Techno 12” Single Reviews for Dancemusic.com – December 22, 2004
Pusher EP - Chris Cowie - F1 Recordings (CZ)
Called the master of "funk techno" by Carl Cox, Chris Cowie is one of the most versatile and prolific producers on the electronic music scene. On this release for Czech Republic based F1 Recordings, Chris takes us on a gripping journey. The title track is a tech-house blinder that opens with forward moving beats, hot percussion and an infectious, old school-flavored synth line, that builds and rises as the track moves forward towards a trippy, tension-building breakdown. Utterly remarkable, this is a perfect track to move your set from deeper beats, towards straightforward techno madness. "Spark" is a deep, trippy romp that would be equally at home in a progressive or tech house set. Class from beginning to end, this is an EP worthy of your attention. ****(4 of 5)
Stealth EP - Chris Cowie - F1 Recordings (CZ)
Czech based F1 Recordings drops release number three, once again featuring the inexhaustible Chris Cowie at the controls. "Stealth" opens with a straight-ahead, heavy rhythm track, moving bassline and a ton of energy that is aimed squarely at big rooms. "LA Times" rounds things out in hard, repetitive, jacking style. Unrelenting beats, growling bass and immense, hypnotic synth stabs make this track simply bubble with energy and vigor. ****(4 of 5)
So Sad (Abe Duque Remix) - Sin - Abuse Industries (US)
This release is given over to acid fanatic, Abe Duque for a total reworking. The resulting remix is nothing short of dazzling, with a bottomless analogue bassline, funky drums and the haunting vocals of Ms. Moore. The B Side brings us "Sex Is More" and "On Boulevards," two superior, downtempo jams. Mysterious and sexy in all the right ways, this is a brilliant release from this promising Vienna based imprint. ****(4 of 5)
Cipo EP - Consumer - Surveillance (US)
Three moody, minimal techno movers from Midwest based Surveillance. "Tunnel Runner" kicks things off, with a slow building, temperamental affair featuring a murky bassline, slow moving percussion and compelling filtered pads that slowly engulf you as the track moves forward. "Dark Tank" is first up on the B Side, with forward moving drums and a morose, horror film influenced synth riff and accompanying bassline that grows and rises as the track advances. "Lost Constant," a minimal, cyclic techno grinder rounds out the set and places the final touches on a very solid EP. ****(4 of 5)
Project 6 - Neurotic Drum Band - NDB (US)
Second release from John Selway's eclectic Neurotic Drum Band label. Once again teaming up with Ulysses, this is a truly manic 4 track EP, with influences in every shape, size and direction. Combining old school freestyle breakbeats, vocal stabs, rock guitar riffs, disco basslines and a ton of techno undertones, this release may not appeal to everyone. But adventurous DJs and openminded crowds will be electrified by the creativity and amalgamation of sounds and styles.***(3 of 5)
A Night Of Pleasure EP - Mark Williams - Real Sessions (UK)
One of the most prolific and consistently brilliant producers on the techno scene, Mark Williams is back with a new EP for his Real Sessions label. Kicking things off is the "2:00 Mix," which begins with tribal chants and adds a chunky bassline and absolutely infectious tribal drums as it rolls and bounds towards dancefloor domination. Mark Broom adds his take on thing next, delivering a blistering attack that is all at once banging and beautiful. Absolutely monstrous drums are combined with deep, lush pads to amazing effect. The flip brings us the "11:45 Mix," a glichy, moody, hypnotic trip that sounds like something you might hear from Echoplex and the "6:30 Mix", a funky, almost broken-beat style groover. Another superior release. ****(4 of 5)
