Various Artist release from Intec features 3 top producers that have been making big waves during 2005. Chris Cowie is up first, with a gritty, grinding, hip-hop-sampled hard tech mover complete with driving beats, old school synth line and a ton of ass-shaking flavor. "Kaj" by Ivan Komlinovic is next, a red-hot techno drum track with shuffling beats, vocal stabs and a ton of uplifting, trippy feeling. The EP closes out with "Tribal Three O" from Darren Kay, a thick, chunky tech-house rocker complete with tribal undertones and a massive acid bassline. Quality release. ****(4 of 5)
Untitled – DJ Preach and Marco G – 23rd Century Records (UK)
Preach has been one of my favorite producers over the last few years and continues his streak of rock solid tracks, teaming up with long time collaborator Marco G on 23rd Century, a sublabel of Carl Cox's Intec imprint. "Poca Del Machine" is a slow-building, gritty techno mover with shuffling drums, a ton of synth stabs and a massive, rolling bassline. "Grounded" is a rocking, techno drum track with hypnotic keys and a ton of funky flavor. ***(3 of 5)
Shinogi EP – Hardcell and Grindvik – Syndikatt (NL)
Syndikatt returns with two of the hottest producers in the techno world, Hardcell and Grindvik, teaming up on this exceptional epic rocker. The original version is a massive, big room mover with trippy stabs, lush undertones and tension the builds and rises as electro-flavored stabs take control. The flip features a remix from Secret Cinema, taking things in a much more minimal, muted direction. Complete with grinding beats, building hypnotic keys and slow-burning power. You can't go wrong with either mix. ****(4 of 5)
No Rest For The Brave – Various – Audio Assault Arms (NL)
With yet another title living up to the label name, Audio Assault rips it with a vengeance on these 4 exceptional tracks of blazing, techno rhythms. "Salvation" from Glenn Wilson kicks things off, with dark pads, driving beats and a ton of relentless flavor. "Nerco Corridor" from label boss Bas Moody and Charlton, is a straight destroyer, with shuffling, military-styled drums and murky, evil tension. "Nobody Freaks Like Us" from Rowland is the standout cut here however, with straight ripping beats, vocal samples, and the kind of energy that will light up any dancefloor. ****(4 of 5)
Exile or Oppression EP – Gunjack – Audio Assault (NL)
4 tracks of straight blazing techno from Brian Gibbs (aka Gunjack). With a slew of successful release on labels like Sheep, Arms, and Pornographic, Gunjack is back with more audio devastation from the Audio Assault crew. From the ripping rhythms of "Disposable Youth" to the dark, murky feel of "Ignorance Is Bliss," this is another release strictly for the headstrong. Rocking from front to back. ***(3 of 5)