Three tracks of techno funk straight from Saturn on Hakim Murphy’s label. Classic Jamal Moss harsh raw Chicago tracks.
001.Features
Anaxander – The Adventures Of My Aniseed Lollipop [LT036]
This time a change of sound for the Local Talk crew… no retro 90’s korg organs and vocal samples, but some straight machine funk with acid basslines building up the tension coming from Anaxander.
L/F/D/M – Purple Maps [OT001]
Having established Optimo Music as a truly eclectic label more than worthy of the Optimo (Espacio) night it grew out of, JD Twitch and co. expand operations with the launch of the club specific Optimo Trax label. The all encompassing approach of Optimo Music remains the driving force behind this new offshoot, with the label apparently taking in both current artists and excavated “forgotten classics” and it’s with the former that they launch. Little is yet to be known about the London producer L/F/D/M, credited as R. Smith, who was apparently encouraged to pursue music production while studying art with Factory Floor’s man on electronics, Dominic Butler. Taking Butler’s advice, L/F/D/M delivers a strong five track of EP of deep, analogue-fueled acid techno which simultaneously draws upon the influences of the motor and windy cities, while also incorporating the more sinister strands of European techno.
Super Public – More Than A Marathon [CHAM002]
More Than A Marathon marks the debut release for Super Public. Predominantly recorded with analog hardware, the EP is an immediate classic – a must have for any techno enthusiast or DJ. Groove heavy synth funk and dreamy string-laden rhythms suggestive of standout tracks on Carl Craigs More Songs About Food And Revolutionary Art occupy side A. The flip side is filled with deeper dance floor friendly tracks sonically reminiscent of the Transmat catalog. Chambray is proud to release the second pressing of ”More Than a Marathon,” which quickly sold out in shops when originally self-released by Super Public in September 2011.
A Made Up Sound – After Hours / What Preset [AMS006]
New A Made Up Sound! Following up on the frantic start-stop action of the Ahead/Endgame whitelabel from earlier this year, number 6 in the series features two expansive semi-live trips. ‘After Hours’ offers a brooding alternative soundtrack to that most underrated of Scorsese movies, while ‘What Preset’ sounds like a launch into stratospheric jazz territory by way of some restless broken hardcore shuffle.
Shed – The Dirt / Fluid 67 [50WEAPONS030]
A new release by René Pawlowitz, regardless if it is as Head High, Wax, EQD, WK7, The Traveller, Shed or any of his other project names, is always big news. “The Dirt / Fluid 67” is the first new Shed release since his fantastic third album “The Killer” on 50 Weapons released in July 2012. The single unites 2 of the main elements of the Shed sound: dry and puristic functional techno on the A-Side and UK rave euphoria on the B-Side.
Joel Alter – Sweatbox [WRR029]
Heavy dub inspired techno club tools by Swedisch Joel Alter. Refined techno tracks with heavy synth stabs and smooth chords layerd over tight percussion.
Population One – Untitled [MSR007]
New release on Minimal Soul Recordings with 4strong minimal Detroit tracks from Population One aka Terrence Dixon.
Alex Cortex – Hyperfocus [KILLEKILL014]
Acid house curmudgeons Killekill have unveiled Hyperfocus, Alex Cortex’s fifth EP for the Berlin label-conglomerate since he launched it in 2011 as one half of Bad Cop Bad Cop. Hyperfocus’ two originals blend acid house and gritty techno with Killekill’s ironic rave aesthetic, while a sleek-yet-beat-down Skudge remix muscles up the B-side for some extra eye candy.
Dario Zenker – Old D Tracks [ITX001]
Dario Zenker comes, on his own Ilian Tape, with some Old D tracks remastered. Aero was first released in 2011 on the Transzendental compilation, while Cafu was released on 3 Years Ilian Tape in 2010.
Cosmin TRG – New Structures Or Loving [50WEAPONSRMX006]
The Romanian hotshot Cosmin TRG gets his work reshaped by two of the best contemporary remixers. Marcel Dettmann is best known for his industrial-tinged techno, but his remix of the title track casts a different light on him. Shards of delicate, metallic percussion provide the basis for Dettmann to deliver fragile melodies and a mysterious electronic groove. It’s an impressive about turn for the German producer, but not quite as jaw-droppingly unusual as Lee Gamble’s version of “Noise Code”. There, razor sharp hats soar in over a pacey, tracky rhythm that stops, starts and collapses to reveal a wobbly, cartoonish bassline. Just before the end, Gamble lets the track descend into abstract mushiness, a fitting end to an idiosyncratic remix package.
Tin Man – Acid Test 08 [ASD022]
Tin Man returns to Acid Test with the club ready track ”Mystified Acid”. the 12” also includes two remixes from his ”Neo Neo Acid” album: ”Finger Paint” remixed by RVDS and Joey Anderson’s remix of ”Futurist Acid”.
CRC – MR EP [MUHK003]
More hardware driven soul grinding dance music from Muhk with Matti Turunen’s Morphology partner, Michael D (CRC) behind the machines this time. Melt away in the 90’s synth stabs and the 909 mastery.
Andy Vaz – I’m Not From [CHIWAX002LTD]
Andy Vaz with his second release on Chiwax. Kicking off with a chunky resounding kicks and some soft 808 congas, Andy drops a subtle bassline then plays with some very minimal percussion and ethereal sounds, before letting the subtle vocal samples permeate as the track gradually increases in its complexity as more percussion and synth parts are added even though the overall tone remains satisfyingly repetitive, deep and intriguingly organic. The flip uses the same kind of warm percussion, adding smatterings of acid cut with panning and wild unusual chords and tones that grab the mind just to take it to the side before unexpectedly swiftly in the other direction. The final track has a mixture of samples giving a clue to the Detroit influence, while clearly stating out the German craftsmanship as one key force of the worlds motorisation, before descending into laid back acid over warm kicks and ticking hats complimented by yet more ethereal chords and stabs from bass and lead. There is nothing about this that’s boring or cliché and though this isn’t from Detroit, a lot of the inspiration clearly is. This is a release with some serious low tempo depth and skill, taking the feel what’s great about America’s midwest with a well considered European approach, definitely the best of both worlds….
VA – Data Courier [SRT156]
The transmission of deep sonic intelligence begins here. Drivetrain’s (Detroit, USA) “Digital Toy Box” beckons the listener to participate in audio pleasure as the melodious introduction offers an enchanting Wonderland followed by the deep-tech rhythm and throaty vocal sample escort to a sensual playground of sound. Motomitsu (Paris, France) reaches out to Soiree Records from his native Japan via Paris with “L’emotion Revoltee.” Joining the countries together with a call of action through a powerful dynamic clap marching through chanting vocals to create a crescendo of musical rebellion. Blackjack’s (Aberdeen, Scotland) “LV-427” brings his prowness once again as pressing beats grab hold, beginning a smooth ride over a solid terrain kissed with voice and sweet effects driving a late night journey. “Beatz” is the Soiree debut from Dax Inc (Rome, Italy), Dario Lotti and Simone Gatto. Heating the tempo with throbbing bass and a merciless wall of hard-hitting syncopation, this commanding duo profoundly announce their arrival.
Giorgio Luceri – Prophetic Vibes EP [FBNM005]
Fly by Night Music present the next release from Italian producer Giorgio Luceri. Giorgio delivers two sumptuous house tracks here with completely opposite dispositions, the breezin’ Balearic bliss of Prophetic Vibes versus the dark Detroitian dissonance of Woman. Woman, with thudding drums and deep subs setting the picture right away. Warbling synth begin to layer before the crescendo begins with fat analog stabs, rushing synth pads and airy groans. Lastly Kai Alce remixes of Woman. Simple but effective KZR delivers a retro house groove fitted out with lo-fi samples and old school sequenced MPC drum.
Jay Daniel – Scorpio Rising [SS051]
The last time a newcomer graced Theo Parrish’s Sound Signature, it resulted in widespread praise for the Flowers EP from London based producer, DJ and singer Andrew Ashong, somehow we get the feeling this latest release on the label will prove to be as memorable. The Scorpio Rising EP sees Parrish look much closer to home and grant the DC-born, Detroit-bred producer Jay Daniel his debut release and the four track 12″ more than lives up to his billing as one of Boiler Room’s most exciting new discoveries at DEMF. Wild Oats obsessives will probably know Daniel from the Fundamentals residency shared with Kyle Hall and he’s clearly spent some time honing his Detroit influenced craft, with cuts like “No Love Lost” expertly balanced between melody and rugged drum grit. “Brainz” is the kind of no-nonsense DJ tool you might have heard on a FXHE B Side circa 2008 whilst “I Have No Name” demonstrates Daniel is eminently capable of the sort of hope inducing Utopian house from the D that the much missed Aaron Carl was renowned for.
Myles Serge / Whim-ee – Jomars Groove / You Like It D [NDM030]
Brilliant chicago / detroit house cuts on Night Drive Music. Myles Serge and Whim-ee joining forces for a raw and oldschool infected split EP. The icing on the cake are two remixes they did for each other.
Daniel Stefanik – In Days Of Old [KANN050815]
Next to the regular catalogue number, here comes a strictly limited 3LP handmade package including represses of all parts from Daniel’s “In Days Of Old” voyage. Kann locks the awesome project with a complete collection of all tracks from “#one – #nine” that teases out Daniel Stefanik’s many-faced shining talents in techno and house music.
Samanthas Vacation – Samanthas Vacation [LIES016.5]
Samantha Vacation appears with her first 12 inch release for L.I.E.S. This release is comprised of two full side tracks which explore a loose yet complex form of mutated beat driven music which again may or may not be directed at the dancefloor. Subtle hints of the bass music and the twisted remnants of Detroit techno are present in both tracks as they freely stutter and morph while the songs evolve.
