Techno 12” Single Reviews for Dancemusic.com – October 20, 2004
Deadly Sins EP – Joseph Isaac – Mafia Records (US)
Oregon based, Mafia Records is back with another 3-track blazer. From the opening strains of “Violence Usually Works”, you know you are in for a rough, rugged and raw journey, as Mr. Isaac drops a ferocious combination of blazing percussion, fierce basslines and eerie vocal samples. The B Side kicks off with “No Progress Without Struggle”, an unrelenting drum track with grinding stabs and balls to the wall, triplet style beats. The EP concludes with “Mediazation”, which is truly the stand out here. Powerful, minimal drum patterns combine with a lovely, laid back synth line to totally twist your mind and drive your dancefloor insane. Outstanding stuff here.****(4 of 5)
Facedown EP – Anton Pieete – Manuke (UK)
Debut release from Amsterdam based, newcomer Anton Pieete. From the needle drop to the last note, it is clear that this is much more than a debut in the conventional sense; Pieete shows his production prowess with driving beats, deep basslines and a flavor by the pound. “Vietcong” kicks things off with minimal, driving beats, depth charge stabs and lush undertones that do some serious damage. “Lesbo” is an absolutely colossal track, with rocking tribal drums, old school synth stabs and a heap of intensity. “Dumb” continues the drummy onslaught adding darker, more evil undertones and more driving percussion. A name to keep your eye on in the future, Manuke has a winner on their hands with this release.*****(5 of 5)
Homeworld Dialects EP – Rennie Foster – Robb Audio (US)
One of the most dependably original and soulful characters in the world of techno returns on the second release for upstart, Robb Audio. While techno is usually associated with loop based machine music, Rennie Foster always takes a more organic and expressive route to his productions and the results, as usual, are truly exceptional. Side A kicks off with a sparse, minimal Detroit styled affair, complete with lush pads, lovely old school keys and soulful vocal samples, layered over a groovy, forward moving rhythm track. An exceptional way to add some levity to a techno set, this is as hot as anything I have heard this year. Side B features two outstanding tribal tech house growers, with stripped down, minimal rhythms and a ton of funky flavor. Unreal EP. *****(5 of 5)
I Need An Enemy EP – Various Artists – Audio Assault Arms (NL)
Another top notch 4-track EP of pumpin techno from the Audio Assault crew. Label boss Bas Mooy and Vincent de Vit kick things off with “Magal”, a sinful sounding, rugged mover, while Tomas Gee steps up and contributes the stand out cut here; a 147 bpm minimal destroyer called “Bug.” Jeroen Liebregts is up next with “Norule”, a murky late night growler, complete with wicked bassline and evil undertones and the set is finished by Ogi with a relentless, hardcore barrage called “Enx” that will surely be one of the hardest tracks in any record bag. ***(3 of 5)
Pro(file), Pro(duce) EP – Frankie Bones – The Last Label (US)
Old school legend Frankie Bones is back with the first release on his new imprint. Taking an amalgamation of old school sounds and new school production techniques, Mr. Bones concocts 4 funky tracks that will appeal to a variety of jocks and work in many disparate DJ sets. From a House of God sampled groover, to his take on Set If Off by Straffe, Frankie shows the depth of his experience and musical roots. A truly unique release from the Godfather of the US scene. All due praise and respect.****(4 of 5)
