Reviews: 145

Posted: 3rd March 2015 by gregfenton in Magazine Sixty reviews
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Single of the Week

Terence :Terry: presents
Acid Heroes
La Vie En Rose

tAs a precursor to the forthcoming ‘House Couture’ compilation Terence :Terry: presents three dedications to the sound of Acid House which has so obviously generated a seismic impact on the DJ/ producer. The title track begings the journey by combining taught bass along with punchy machine drums and a voice recalling the 80’s heyday of House. Next, Cliché gets tougher with rolling basslines, insistent hi-hats and hypnotic vocals loops, leaving the gritty undulating funk of Testing The Water to complete this excellent release from the artists own La Vie En Rose.

http://lvrose.fr
http://www.deejay.de/LVR16_-_Terrence_terry_-_Acid_Heroes_Ep_-_Vinyl__175783

Tripmastaz
Ain’t Made 4 U
Yakazi

Pushing forward with their second release this fresh Barcelona imprint employs Tripmastaz trademark sounds for the follow-up. Typically unrelenting the title track soon captures your mind and body care off thumping beats and filtered excess that rapidly taps into your soul. Coupled with the occasional vocal this is both heavy and soulful enough to satisfy most, if not all. Remixes come from Christian Burkhardt & Andre Buljat who tweak the elements into a techier slant, and from HITCH who adds darker atmosphere’s to the arrangement. Second original, Live From The Basement unleashes more powerful beats and perky bass, while this time keeping you waiting across a tension busting seven (plus) minutes.

Release: March 16
http://tripmastaz.com
http://yakazi.net

Popescu & Santai
Charlie
Bikini Tracks

If hot beats and smoky rhythms inform your pleasure then this latest from Russian DJ and producer duo, Andrey Popescu & Alexander Santai is most definitely for you. Sparse notes and chords feel emotionally charged on their version leaving the relaxed voice-over plenty of space to breath. Italo Brutalo then supplies an excellent reworking with warmer instrumentation neatly complimenting the original. However, it’s the DJ Linus remix of Charlie that scores big-time by laying down the sort of irresistible grooves that qualify to shake you down along with the killer bass. That, plus an array of FX, sometimes voices and the occasional background atmosphere all combine to give this a deeply satisfying edge.

Release: March 15
https://www.facebook.com/Popescumusic
https://www.facebook.com/santaip

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Reviews: 144

Posted: 24th February 2015 by gregfenton in Magazine Sixty reviews
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Single of the Week

Monday Club
Blackout
VIVa MUSIC

VIVa115_artworkLuke May & Paul Sidoli aka the Monday Club are the perfect partnership to deliver what is essentially excellent Acid House with a vaguely contemporary twist – and that’s just fine by me. The title track obviously combines feverish Acid loops along with punchy drum machines and current production values that sequence fresh synthesisers lines together with the tried and tested. Luke Solomon then proceeds to extend the pleasure somewhat further across almost thirteen minutes of suitable craziness playing commanding Organ hits against shuffling percussion and gritty bass. Footprints is next with addictive vocals again riding the Acid intensity this time accompanied by moody pads and if anything feels even hotter than the title track. The deeper and sleazier Girls Jackin ends on immoral high with irresistible basslines plus adventurous vocals telling it like it is (or could be).

Release: March 16

https://www.facebook.com/VIVaMUSiCLabel
https://soundcloud.com/vivamusic

Larry Cadge
Attitude
Smiley Fingers

This great new release from Larry Cadge only gets better with the addition of the stunning animated video (see below). You can hear echoes of the timeless Manuel Gottsching plus Adeva in here as the excellent production delivers pounding beats amid more subtle touches lending the arrangement an enticing, hypnotic feel.

Buy https://pro.beatport.com/release/attitude/1468908

Monoplay
Trust Me
NOPASSPORT

3516-259979_600Another first rate release from this Moscow based label which again succeeds in blending a sense of individually alongside the most engaging music. First thing to be said of Trust Me is that it’s low-slung nature appeals very much to the horizontal with captivating drum rhythms combining with smoky, cool vocals producing an almost melancholy though tempting arrangement of words and sounds. Lost, is next and gets darker with moodier basslines plus background synth lines, leaving Fly to retain the tempo although this time adds more energy to the vocal that sits neatly alongside funky guitar licks.

Release: March 3 (Beatport)

http://nopassport.com

Pollyester
In My Boots (Remixes)
Disko B

DB172-Pollyester-Maxihülle-RZThis is GREAT. Not only because I loved the original’s Hi-Energy fun and cheeky words but because this new set of remixes simply develop and continue the theme. First and foremost is the WhateverWhatever Remix by Justin Strauss and Bryan Mette which delivers deliciously dark basslines, swirling synthesisers and heavy drums that set the vocal touches on fire on what is undoutbaly the standout version. Josh Druckman’s funky cowbell driven Outlier Inn Remix follows with a more playful groove that hits party central hard, as indeed does the self-explanatory Disco Edit of the original. Bartellow’s more up-tempo version ends.

Release: March 9

http://pollyester.net
http://wp.diskob.com

The original release.

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Reviews: 143

Posted: 17th February 2015 by gregfenton in Magazine Sixty reviews
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Single of the Week

Vince Watson
Eminesence EP
Yoruba

Eminesence 1500x1500Stunning release from the label sees Vince Watson’s opening track, A Moment With Lonnie surpass itself via an outstanding intro of gorgeous instrumental ambience that you just don’t want to stop. Eminesence, happens next with juicy House bass joined by funky percussion which soon expands itself into yet more blissful musicality, and then onto Calypso with its punchy vibes providing an alternative uplifting experience. Under The Skin completes the sequence with a tastefully jazzy inflected score that is round-about note perfect for the coming spring evenings.

Vinyl Release Date: 02-03-2015
Digital Release: 09-03-2015

https://www.facebook.com/vincewatsonmusic
http://yorubarecords.net

Shiba San
Planet Floor
DIRTYBIRD

Once you get past the deeply unsettling cover then this bass driven cut is a joy to behold. First up are the addictive, sizzling drums which are soon complimented by those compelling Chicago-style deep tones, plus the odd touch of vocal and slightly twisted keys for added extra measure. Show Me, Show Me, follows with even more unfeasibly big basslines which are this time accompanied by standout piano and pumping beats, along with a twisted breakdown that certainly reaches a peak. Either way, a completely first-rate experience.

Release: February 23
https://www.facebook.com/shiba.san

Mobilee Back To Back Vol. 9 – presented by Re.You

mobileeCompiling and celebrating their tenth year in existence the Berlin based label certainly has plenty to share in terms of both depth and excellence. Reshaped and remodeled by Re.You this two disc experience gives everything and more care off the sonically charged music contained with the first disc highlighting 2014. For me, if it was even Anja Schneider’s outstanding ‘Jimmy’ and Lee Van Dowski excellent ‘050504’ on a loop I’d be more than happy, but of course the label is about so much more with tracks from the likes of  Rodriguez Jr. and Ross Evans all feeling vital and contemporary. Re.You then comes into his own on the second disc by deconstructing and then re-imaging a handful of Mobilee’s back catalogue which are then reconstructed into two 30 minute mixes. Add to that excitement some brand new remixes along with hot Ninetoes collaboration, ‘Union’ and Volume 9 clearly makes for essential listening.

Release date: February 27

http://www.mobilee-records.de/
https://www.facebook.com/re.youmusic

Bravofox
Spyderman EP
Wiggle

Been around since Christmas (remember that) and having just been brought to my attention it would be amiss not to reignite your attention on this. Combining irresistible, dark smoky bass alongside Jamie Porteous’ teasing, breathy vocals which lend this great production a tantalising sheen on title track, Spyderman. Next comes the deeper, equally compelling Inside which plays meandering synth lines against sassy rhythms, and again feels lush and inviting. Next please.

Buy https://pro.beatport.com/release/spyderman-ep/1424492
https://www.facebook.com/bravofoxmusic

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Reviews: 142

Posted: 10th February 2015 by gregfenton in Magazine Sixty reviews
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Single of the Week

Maxxi Soundsystem
Medicine EP featuring Name One
Culprit

The ever excellent Culprit are once again on target with the labels 50th release from the equally first-rate Maxxi Soundsystem, and as per usual it’s his uniquely blended electronic funkiness that ignites all five senses on Medicine. The title tracks’ typically expanded bassline sucks you into another warmly produced; creatively enthralling production that sets them apart along with Name One’s commanding vocal lines. The empathetic Lone Raver follows with bubbling tension driven by the vocals, leaving Fading Thought to end it all with yet more lush, deep-ended bass plus smoky voices and rich pulsating electronics….

https://www.facebook.com/maxxisoundsystem
https://www.facebook.com/CulpritLA

Buy https://pro.beatport.com/release/medicine-ep-feat-name-one/1450437

Heizer
Fog EP
Soloman’s Forest Records

The second excellent release guaranteed to hit you hard this week is from the impressive Soloman’s Forest Records. Heizer supplies two excellent productions in the shape of The Fog plus Joshua with the former’s tempting rhythms feeling perfect night-time, played LOUD and the latter’s equally irresistible hypnotic arrangements sounding just as compelling. The EP’s title track is remixed by Lee Burton’s version which simmers with hot FX tension over taught grooves, while the second track gets made over via On.ket’s Secular Remix which adds twisted vocals to Techno rhythms and as you will hear leaves an indelible impression.

Release: March 2

https://www.facebook.com/SolomansForestRecords

John Bence
Disquiet EP
Other People

OP021_artworkWho wouldn’t like to be 19 and producing music of this calibre, which is just what – in the spirit of adventure/ defiance – Nicolas Jaar´s Other People achieves in releasing this startling assault on the senses from John Bence. Something reminds of something within this unsettling combination of orchestral instrumentation and dark layers of harmonious choir-like voices. It feels like the cinema with the picture missing, and perhaps the most telling indication of the music evoked is the image which adores the front cover.

Release: February 23

Sound clips available at https://other-people.net
https://www.facebook.com/bensemusic

Rosana Nun & J. Sanchez
Right Now EP
Malo Records

Feeling as abrupt at the title this rewardingly, moody production fuses dark undertones together with an emotive resonance which soon becomes addictive. Malo is based on Mallorca with a sound that touches upon a number a different bases and the moodier nature of the music is neatly revealed via the Dub of standout track Moments. The brisker Port then adds crunchy drums to more upbeat grooves raising the emotional content higher still. Listen below:

https://www.facebook.com/DjRosanaNun
http://malorecords.com

Moe Turk
Open Minded EP
Itom Records

Great new release from the Hungarian-based Itom Records which sees Moe Turk deliver heavy-duty percussion alongside deep organ and juicy bass for your pleasure. Christian Cardwell’s Piano Remix pushes the theme further with added vocal snippets filling out the rhythm plus cool piano chords warming up the emotions, leaving the Boo From Ill Cows Deep Down version to sequence punchier beats for the dancefloor along with perky hits of organ and piano doing likewise.

https://www.facebook.com/ItomRecordsOfficalPage

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Reviews: 141

Posted: 3rd February 2015 by gregfenton in Magazine Sixty reviews
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Single of the Week

diegoDiego Krause
Right About Now
Apollonia

Unison Wax main man debuts on the label with three equally quality productions that could just set the dancefloor on fire. The title track opens with crunchy drums but soon develops its emotions with tasteful keys complimenting the tough House rhythms perfectly.  Manitu, then adds more movement to the percussion to provide addictive listening, while Dreams completes the release with a combination of creative synths and more heavy-duty drums on the deepest but also possibly most compelling of the trio.

https://www.facebook.com/diegokrause
https://www.facebook.com/ApolloniaMusic

Sydney
Deeper Side To Life EP
Brise Records

Brise59-A bcExcellent new release from the ever impressive Brise with the title track from the EP sequencing sassy congo breaks together with warm, expanding chords and tech stabs alongside welcome human voices. A funky combination for sure, but also a deep and moody one with more than a twist of invention to the production. The Nightshift Remix then takes it up a gear with rolling bass adding heavier vibes to the darker elements of the original. Next, Serpente fuses break-beats with treated vocals and pulsating piano to again produce another imaginative arrangement of sounds. Label boss Helmut Dubnitzky provides a remix which adds fierce bass to a much moodier and excellent reworking.

Release: February

http://www.brise-records.com

Misfa Stereo
Something is Wrong
La Pitti Records

Two fresh new tracks from Neapolitan producer Pasquale Gargiulo aka Misfa Stereo go to make up this latest from La Pitti with the later F Is To Forget being the standout courtesy of the punchy beats and basslines adding tension to the organ punctuated grooves. The former, Something is Wrong feels less frantic with crisp snare hits and moody keys adding extra atmosphere. A remix comes care of Share Records’ Helder Teixeira who adds a more off kilter edge to the production via contrasting soulful vocals.

http://www.beatport.com/release/something-is-wrong/1451817

https://www.facebook.com/leftroom
http://www.lapittirecords.com

Armand Van Helden
Masterpiece
Ministry Of Sound

Expect the unexpected. So I don’t quite know why I was surprised to see that Van Helden’s three CD compilation for the Ministry series were titled: The Loft, Yacht Rock Don’t Stop, and Freestyle Forever. For obvious reasons it’s the first CD and its selection of House classics (I use the word advisedly) complete with Masters At Work, Earth People and Logic’s timely ‘The Warning’ that all provide reasons to acquaint yourself thoroughly with the mix. The Freestyle collection is then highlighted by the more obvious Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam ‘I Wonder If I Take You Home’ and Joyce Sims anthem ‘(You Are My) All And All’ and I guess it’s a pre-House sound you either love or not. And so to the Yacht Rock selection which, let’s face it, contains a number of breezy, uplifting classics (though also a fair share of cringe) despite the terrible genre name attached to them now. Consequently if Toto, Chicago, and The Doobie Brothers sound like your idea of heaven then you’re in luck…

Release: February 14
Pre Order here: http://smarturl.it/AVH_iTunes

One of Armand Van Helden’s 90’s classic records (not on the CD)

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Reviews:140

Posted: 27th January 2015 by gregfenton in Magazine Sixty reviews
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Single of the Week

C’est Moi
This Song
Dessous Recordings

Alex Niggemann recording undercover as fresh alias C’est Moi hits the spot with this effortless combination of deep bass, shuffling beats and lush Detroit tones. When a song won’t satisfy the age tested addition of timely spoken words always suffices, which in this case adds that authentic human touch to the energised electronics. Dario D’Attis supplies the remix of This Song with rougher drums alongside a simpler arrangement of notes complimenting the voiceover nicely, leaving second track From A Bird’s Eye View to delve deeper with undulating keys and soulful vocals.

Release: February 2

www.alexniggemann.com
http://www.dessous-recordings.com

Superlounge
All On Me EP
Motek Music

Oliver Fritsche & Alex Bach aka Superlounge latest release for Motek is a blissful piece of music that no doubt stand the test of time. The words deep and moody apply here with the breathily spoken vocals only adding emotion to the equation; however the music is richly rewarding in its own right complimented by an excellent production of enticing, hypnotic sounds. A set of striking remixes come via Eric Volta’s sizzling electronics, Maher Daniel’s darker interpretation and from Hands Free & Kosmas progressive feeling tones.

Release: February 2

www.superlounge.info
https://www.facebook.com/MotekMusic

Hugo
Ultravogue EP
Gruuv

The EP’s title track is a provocative amalgamation of electronic sounds that all at once unnerves your sense of time and space via its clash of striking effects and creative rhythms. Thinking outside of the box results in an irresistible, if unsettling, listen from the producer and that theme is continued through to Pendulum featuring Heral, and again imaginative percussion keeps you guessing alongside an insistent vocal loop plus vibrating synths. Detlef then delivers a rough and tough remix that employs fierce hi-hats against unforgiving, pounding beats and bass for full dancefloor effect. To end the first-rate Metaloop adds a funkier sequence of plucked guitar and abrupt basslines completing the standout track on the EP for me with more a musical flair.

Release: February 2

https://www.facebook.com/gruuv

Trippy Soul
Paradox
Quanticman Records

Matusoiu Alexandru’s pseudo name gives the game away somewhat with spacey, far reaching rhythms feeling explorative and engaging as on the opening, certainly apt Cinema. The wordplay continues next with Paradox which again develops dark themes across moody electronics, as indeed does the proceeding Shamanism. The rhythmatic, Un Mit ends this captivating set of instrumentals which all succeed in their mission of creating intoxicating atmospheres and as such score high.

Release: January 31

https://www.facebook.com/quanticmanrecords
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Trippy-Soul/325463037464704?fref=ts

Jacob B
Breslau Cuts
Käse Kool

Brutal House Music, just the way we like it, sees Breslau-based producer Jacob B deliver three equally unrelenting tracks plus a remix from JMF. The self-explanatory ‘The Weapon’ kicks things off via heavy duty beats, cutting techno bass and a rave-era hoover stab that works surprisingly well. The aptly titled From The Underground follows with more harsh drums and staccato organ stabs on JMF’s addictive Fatty Rub, with the original version again hitting you with moody synths and classic House vocals. The Warehouse Stomp finishes with yet more uncompromising kicks alongside ‘muthafucker’ vocals just in case you were left in any doubt!

Release: February 7

https://www.facebook.com/Jacobbofficial
https://www.facebook.com/www.kaese.kool.de

Emika
‘Klavirni’
Emika Records

Taking a sideway step from Dance music production Emika has thankfully taken the time to share her keyboard skills with us. I say thankfully because this haunting selection of works is rather beautiful, in a melancholy sense, and also goes to prove that people who create Dance tracks can be real artists/ musicians too. The lone piano passages simply ooze with emotion and slightly remind me of the exquisite compositions of Erik Satie. That said, you can also hear modern motifs played but either it’s a definite pleasure to listen to. Try for yourself below – play loud or quiet.

buy https://itunes.apple. com/gb/album/klavirni/ id951046381?ls=1
http://emikarecords.com

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Reviews:139

Posted: 20th January 2015 by gregfenton in Magazine Sixty reviews
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Single of the Week

Vince Watson
Déjà vu EP
Poker Flat Recordings

In the course of celebrating a 20 plus years history the label releases this excellent number from Vince Watson. The title track ticks all the right buttons with emotive chords underpinning a relatively restrained Acid bassline and comes complete with a lush breakdown that sets the pulse racing. And to highlight just how effective it all is Déjà vu also features a Beatless and Ambient Mix which both accentuate the track’s sensual nature, with the radiant ambience of the later feeling particularity rewarding care of the well placed piano motif. Illusion, meanwhile provides a tougher affair for the dancefloor with hissing hi-hats accompanied by a more intense array of punchy keys, while label founder Josh Wink’s funky percussion led remix aims high with pounding musicality reaching an eventual deeper climax on what is undoubtedly a first rate version.

www.vincewatson.co.uk
www.ovumrecordings.com

Little By Little
Bang The Box EP
Defected Records

Great title (of course) and reflects the banging nature of House Music with this irresistible workout from the Frenchman. Bang The Box, features taught, explosive bass lines plus the chopped-up vocals of the same name and then proceeds to twist them all together delivering highly flammable material. Second track, ‘Stress’ applies nastier bass to pumping drums along with wobbly synths and once again comes up smiling. Simple yet deadly.

Release: January 19

Roland Appel
Zeus
Inside Out Records

An explosive sonically charged barrage from Roland Appel has the title track feel every bit as great as that sounds with dark bass and beats, weird synths and Acid attitude all combining most conveniently into a sizzling collage of sounds. The funkier, Da Cat follows with heavier bass accompanied by sometimes warmer, sometimes harsher keys that are all high on impact and lend the track its distinctive, notably edgy flavour.

Release: January 26

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Roland-Appel/123904200961246?sk=timeline

Monoblok&PSLKTR
Relapse EP
Meant Records

Love this from Monoblok&PSLKTR who defiantly throw the rule book out of the window while delivering an icily cool production complete with addictive deadpan vocals and unsettling synthesizers. Relapse, even features a rocky guitar, live action bass and is most effective via the excellent original mix. Remixes come from a pulsating Rework version, and the sizzling electronics of My Favorite Robot. Next, Walking Disaster supplies another great original with further cool vocals alongside sassy keyboards and decadent 80’s attitude. Arnaud Rebotini’s remix of the same completes with a more robust version beefing it all up nicely.

https://www.facebook.com/MonoblokPslktr

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Reviews:138 (2015)

Posted: 13th January 2015 by gregfenton in Magazine Sixty reviews
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Single of the Week:

leeLee Van Dowski
050504
Mobilee

Not often I get to use the word outstanding but this latest from Lee Van Dowski is all of that and more. Two tracks go to make up this release for the ever excellent Mobilee and it’s the breathtaking numeric’s of 050504 that scores full points. Powered by rolling Toms and soaring vocals this is in a class all of its own sounding heavenly, and feeling distinctly anthemic. Lee’s mobile, then provides a more typically techy production that gets us just as involved with commanding synths blazing their way across pulsating rhythms. Outstanding!

Release: January 16

Listen: http://pulseradio.net/articles/2015/01/premiere-lee-van-dowski-lee-s-mobile

Petite Noir
The King Of Anxiety
Double Six

petiteKicking off the New Year with Petite Noir’s delightfully breathy vocal delivery is certainly a good way to start. ‘Chess’ plays tricks with the imagination via a swirling array of melodies and electronically infused rhythms accompanied by various off the wall sounds, which still manage still retain a live ‘authentic’ feel to them. Released through Domino Recordings sister label Double Six this not only pulls the heartstrings – check the lower register – but also feels slightly epic care off the cumulative Rock sensibilities employed along the way. One of five great tracks on offer with the remainder all exploring similar themes plus notably the more explosive Till We Ghosts featuring Yasiin Bey (Mos Def) adding yet another twist to the picture.

 

Release:  January 19

https://www.facebook.com/petitenoir1
https://twitter.com/PETITE_NOIR

Nolan ft Amber Jolene
Cutting Loose
Dear Deer Records

nolanReleased at the tail end of last year this is too good to let slip by into the ether. The Original version feels much funkier with loose grooves and a familiar guitar lick capping it all off, while Amber Jolene’s inevitably cool vocals add the icing to this emotive feast. An excellent remix comes care off Kyle Watson who combines a striking amalgamation of influences transforming it all into dancefloor nirvana complete with taught Garage bass sitting comfortably alongside tough House beats and soulful Organ.

https://www.facebook.com/DJ.NolanUK
https://www.facebook.com/AmberJoleneMusic

buy http://www.beatport.com/release/cutting-loose/1437590

Sandeman & John Monkman
French Girl In Berghain
Rebellion

rebelExcellent production from this duo which is best played LOUD with the lights low. Its twisted combination of sizzling, sleazy grooves and seductive French spoken vocal does wonders emanating from your speakers and exists in place way beyond mere dancefloor fodder with this carefully crated arrangement of sounds playing like excitement personified. The Original Mix is complimented by a Laughapella should you require it.

facebook.com/sandemanmusic
facebook.com/JohnMonkmanLIV

Listen http://www.tsugi.fr/news/2015/01/12/exclu-french-girl-berghain-titre-ultra-chaud-en-ecoute-8476

Aaron Bessemer
Curly Blonde
MKT

It’s hard to resist any of Aaron Bessemer’s irrepressible twisted Techno madness with the title track starting as things mean to go on. Curly Blonde provides you with addictive, pulverising beats and bass, splashing hi-hats and hints of vocal in amongst the background drone. Passetto then does more of the same, this time with added percussion, as the standout track Good Intentions hits next with tribal flavoured drums and hot, punchy piano adding the human touch to the otherwise relentless rhythms. Lastep, completes with funkier bass and more vocal on yet another fierce production that simply doesn’t sleep.

https://www.facebook.com/aaronbessemer
buy http://www.beatport.com/release/curly-blonde/1436119

 

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reviews:137 (2014)

Posted: 21st December 2014 by gregfenton in Magazine Sixty reviews
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Single of the Week

Full Intention
Meteor Man
OFFSPIN

It doesn’t come much better than this blistering Acid attack from Full Intention in the form of ‘Meteor Man’. Indeed, they have always seemingly had one finger on the pulse, much as they did back in the mid 90’s with the Disco infused ‘America (I Love America)’, which coincidently I reviewed for DMC (Mixmag Update) way back then. Those familiar with 1988 may recognize where the inspiration comes from but none the less the stripped back but devastatingly effective drums and Roland 303 sound epic placed in any decade – PLAY LOUD. Next, ‘Upside Down’ applies moody electronic basslines to yet more first-rate drums, while final track ‘Walk Away’ adds a techier sheen to warmer chords and Penny. F’s breathy vocals amid, what has to be said is, a very tasty breakdown of events.

http://www.fullintention.com

Katzer & Meffert
MG166
Quanticman Records

Katzer & Meffert concoct this strange but very satisfying brew with the title track MG166 combing intense, almost jazzy drums, and moody pads plus occasional vocal snippets to stunning effect. The remaining tracks: Nada Brahma, Shulgain and Zapta all reinforce intricate drumming across their rhythms, alongside atmospheric backdrops and twisted voices. An intriguing bunch of productions for sure, each coming with their very own merit and more than a touch of individuality, although the cinematic moments and evolving percussion of ‘Shulgain’ are particularly hard to resist.

https://www.facebook.com/quanticmanrecords

Graeme L.
New Beginnings EP
Division Recordings

Flexing bassline muscles and plugging directly into the electronic mainframe is this explosive new release from Graeme L. The remix of ‘Give It A Chance’ sets the agenda with hard to miss bottom end attacking the senses along with insistent percussion and spot-on beats lending it all a breathless edginess. The Original Mix then follows in deeper fashion, though no less subdued, with whirring sound effects joining in with the commanding vocals again most effectively.

http://www.divisionmusic.co.uk/release/graeme-l-new-beginnings-ep/

Helmut Dubnitzky
Think About EP
Brise Records

Love this. Stunning production from Helmut Dubnitzky whose carefully crafted arrangements are nothing short of spectacular. ‘Think About’ starts with repetitive rhythms that require repeat investigation as the music develops with subtle, and so no subtle effects, until the x factor breakdown kicks in. ‘Clouds In The Sky’ then plays like pure bliss with more tasteful percussion accompanying the organ pulses, leaving the grittier Techno of ‘Come On’ to end with more than one surprise.

http://www.dubnitzky.de/

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Tomoki Tamura Q&A (HOLIC TRAX)

Posted: 19th December 2014 by gregfenton in Questions & Answers
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Can you tell us about how you first got into Dance music and your memories of the scene in Japan at that time?

holicI  grow up with Underground US House in Osaka, that time there was strong culture of this kind of house music there. At that time I was working & Dj’ing at small underground club which was called “Club Flatt”, I met a lot of great & beautiful people there. I was very lucky to see & share the decks with a lot of great names such us Larry Heard, Ron Trent, Jovonn, Theo Parish, Moodyman, Francois K, Joe Claussell there. That time was one of the most important time for my DJ Career.

How would you compare arriving in London in 2004 to what clubbing is like now in 2014?

When I arrived in London, there were more clubs and no many warehouse parties then. Now people like to go to secret venue or private party ,it is also great vibe but I hope more great new clubs are coming up and more nice people come to clubs too!

You launched Holic Trax in 2012 with Mr.G’s ‘Danceholic’s EP’. How would you describe the development of the label musically, alongside its ethos, since then?

I sometime try to not think too much about music style of holic trax. Some of my mate has told me that direction of record label should be more organic, you go where you feel, I think it is great answer.  We do not need to follow the hype, maybe one day the hype will catch what we doing LOL.

The label’s latest release is from Sierra Sam ‘Sage EP’ containing a remix by you. Can you talk us through the process of how you produced the remix?

Sierra Sam’s studio is 1 min from my house so super easy to pop there and he has a lot of great hard gears. We played & enjoyed with these machine together and I brought back this project to my studio to edit & some more work. Just it, pretty simple process. He is lovely guy so I am comfortable when I am at his studio, I think it is one of the most important thing for collaboration.

What do you look for when you sign a track to the label? Does it matter whether the artist has a profile or not?

No matter if they have a profile or not. Nice groove on beats, dope bass line & emotional melody on the top, just it! Be simple.
One thing I could say is I prefer unique sounds than perfect quality sounds.

hol2How would you describe living in Berlin?

I think Berlin is not big city like London or Tokyo but each people and culture is very unique & friendly.
I could say this city is very underground which means they have got own style and do not mind the fashion a lot.
You still see many of funny looking guys around my house lol

Can you tell us about your project with Tuccillo: Doublet, and any forthcoming plans?

We are very good friend and always having fun at studio, also both of us has good old House music behind our history, this is Doublet. We are exciting about our forthcoming plans for next year,so many bombs are ready to go. I am sure you will love these music, wait for 2015!

Where can people hear you play in the coming months?

I will come to play in London for NYE and also you can catch me in ITALY,BERLIN,JAPAN etc… See you then!

NYE https://www.facebook.com/events/716269235128198/?ref=ts&fref=ts

nye

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.holictrax.com
https://www.facebook.com/HolicTRAX
https://twitter.com/HolicTrax
https://www.facebook.com/TomokiTamuraOfficial
http://www.mixcloud.com/djtomokitamura

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