Reviews - singles

Jnr J

agent greg vs audiopunch

synmphony of love (stupid fresh remix)

released: tba

label: stealth

what do we think: wonderfully weird

Stealth has to be given big props because not only are they a super huge house label but they also firmly believe in releasing great music right across the current genre board. They’ve requested the talents of Stupid Fresh for this rmx who provides my favourite mix of the Symphony package. Wonderfully weird synth shots from the off and a funky beat that‘ll get your granny on her feet are accompanied by a big bouncy bass line before the catchy vocal hook has you singing along and as always with The Fresh, expect a rather cool break down.

You need this.

fRew

no ghosts

released: dec 08

label: vacation records

what do we think: love this shizzle

Australian bad boy fRew is back once again helping to firmly set Vacation Records as one of the best exports since Mick Dundee showed that yank bird how Aussies roll. This is a very refreshing, slightly eerie electro stomp track that provides some very cool bass & synth combos with some great vocals samples and most noticeably a very refreshing melodic chime/bell lead that you rarely hear in a main room electro track.

This is rude!

Kelevra ft Whiskey Pete

clean jeans (kyle Watson rmx)

released: dec 08

label: potty mouth music

what do we think: lets all get crunked up.

Kyle Watson delivers an excellent mix of Kelevra’s Clean Jeans guiding it towards the crunkier side of Electro life. Groovy with a phat main bass line that stands out like a black guy(me) on a ski slope while Whiskey Pete rides the rhythm ghetto hip hop style. This is a great track!

Lazy Rich ft Cassandra Nantel

don’tthink about me (miles dyson remix)

released: dec 08

label: 12 inch recordings

what do we think: slap your mum huuuuuuuuggggeeee!

I always get excited when a new Dyson rmx hits the streets and this one does not disappoint. He gives the sexy but sleazy vocals the respect that they deserve by quietening down the track every time they appear before erupting in a mega onslaught of fat punchy bass lines that jump out at you like an I-Max movie. As with all Dyson tracks its epic and will annihilate your dance floor in the best possible way.
Get it!

Ludwig S

the drop (original)

released: march 09

label: comfortably numbed digital

what do we think: killer filler

No dance floor can survive on constant bangers as it will inevitably run out of steam so you will need some Killer Fillers in your sets. These are great tracks that will keep your floor up and going but without making it climax too hard so there still room for more. The Drop is such a track, It’s big enough, slightly proggy and has some great modest but interesting synths and smudges that all come together into a nice package that will keep you floor shaking their money makers.

Mark Storie

kerplunk

released: jan 09

label: novakane

what do we think: I cant stop my damn feet!

Mark Storie steps up to represent Novakane’s fourth release with a two track EP. Kerplunk is the stand out track of the package that takes you down a groovy Mininal-Tech joy ride. A simple but very groovy bass give piggyback to some excellently placed percussive noises, steams and synth blips which all come together to lead you to the excellent vocal sample at the climax of the main break. This is guaranteed “shake dat ass”.

Kid Dub

christian burkhardt

ghost

released: december 2008

label: area remote

what do we think: dark and eerie

one of the more eerie releases to ever hit the stands. dark moody and plodding. a great way to bring creepy factors into a set or start it off for that matter....

of norways

the governers daughter

released: december 2008

label: afro art

what do we think: really like this

this project from lil wolf is great with a great remix from danny j lewis. the original is a slow moving and hypnotic downtempo track in a 3/4 rhythm. its quite hynotic. when i first heard it i had my player on repeat and i didnt realise for ages. Danny j lewis provide a killer remix and dj tool for the housier afro vibes.

deadmau5

slip

released: december 2008

label: mau5trap

what do we think: beleive it or not - this one is great

deadmau5 and sebastien leger both used to feature heavily in my playlists but i got bored of both as neither tried to do much different. this is a great release. the b side from zimmerman is fantastic.'sometimes things get whatever' gets the head and shoulders moving, its just so groovy. and the remix of slip from leger reminds us all that this is one super talented producer.

Worth vs Yankee Zulu

the bs connection

released: december

label: playtime records

what do we think: jungle vibes

It seems that these two producers are intent on inventing a sort of jungle clown style of quirky electro-techno that I am just totally prepared to digest and endorse! Fun, moody and groovy. This track is tribal tom tom happy and quirky vocal effects galore. The remix from Andre Cromm doesn’t do it for me, but if that’s your thing then this is probably for you.

Ginos & Snake

Wake Up EP

released: november 2008

label: notorious elektro

what do we think: peaktime action killers

Ginos and Snake have been around for quite a while, more often than not always at the forefront of quality electro techno. The title track on the EP is just a bomb. Make cocaine feel like decaf and pick this one up now.

 

Laura Heath

Joey Beltram

Shaking trees EP

released: november 2008

label: harthouse germany

what do we think: Dancefloor Destroyer!

Techno legend Joey Beltram brings a new addition to the mighty Harthouse label. Soon to be release, this two track EP is something special. ‘See Through accordion’ is a dark and trippy techno chugger. It features a fairly simple but infectious riff throughout that’s enough to scare any dancefloor. ‘Shaking the trees’ on the other hand is a full on acid-techno infused belter! Long builds into hypnotic acidic breakdowns creates tension and excitement throughout…… oh yes please sir!

A. Mochi

Battery

released: november 2008

label: figure

what do we think: Peak time monsters…

Figure is a label best known for the harder side of techno and this new release from A. Mochi hits the spot nicely. This ep features four tracks of mixed electro techno peak time monsters. Each of the individual tracks work nicely on their own but I feel that on a whole the ep lacks variation throughout.

Luca Bacchetti

No time to get back EP

released: november 2008

label: Ovum

what do we think: Essential Ep….

Luca Bacchetti has been making an impressive imprint on the scene for sometime now and his newest release on Ovum is certainly something to be spoken about. All three tracks on the ep feature Luca’s identity of a sprinkle of groove with hints of darkness throughout. ‘El matador’ is the one for me on this release. Awesome continuous claps go throughout and breakdowns are complimented by a lush Spanish guitar riff. Really nice and will work for more most dance floors.

Forty6 & Two (remixed by Pawas)

Roter Sclauch

released: november 2008

label: pink silver

what do we think: Nice stripped back ep…

Newcomer label pinksilver ltd bring us their first release from the Melbourne artists Forty6 & Two and include a tasty remix from Pawas. The A-side original creates a blend of minimal percussion, grooved bass and dark edged stabs maintaining a nice flow throughout. The B side remix from Pawas however is the more favourable of the two for me as he brings a more laid back approach to the mix. Lush, classy stabs, light percussion and the odd vocal snippet to catch your attention. A nice stipped back mix here.

Warbgasm

Light headed

released: november 2008

label: variance recordings

what do we think: minimal heads will like this…

Warbgasm makes his second appearance on Variance recordings with a new minimal two track ep. The a side ‘light headed’ is nothing like it says on the tin. Twisted moody synths wrap themselves around minimal percussion and an electro-fused bassline. The B side is a much lighter mix, with lush atmospheric pads and soft melodies, making this the preferred track of the ep.

Gomez

Tabula Rasa EP (remixed by Kid Dub)

released: november 2008

label: piston recordings

what do we think: One to check out for sure!

Piston recordings bring us their newest release from Gomez. This four track ep features three darker edged originals and a fine remix from Kid Dub. Paradoxical theory is the stronger of the three originals and has a nice constant groove throughout. ‘Last pages’ takes the more melodic approach where as ‘phonobooth’ on the other hand is a dark edged electro builder, but unfortunately doesn’t seem to go anywhere after the break. This is put right by the Kid Dub remix who builds intensity from the very beginning to the end. Twisted synths and heavy drops complemented by a nice melodic breakdown gives this mix a whole new dimension as is the choice for me.

Ed Kane

Joey Beltram

Shaking trees EP

released: november 2008

label: harthouse germany

what do we think: Dancefloor Destroyer!

Techno legend Joey Beltram brings a new addition to the mighty Harthouse label. Soon to be release, this two track EP is something special. ‘See Through accordion’ is a dark and trippy techno chugger. It features a fairly simple but infectious riff throughout that’s enough to scare any dancefloor. ‘Shaking the trees’ on the other hand is a full on acid-techno infused belter! Long builds into hypnotic acidic breakdowns creates tension and excitement throughout…… oh yes please sir!

A. Mochi

Battery

released: november 2008

label: figure

what do we think: Peak time monsters…

Figure is a label best known for the harder side of techno and this new release from A. Mochi hits the spot nicely. This ep features four tracks of mixed electro techno peak time monsters. Each of the individual tracks work nicely on their own but I feel that on a whole the ep lacks variation throughout.

Luca Bacchetti

No time to get back EP

released: november 2008

label: Ovum

what do we think: Essential Ep….

Luca Bacchetti has been making an impressive imprint on the scene for sometime now and his newest release on Ovum is certainly something to be spoken about. All three tracks on the ep feature Luca’s identity of a sprinkle of groove with hints of darkness throughout. ‘El matador’ is the one for me on this release. Awesome continuous claps go throughout and breakdowns are complimented by a lush Spanish guitar riff. Really nice and will work for more most dance floors.

Forty6 & Two (remixed by Pawas)

Roter Sclauch

released: november 2008

label: pink silver

what do we think: Nice stripped back ep…

Newcomer label pinksilver ltd bring us their first release from the Melbourne artists Forty6 & Two and include a tasty remix from Pawas. The A-side original creates a blend of minimal percussion, grooved bass and dark edged stabs maintaining a nice flow throughout. The B side remix from Pawas however is the more favourable of the two for me as he brings a more laid back approach to the mix. Lush, classy stabs, light percussion and the odd vocal snippet to catch your attention. A nice stipped back mix here.

Warbgasm

Light headed

released: november 2008

label: variance recordings

what do we think: minimal heads will like this…

Warbgasm makes his second appearance on Variance recordings with a new minimal two track ep. The a side ‘light headed’ is nothing like it says on the tin. Twisted moody synths wrap themselves around minimal percussion and an electro-fused bassline. The B side is a much lighter mix, with lush atmospheric pads and soft melodies, making this the preferred track of the ep.

Gomez

Tabula Rasa EP (remixed by Kid Dub)

released: november 2008

label: piston recordings

what do we think: One to check out for sure!

Piston recordings bring us their newest release from Gomez. This four track ep features three darker edged originals and a fine remix from Kid Dub. Paradoxical theory is the stronger of the three originals and has a nice constant groove throughout. ‘Last pages’ takes the more melodic approach where as ‘phonobooth’ on the other hand is a dark edged electro builder, but unfortunately doesn’t seem to go anywhere after the break. This is put right by the Kid Dub remix who builds intensity from the very beginning to the end. Twisted synths and heavy drops complemented by a nice melodic breakdown gives this mix a whole new dimension as is the choice for me.

Liz Cirelli

Todd Terry

uncle tech (maya jane coles remix)

released: january 2009

label: 1trax

what do we think: gooey deep loveliness

This remix by Maya Jane Coles is wonderfully deep and groovy. With a delightfully squishy bass line and soft, percussive synths, it is definitely one for those late set, eyes closed, head down moments. A hypnotic, delayed male vocal subtly weaves in and out of the mix, adding a slightly trippy texture to the track. Definitely a track you can easily bop along to.

Shlomi Aber

black title

released: january 2009

label: be as one

what do we think: quirky as hell!

Genius producer Shlomi Aber rolls out another tremendous track. Black Title is a thoroughly bouncey masterpiece, interspersed with ethnic bells for that extra sprinkle of shuffle. Chanting vocals filter in and out over a bleepy-bloopy lead line, and every time the track drops you can’t help but nod your head like a speeding pigeon. Absolute brilliance.

Freska

maritime

released: january 2009

label: karate

what do we think: an energetic foot-pounder with sparkly bits

This track starts out with the intent of being a dark, evil stomper tune, but surprises you at about 2m 30s, when a sparkly, happy little glockenspiel-sounding synth enters and begins to happily pirouette and glitter its way all over the track. The hook is infectious – you’ll find yourself trying to whistle it all day. The warm, subby bass line provides a wonderful contrast to the bright synth line, and intelligent percussion ensures the overall energy of the track is superbly maintained.

Muzikjunki & Marco Den Held

the world (muzikjunki remix)

released: january 2009

label: boom tsjak

what do we think: it’s a techno funk track!

This track is absolutely superb. Warm synths and unusual percussion commence the track, then a warm, bouncey bass line enters…nothing uncommon there I hear you say…but wait…what is that filtering its way in? A funk guitar sample! I don’t know about you, but I’m hugely excited by this – it adds a massively groovy dimension to the track in the most subtle and classy of ways. A powerful synth line then enters, mimicking the rhythm of the guitar sample, and taking the track to a more euphoric level.

Presslaboys

chefava (novox remix)

released: january 2009

label: quantized

what do we think: dark & spooky

This is one of those tracks that doesn’t seem to do all that much, but still somehow seems to grab you and suck you in. A strange, but totally enchanting synth sound pitch-bends its way up & down…it almost sounds like an alien talking…I like it. The track doesn’t drop until we’re well into 3mins, but this little alien synth has had me so wrapped up I hardly notice. Proof that simplicity works.

Riz MC

radar (ashley beedle remix)

released: january 2009

label: crosstown rebels

what do we think: absolutely stunning – in a totally original way

This is not your average dance floor track. Come to think of it, I don’t really know when I’d be able to play this in a club…but still – it is a work of art indeed. During a beautiful, and very long intro, strings slowly crescendo in, and synth lines creep into audibility. The bass line doesn’t enter until 5mins – and when it does I just can’t help but smile inanely. This is a ridiculously happy tune – the bass is reminiscent of a perfect beach-side house track, and Riz MC’s lyrics are light-hearted and playful. Gorgeous string lines soar above the track, sending goose bumps down my spine. If I close my eyes I almost feel as though I’m sitting on a beach sipping on a cocktail. Brilliant.

Nico Grubert

j’taime

released: january 2009

label: heatflow

what do we think: if tracks were addictive, I’d be a junkie

You know you sometimes stumble across certain tunes that you simply can’t, no matter how hard you try, take off repeat? Well, this is one of those! This is an absolutely exquisite tech-house tune with a lead line that has the ability to bring even the most hard-hearted individual to tears. A warm bass line and simple percussion give the beautiful melody lines plenty of space – and the breakdown…oh the breakdown! Tears! Tears I tell you! This really is a perfect sunrise track.

Rennie Foster

devil’s water

released: december 2008

label: rebirth

what do we think: original, beautiful & in a word, perfect

With early support from Sasha, James Zabiela, Ben Watt and James Holden, it has been said that Devil's Water could be defined as one of the hottest tracks of the year. An absolutely beautiful female vocal is accompanied by a warm legato bass line and a subtle filtered out piano. Crisp, sharp and very intelligently programmed percussion click & roll amongst the upper layers of the track providing a fantastic contrast to the softness of the other sounds. Not a stereotypical dance floor track, but I bet if you played it at the right moment to an open-minded crowd, they would lap it up like thirsty dogs. Kiki’s Superdub remix is perfect for an audience hungry for a more minimal techno sound, while his End Of The Night mix is an emotional builder, complete with epic with strings, warm bass line and a slightly old-school influence.

Niclas Jaar

the student (seth troxler remix)

released: january 2009

label: wolf & lamb

what do we think: deep, groovy and ever-so-slightly moody

NYC-born Nicolas Jaar has been producing since he was 14 years old. These days, he has been dubbed by Seth Troxler as being one of the most talented minds dance music is about to see develop. Seth's remix is definitely one for those late-night moments - it is complex yet simple, with amazing percussion and a wonderful organic feel to the synth lines. This track is constantly changing and evolving, it’s fantastically intelligent, and extremely original.

Jaymz Clart

Saburuko

warped (Instra:mental remix) / (Survival Remix)

release: December 2008

label: Horizons Recordings

what we think: all about the instra:mental remix

The Survival remix comes correct with the rolling crunchy beats that Survival has become to be known for; the vibe is running and deep, with touches of atmospheres throughout with a nod to the techy heads. But for me, this 12” is all about the Instra:mental remix. It feels like the backdrop to blade runner, I swear, a slick futuristic stepper with touches of reece and bitter-sweet synth melodies all come together to create a lovely tapestry.

Instra:mental / Instra:mental ft Nico

intervention / horse

release: December 2008

label: Exit Records

what we think: the new world order, don’t fuck with these guys.

Horse runs amok all over this record, a much deeper heavier vibe, much similar to the Darkestral Records sound. I think it’s OK to be honest. I am much preferring the flip.
Intervention brings a very different vibe to the table, it’s fresh yet so nostalgic of the sound of the 90s. Like Underworld during their Born Slippy era. This is it. I love it. This 12” is released as a super limited 1000 copies only (with stickers), and is actually retailing at 15 pounds. Well... I bought it, and I think it is worth every fuckin’ penny.

Various

eastern Promises part 1

release: December 2008

label: Golden Orb Records

what we think: Future rollers for the player

Golden Orb deliver the goods once again with a lovely collection of atmospheric rollers. Alone in Silence by Cutworks brings the moody atmospheres in time to dampen our Christmas spirit. So sad, so moody, fuckin love it. New comer, Koritsa delivers with a deep rolling beat ‘Mine’. Bit’s of synth and a slick eastern melody dominate throughout creating a dark rolling atmospheric tune. Showtime from Russia’s Intelligent Manners brings the funk in this ep. With slick sax and moogs throughout, a much lighter vibe compliments the roiling subs. Shebuzz completes this ep with a deep atmospheric roller.

DJ Clart

these Words / try to get away

release: December 2008

label: Digital Blus Records

what we think: Full of energy, yet dripping with feeling

"These Words" kicks off with a filtered funk guitar sample. Clart's unique bass style combined with a carefully placed vocal polish off the tune for a very unique and remarkable interplay of soft and heavy."Try to Get Away" starts off smooth with serene and flowing pads, complimented by electric piano and inspirational strings. As the composition builds, the piece achieves its driving force by means of Clart's signature chunky drumwork. Rounding out this track are a few carefluly placed samples and transitions which create a vibe full of energy, yet dripping with feeling.
- DJ Overfiend runs Bassdrive.com and has his own weekly show, Electronic Warfare

guest name

Saburuko

warped (Instra:mental remix) / (Survival Remix)

release: December 2008

label: Horizons Recordings

what we think: all about the instra:mental remix

The Survival remix comes correct with the rolling crunchy beats that Survival has become to be known for; the vibe is running and deep, with touches of atmospheres throughout with a nod to the techy heads. But for me, this 12” is all about the Instra:mental remix. It feels like the backdrop to blade runner, I swear, a slick futuristic stepper with touches of reece and bitter-sweet synth melodies all come together to create a lovely tapestry.

Instra:mental / Instra:mental ft Nico

intervention / horse

release: December 2008

label: Exit Records

what we think: the new world order, don’t fuck with these guys.

Horse runs amok all over this record, a much deeper heavier vibe, much similar to the Darkestral Records sound. I think it’s OK to be honest. I am much preferring the flip.
Intervention brings a very different vibe to the table, it’s fresh yet so nostalgic of the sound of the 90s. Like Underworld during their Born Slippy era. This is it. I love it. This 12” is released as a super limited 1000 copies only (with stickers), and is actually retailing at 15 pounds. Well... I bought it, and I think it is worth every fuckin’ penny.

Various

eastern Promises part 1

release: December 2008

label: Golden Orb Records

what we think: Future rollers for the player

Golden Orb deliver the goods once again with a lovely collection of atmospheric rollers. Alone in Silence by Cutworks brings the moody atmospheres in time to dampen our Christmas spirit. So sad, so moody, fuckin love it. New comer, Koritsa delivers with a deep rolling beat ‘Mine’. Bit’s of synth and a slick eastern melody dominate throughout creating a dark rolling atmospheric tune. Showtime from Russia’s Intelligent Manners brings the funk in this ep. With slick sax and moogs throughout, a much lighter vibe compliments the roiling subs. Shebuzz completes this ep with a deep atmospheric roller.

DJ Clart

these Words / try to get away

release: December 2008

label: Digital Blus Records

what we think: Full of energy, yet dripping with feeling

"These Words" kicks off with a filtered funk guitar sample. Clart's unique bass style combined with a carefully placed vocal polish off the tune for a very unique and remarkable interplay of soft and heavy."Try to Get Away" starts off smooth with serene and flowing pads, complimented by electric piano and inspirational strings. As the composition builds, the piece achieves its driving force by means of Clart's signature chunky drumwork. Rounding out this track are a few carefluly placed samples and transitions which create a vibe full of energy, yet dripping with feeling.
- DJ Overfiend runs Bassdrive.com and has his own weekly show, Electronic Warfare