Andrei Morant is back with the second release for his new Scope Recordings label. Laying down the funk on this 3 track EP, Morant shows why he is one of the most respected producers on the US scene. “The Trap” is up first, with its gritty, percussive drums, hypnotic bassline and manic frequency drops. Not a simple, straightforward tech house grower, this is unique, interesting and funky in all the right ways. “Ceptor” is next with smooth drums, old school style synths and a contagious groove that will crush any dancefloor. “Yeah” wraps things up with what amounts to a funky reinterpretation of Baby Wants To Ride by Hani. Another blazing release from Scope Recordings.****(4 of 5)
Spinback Volume 1 – Steve Stoll – Proper (US)
Three out of print tracks and a previously unreleased gem from techno master, Steve Stoll are re-mastered on this new release for Proper. From loopy, acid infused bangers to electro tweakers and straight forward drum tracks; Stoll shows why he is considered one of the masters of the sound and a true techno visionary. If you don’t already own these tracks (released originally on his “Darkman” and “Discrete” EPs), you owe it to yourself to check them out here.***(3 of 5)
Tastes Like Maria – Dietrich Schoenemann – Hidden Agenda Records (US)
Label boss and producer extraordinaire, Dietrich Schoenemann is back with another superior release for Hidden Agenda. Being championed by many of the biggest names in the business, “Tastes Like Maria” is a funky, electro influenced tech house monster, complete with compelling bassline, quirky rhythms and a ton of atmosphere. “Smells Like Maria” is up next, with its straightforward beats, soulful stabs and a 909 acid bassline that grows as the track gains momentum. Stellar release. ****(4 of 5)
Too Late (Brooks Mixes) – Impossible Beings – End Recordings (UK)
When “Too Late” was released back in 2001, it quickly became one of the most in demand releases ever on End Recordings. As part of a new, limited edition remix project (only 1000 copies of each will be pressed), Layo, Mr. C and the End crew are taking cuts from their back catalog and handing them over to some of the hottest remixers in the world. On this debut release, the Impossible Beings classic is given to Brooks for an extraordinary makeover. Showing his imitable style and budding production prowess, Brooks crafts the “Missed It Vocal” into an absolutely stunning track. A more stripped down instrumental and the original mix are also included, but the vocal mix is where it’s at. Top release. *****(5 of 5)
Various Villains 2 – Various Artists – Gotham Grooves (US)
Outstanding 4 track EP from New York based Gotham Grooves. Side one kicks off with “Fuct”, a gritty techno mover from label boss, Agent Orange. With gritty percussion, tension building pads and Cypress Hill vocal samples, this is an unyielding dancefloor destroyer. Montaz is up next with “Anathema”, a manic electro based track, with blazing bassline and crazy drum patterns. The flip features Midwest man of the moment, Adam Jay and his most excellent “Ms. Rodgers.” Deep, sexy tech house with lush pads, gritty percussion and a ton of late night flavor, this is a lovely excursion to the deeper side of Adam’s persona. Batting clean up is Vancouver based Noah Pred, adding another brilliant track to his ever-growing discography. Lush and lovely, deep and forward moving, his track is a perfect transition point to take you from the more laid back part of your set, towards prime time territory. ****(4 of 5)
War Pimp Renaissance EP – Slobodan – Audio Assault (NL)
Showing the many sides of his production flavor, Staffan Ehrlin (aka Slobodan) illustrates why he is one of the finest producers on the techno map. “The Morrow” opens with a gritty, blazing techno smoker complete with conflict building breakdowns and minor key synth stabs. Next up is “Dominion”, an effortless drum track with trippy stabs, hot percussion and a ton of strength. The B-Side divulges two more top-notch tracks, including “Under 4” a commanding, minimal affair and “Seraph”, a head splitting mammoth. Another winner Audio Assault. ****(4 of 5)
