Electro Recommendations September 2011

Review: Big 12" of typically aquatic Drexciyan techno from Detroit's DJ Stingray, delivered via his own Micron Audio imprint. The EP and track titles suggest an exploration of the limits of sonic frequency, and that's what you get on this dark, abstract 12". The A-Side sees "2.4 GHZ ISM" take centre stage, an up-tempo slice of abstract techno built around a slightly off-beat kick and machinegun electronics set within a deeply cavernous space. "Signal Analysis" meanwhile utilizes a more straight-up rhythm with booming low-end underneath an ominous spoken word sample and sonorous metallic sound effects. On the flip, "VLF Device" combines a popping metallic 808 workout over a combination of laser synths and sci-fi warning sirens, while "Spread Spectrum" utilizes a hypnotic rubber band synth line and a sparing kick drum to ratchet up the tension levels, whilst the massive reverb gives the otherwise sparse production an incredible sense of otherworldly scale.

Review: After finding favour with the 1000 Lights In The Sky series on Bunker Records last year, The Exaltics gravitate towards Creme for six tracks of creeped out electronic deviations through the sonic extremities. Resolutely dark and atmospheric from the off, They Arrive is perfectly suited to the lesser spotted Creme Eclipse offshoot. "See It Through My Eyes" stretches Hitchcock style horror strings out with codeine infused aplomb across a scratched stumble through percolating ripples of interference. Alongside it, the title track simmers with a feeling of onrushing danger, as survival horror drones sound out in the nether regions of a constantly twitching dub techno groove. The flip is a match in the dread and menace stakes, with the gloom lifting only for the quite brilliant, glacial rave sounds of "One Circle" which finishes off proceedings.

Review: If you, the modern record buying man, are seeking out some rough hewn electro to show you the path towards enlightenment - then look no further than Forever Strangers. The latest release from Model Man arrives replete with a run out groove inscription that states: "Showing the way for the modern man to become a model man". Amusing observations about the latest philosophical scribbling to occupy the run out groove aside, this is a rather tasty selection of tracks from Model Man aka Den Haag alumni DJ Overdose which slips noisily between austere electro, synth wave laboratory experiments, glistening ambience and cinematic excursions into vocoder heavy industrial epics. The latter is demonstrated on perhaps our favourite jam "How Do I Get You To Do?" Factor in the lovingly presented cover art and illustrated inner sleeve and you have one classy slice of left leaning music here.
The Lost