Techno 12” Single Reviews for Dancemusic.com – December 1, 2004
I Like To Wear My Tanga – Eriko Tanabe – Morris Audio (Switzerland)
Another exceptional release on ever-consistent Morris Audio. This 3 track EP features more of their signature, glitchy, clicky tech house sound, this time with Eriko Tanabe at the controls. The title track eases its way forward with slow rising rhythms, minor key synth stabs and a ton of quirky flavor. Side B features “To My Babies”, a minimal tech house affair with tension building, electro bassline and a slow burning energy, and “Moonlight”, a deeper, sexier affair, complete with lush pads and smooth, soulful vocals.****(4 of 5)
Windux – Jeff Samuels- Morris Audio (Switzerland)
Jeff Samuels is one of the most dependable producers on the tech house scene and this release will nothing to hurt his fledgling reputation. The title cut starts things of with a slow moving, retro flavored feel. Simple, old school bassline and synth sounds come together to form an all-together infectious groove. The flip side feature “Slough”, is an unadorned, minimal tech house mover with eccentric keys and a smooth, magnetic feel to it. One of my favorite tracks at the moment, this will genuinely rock your body. The EP wraps up with “Flumm”, an unadorned destroyer that slowly rises and cascades out of your speakers as it grows in subtle intensity. Samuels is truly on top of his game.****(4 of 5)
The Radio Diet (Remixes) – Dash Dude- Morris Audio (Switzerland)
A teaser for his forthcoming full length, Dash Dude is up next, with his mix and three amazing remixes from some of the hottest names in the business. The “Original Mix” features a slow building, left-of-center feel throughout, with vocal samples, soulful stabs and a ton of quirky feel. Next is the Cruz remix, with its slightly more pumped up drums, heavier bassline and overall soulful feel. Jeff Samuels is up subsequently, with an absolutely smoking remix. Minimal and effortless, delicate and SO FUNKY, this is going directly to the front of my record box and the top of my chart, superb stuff. Last up is Hakan Lidbo and a more full on tech house affair. Nord style synth stabs, bouncing bassline and a groovy feel make this another incomparable version.
****(4 of 5)
Otherworld - Faculty X – Superbra (Switzerland)
Continuing with his long line of quality release for labels such as Intec, Soma, Primate and Bush, Bryan Zentz is back under his Faculty X guise, for his second release for Superbra. “Observer” is up first, with driving percussion and a Detroit influenced bassline. Very musically pleasing and with plenty of energy to spare, this is a top-notch builder. “Connector” takes up the B-side and is an utter bomb. Stirring percussion, driving bass and a synth line that swirls and bubbles along like no other, make this a gorgeous track that is a hot addition to any musical techno set.
****(4 of 5)
