Techno Reviews – April 14, 2005

Full Length Albums

Enough Of This – Martin Peter – Angora Steel (DE)

Melding bits and pieces of punk, breaks, electro, industrial and rock and roll, Martin Peter drops a truly inspiring debut release on Angora Steel, a new sub label of Compost. Sound track inspired interludes and sonic explorations are sprinkled throughout this lo-fi masterpiece. Forthcoming singles “No Means Land” (a collaboration with Felix Neuenhoff), “Day In The Café” and “Bypass” are certainly points of notice, but all 17 tracks are inspiring, attention grabbing and utterly unique in every way. Cookie cutter music fans need not apply, but those with an open mind and a love for eclectic stylings will love this release from Martin Peter.
***(3 of 5)

A Rural Life – The Rurals – Peng Records (UK)

Ten years on and Peng Records continues its string of rock solid releases. Started by Andy Compton and Marie Tweek, Peng was established as an outlet for their own brand of jazzy, funky deep house. On this 8th release, The Rurals are again on top form combining the subtle, lush production of Compton, with the delicate, emotive vocals of Tweek. The disc begins with “Complicated”, a silky jam, with delicate rhythms that set a truly amazing vibe. Other stand out tracks include the down tempo “Pleading With You”, the tantalizing “Addict” and the exceptional Body and Soul styled Moonlit Flower remix of “Pleading With You.” It would be utterly impossible for me to express to you how wonderful this disc is. It is truly the most outstanding album that I have heard to this point in 2005 and on a short list of best discs I have in my collection.
*****(5 of 5)

Poker Flat Volume 4 – Various Artists – Poker Flat (DE)

One of the most consistently excellent labels in the electronic music world, Poker Flat is as reliable as any label on the scene. Marking their fourth label compilation, this release brings together some of the labels best output from the last year and features some of the preeminent talent on the tech house and minimal techno scene. From the melancholy opening strains of “FM Safari” by Martin Landsky, to the quirky brilliance of “Loverboy” by labels boss Steve Bug and the dancefloor moving “Steppa” from John Tejada, this is a fantastic release. Top it off with collaborations between heavy weights like Alexi Delano and Jesper Dahlbach, an amusing romp by the Detroit Grand Pubas and a bonus DJ mix CD from Jeff Bennett, and you have a must have addition to your collection. Quality through and through.
****(4 of 5)

Freestyle Man presents Nightstarter 2 – Various – Moodmusic Records (DE)

Moodmusic Records has been on quite a trip since its formation as a small underground label in Finland. The label was relocated to Hamburg, Germany and has since become a very well respected player in the dance music universe. With more than 30 releases, from artists like Dirt Crew, Henrik Schwarz and label boss, Freestyle Man, their catalog is a diverse snap shot of many diverse and disparate styles. This second label compilation features electro, deep house, down tempo and a ton of consistently funky flavor over the course of 10 tracks. A bonus mix CD is also included to round out the package. Nicely done.
***(3 of 5)

Intecnique – Various Artists (mixed by Valentino Kanzyani) – Intec Records (UK)

Kicking off a new mix series from Carl Cox’s respected Intec label, Slovenian techno master and rising start, Valentino Kanzyani is given the reigns on this debut release. With 29 tracks in 71 minutes, Valentino wastes no time putting you in the mood and keeping you there for the duration. Featuring tracks from artists as diverse as Nathan Fake, Pascal Feos, Danny Howells and Adam Beyer, this is a trip through many flavors and styles. Most DJ mixes these days are perfect Pro Tools/ Ableton productions that are flawless and frankly, as bland as an unseasoned meal. This mix was clearly done live and features all the energy, style and ebb and flow that makes a good DJ set work. Exciting and comprehensive, this is a terrific snap shot of the world of techno, circa sping 2005.
***(3 of 5)

Dark Listening – Andre Walter – Stigmata (DE)

Best known for his collaborations with Chris Liebing and his excellent, hard techno imprint Wicca, Andre Walter is a supremely talented man. He is also about as dark, and evil a producer are you are likely to find and he brings this flavor and style to his new project, “Dark Listening.” From the opening notes of “The Ambush”, you know you are in for a truly wicked listening experience. Recorded as a continuous journey, this disc could easily be the soundtrack to a walk through a deserted forest (as the photo on the CD jacket depicts) or your next dream. Atmospheric, often beat less and deeply emotional, this is yet another display of Andre’s true musical depth and utter brilliance.
***(3 of 5)

American Automatic – Kill Memory Crash – Ghostly International (US)

For more than 10 years, Alex and Adam of Chicago's Kill Memory Crash have been developing their own blend of dark electronic music. Combining industrial, techno, rock and many other disparate influences, they began their careers performing at raves and warehouse parties and have begun to expand their audience and influence since teaming up with Michigan based, Ghostly International. On this release, their diversity is on full display, taking the listener on a sonic journey and displaying a mastery of production and musicianship. “Doorway 9”, is a trippy, forward moving acid house rocker, complete with driving rhythms, dark vocals and a hypnotic synth line that slow engulfs all in its path. “Utiu” is a dark, down tempo instrumental affair, while “Riyout” is its antithesis, with ripping rock guitars and 80s electro styled vocals. With a sound that is hard to describe and even harder to pigeonhole, Kill Memory Crash are underground to their core and happy to remain so. Rocking release.
****(4 of 5)

Elevators & Oscillators – Solvent – Ghostly International (US)

Jason Amm (aka Solvent) was born in Zimbabwe in 1972 and currently resides in a room full of machines in Toronto, Canada. Releasing tracks since 1997, he has created his own version of electro pop, which blurs the line between many styles and ends up in a truly unique and exciting place. The disc kicks off with “Wish”, a lush and delicate track and progresses through funky minimal house jams like “For You”, Nu school influenced jams like the Alter Ego remix of “Think Like Us” and a myriad of other styles and flavors. Open your mind and prepare to be rocked by this exceptional release.
***(3 of 5)

Juicy Music Volume 1 – Various (mixed by Robbie Rivera) – Star 69 Records (US)

Miami based producer, DJ and owner of Juicy Music, Robbie Rivera drops a compelling 2 disc set for Peter Rauhoffer’s, Star 69 imprint. Featuring two discs and 23 tracks of his labels’ signature big room tribal rhythms, this is an exceptional introduction to Juicy and the Rivera sound. Stand out tracks include “Shake It” by DJ Rooster and Sammy Peralata, “Play It Loud” by The Kings of Tribal and “The Hum Melody 2005” by Robbie himself. None of the tracks venture far off the path, but when you have a successful formula, why mess with it?
***(3 of 5)

Live @ Roxy Volume 4 – Various (mixed by Peter Rauhofer) – Star 69 Records (US)

The fourth edition in this extremely successful series of mix CDs finds label boss Peter Rauhofer again at the controls. With exclusive tracks from Erick Morillo, Seal and unreleased Rauhofer remixes of the new David Morales and Madonna; this series continues to be a good source for upfront music. The sound varies very little from the first track to the last and the mixing is pretty standard fare, but as a collection of quality tribal influenced track, this series continues to stand about the crowd.
***(3 of 5)

Singles and EPs

Changing States – Jambi – District of Corruption (DE)

Washington DC founded and Berlin based, District of Corruption is the brainchild of young gun, Aaron Hedges. On this, their fourth release, the talents of Jambi are unleashed on three exceptional cuts. “Inaction” starts things off, with dark, retro keys, forward moving beats and decidedly old school flavor. The flip features “Reaction”, a slow developing, dark tech house grinder with quirky beats and an irresistible evil bassline and “Action” the stand out cut here. With stripped down rhythms and a simple, smooth keys, this track is a subtle destroyer of the best kind.
****(4 of 5)

Quiet - Marlow feat. Delhia – Moon Harbour Records (DE)

Another exceptional release from the manic mind of Marlow and the crew at Moon Harbour. The original mix of “Quiet” is a stripped down, tech house mover, with tripped out vocals, rolling bass and quirky flavor. The flip features the low-key, downtempo “Co-Mix” from Marlow and Comix and the truly exceptional “Losoul Remix.” Minimal, almost broken beats are combined with a dark, growling bassline and a ton of killer funky vocal stabs with amazing effect. A truly body rocking jam that will have heads nodding and asses shaking.
*****(5 of 5)

Midnight Express/ Hyperbolic – Split Second – Cyber Record (NL)

Dutch label, Cyber Records returns with two exciting track from Rex Mundi, Johan Cyber and Graylock, collectively known as Split Second. “Midnight Express” begins as a dark, brooding progressive grinder, but quickly lightens up as it incorporates uplifting keys and gently rising rhythms to slowly, but surely work over any crowd. The flip features “Hyperbolic”, a funky, tribal mover, with smooth rhythms, trippy bass and vocal stabs that move the track onward and upwards. Exceptionally produced and expertly executed, both tracks are sure to appeal to a variety of DJs and work in a myriad of situations. Highly Recommended.
****(4 of 5)

Thinking of You – Solitaire – So Deep Music (US)

Another rock sold 4 track EP from Dean Masi and the So Deep crew. The “Original Mix” kicks things off with silky, smooth rhythms, lovely vocals and uplifting, deep keys that harkens to a laid-back summer afternoon. Other mixes include the stripped down “Twisted Disko Dub”, the subtle “Luv Dub” and the main room focused, “Heavy Vocal Mix.” Effective song writing and top-notch production give this track a unique feel and some serious Ibiza potential.
****(4 of 5)

Freak It – Masi & Mello feat. Mahdi – So Deep Music (US)

New Jersey based, So Deep Music continues its string of consistent releases with this new track from label owners, Masi & Mello. The “Original Heavy Weight Mix” has NYC Super club written all over it, with big, boomy beats, hypnotic synth stabs and a massive, attention grabbing male vocal. The “Sexy Slut Mix”, takes a deeper, dark approach to things, while the “Raw Dub”, adds hot, tribal flavored percussion and a ton of energy. Solid as usual.
***(3 of 5)

Untitled – Leandro Gamez – Intec Promo (UK)

Madrid based techno producer Leandro Gamez returns with another exception 4 track EP for Carl Cox’s, Intec imprint. “Body Shaker” is an absolutely amazing hard tech house rocker with lovely, deep keys and typically funky Gamez style beats. “Lansadera” is next with a lush, Detroit style groove, combining silky keys, a ferocious bassline and smooth, yet moving flavor. The flip brings us “Oaxaca”, a slick, Alexander Kowalski-esque jam, with forward moving beats and sexy pads and “Limbo”, a big room, tranced influenced rocker. Another quality release from Tin Tin and the boys.
****(4 of 5)

The Return Of The Evil Dick Ninja – Marco Nastic – Recycled Loops 017 (DE)

Body rocking, 4 track EP from rising techno luminary, Marco Nastic. Just 26 years old and hailing from Serbia, Marco has had a recent string of exciting releases for labels including Earresistible, Recon and here on Umek’s, Recycled Loops imprint. From the rocking opening strains to the final beat, you know you are in for something exceptional. “Shut Up And Dance” kicks things off, with body rocking beats and a ton of driving energy. “Smekerica Kulijana” is next with compelling rhythms and trippy keys, while “Flojd” is a body rocking, disco flavored mover. The stand out track here is the final entry; titled “Ma Vazi Na Plazi”, a lashing, relentless, take no prisoners techno drum track. Impressive release from this rising star.
****(4 of 5)