Second issue of Function’s recompiled series on Ostgut Ton’s reissue label A-Ton.
001.Features
Terrence Dixon – No More Time [LP15]
Regis – The Master Side [BLACKEST064]
LSD – Process [OTON109]
This debut single from previously unseen outfit LSD is remarkable for a number of reasons, not least the fact that the trio is made up of legendary UK techno producers Luke Slater, Steve Bicknell and Dave Sumner AKA Function. Given their collective history of making thumping, mind-altering techno, you’d expect Progress to be both heavy and trippy. That’s certainly what you get from opener “Process 1”, where psychedelic electronics and cascading, otherworldly noises rise above an armour-plated techno groove. They push the envelope even further on “Process 2”, a track blessed with restless cymbal lines and weird, off-key electronics. In comparison, the similarly intense “Process 3” seems deep and woozy, though the incessant, 1990 style bleeps and “LFO” style synths guarantees a suitably hallucinogenic feel throughout.
VA – Sangron: Volume 1 [EE019RTM]
Electronic Emergencies is thrilled to work together with brand new New York label Sangron Records on the 10-track compilation album ‘Sangron Volume 1’. Compiled by Skeleton Head’s Leo Torres, the compilation draws from the U.S. underground with songs from minimal synth pioneers Crash Course in Science and Mark Lane, alongside contributions from Skeleton Head, Revival Times, M/A/N/O/S, Ortrotasce, Minima Moralia, Silent Em, Horoscope and Paper Music. Moody, dancefloor-friendly and rebellious, this is “music for dissidents”.
Alessandro Parisi – Belmont’s Revenge [VIVOD020]
Closing the Vivod map series is Alessandro Parisi with this stunning EP, ‘Belmont’s Revenge’. 3 tracks in his slo-mo horror jak trade mark style. ‘Crossfire’ kicks things off nicely with it’s pulsing groove followed by ‘Ravens’, a slower, brooding type of soundtrack. Flip over for a remix of ‘Sages’ by the mighty Mick Wills who has done some nice work here. It builds and builds, perfect for getting lost in the fog and strobe. B2 is the original version from Parisi, a much slower, majestic cathedral horror affair.
Milium – Addis Abeba / Lord Stanley’s Cup [PT03]
PossblThings Records return with the debut single of Leipzig-based Milium. This record contains your blend of Lust & Angst, compiled for and dedicated to the club. “Addis Abeba” equals Side A – a collocation of groaning machines, bittersweet strings and seducing bass synths, defined with the aid of befriended producer Kator. Side B equals “Lord Stanley’s Cup” – a cloudy hike into that weird place where EBM and Electro meet.
Claro Intelecto – Exhilarator [127DSR]
New long player from Manchester’s Claro Intelecto. Entitled ‘Exhilarator’, the 13 track album marks a return to action for the esteemed producer. A cinematic album of icy techno, weighty bass and poignant melody. From plaintive keys and slow motion drums awash with melody to corrugated industrial drums that don’t let up, this is a diverse album in both mood and texture. Moments of ambient celestial beauty exist next to breezy and summery grooves while skewed and sludgy acid sits next to serene underwater dub. Stewart’s mission to step outside his usual self has resulted in another landmark electronic album.
VA – Lesser Mysteries [BT021]
‘Lesser Mysteries’ brings together 5 up and coming acts to present a widescreen view on electro. Ben Cohen opens the EP with the atmospheric, hazy Entrance, Monotoxine uneases the ride with the squelchy, demented Positive Thinking. On the flip Tharsis Shelter Unit’s Start Transmission unfolds the B side with a sharp blow, before Stratowerx steps up with the impassioned Zero Hour Dispatch. Furious Frank closes the EP with the resonant Night Rider.
Vectorvision vs Convextion – ZY Clone [LWK6]
A high-profile collaboration between rising star Vectorvision (AKA Dallas producer Brian Bishop) and all-round legend Convextion (AKA Gerard Hanson). In its original form, ZY Clone is something of a beast, sitting somewhere between the heavy, angular, acid-laced Dutch electro sound and the melodious, synth-laden, deep space bliss of Hanson’s usual Convextion fare. Bishop goes solo to provide the obligatory flipside remix, layering waves of glacial, cascading synthesizer lines and spacey chord progressions over an action-packed drum machine workout. Naturally, both sides are rich in bustling analogue drum machine hits and vintage synthesizer motifs.
Continue reading “Vectorvision vs Convextion – ZY Clone [LWK6]”
Late Night Approach – Clarence Mews [KLAKSON028]
Late Night Approach debuts on Klakson with a hyper funky electro twelve. The two tracks on the A side both show machine music that’s simultaneously human, whether it’s the melancholic shards of melody buried under “Clarence Mews” commanding rhythmic pulsations, or the beautifully striking chords on “Luvquest”. However, the b-side takes us to gloomy subterranean pastures with the uptempo banger “Primo”, while A2 “Kit” crosses over into broken beats but still keeps the same shadowy atmosphere.
Oscar Mulero – Pattern Series Compilation [WUPSD1]
It’s time to celebrate, nothing less than 50 releases spreaded along 17 years of existence. For this very reason we have planned an awesome remixes pack, splitted in two EP’s based in the limited clear vinyl Pattern Series originals and with an amazing digital release including all original cuts of the series not available digitally until now. If you weren’t lucky enough to get the translucent limited vinyl pattern series, now you have the chance of having them in your digital crate via the online version of the release.
Savas Pascalidis – Resurfacing [ASR009]
Peter Van Hoesen – Nine At The Beginning [T2X030]
Time To Express marks its 30th release, presented by label founder Peter Van Hoesen. The Belgian producer takes up the opportunity to expand upon his previous work on the Coast To Coast EP. No longer exclusively restricted to straight 4/4 rhythms, Van Hoesen’s music investigates hybrid, broken grooves infused with a clear sense of spatial sonic awareness. This is made clear with the first two tracks, Towards Manifestation and Shapeshifting. On the second half of the EP Van Hoesen launches two solid techno cuts, shifting from dense bassline work (Concrete Variation) to percussive, shuffling grooves (Fox Tactics).
Modern Heads – Elementi Compatibili EP [SL004]
Introducing the fourth release from Southern Lights, dedicated to releasing high-end modern techno. Our fourth release is a journey into magnetic realms and cosmic orbits from Modern Heads with the ‘Elementi Comptabili’ EP. Modern Heads is the production brainchild of Dino Sabatini and Gianluca Meloni, who together have pioneered their version of timeless techno, always capturing their vision of the future in the present. Elementi Compatibili comprises of four elements. Elemento A and C are both beautifully crafted ambient excursions, both softly navigating their way along celestial paths. Elemento B and D move from ambient bliss to more sharper, moving sequences.The hypnotism is more pronounced and a signature style of Modern Heads.
Achterbahn D’amour – Acid Test 13 [ASD030]
Acid Test continues their journey with the return of Achterbahn D’Amour. On their first proper release in three years, Jool & Iron Curtis patiently craft an intricate sound world – with the opening track, major-key pads hearken towards a bright future, hi-hats rustle like leaves and on “Dehaveland,” percussive elements fall into beautiful, random unison like factory machines staging an after hours dance. Samuel Van Dijk’s vaunted VC-118A project steps up for a remix, turning in a taut techno version that unfurls smoke pillars of ghostly ambience. The duo wraps up the four-tracker with an unexpected dreamy electro turn, “Don’t Talk To Me.” Throughout Acid Test 13, they remain in lockstep with the label’s ethos – to bend, hammer and flatten acid lines into new, imaginative shapes.
East 8th Street Players – Truth Of Time EP [MAN002]
Truncate – Wrktrx [TRUNCATE016]
Fierce grooving rhythm tracks by Truncate. 4 jack trax including a stripped down remix from Jimmy Edgar.
Legowelt – Legendary Freaks In The Trash Of Time [CWCS009LP]
Five years after the illustrious Paranormal Soul LP, techno derelict Danny Wolfers aka Legowelt returns on Clone with “Legendary Freaks In The Trash Of Time”. A vivid collection of twelve genre-defying tracks: from late-night hermit house to Memphis rap influenced slowjam electro, from Amiga 1200 technorave to cosmic spaceweed trance, including the whole universe in between. All blended together in a mix of subdued sensuality and psychedelic splendour, this album is flavoured with Legowelt’s typical crunchy LO-FI sampler and synthesizer aesthetic. Wolfers’ own hand-drawn sleeve artwork illustrates the album’s mood without the need for much further promotional blurb… colourful stories embodying societal malaise and its dwellers – yet with a dash of aspiration. Music for misfits, witches, dreamers, cyberpunks, outsiders, geeks, and freaks. Legowelt’s people.
Donato Dozzy – Afterhouse 01 [AFHS01]
Forward thinking futuristic house cuts on this new project by Donatto Dozzy called Afterhouse. Four driving dj tools that go deeep. Although renowned as a maker of dark, intense, doom-laden techno, Donato Dozzy has been known to dabble in house from time to time. That’s the idea behind his new Afterhouse label. Of course, nobody would expect Dozzy to deliver fluffy deep house or slick U.K garage. Typically, the four cuts here – from the brilliantly broken, analogue-rich wonkiness of “B”, to the hypnotic, Chicago-influenced late-night jack of “D” – all tend towards the dark and clandestine, with the producer’s usual murky aural textures present throughout. There’s a slightly more positive feel to the clattering drum machine hits and simple, otherworldly synth lines that mark out closer “E”, while the thrusting, loopy “C” feels like a pitched-down take on his usual techno sound.
