Techno 12” Reviews – 10/10/05

Moustache (half a scissor) – Mr. Oizo – F Communications (FR) It's always nice to know that certain things in life do not change. Your mother will always be there for you, the sun will rise in the morning and set at night, and Mr. Oizo is one twisted b**ard. This four track EP features what amounts to different takes on one theme. Complete with glitchy stabs, broken beats, frenzied vocal samples and a leftfield sensibility, this EP is as hard to pigeonhole as it is to describe. With each track weighing in at less than 4 minutes, there isn't much here for most club jocks. But inspired mash-up mixmasters and other creative jocks will have a field day with the possibilities. ***(3 of 5)

Eclipse – Djinxx – F Communications (FR) Two tracks of simple, yet remarkable techno from Djinxx and the F Com crew. "Black" is first, with a honest, uncluttered rhythm track and slow-building, analog pads that rise and rise as their persistent warmth washes over you. Simply outstanding! The flip brings us "No Color Man", a searing techno rocker with funky stabs, mesmerizing synths and remarkable, old school flavor. *****(5 of 5)

La Defense – Rennie Foster – F Communications (FR) Rennie Foster is one of my favorite techno producers and has been turning out colossal tunes for many years now, and these tracks for Paris-based F Communications continue his string of solid productions. "La Defense" kicks it off, with blistering percussion, thick bass and charming, lush synths that round out this full on musical techno excursion. "Vectorclouds" wraps up with set with sublime, ambient keys, sporadic beat drops and a subterranean vibe that would work well in any chill out set. Not his best work, but solid nonetheless ***(3 of 5)

Carnevil/ Paper Bag In Wind – Dissplay vs. Markus Enochson – F Communications (FR) Two extraordinary entries from Dissplay, Markus Enochson and the F Com camp. While Dissplay's "Carnevil" has a lot going for it, head straight to Markus Enochson's lovely "Paper Bag in Wind" for the real gem here. Deep and sexy, restrained and poignant, thick and exhilarating; this is intelligent tech house for forward-thinking DJs. ***(3 of 5)

Skin (Remixes) – Silence – Matrix Music (CZ) Featuring remixes from fellow countrymen Valentino Kanzyani and Umek, this is a sultry remix package from pop duo Silence. The Kanzyani Remix is reminiscent of his mix of Carl Cox's "Give Me Your Love" single, with moving percussive house rhythms, lavish keys and dark, emotive vocals. The Umek Remix is a short (4 minute) electro flavored rendering, complete with deep keys, rolling bass and a more mesmerizing feel. Nothing ground breaking, but a solid EP just the same. **(2 of 5)