Another solid EP compiled by Jordan Fields. Check the fresh grooves of K-Starke’s man of the moment Jeremy Williams, Detroit’s Gari Romalis, Serie Limitee’s Monsieur Cedric, Japan’s 99Letters and another special one from Giles Dickerson.
001.Features
John Daly – Paradise b/w Crystal Visions [FE102]
The Feel Music reboot continues with two new tracks from label boss John Daly. Continuing to push his tempo faster, while at the same time producing some of his deepest work yet. “Paradise” has been a live staple for a while, and it has definitely earned its spot on the label, rocking floors all over the place for some time now. “Crystal Visions” on the other side is the kind of deep trip you only get on Feel Music.
Novo Line – Movements [E024LP]
Berlin’s Nat Fowler renders his meticulous Novoline project to Not Waving’s Ecstatic with an inimitable marriage of automated electronic process and live improvisation on his 2nd album, Movements, continuing a lifelong quest for esoteric knowledge and a love of archaic computer hardware. Modelled with mis-used software, run on two separate Atari ST’s using only era-consistent hardware Yamaha FM synthesis via MIDI, pitch tuned to a pure 3:2 ratio Pythagorean scale centred on 432hz, Movements is the compelling, awkward result of obtuse production techniques and painstaking trial and error; basically experimentation at the service of discovering a sound he is genuinely warranted to call his own.
Only Edges – Permanent Heart [FLEXI018]
FlexiWave releases debut EP by NYC duo Only Edges. Only Edges is a project by Jean Lorenzo aka Silent Em and Hellyn Teng. 6 tracks of excellent minmal synth.
Marcel Dettmann – DJ Kicks [K7340LP]
Marcel Dettmann has mixed the latest edition of the highly respected DJ-Kicks compilation series. Whilst Dettmann is well-known for his incendiary sets at his residency at Berghain, his DJ-Kicks mix is crafted for listening, and displays a more reflective side of the DJ and producer. The mix explores a wide array of selections from various subgenres; ranging from the a new vocal-led Strictly Rhythm release, to rapping on Clarence G’s 1991 release ‘Cause I Said It Right’, recently reissued by Clone Records. Over the course of its 1hr 14 duration, Dettmann reveals multiple new original productions; most notably a collaboration with Levon Vincent, ‘Can You See It’. The pair have collaborated once in the past, releasing ‘Vengeance’ on Levon’s own Novel Sound label towards the end of 2015 to critical acclaim. ‘Can You See It’ sees the duo venture into darker territory; a stripped back, sub-bass laden affair, the quality of this production immediately stands out in the early stages of the mix. Dettmann also collaborates with MDR affiliate Wincent Kunth on ’Possible Step’. In addition to five brand new original Dettmann remixes and edits, there’s an unreleased remix of Marcel’s ‘Let’s Do It’ from Ostgut Ton labelmate Rolando. Designed to be enjoyed by both the critics and more casual listeners, this mix is the latest in a long series of lifetime achievements over the course of Dettmann’s career – and with so many new unreleased original Marcel Dettmann productions included, this is a landmark release for the producer.
Skudge – Balancing Point [SKUDGELP002]
When the duo Skudge started out in late 2009 with their first release on Alphahouse, followed by a string of underground hits on their own label Skudge Records, little did they know that they would be in the forefront of the Stockholm sound of the dawning 2010’s. The complex rhythm textures combined by a echoing audial lightness that still runs unparalleled, paired with sub intense quick basslines and swirling percussion has been the trademark. This updated take on the techno and house crossover of today got appreciated and caught the attention of a full spectrum of artists. With a tight release schedule, 2010 alone saw 6 releases from the Skudge hub. Culminating in 2011 with the release of ‘Phantom’, the full length album release on the home imprint, followed by the sub labels that releases other artists as well. Five years from that era, Skudge has reshaped into the solo work from one of the original artists. This change of production and artistry launches into the crates with the release of the limited full length ‘Balancing Point’ LP. During this time, the sound has shifted into new territory, where the entire A-side acts as the beginning of this grooving whirlpool of a record: quick and immense. The UK influences that was formed in the 90’s, gets picked up and infused through the B-side, ending off in a almost orchestral piece. The delicate subtleness of the second 12′ showcases a familiar coming-of-light type of style that we so much appreciate, firmly ending the long player and leave us sure of the future.
Reedale Rise – Light Through a Birds Wing [FR036]
When the flowers bloom at the awakening of the season. With translucence shining like liquid stars decked out in glorious hues of pink, purple and blue. When the trees grow and the birds fly out. When they gently beat their wings, gliding upon the blue canvas of the sky. You get touched by the sounds and the beauty of it all. It lights that fire deep within you… Reedale Rise shows us the way of things,.. as it was then, and still is now.
Shift Functions – Shift Functions 3/4 [SHIFTFUNCTIONS003/004]
Monkeyshop – Ozzyism EP [MST027]
Randomly few times a year Rutherford and Eargoggle team up for some monkey business in the studio. As often the result is “Monkeyshop” a journey into the deepest, darkest forrests and landscapes of the north. Scandinavia is not known for the monkeys but they exist there especially arround Gothenburg in the mountains.. The music is a mix between electro and disco, might call it electrodisco and its all programmed and recorded in with the most easy and understandable equipment so its possible for monekys to use.
Composite Profuse – Unalaska Ice Files [SHIP039]
Composite Profuse, aka Valerio Lombardozzi aka Heinrich Dressel, breaks radio silence after seven years in the shadows. Cold winds curl and otherworldly atmospheres abound for Unalaska Ice Files. Arctic tundra and ice are the inspiration, frozen vistas dappled with warming light, subtle shifts and sinister shades. Teslasonic take on the title track, injecting electrical pulses and an underhanded edge. Shipwrec stalwart, Robert Witschakowski aka The Exaltics, gives his own icicle encrusted interpretation, one of stark percussion and expansive horizons.
Kurt Y. Godel – Chord Rememory [YUY009]
“Chord Memory” the hymn for the widely used feature in 80s hardware synthesizers got some individual rewiring done. If ten fingers ain’t enough Hyboid uses his Galactic Memory for punchy disco purposes while Robyrt Hecht reaches for a swinging Pivot Memory to sweep and swipe your electro habits. On the other hand Milium likes the exposed wires of his Mutiny Memory to revolt whereas CCO simulates his natural Echoic Memory with floating acid sparks. Completing the mechanical rewiring the duo Nachtzug added delicate software to Execute the algorithms and installed a Memory Loss button, if you are in need of a reset.
Dona – Stilln EP [MAMSW014]
Points label owner Dona (AKA DJ Plant Texture) returns with three killer Acid tracks for More About Music.
Low Tape – Through The Night EP [EVR023]
Ike Release – Tungstan EP [FSS003]
Ike is no stranger to Finale Sessions at all with his release under the guise Innerspace Halflife with fellow producer Hakim Murphy. This time he flies solo under his real name Ike Release. The first cut called “Tangerines M” it takes you for a ride with its rawness and it’s thick pads and morphing keys and its wicked bassline . Track two called “Tungstun M” is another floor stomper with this one with its filtered pads and in and out synths just drooling with rawness.
Neville Watson – Fifth Column EP [RVRT012]
Neville Watson’s debut on Riverette, with 3 tracker full of bangin’ techno with a bit of house on top. Already on its 12th release Riverette goes for the techno route this time with none other than the mighty Neville Watson at the driver’s seat. Straight up in your face, dancefloor weapons this release delivers what the title of each song promise.
Ngly – Cities Of Ilusion [LIES079]
The Argentinian based NGLY had seemingly appeared out of thin air landing on the Brooklyn based L.I.E.S. label in 2014 with an untitled four track white label ep. On this ep, the unsuspecting track “Speechless Tape” ended up becoming a cult hit with select djs in the scene (I-F, Mick Wills, Intergalactic Gary…) eventually leading to it being voted as Intergalactic FM’s #1 track of the year in 2014. On the heels of his successful debut Rudolfo could have stayed the path and produced an easily digestable follow up dance record or two, instead he chose to take his time and reflect. Sitting back in the studio tweaking his live act, recording endlessly, transforming and refining his sound. In the end we get his debut eight track lp, Cities of Illusion, a record that walks a fine line between many of the original strains of the electronic realm. The elements are all there to be picked apart, to be used, to be abused, thrown against the wall smashed to bits…played in the club or on the late night mix shows, it’s magic you heard in the past and crave in the present. To say the music on the lp is one thing or another is an injustice…it pays reverence while at the same time turns a corner; held together by a loose yet cohesive thread. It is a full presentation that is unafraid to challenge or confuse, with no concern for genre imposed limitations.
Beau Wanzer – Untitled LP II [BW004]
Beau Wanzer returns with another LP of archival material plucked from the mutant mounds of shitty coughs and smelly feet. Wanzer digs deep and delivers twelve tracks in his inimitable style, with some dating as far back as 1999. The brutal electronic punk productions like ‘Something Stinks’ are balanced with moldy movements such as ‘Staring at at Fish’. This LP takes a more vocal heavy and menacing approach, but it’s not without moments of respite. Undoubtedly another oozing outing from the Chicago deviant.
Vatican Shadow – Media In The Service of Terror [HOS472]
Dominick Fernow presents another dark and confronting opus entitled Media In The Service Of Terror. Read between the lines of the titles then listen and learn via these harsh textural abrasions on offer. The sombre and brutalist opener “Ziad Jarrah Studied Mathematics” sets the scene well, the tunnelling slo-mo techno of “Take Vows” is great and follows the same path as Vactrol Park or L’estasi Dell’oro have in recent times. “Interrogation Mosaic” shows Fernow still has the knack for some chilling imaginary soundtracks while “More Of The Same (Tunisia)” has the classic outsider techno sound that Fernow has honed on previous efforts like Remember Your Black Day or Ghosts Of Chechnya.
Johannes Volk – Mutual Codes [EXP010]
After 5 years of Exploration, it’s time for the first album on the label. Johannes Volk proudly presents Mutual Codes, a conceptual album which contains 12 tracks between detroit infected techno and experimental classical compositions. Colourful synth adventures which take you on a journey to far away galaxies and beyond.
Acronym – Entagled In Vines [SEM077]
Hypnotising drone techno from the other world. Entangled In Vines is an intricate collection of tracks that span across the entire techno realm, from slow-burning hypnotics to high-tech warehouse blasters. “Enter” is the perfect example of this man’s style, a largely beatless tune that still drags plenty of movement across the groove, and “Getting Closer” quickly ups the tempo with a fine layer of bass and kicks. “Escape” transports us across a deep techno wormhole, and “Wrapped” delivers Acronym’s inimitable swarm of hollow tones in the same vein as artists like Donato Dozzy.
The Hipodrome Of Music 