Reviews - singles

Jnr J

d ramirez

reminder of jasper

released: january 2009

label: azuli

what do we think: brilliant user friendly techno

Ramirez’s latest track “Reminder of Jasper” is a great representation of his skill and talent as a producer. I like to call this type of music user friendly techno…All the real techno heads will love this while anyone else will just be dragged in by its pure dance-ability. There are some fantastic unexpected sounds in this that constantly jump out at you gelled together by a bass line that you just have to move to and if that’s not all enough, it‘s lead synth demands that you cut some shapes.

Brilliant!

 

olivier giacomotto

locomotto

released: january 08

label: definitive recordings

what do we think: wicked

OG has reinvented himself to those who only know him for his electro bangers. Locomotto is a tech driven, head down and dance, bad boy. A cool deeper than usual bass line, techy one shots and bass stabs get you rocking before the big screechy synth bullies its way in turning this into a groovy tech monster which works very well on the floor.

kid dub & dextress

perverted ways [miles dyson's dominatrix remix]

released: february 08

label: definitive recordings

what do we think: sorded and epic

The new Bonnie and Clyde of house music Kid Dub and Dextress return with their latest offering Perverted Ways which has an array of amazing mixes from around the globe. One of which is by none other than the German hot shot Mile Dyson. He takes the very sexy and seductive vocals of Dextress and gives them the space that they disserve while she informs us about what she’s in the mood for then typically it erupts in Dyson’s trade mark larger than life bass lines but rather than just make it a full on filth fest he included some rather beautiful but still epic chords that really give this track great atmosphere and substance. I’ve been playing this out for a while now and it never fails to completely rip up the dance floor.

It’s a must have in your dj box.

kid dub & dextress

perverted ways [david ekenback's dominatrix remix]

released: february 08

label: definitive recordings

what do we think: i love a track with some meat on its bones

The new Bonnie and Clyde of house music Kid Dub and Dextress return with their latest offering Perverted Ways which has an array of amazing mixes from around the globe. One of which is from Swedish export David Ekenback who decided to attack this rmx with plenty of girth! A meaty kick which is body guarded by chunky sub bass will have you screwing up you face whilst cutting some aggressive shapes while some cool repetitive synth stabs and one shots ride the top of track. Creating a wicked dance floor experience. It’s like having angry sex after a fight with your partner…you love it!

 

aniki

house music (lee mortimer remix)

released: january 2009

label: warehouse music

what do we think: love it

Lee Mortimer’s Warehouse Music keeps up the pace with this stormer of a release.

The man him self is on rmx detail and serves up a peak time, slap your nan, banger of a track. This electro fidge roller has a brilliant vocal in the breaks and a phat “question and answer style” bassline that will have your floor rocking.

DO IT!!!!

 

muikjunki vs My ft todd jordon

don’tthink about me (miles dyson remix)

released: january 2009

label: stealth records

what do we think: ruuuude!

The excitement I got when received this track was only out done by what happened when I played it out live… It went off like a bomb. It’s a great break from the norm, a simple track with a good solid meaty tribalish groove, SICK understated bell synths and steams and percussion that all come together to create a bit of a monster.

It’s ruuuude!

all theives

dexter (idiotproof remix)

released: january 2009

label: nate tunes

what do we think: solid

Deep Groove in their Idiotproof guise serve up a tasty rmx of Dexter. Great techy synth noises, a deep rolling bassline and random glitchy noises are on the menu for today and it all comes together to create a rather tasty experience.

Kid Dub

zoo brazil

topless [jesper dahlback remix]

released: february 2008

label: venmx

what do we think: satan's rockin lullaby

the dahlbacks always impress in house music. Jesper rocks it subtly with this sweet shifting peice. glitchy beats and shakey rhythms.. mmmm just my taste. this bears no resemblance to the original and fair dos to zoo brazil but dahlback's remix here is one to remember.

pixeldot

scum rider

released: february 2008

label: piso

what do we think: angry minimal

this one is fierce right from the start. this offering from piso is super fantastic for tougher moments. it doesnt roll. it stomps. with some great soundbytes thrown on top of it.

alex flatner

Soul c.a. jones [einelkind remix[

released: january 2009

label: circle music

what do we think: i am spartacus !!!

einzelkind means the only child. and does make sense here. this track is twisted. i mean seriously one must have alot on ones hands to write a track like this. its moves along ever so slowly and doesnt really develop. then it just opens up and swallows whole. great at the 5 minute mark!!!

thomas p heckmann

slotmachine

released: december 2008

label: afu ltd

what do we think: uber playful

i ust dug this one up a few days ago. its a filler but such a playful one. imagine a ship at sea and someone trying to walk on the top deck in a straight line , but the ship is in the middle of a storm. now your getting close to what this track is like. sickening yes but definitly sick!

gel abril

dusty

released: december 2008

label: get physical

what do we think: blip me silly, but i love this stuff

a very simple groovy track from gel abril. putting more bounce in the ounce with some very silly blips and bendy synths. must have. must have.

 

Laura Heath

redshape

blood into dust

released: january 2009

label: styrax leaves

what do we think: epic detroit techno at its finest!

The masked mystery man of techno redshape has a very unique sound that never ceases to impress me. His latest release on styrax is something very special indeed. All three tracks are Detroit techno at its finest with epic builds, beautiful melodies and heavy drums that don’t leave your attention alone. For all you techno fans it’s a must...

maetrik

they love terror

released: january 2009

label: triefstoff

what do we think: sick...

Maetrik brings some of his gritty industrialized techno to the cologne based label treibstoff with his latest three track ep.  All tracks are dancefloor destroyers and show techno in its deepest and darkest form. Warped sounds, fx ridden percussion and even a hint of rolling groove combined with a rawness throughout that only Maetrik seems to fit together so well. What more could you ask for…. Go and buy this!

joel mull & cari lekebusch

cold sweat

released: january 2009

label: h-productions

what do we think: technolicious….

Techno legends joel mull and cari lekebusch join forces to deliver the latest release on cari’s label H-productions.  You can certainly hear signature influences from them both with rolling melodic stabs, well thoughtout breakdowns and nice techy percussion. Not their strongest release but worth checking out for sure.

guy gerber

timing

released: january 2009

label: cocoon

what do we think: Another quality ep to add to the collection

Guy gerber is another one of my favourite producers that always delivers quality production. He makes a strong imprint on cocoon with his latest two track ep. Timing has all the signature sounds of gerber, a hooky bass that leads the track into beautiful melodies and intensified builds. Guilty pleasure on the other hand isn’t his usual sound, but its awesome nevertheless.  Crazy percussion, trippy vocals sprinkled with a touch of groove makes this my favourite of the ep.

 

kid dub & dextress

perverted ways (kid dub & style of eye remixes)

released: february 2009

label: definitive

what do we think: Seediness at its finest!

Definitive return with a full on helping of electro infused goodness from Kid Dub and Dextress! The release features remixes from Miles Dyson, Style of Eye, David Ekenback and a re rub from Mr Dub himself! The two mixes of a more techy sound come from Style of Eye and Kid Dub who have both brought a little sprinke of dark magic to the mix.  Style of eye delivers some groove with his mix, with infectious melodies and a big trippy breakdown. Kid Dub mix on the other hand takes it slightly more twisted with sleezy vocals running into big synths to hypnotise the dancefloor! Nice….

kanio

maetrik

they love terror EP

released: january 2009

label: treibstoff

what do we think: mixed bag

It comes as no surprise Maetrik leaves me a little undecided on this one, because contrast seems to be the name of the game for this experimental Texan.  Flawless grooves are generally accompanied by the wonkiest and most discordant of sounds in much of his work.  In the case of this EP both the title track: ‘They Love Terror’ and ’Ceredrum’ get the balance too in favour of the discordance, and lack pace and energy, whist in stark contrast Socom is an unadulterated dance floor destroyer. An infectious, funky groove, with just the right amount of wrongness on top. Love it.

neuroxide

impatto frontale

released: jan 2009

label: neurotraxx

what do we think: worth a butchers

In my view over complicated tracks rarely work; and this is certainly no exception to the rule.  Essentially driven by a couple of well placed percussion hits and a funky little sub bass, Italian producer Neuroxide conjures up a great grooving track out of very little indeed.  Minimal mission accomplished.

affkt, Danny fido

points

released: december 2009

label: barraca music

what do we think: silliness with a touch of genius

It would be tough to have gone out over the past month or two and not hear someone drop this, a truly original track, executed brilliantly.  It starts life as a lazy minimal groove, with a touch of house.  Out of nowhere then comes the world’s most random live drum solo before it drops back in with some kind of incomprehensible, samba sounding, spoken vocal. Yes it is nuts, but boy does it work.

reboot

three rows

released: december 2008

label: raum

what do we think: tech house beast

2008 was definitely German tech house giant Reboot’s year, and what better way to finish it off than this little gem.  Three rows features on the 10 years of Raum Various Artists sampler part 2 of 3, and is the stand out track for me.  Consisting of a simple organic groove, a rolling sub bass and a slightly terrifying vocal stab, this track chugs along nicely for some heads down dance floor action.

leeks

redirected

released: january 2009

label: piso

what do we think: groovy techno that hits the spot

Hailing from Liverpool, minimal newcomer Leeks has made quite an impact on the minimal scene of late, and Redirected is certainly one of his best.  Seemingly the B side of his ‘Human EP’ on Levan’s Piso records, it’s the stand out track for me.  Imaginative breaks, big builds and a killer groove make this a essential slice of minimal techno.

Liz Cirelli

dyed soundorom

beautiful eva

released: january 2009

label: crosstown digital

what do we think: deep, housey grooviness

Dyed Soundorom has shone as a raw talent in the Parisien scene over the past few years. His debut release for the Rebels is certainly reminiscent of the days of early house, with a warm, bubbling bass line and soft synths. It is simplistically beautiful and extremely danceworthy. Already supported by Radioslave, Jamie Jones and Luke Solomon, this nostalgically classic track looks set to get dance floors well and truly bouncing.

lemon popsicle

lift down

released: january 2009

label: yellow tail

what do we think: beautiful like snowflakes

The deep house project founded by Wollion & Adrian Pietrasch, Lemon Popsicle make their debut on Yellow Tail. This track is mesmerizingly beautiful. Bit-crushed synths dreamily pulse out simple yet moving chord progressions, while a warm, subby bass provides wonderful bass line warmth. Occasional delayed organ chords pop in and out, while simple, crisp percussion keeps the track plodding along nicely. Definitely one for those sunrise moments.

valentino kanzyani & tomy declerque

33a

released: february 2009

label: jesus loved you

what do we think: wibbly-wobbly circus techno

A seriously infectious bass line gives this track tremendous bounce…as I write this, I find myself wiggling my bum in my chair (and no, it’s not because I need a wee). Shuffling percussion adds to the groove and a quirky little riff makes this track even more endearing. Intelligent use of effects and percussive fills add plenty of variety. Totally fun and exquisitely produced, this track is sure to set any dance floor into serious bounce mode.

fuzzy hair

yebele

released: january 2009

label: we love muzik

what do we think: blues, house, latin and funk – all in one track!

This hot latin techy house track has “fun” plastered all over it. When the bass line kicks in I almost fall off my chair with excitement…very blues-influenced – and with a ridiculous amount of funk, it hot-foots its way through the track, while energetic snippets of a latin flute provide the main riff. Vocal samples fill out the track and simple, clear percussion keeps the track firmly in groove mode. A brilliant track.

king roc

tirades

released: january 2009

label: mutual society

what do we think: beautifully eclectic

This amazing track comes from the fourth and final EP of King Roc’s Chapters series before the release of his debut album, which will also be entitled Chapters. Inspired by dreams and intuition, this track takes the listener on a wonderfully subtle journey. A warm, subby bass provides the foundation of the track, while percussive, delayed chords form the melody. A beautiful, almost melancholy guitar sample takes over the track about two-thirds of the way through, while mysterious strings gently crescendo beneath it. The main chords then make a return, this time accompanied with wonderful uplifting strings.

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

 

coming soon