Title - Artist - Label (Country)
Full Length
The Difference Engine – Luke Solomon – Rekidz (UK)
London based Luke Solomon is part top DJ, part solid producer and one half of the ultra funky crew, The Freaks (with Justin Harris). This full length features 13 solid entries, from the jackin’ “Out of Control”, to the afro jazzy vibe filled “Spirits.” Quality release. *** (3 of 5)
Planets – Sebastien Leger – Mistakes Music (DE)
One of the hottest and more prolific producers on the planet, Sebastien Leger is back with this impressive full length Full of stuttered beats, and electro basslines, Planets is a funky, chunky, often over the top collection of outer space rhythms. Not every track works, but the ones that do, rock hard. *** (3 of 5)
12” Singles
Music – Xenia Beliayeva – Datapunk (DE)
Another bomb on Anthony Rother’s excellent Datapunk imprint. The Kiko Remix isn’t bad, but the original with lovely keys, dark bassline, and amazing uplifting vocals from Xenia Beliayeva herself, is the real slayer here. ***** (5 of 5)
Void vs. Last Exit – Sonde & Shaver vs. Miroir & Spieth – Paso Music(DE)
You can’t go wrong here, as both tracks destroy. “Void” is a minimal mover that starts off innocently enough, but soon grows in to a total late night killer. “Last Exit” is equal to the task, with a deep vibe that lays it on thick and lovely. ***** (5 of 5)
Flying Maple Leaf EP – Davis & May – Maripoza (DE)
“A Little Bird Forever” is as groundbreaking a track as I have heard all year. It all starts simple enough, but grows in a tech trance monster with massive melodies and a foundation rocking bassline to die for. Unreal record. ***** (5 of 5)
The Paul Kieran EP - Paul Kieran - Rapid Response Recordings (US)
Liverpool-based producer Paul Kieran drops a solid 4-track debut. “System Error” is a chunky, funky tech-house mover with a massive bassline and a lush vibe that rises and builds. My other fave is “Envy” - an epic, electro/progressive slayer that will have the entire club tripped out. Solid release. **** (4 of 5)
