US-based trance producer Jon Frank is back with release number three from his Wanted Music imprint. "Warrior" is a big room, hard trance groover with dark bassline, driving beats, eerie vocal samples and a simple, trippy synthline. An immediate hit it is not, but as a component in an effective set, this is a solid offering. **(2 of 5)
Rebotfood – Petter – Manual Music (NL)
Three tracks of sublime, minimal tech house from Petter and new imprint Manual Music. The title cut kicks things off with effortless percussive rhythms,
eccentric bits and delicate, lush pads. "Saw The Sine" is a slightly more pumped-up groove, with gloomy, off-key synth stabs and a lovely breakdown.
The EP concludes with "Djungletelegrafen," which is as left of center as its title. ***(3 of 5)
Ko Reketa EP – Marko Nastic & Veztax – Adult Records (NL)
Four tracks on the debut release from Adult Records in the Netherlands. There are two tracks from each performer and while the Veztax tracks are rock
solid, it is young gun Marko Nastic that steals the show. "Her Name Was Rio" is a straight-ahead, driving techno rocker with hot beats, loopy rhythms
and a ton of tension-building energy. "And She Was Dancing In The Rain" is the real gem here, with simple percussion and a ton of drops, swirls,
backspins and general mayhem. Outstanding release. ****(4 of 5)
The Drop EP – Gamelab – Technique (NL)
Hot EP from Gamelab with three original techno movers and an outstanding remix from the everconsistent Chris Cowie. While the Cowie certainly slays with
its booty-shaking keys, tribal-flavored, techno drums and ton of head-bobbing flavor; it's the original with its simple, compelling, tripped-out vibe that
really does the business. ***(3 of 5)
Feelin' Electro – Rob Mooney – Punch Funk (UK)
Featured on James Zabiela's "Utilities" compilation, this new release from Rob Mooney is given a full-on tech/trance reworking from man of the moment
Valentino Kanzyani. The result is a full-on, body-rocking dancefloor destroyer with driving beats, vocal stabs and a winding, twirling, hypnotic synth
line that will destroy anything and everything in its path. The original version is included as is "Am I The Sender," a more minimal house affair, but
the Kanzyani remix is the one doing all the damage. ****(4 of 5)
Outbreak – Outbreak – Titanium (AT)
Release number 9 for Felipe and Nicolas Bacher's most excellent Titanium imprint. Featuring the original version of Outbreak and two exceptional remixes,
this is a solid EP. The original mix features simple driving rhythms, dark throbbing bass and a ton of eerie flavor. The John Selway remix is a filthy,
gritty, electro-infused rocker. But it is the Kabuto remix that is the real gem here. Straightforward techno rhythms combine with trance keys to truly
rip apart the dancefloor and anything else in its path. ****(4 of 5)
Tribalz Return – Collins & Benham – Supreme Entertainment (AT)
Two tracks of funky beats from the Supreme Entertainment crew. The original mix from Collins and Benham is an uncomplicated yet effective drum track with
rocking beats, tribal chants and a ton of funky flavor. The flip brings us the Supreme Remix from Felipe and Nicolas Bacher, which takes the track in a
darker, more sinister direction. Quality release. ***(3 of 5)
Treangelis - Felipe & Nicolas Bacher – Supreme Entertainment (AT)
Two of the busiest producers in the world of techno at the minute, Felipe and Nicolas Bacher drop science on this rocking two track EP. The original is a
dark, slow-developing techno affair - but it's the Paco Osuna mix that really shines the brightest. Hot percussion, head-nodding stabs and an
ass-shaking flavor that will have tech house and techno crowds alike out on the floor. ***(3 of 5)
