Techno 12” Single Reviews for Dancemusic.com – December 29, 2004
Brain Hammer EP – Eric Sneo – CL-R (DE)
Eric Sneo is one of the hottest producers on the techno scene at the moment and this exceptional 3-track EP for CL-R will only further solidify his standing in the industry. “Big It Up” is up first and absolute rips the paint off the walls from the first note to the last. Combining a straight, driving drum track with eerie, haunting synth stabs and subtle vocal chants, this track engulfs you as it slowly, yet surely takes over your mind and body. “Break On Through” is next and does some similar things, although this time adds some tripped out pads and an even grittier drum track. The EP finishes up with “Bang The Brain”, which is even more energetic and commanding (if that is possible), with relentless beats, subtle vocal chants and several massive, tension building drops. Not for the faint of heart, this EP is strictly for the headstrong and those looking to rip apart the dancefloor at their next show. *****(5 of 5)
Es Ist Freitag Aaabend 5th Anniversary - Chris Liebing – CL-R Promo (DE)
The first Friday of every month, Chris Liebing hosts a party at U60311 Club in his hometown of Frankfurt. Each year at the anniversary party, he debuts an exclusive remix that is given out to the first 1000 people who attend the event, and is never sold thereafter. The last 3 years, Chris’ remixes for this event have caused quite a stir. Two years ago (for the 3rd anniversary), he recorded his bootleg of “Nobody Listens To Techno”, with Eminem in all his glory. Last year, it was “Seven Nation Army” by the White Stripes who got the treatment and turned into an anthem for any DJ lucky enough to have a copy. This time out, Chris takes on “Ch-Check It Out” by the Beastie Boys and gives it an infectious, funky techno reworking. Complete with the full vocals from Mike D, Ad Rock and MCA and a sick acid bassline, this track is dancefloor ready and one that will have every train spotter in the house running up to the DJ booth.
Nu Thugs EP – Various – Zebra 3 Recordings (FR)
Wildly diverse, 4-track EP from some of the best up and coming producers on the French Techno scene. “Yours” by Da Fresh gets the ball rolling and sets the party off right. Smooth, slightly tribal drums, vocal stabs and a hot, old school funk influenced bassline come together to produce a dancefloor monster. Drop this and watch your crowd TRY and not smile. “Une Nuit De Trop” is next, featuring Alex K and the vocal stylings of French hardcore queen, Miss Daisy. This simple, rising, hard tech house rhythm track is a perfect way to start a build, or add some air in a harder part of a set. The B-Side features “My Last Way” by Bastien Grine, an utterly gorgeous tech house affair, with subtle rhythms and lush pads that take your mind on a sublime trip. The EP wraps up with “Just A Little Pleasure” which is the stand out track here. Hot, forward moving percussion, lush pads and a long, lovely, tension building breakdown. An absolutely amazing track for adding some air to a hard set, this is a killer of the first degree. Another top-notch release from the consistently brilliant Zebra 3 label. *****(5 of 5)
