bass is flowing and the grooves are utterly infectious. The standout track for my money is "Face The Acid," with a slowly developing tension that will have your head bobbing and your feet moving. Pure class.
*****(5 of 5)