This release from Johan Bacto’s Zync imprint does some serious damage, with Montreal man of the moment, DJ Preach at the controls. Kicking things off is “Under Pressure”, a hard hitting, slow rising, straight techno romp. Complete with pouring, tribal percussion, searing stabs and a dark, conflict building bassline; this is a dancefloor slayer of the first degree. In spite of the mayhem of Side A, it is “Shadow” on the flip side, where the EP really shines. Razor sharp drums are combined with airy, uplifting synths, combine to make this an extraordinarily beautiful result. A perfect melding of trance and techno, this track (with the right promotional support), could be a colossal release. ****(4 of 5)
Psy Technology – Johan Bacto – Johan Bacto LTD (BE)
Mankind/ Countdown 2000 / Zync front man, Johan Bacto drops the second release for his newly formed J B Ltd label. This record features 3 cuts of thumping techno; done in that just what the doctor ordered, manner. Side A features “Waling On Light”, a dark, eerie techno tempest, complete with sci-fi vocal samples, murky bassline and straight for the gullet rhythms. The flip brings us “Hi-Lo Goes 5 kg”, a psychotic ride fulfilled with pumping beats and an acid flavored bassline. The disc wraps up with “Recycled Into Future”, a total head twister of a track, with hypnotic, Goa sounding keys, vocal stabs and compelling percussion. Another class release. ***(3 of 5)
The Party – Johan Bacto – Zync Grooves (BE)
One of the most consistent producers on the scene, Johan Bacto is back to drop another quality releases for his Zync Grooves label. “Vibe” kicks things off with groovy, forward moving percussion and funky vocal stabs, making this a party starter that will appeal to funky house, tech house and techno DJs alike. The B Side opens with “Lost In The Party”, a slow tech house rhythm track, with glitchy stabs, vocal samples and a strange, eerie feel. “Wake Up” completes the package and is the stand out cut here. Chunky beats, soulful flavor, and a long breakdown, featuring a quote from The Last Starfighter. Exceptional stuff from front to back.****(4 of 5)
Mystery EP – Cave – Primevil Recordings (UK)
Enlisting the talents of Norway’s preeminent techno producer Cave and a hoard of exceptional remixers, this package celebrates the 50th release for Primevil Recordings. The title cut is presented in it original form, complete with blazing tribal infused percussion, vocal stabs and hot, Arabic flavored vocals, while the rest of the EP shows off 5 diverse versions of “Paseo.” Paco Osuna turns in two mixes; the “String Remix” smoothes things out, adding Kowalski style, deep keys and a lot of tension, while his “Shake Remix” inserts Latin horns and a more musical synth line. Steve Bicknell and the Cave original are also included, but it is the “Hertz Remix” where things really take off. Straight ahead, body rocking, techno from the get go, this is a jackin’ monster and a track that will truly destroy any dancefloor. Top releasae from one of the best labels in the world. ****(4 of 5)
