Review: Body Mechanic has been turning out definitive Motor City techno on solid labels like Cryovac, and GASS for several years. This time out he lands-on Detroit Techno and serves up, well, some electro. It's classic 313 tackle though - heavy on the kicks, snappy snares and filthy dirty basslines that make you want to move. Ghoulish vocals add extra grit to the opener and from there 'Dance' gets more playful with jittery drum funk and scratching, 'Beautiful Bum' has a gorgeously tender and reflective vibe thanks to the minor chords and smooth electro rhythms, 'Magic (feat Tay) ' slips into a deep and soulful house groove and 'Househead' is jacked up, loopy and well swung amongst several more timeless cuts. All in all, a killer double 12".
Review: Cosmic Blast was one of three records that Ronnie Green aka Captain Rock recorded for Taharqa and Tunde-ra Aleem's Harlem-based Nia Records. The early electro sounds are steeped in cosmic motifs, alien effects and spaceship sounds with some classy old school raps from Green over the top for extra attitude. After this great early work, Green never went on to the success height have had after a failed single then burnout from touring meant he never got round to writing an album. ON the flip is the freaky vocal workout 'The Pure' which is a real b-boy gem.
Review: Bill Converse and Patricia land on Acid Test with more of their dynamic beat machine workouts in the form of this '380/750' EP which merges their distinct styles into an introspective, dancefloor-driven four-track workout. Recorded live at Ravitz's Brooklyn studio in just two days, the EP features raw, unedited performances that show off the duo's intuitive rhythm-making skills while drawing on Converse's 90s Michigan rave roots and Ravitz's Chicago upbringing. The immersive, bubbly, rubbery sounds are perfect blends of body music and heady synth work and cannot fail to take you deep.
Review: Destination Venezuela: self-styled Raptor House craftsman DJ Babatr unlocks the cage and lets the pack loose right here on International Chrome. 'To-K' takes the lead with a Balie funk style stomp and old school stabs before 'Soundmind' takes over with a more rampant, electro rasp to the vibe while Amor Satyr takes 'Soundmind' in a much more technoid direction with his remix. Flip for more snappy action 'Butta' enjoys a superb, switchy remix (with nary a piano in sight) and the brilliantly titled 'Dance The Squast' closes with EP with a little hard dance panache. This slays.
Review: Six releases in and Michigander label head Brian Kage teams up with the legendary French Techno producer, Taho, aka David Jacopin. The electronic music world knows to put respect on the Motor City, but the "Detroit EP" represents a fusion, emphasizing l'accent aigu - not a typo or spec on your screen that needs cleaning. Between Kage and Taho, their production pedigree includes releases for labels like FXHE, Planet-E, Delsin, F.Comm, and more, so it's no surprise the pairing makes for a masterfully produced EP covering the spectrum of Detroit house and techno sounds, with an added deft touch from its French connection.
Review: Releases on the Ilian Tape label are nearly always two things - a) shrouded in mystery, and b) a little unconventional. Given that the painter who created the artwork gets a credit on the 12"s label but the musician or musicians themselves get no mention, it's fair to assume a) has been fulfilled. The music itself fulfils b) too, as hard edged rhythms clocking in closer to electro than techno provide a vehicle much softer, more sensitive musical flourishes. 'WantU' is probably the overall highlight, with its crystal clear arp riffing and Kraftwerk-esque bumping, but 'Chiemgau606', the rawer 'OSC' and 'Sinister808' should all appeal to those who like their grooves esoteric and full of personality - but ultimately still dancefloor slaying.
Review: Cheese Tricks Vol 1: Honey & Cheese Combo EP on Secret Feta is a diverse collection that brings together four distinct tracks, each offering something unique for fans of old skool techno styles and sounds. Side-1 begins with Multivers's 'Mess Around,' a track that channels the iconic sound of Orbital with its chimes and techno-driven, otherworldly atmosphere. It's a journey into the unknown, perfect for setting a mysterious tone. Following that, Syntelman's '3h Kh' blends techno with early Psy-trance influences, creating a hypnotic experience that pulls from the roots of both genres. Side-2 kicks off with Peshka's 'Your Behind,' a big, melodic track designed for dancefloor destruction. Its ravey breakbeat elements give it a nostalgic yet fresh feel, making it a surefire crowd-pleaser. Aqua's 'Pleasure' wraps up the EP with a groovy breakbeat that's both infectious and smooth, keeping the energy flowing - and the bassline is particularly deadly. A well-rounded selection that caters to a variety of tastes.
Review: O'FortyFour - Interjections EP marks a powerful return for Twig, featuring four dark and compelling club tracks by Ukrainian producer O'FortyFour. The EP opens with After Hours Messiah,' a mid-tempo techno track that flirts with progressive house and goa influences, setting a deep, hypnotic tone. 'Cold As Funk' continues the dark ambiance, offering gritty, pulsating beats perfect for late-night dancefloors. On Side-2, 'Texcotzingo' seamlessly blends psy trance elements with a techno foundation, creating a unique and energizing club-ready sound. The EP concludes with 'Hoodlum On Acid,' a nod to classic West Coast acid breaks, delivering a nostalgic yet fresh vibe. This is a very vibrant record that will do damage on the floor.
B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition
Roulade 3000 - "C'est Party" (6:50)
Occibel - "Give 'Em Some Rest" (6:42)
Hearthug - "Psycho Killa" (Wah-Wah mix) (6:49)
Wooka - "Going Deeper" (6:06)
Review: ***B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition***
The Roulade label is doing things right - not only is the music they are serving up superb, but so to do this second 12" comes with great and original artwork. Its neon glow and diffuse light capture the vibes of the synths on the opening cut 'C'est Party' perfectly. It's a melodically rich tech house cut with rubbery bass and great spoken words from a world disco dancing competition. Occibel's 'Give 'Em Some Rest' is busy and dense with whirring sci-fi synths, funky Prince riffs, thudding house beats and plenty of colour. Add in two more equally vibrant and characterful cuts from Hearthug and Wooka on the flip and you have one of the most unique EPs we've heard in some time.
David Hasert & Nicone - "Wasting My Time With You"
Reinhard Voigt - "Der, Der Mit Dem Gummiball Sang (Orange)"
Argia - "Love Keeps You Running"
Jorg Burger - "Legacy Of Ashes"
Wassermann - "Die Goldene Zeit"
Review: Kompakt's Total 24 compilation is the nest episode in the label's amazing series. This cd version opens with Hamburg's Ada remixing Heiko Voss, followed by Jurgen Paape's vibrant 'Chee-Caruso.' Newcomer Deer Jade delivers the frolicsome house track 'Jukurpa,' while Jonathan Kaspar's 'Are You' captures the euphoria of his DJ sets. Hardt Antoine impresses with his dynamic style, and Sascha Funke pays homage to German showbiz with 'The Heck.' Tee Mango joins with his unique sound, and Joyce Muniz teams up with Sara Blum for the uplifting 'Beats & Lines.' Gui Boratto collaborates with Darren Emerson on the captivating 'The Shell,' and Rex The Dog offers the heartfelt 'Laika.' Raxon's 'Beskar' showcases his Star Wars inspiration, and David Hasert and Nicone's 'Wasting My Time With You' is a highlight. Reinhard Voigt's quirky 'Der, der mit dem Gummiball sang (Orange)' features various animals, while Argia's 'Love Keeps You Running' blends groove and pop. Wassermann's track concludes the compilation with a touch of Arabian Nights magic. Total 24 is a diverse and engaging collection that exemplifies Kompakt's ability to curate exceptional electronic music.
Review: Sicilian electro-contemporary Monica Venturella steps up for Sex Tapes From Mars' seventh outing, serving four acid-bleeding, delirious cuts. A1 'Talk Dirty 2 Me' is a masterclass in rhythmic finesse, navigating the delicate balance between the syncopated shuffle of two-step drumwork and the subterranean swell of an early 00s growlbass. Then 'Don't Think About It' forays through bouncy, playful energies underscored by a distinctively corrupt acid line, not long before 'Oh Shie' flaunts a deranged, bumpy groove on the flip. Layers soon unfold with intricate detail, bespeaking the record's jilted finale, 'Espionage', which begins with a filmic, detuned set of vintage synth swells before dropping into no less than a seminal standout joyride in greezy waft. Verberating bleeps, clever pitch play and raunchy vocal stabs join in on the trip.
Review: While most party DJs lament their wedding gigs while lauding their fun cool jobs, Wedding Acid Group - the openers of this latest V/A by Undersound Recordings - marks a point of going beyond mere cultural Stockholm syndrome, not just making light of our matrimonial masters, but redirecting those cheugy energies into a killer beatific-corrosive intro.AThen come three more riveting uplifts of a blissful and bouncey variety, from 'Do As I Say' by Albert Ess to 'Singlestranded' by Systelman to 'Love2' by J. Mono, seguing from industrial anvil clankage to a nightbus-bound house closer.
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