Techno Reviews – January 13, 2006

Full Length CDs

Audiomatique Volume 1.0 – Various (mixed by Martinez) – Audiomatique (DE)

Started in 2004 by the prolific and ever excellent Steve Bug; this is Audiomatique’s first ever mix CD. Featuring the finest track culled from the label’s back catalog, as well as six tracks produced exclusively for the compilation; this is a fantastic pulse check on the state of minimal tech house circa 2005. Many of the finest producers in the genre, from Andres Trentemoller and Adultnapper, to Alexi Delano and Jussi Pekka are represented here and the set is expertly crafted and mixed by Martinez, who also adds several of his own tracks and re-edits. Quality from front to back.
****(4 of 5)

Cease and Desist – Morgan Page – Promo Only Release

At just 25, Morgan Page is already on my short list of best house producers in the world. Vermont born, Boston educated, and current West Coaster, Page brings to light ten of his own personal, previously unavailable remixes. From the deep treatment of a young Nora Jones on “Angels”, to a complete revamping of rockers, The Kills and David Bowie; Pages shows his taste to be as impeccable as his production chops. Find this, buy this, play this…now.
****(4 of 5)

Tranquilo – Various (mixed by Sin Plomo) – Chica Discos (ES)

Departing from their regular formula of providing soundtracks for sun drenched summer days, Chica Discos drops this collection of late night, chilled grooves for cold winter nights. Filled with relaxing vibes from Adrial Bahil, NLS, DJ Ino and Space Time; this disc is sure to sooth the stress of a long day, and send you off into a peaceful bliss.
***(3 of 5)

12” Singles

White Lice – Funk D’Void & Phil Kieran – Soma (UK)

Killer EP from two of the most creative producers on the techno scene, Funk D’Void and Phil Kiernan. The one to watch is “White Lice”, a slow building, minimal electro rocker with simple beats, trippy keys and a fierce, quirky vibe that sets it apart from the crowd. This is an ass shaking, body rocker of the first degree.
*****(5 of 5)

Pin & FKO EP – Afrilounge – Connoisseur Recordings (DE)

Following hot on the heels of the truly massive “Eve by Day” from Patrick Chardronett, Connoisseur is back with three more tracks of minimal bliss. “Soaring” is a simple, stripped down affair complete with glitchy beats and a monstrous, electro bassline. “Allure” is the other stand out cut here, with thick, analog bass and subtle, trippy keys that take over in the second half. Another winner for sure.
*****(5 of 5)

Minimal Shit – Manic Mind – Notorious Elektro (DE)

From meager beginnings, the title cut slowly but surely slips into your consciousness and proceeds to wreak havoc. Subtle rhythms, rolling bass and a distinctly German voice repeating “everybody’s looking for that minimal shit.” Soon after a massive electro bassline appears and any hope you had of escaping without shaking your ass is gone. Ready to take the place of the “secret weapon” in your bag…this is prime time ready.
****(4 of 5)

A Night at Pussy Galore – Various – Horspiel Musik (DE)

One track bares mention here and what a track it is. Taking up where Gent’s Noch left off, “Dance” from Q-Ic & Bosz is truly dance floor killer. Driving beats, quirky, squeaky synth stab and all the energy and power any crowd could ask for. Best techno track I have heard in ages.
*****(5 of 5)

Make It Japan – Tamya – Polo (DE)

Both mixes included here are fierce, but I prefer the slightly stripped down “Make It Dub” for my money. Simple, yet compelling percussion, clicks, drops, swirls, and glitchy stabs bounce here and there, as a simple, ferocious bassline slow takes over you and your dance floor. Resistance is futile.
*****(5 of 5)