Techno Reviews – May 16, 2006

Full Length Releases

Movements – Booka Shade – Get Physical Music (DE)

2005 proved to be an amazing year for Get Physical Music. They were voted label of the year by many publications, and got heavy play from DJs across the spectrum (and the world.) Unfazed by this success, they have come out of the gate in 2006 with the same passion and fire. Leading the charge ever excellent Booka Shade (Walter Merziger and Arno Kammermeier), and this newest full length release. Without getting into every track, let me simply say that this is the best album to this point in 2006. Nearly every track is a gem and there are no less than 4 tracks here that should be number one on my chart. Find this, buy this, play this – now!!

Ekspozicija TRI – Various (mixed by Cristian Varela) – Explicit Musick (CZ)

Spanish techno DJ and producer, Cristian Varela drops a scorching set recorded live at Love Club, in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Featuring tracks from Alex Under, D-Nox, Gaetano Parisio and Locutus – this collection takes you from simple, minimal beginnings, to blazing full on dancefloor bangers and back. The mixing is on point (save a few places), and Varela’s use of effects show his talents as a deck maestro. As a snapshot of techno circa 2006, this is as solid a mix as you are likely to find.

Dial “O” – My Robot Friend – Soma Recordings (UK)

Eleven tracks of wildly disparate music, fusing elements of punk, electro, house and pop with startling effect. “The Cut”, which was produced by Zombie Nation and brings forth funky tech house rhythms and retro flavored vocals. “One More Try”, combines the uplifting vocals of Anthony Hegarty, with simple rhythms that sound more old school Casio, that modern production. I would be remised if I claimed that this disc works across the board, as there are certainly spots where it falls down. But as a wildly innovative and creative composition, I thoroughly enjoyed this release.

Synaptic - Pascal Feos – Level Non Zero (DE)

One of the most dependable producers in the world of techno, Pascal Feos is back with another collection of original productions. Fourteen tracks are presented here, all sequenced and programmed for a faultless, continuous journey. “G-Tone” is an undemanding mover that starts the ball rolling in the right direction. “Impulse” is another hot stop along the way, with an affected bassline, grinding beats and forceful, depth charge stabs. “Stargazer” brings up the rear, taking things from laid back beginnings, to full on dancefloor banger. From front to back, this is an extraordinary release from the mind of a true EDM genius.

Modified Times – The Shift – Blunted Funk (US)

Brooklyn based DJ Scottie B and Producer Chris Tempas have assembled quite a crew of young talented musicians for, The Shift. With guitarists Brian Fegan, sax player Mike DeVellis, bassist Jeff Angell, and vocalists Rhiannon, they have all the elements to make quality music of nearly any sort. This LP is beautifully packaged and full of compelling, quality productions. Twelve diverse jams run the gamut from funky and soulful, to laid back and energetic. For my money, the stand out cuts include silky houser, “No Accessories”, “Never Enough” featuring the lovely vocals of Rhiannon, and two down tempo gems “Play All Mode” and “Minus Man.” Mark this down as another quality release from Scottie B and the crew.

Balance 009 – Various (mixed by Paulo Mojo) – Stomp (AU)

Known for putting up a tireless fight against genres, Paulo Mojo lives up to his eclectic reputation, by selecting the best bits from a variety of genres and styles on this new release for the Australian based Balance series. With tracks from artists as diverse as Alexkid, Pepe Braddock, Robert Owens and Michael De Hey, this is a wildly interesting journey. The mixing and programming are on point, and the overall vibe of the set is smooth – starting off with laid back grooves and finishing up with full on techno movers. Looking for a quality soundtrack to your next long drive? Grab a copy of this disc and let Paulo work his magic spell.

Ekspozicija 04 – Various (mixed by Slam) - Explicit Musick (CZ)

Coming off their excellent Night Drive mix of 2005, Scottish techno masters Slam are back with another quality, 22 track excursion. From the opening beats of the deeply emotive “Live2Live” from Layo, through the funky “Una Aduja En Pajar” from Alex Under, and the retro flavored “Oil and Vinegar” of Michael De Hey; this is a gripping journey, with one of the best production and DJ teams in the world at the helm. Quality from front to back.

Made Within the Upper Stairs of Heaven – Sasse – Mood Music (DE)

Sasse (aka Freestyle Man, Mr. Negative), has been an active member of the European EDM scene for many years. This LP shows Sasse’s wildly dissimilar musical roots – taking on disco, italo, house, techno and many places in between. Stand out cuts include the calm, groovy “Nicaraguan Love Affair”, lush Detroit techno mover “Gravity”, and the retro stylings of “Soul Sounds.”

Focus On: Guido Schneider – Guido Schneider – Poker Flat (DE)

Debut release in this new series from the ever brilliant Poker Flat; featuring Berlin based producer, Guido Schneider. With 13 original tracks and remixes, all expertly sequenced by Schneider himself, this is a quality disc, showing the talents of one of EDMs most exciting producers. From the tension filled rhythms of “Re-Moved” to the undeniable “Super Sander” and Guido’s exceptional “Dark Side of the Moon Remix” of Daniel Stefanik’s Move Me, this is an exceptional anthology that is worth of your attention.

12” Releases

Don’t Go – Elektrochemie – Get Physical Music (DE)

Tight two track EP from Elektrochemie on Get Physical Music. “Don’t Go”, the A Side cut is solid, but for the real gem, go directly to “You’re My Kind” on the flip. Combining the production talents of Thomas Schumacher, Stephan Bodzin and the eerie, irresistible vocals of Caitlin Devlin; this is an monster later night mover, destined to make a big splash at WMC and beyond. Pure class.

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

Four tunes from the sound track to a hot new German comic book, called Hotze. While all the cuts have their own merits and strong points, “Hotzstuff” by Moonbootica is the real prize here. Thick, slow rising, tech house rhythms, quirky synth stabs and a heap of funky, acid house flavor make this a sure fire dance floor killer.

Part 1 – Brian Kage and Adam Jay – Monoid Recordings (DE)

Tight four tracker from the ever reliable Monoid Recordings, and the brilliant minds of two of America’s best producers; Adam Jay and Brian Kage. While all four cuts are pure, there are two that stand about the rest. “Emergence” is a chunky, funky tech house mover w/ rising keys, persuasive rhythms, and a colossal bassline. The flips brings forth THE cut of the EP, “Chapter None.” Accomplished with sumptuous undertones, scorching bass, and signature deep keys from Kage, and rocking, drums from Jay. Top release.

Surfacing – Agaric – Kontra Musik Records (SE)

Hot EP of gritty, minimal goodness from this new Swedish imprint. Release number one features three tracks from the multi-talented and ever consistent Patrik Skoog (here in his Agaric guise.) “High Velocity Monkey” is an undiluted, funk fueled, glitchy mover with murky rhythms, vocal samples and a heap of clicky, head bobbing spice. Showing he is as adept doing the subtle, minimal thing, as he is doing the bangin’, main room thing – Skoog once again proves his mettle.

Heavy In Fashion – DJ Rush – Fine Audio (DE)

Blazing EP from Chicago born, Berlin cultivated techno master, DJ Rush. The title cut features Rush in all his call and response glory, forcing you to move with heavy, lashing rhythms and forceful, often comical vocal rants. “Jackin 4 Old School” is a straight ahead, jacking’ Chicago House instrumental that does its duty to shake your booty. The flip brings us two more blistering releases, including “Not This Time”, a simple, soul sampled, banger, and “I Need Your Love”, a strange, almost beat less, musical interlude that would make a perfect set starter. Solid as usual.

Shake My – Mark Williams – Fine Audio (DE)

Mark Williams is back with another exceptional collection of shuffling, coercive techno jams to move you and your crowd. “Swimming up Stream”, kicks things off, with undemanding tribal rhythms, slow rising vocal chants, and eerie keys. The other winner here is the title track, with raging beats and Miami Sound Machine sampled vocals that will set off any crowd. Tight stuff.

Yellow and Blue – Timewriter – Plastic City (DE)

Scorching two tracker from the house music luminary, Timewriter. Side A features the exceptionally spicy, “Frame 15 Remix.” With pumped up percussion, thick bass, and fierce vocal samples; this track should do well with house, progressive, tech house and even techno jocks. The flip brings us “Sleepwalking”, a tight, funky, previously unreleased gem. Class as usual.

Ferdinand / Phobos – Stephan Bodzin vs. Marc Romboy – Systematic (DE)

One of the hottest labels in the world at the moment, brings together label boss Marc Romboy and recurrent collaborator, Stephan Bodzin on this amazing two track outing. “Phobos” is a solid mover, but “Ferdinand” is so tight, it honestly deserves all the space here. Simple, slow rising rhythms, dark keys, and a massive electrified bassline make this a serious, unwavering gem. Perfect for a break in a deep set, or as a means to start building toward darker beats; this is simple destroyer that is worthy of your attention.

Movin’ – Marlow & Delhia – Moon Harbour Records (DE)

Marlow returns to Moon Harbour after a short break, with this tight new release. While the “Original Mix” and “Marlow’s Movin Bassline Mix” are both solid, it is the amazing “Matthias Tansmann Remix” that really does the business. Big, booming beats, thick bass, lush undertones and vocal samples take this track from meager beginnings to full on, tech house destroyer. Walking a thin line between house and techno, this remix will ignite any dance floor and turn it inside out.

Clean Living – Akzidenz Grotesk – Mental Groove Records (DE)

Experimental two tracker from Aksidenz Grotesk, and Mental Groove Records. The title track is a simple electro mover, but the “Readymade FC Remix” of Rodeo is the real jewel here. Complete with old school, electro breaks, drop bass, and lovely, lush undertones this is a sultry track that is deep set ready and late night approved.

Carpet Crawler – Holger Flinsch – Add On (US)

Groovy, minimal electro flavored house from Frankfurt based producer extraordinaire, Holger Flinsch. Track titles were not provided, but all three entries here rock; with tight basslines, gripping keys and slow, forward moving percussion that will provoke any dance floor. Another quality release from Holigi and the Add On crew.

Mink – Salmon – Tora Tora Tora (US)

Japanese producer and DJ, Salmon joins the Tora Tora Tora team, with this outstanding EP. Both of Salmon’s original productions are tight, but it’s the “Heartthrob Remix” of Mink that really closes the deal. Simple, forward moving beats, bouncy keys, vocal stabs, and a ton of ass shaking, head bobbing flavor – make this an undeniable mover of the first degree. This remix set my dance floor ablaze on its first spin, and has been doing the same every time out.

Deleter of the Pack – Tony Rohr & Dietrich Schoenemann – Hidden Agenda (US)

Tony Rohr and Dietrich Schoenemann have been tearing up the world of house and techno for years. Both as solo artists, and in their many collaborations – they are as consistent a pair as any in the US scene. With standout release coming out at a regular clip, I am going on a limb with this statement – “Aerobits”, on Side A of this EP is THE BEST thing that either of them have done in years. Simple, compelling beats, vocal stabs, stirring percussion, and even a hint of “Spastik” come together in this truly amazing track. The rest of the EP rocks too, but this one track should be more than enough for anyone. Find this and buy it - you won’t be sorry.

Firefly – DJ Emerson – Freakwaves (DE)

Release number two for Freakwaves, finds Emerson teaming up with Tim Xavier and Butane from Alphahouse. The original mix of the title cut is up first, with minimal beats, murky bassline, and a ton of glitchy, evil, moody stabs. Restrained tension slow increases, as the track grows and rises. The “Tim Xavier Remix” is truly remarkable, taking us on a trip to a deep, dark, dub infused spot, way down in the underground. Side B has two more interesting compositions, but for my money, Side A is where it’s at.

The Third / Patrask Dos – Agaric & Ecco – Syndikaat (NL)

Release number three from Bas Mooy’s newest imprint, Syndikaat Records. This time out, we find Agaric (aka Patrik Skoog) at the controls, adding another pair of quality minimal releases to his growing discography. “The Third” is Skoog on his own, and features a simple drum track, surrounded by simple, manic synth stabs, swirling bass and a ton of trippy flavor. The real gem here however, is “Patrask Dos”, a collaboration with Agaric and Denmark based producer, Ecco. Starting out with a stripped down, slow building groove, this track progresses into a full on, early set destroyer – complete with fierce bassline, trippy keys and undeniable taste.

It’s Not Static – Zahn – Syndikaat (NL)

Dustin Zahn is one of the more promising young producers on the techno scene, and is usually known for his full on, hard techno destroyers. With this release, he drops the “Dustin” from his name and explores his deeper, more minimal side. The title track kicks things off, with simple, hypnotic keys, thumping bass, and a long tension filled break down that prepares you for a rocking finish. The flip features “Production through Destruction”, is a shuffling, bleepy affair, and “Slow Burning Sensation”, wraps things up with dark, driving beats and suggestive vocal samples abound.

Brothers in Arms – Various – Audio Assault Arms (NL)

Audio Assault Arms is one of the most consistent hard techno imprints in the world. For release number ten, the Arms crew have gotten together some of the preeminent techno producers in the world (Andre Walter, Lars Klein, Ogi, Primal, and co owner Bas Mooy himself to name a few), and asked them to contribute a new productions. What we are given is 8 of best techno destroyers of the year. Stand out cuts include the bleepy, anxiety filled “Zondagsschool” from Bas Mooy and Vincent Dewit, the hypnotic assassin “Shinobi No Mono” from Lars Klein, and the blazing dance floor slayer, “Inform” from Andre Walter + Chris Hope. Techno DJs do not live by minimal alone. Why don’t you stop following the trendy crowd, and gets some new hard techno in your box. You can start with this quality double pack.

Caracol EP – Alexkid – F: Communications (FR)

Simple, sexy, two tracker from one of the best producers on the EDM scene, Alexkid. “Caracol” kicks things off, with deep, understated keys, lush undertones and slow building energy that will trip out anyone and anything in its path. “Uno” is next, with eerie vibe, chunky bassline and a ton of ass shaking, funky flavor. Two wildly different, but equally effective tracks that truly show the versatility and boundless talent that Alexkid possesses.

Sex Schon – Sex Schon – F: Communications (FR)

Two tracks of dark, electro flavored techno from Sex Schon and the F:Comm crew. Sounding like a cross between Motor and Black Strobe, this EP takes no prisoners and makes no excuses. “Cock n Roll” kicks it off with a truly massive bassline the slowly takes over the track and never lets go. “Bitch Chupa Chups” takes up Side B, with its 80s flavored, vocal electro vibe and competing dark bassline and uplifting synths. Not for everyone, but quality just the same.

Sous Substances EP – Think Twice - F: Communications (FR)

Think Twice bringing forth their signature, electro funk on these two exceptional tracks from Paris based, F: Communications. “You Work, Your Live, To Party” starts things off with gripping beats, fat bass, and cheeky, spoken vocals that work amazingly well. “Acid Rrrrock La Houssssse” takes up residence on Side B, with a fierce bassline and funny, Detroit Gran Pubas styled vocal interludes. Neither track is immediate, but after several spins – you will find yourself reaching for this EP again and again.

Nazis – Mr. Oizo - F: Communications (FR)

Mr. Oizo is back on the scene, with three new tracks for Laurent Garnier’s F:Comm imprint. The title cut is up first, with simple, gritty, minimal beats and stripped down, minor key, melancholy synth stabs. The “Justice Remix” of Nazis is up next, featuring dark, evil, electro flavored keys and a ton of rock tendencies. “Half An Edit” is the standout cut here, with old school synth samples, and a heap of body rocking, ass shaking flavor. Left of center and experimental DJs only need apply.

How’s That EP – Mike DeVellis – Pockit Records (US)

Outstanding 4 track EP from multi talented, Brooklyn based musician and producer, Mike Devillis. “How’s That” is smooth, groovy, slice of urban funk with lovely keys, silky vocals, foot tapping beats and a ton of intimidate flavor. “Like Dis?” is next, with a thick, Herbie Hancock styled bassline, wah wah guitar, chunky beats and mountain of 70s funk flavor. “Want Some?” has more of a jazz fusion feel, with electric keyboards and smooth, horns. The EP wraps up with the lush, lovely, broken beat “John Howard Remix” of Want This? Another quality release from a truly impressive young virtuoso.

The Shadow Boxers Pt. 2 – Alexi Delano & Cari Lekebusch – Railyard Recordings (US)

Exceptional two tracker from Alexi Delano and Cari Lekebusch. “Jolt” is first, with rising percussion, hypnotic undertones, and colossal synth stabs that compelling your body to move. “Reality Tunnels” takes up the flip, with an effortless, murky, feel complete with sinister vocals, and groovy, keys.