Martin Eyerer & Namito deliver and outstanding release for Frankfurt-based Multi Color Recordings. Featuring a minimal electro remix from Dole & Korn, a gritty industrial version from Loopschrauber and a pumped-up, acid-flavored version from Deutsche & Albaner, this is a solid set. But it's the Original Version that really does the damage. Simple beats, funky bass and a ton of body-rocking, butt-shaking flavor. Quality release. ****(4 of 5)
Luna / Miranda – Marc Romboy vs. Stephan Bodzin – Systematic (DE)
Two amazing tech-house monsters from the genius of Stephan Bodzin and one of 2005's most consistent producers, Marc Romboy. "Luna" is a simple, minimal rocker with deep keys, slow-moving beats and lush, melancholy pads that take your mind and body on a late night trip. The flip, "Miranda," starts off simple and easy, but as it rolls along a massive electro bassline is introduced and the track turns into an evil monster; if only for a minute. Top notch release from Systematic, as usual. *****(5 of 5)
Serenetti – Trentemoller – Tic Tac Toe Records (DE)
What a year it has been for Trentemoller. A slew of rocking hits, adds on all the compilations that mattered, and a regular spot in the top 10 charts of the best DJs in the world. This release for Tic Tac Toe is yet another exceptional outing, featuring two original tracks and a fierce remix. The Hemmann & Kaden remix takes up Side A and is a compelling slice of funky, minimal tech-house. Complete with thick bass, quirky synth stabs and a ton of slow, bubbling tension. My favorite here however, is the dark, eerie and utterly evil "Gush." The streak continues. *****(5 of 5)
Eve By Day – Patrick Chardronnet – Connoisseur (DE)
Three track EP of thick, funky, chunky, minimal tech-house rhythms. The title track is up first, with simple, but compelling beats and a massive old school electro-flavored bassline that grows and grows. The flip brings us "Tricky," a jackin' groover and "Tendencies," a stripped-down, broken-beat chiller. ***(3 of 5)
Untold Story EP (Parts 1 + 2) – Mark Williams – Real Sessions (UK)
Two of the most consistent names on the worldwide techno scene, Mark Williams and Ben Sims team up for a scorching, tribal techno work out. Ben Sims "Remix #1," is a hard, driving, tribal-influenced, techno drum track complete with hypnotic keys and a ton of tension-filled energy. The flip brings us "Untold Story" a slow, rising, funky techno excursion from the genius of Mark Williams. Another exceptional release from Real Sessions. ****(4 of 5)
Intec Rocks EP – Various – Intec (UK)
Two tracks of booty-shaking, hot tech-house from Hiroki Esashika and DJ Hal. "Kasablanka" from Esashika is a top-notch, electro-influenced tech house rocker complete with glitchy beats, massive bassline and old school, retro-styled keys. The flip features "Moral Panic" by DJ Hal, a big room, tech-house mover with compelling beats and a full, thick bassline that fills up the entire space. Both tracks suffer from a bit of overindulgence, adding a bit too many elements for my taste, but they are very well done and have big crossover appeal. ***(3 of 5)
