Reviews
TECHNO: MARCH
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COMPILATION OF THE MONTH
Various: Inertia //
Resisting Routine (Ann Aimee)
Most label compilations are inherently retrospective, digging through back catalogues to revisit past glories. Not so with this first compilation from Delsin offshoot Ann Aimee. In keeping with its futuristic aesthetic, this compilation, compiled by label boss Marsel Delsin and mixed by Delta Funktionen, is a collection of 16 brand new cuts of ominous yet innovative techno. There are some shining moments here, like the upbeat dancefloor purpose of ‘Pneumatic’ by Mike Dehnert, or the sleeker, more restrained offerings from big hitters like Skudge and Roman Lindau. Standout tracks include the delicate shimmering soundscape of ‘When It Appears’ by Conforce or the metallic, driving energy of ‘24-7’ by Marcelus. This is must for any fans of techno in it’s purest form.
4/5
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TUNE OF THE MONTH
Various
Hello Ava (Connaisseur)
Not many newborns get a record dedicated to them, but that’s exactly what’s happened to Ava, the first-born child of Connaisseur boss Alex Filtsch. In her honour, close friends dOP and Masemenos have recorded a pair of tracks, the first of which, ‘Hello’, is a lush, beatless soundscape, while ‘Rave Together Forever’ is a driving, electo-tinged cut aimed more squarely at the dancefloor. The more delicate melody of ‘Source Of Life’ from Patrick Chardonnet and Norway’s ‘Song For Ava’ complete the package.
4/5
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Various
Hatched Part 1 (Dirtybird)
Claude VonStroke pools from his recent Dirtybird signings in this latest ‘Hatched’ compilation with bass-heavy contributions from Kill Frenzy, A1 Bassline and Sacha Robotti. Our runaway favourite track is ‘Ignorance Is Bliss’ by the label boss himself, which draws parallels with VonStroke classic ‘Who’s Afraid of Detriot’ with its deep subs, echoing vocals and an added modern edge, in partnership with latest Bristolian Dirtybird, Eats Everything.
4/5
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Luigi
Madonna Sensation EP (Plus 8 Records)
Label bosses Richie Hawtin and John Acquaviva call on Naples-based Luigi Madonna for his debut ‘Sensation EP’ on the revered Plus 8 imprint (celebrating its 22nd anniversary this year). The release delivers four heads-down grooving techno tracks with intriguing atmospheric synths, something you can expect from Hawtin’s recent DJ sets. For consumers of the digital persuasion, a bonus track, ‘Vibration’, is available, and continues along a similar groovy course.
3/5
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Locked
Groove Rooted EP (Hotflush Recordings)
The high-flying Hotflush Recordings has a lot to offer in early 2012 with label boss Scuba’s latest full length effort, ‘Personality’, coming out. Elsewhere on the label, a number of the recent singles contain some excellent 4x4 jackin’ techno. This three-tracker from Tim van de Meutter, aka Locked Groove, explores a dark, raw, thumping sound on lead tracks ‘Rooted’ and ‘Drowning’. It’s the much slower ‘Change’ that proves the most interesting, with some on-trend classic house vocals and old-school chords. The future is looking hopeful for Locked Groove with a forthcoming release on Tiga’s Turbo Recordings
in the pipeline.
4/5
Download here
Steve Parker
Escuro EP (Ovum Recordings)
Having released on a slew of labels in the past few years, Portuguese producer Steve Parker drops his first release on Josh Wink’s Ovum label, consisting of a trio of workable club tracks. The title track ‘Escuro’ is the slightly more understated of the three with its soulful, lighter vibe. It’s ‘Bodytrade’ and ‘Interstate’ which delve into more hypnotic techno territory with heavier synths, intense drums and clattering hats.
3/5
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Life and Death
Step Aside (Visionquest)
From one team of four to another, the ever consistent and varied Visionquest team hand over VQ009 to Life And Death, a foursome consisting of Italy’s Tale Of Us and NYC-based Thugfucker. This is the second appearance on VQ for Tale Of Us, with last year’s ‘Dark Song’ EP being a favourite across the spectrum. The A-side ‘Step Aside (Lightweight)’ is a solid track with an eerie atmosphere, which leans on Scott McCloud’s haunting reverbed vocals and bumpin’ drums. The darker track of the release, ‘Morgana’, provides trademark whirring synth lines and deep pads.
4/5
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Bart Skils
Burnin’ (100% Pure)
The 77th release from the long-running 100% Pure is from Dutch techno stalwart Bart Skils. Lead track ‘Burnin’ builds itself around an epic breakdown and an almost euphoric lead which increases in intensity until it drops back its clattering drums, something that’s sure to make an impact on dancefloors. Remixer Nicole Moudaber strips it down with extra groove and Latin percussion.
4/5
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Sam Paganini
Prisma EP (Drumcode)
Drumcode have hit the ground running in 2012 with a debut release from rising Italian Sam Paganini, who is fast proving to be a real hot property with a string of high-profile releases on big labels such as Plus 8 and Popof’s Form Records. The title track is a dark, hard-edged atmospheric number with some very strong percussion, which proves a theme throughout the EP with other tracks ‘Self Control’ and ‘Back To Zero’.
3/5
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Noir & Richard Davis
Found Out (Noir Music)
Noir is easing back into things for 2012 following his popular collaboration with Haze last year on the oft-played ‘Around’, returning here alongside the experienced Richard Davis. ‘Found Out’ is quite poppy with its light vocals and dreamy synths, albeit with a deep 4x4 beat underneath. The Club rerub offers up a lot more dancefloor potential, with a harder edge and sightly increased tempo.
4/5
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Ryan Elliott
Kicking Up (Spectral Sound)
Berghain regular Ryan Elliot brings out this ‘Kicking Up’ single on Spectral Sound which acts as the dancefloor offshoot to Matthew Dear’s Ghostly International label. ‘Kicking Up’ is a peak-time, pounding club track with real impact. On the reverse, a remix from Stablo steers away the heavier bass for more intricate melodies, and is sure to be a perfect late-night jam.
3/5
Download here
