Formed of Italian producer Ma Spaventi and Dutchman G-String aka Gijs Poortman, whose releases for the likes of M>O>S and Echovolt have provided some of Holland’s most interesting deep techno output, Crystal Maze arrive on aDepth Audio with their debut album, Enter The Maze. With only two 12? releases to their name, a full album of Crsytal Maze material is an ambitious statement from the pair, but one that sees Spaventi and Poortman continue to develop the Crystal Maze sound which has been characterised a decidedly dark edged manipulation of analogue techno. Across ten tracks the duo display a wide variety of sounds and influences; “Slow Swirl” sounds like Drexciya taken down to a lumbering, mid-tempo groove, “Indian Tape” combines rubbery, ghetto house textures with swelling deep house chords, “Mirrors Chamber” comes across like the sub aquatic dub techno of Porter Ricks, while “Dr Claw” creates a low slung, warped vision of Detroit techno’s first wave. An ambitious album, yes – but one that more than succeeds.
Archives
All posts for the day November 1st, 2013
Mental Models Emotional State EP comes with 4 powerful tools straight from our machines. Rushed minutes, fevered vibes, minded moments and weakened feelings are all emotions we all have experienced in our club adventures. Simple and straight, no compromises.
Indigo Aera is very honored to release these precious gems from Kirk Degiorgio’s personal archive. Kirk found the tracks by accident going through his DAT tapes from 1991-1992. Time captured in music which deserves to be on black gold.
Terrence Dixon turns it up even higher with the third release on his own Reduction label. Chiming, melodic and magnificent abstractions from the depths.
North Lake on Phonica. “Moonwalker” features three analog jams born out of live sessions – three beautiful synth cuts for home and club listening that instantly bring parallels to early Isolee material; melodic and heavy enough to whip up a frenzy on the dancefloor. “Marlborol Noir” kicks off proceedings, chugging away effortlessly with it’s ascending and descending synth riffs, the spawn of a long imprpvised session in the studio. “Suomi Kutsuu” opens the b-side emphatically, a heavy galloping rhythm and an ascending synth riff dominating from the off. It’s six minutes of pure analog battle gear. Rounding off the EP, title track “Moonwalker” is a pacy mix of arpeggiated synths, intricate drum programing and eerie melodies that intertwine perfectly with the bass-heavy syncopated kick drum.