Subjective Music Reviews

[digital] UGLH - Spiral of Power EP

2012-03-10T03:50:00.000-08:00

Artist(s): UGLH
Name: Spiral of Power
Genre: deep-house, house
Label: Caramella Records
Catalog: CARA014
No. of tracks: 6
Type: unmixed

Tracklist:

01. Down the Lane
02. Moving
03. Spiral of Power
04. Stop the Fight
05. The Dreamer
06. Wonder (Deep Mix)

Opinion:

The first Caramella for 2012 brings no less than six original songs from none others than duo UGLH, heads of the label. They show their amazing production skills on this release, totaling over 50 minutes of auditive heaven.

Down the Lane starts with somewhat of an old overplayed vinyl sound, joined by chilling piano notes, in a deep house composition typical for the italian duo. Moving picks up the pace, creating a carousel of slick sounds and irresistible bass. Spiral of Power adds some suitable vocal samples and futuristic sounds to the equation, while Stop the Fight chills the atmosphere with a slower tempo and a great feeling of underground music played in dark rooms. The Dreamer is perfect for the midnight on the dance-floor, with its strong percussion and danceable grooves, while Wonder closes the record with a dreamy deep house track and a scent of proper old-school house. To sum up, a release that stands up in quantity, as an interesting form of a 6-tracked EP and, most importantly, in quality, as a fine example of electronic music.

http://www.beatport.com/release/spiral-of-power-ep/875502

[digital] Ly Sander & Michael J. Collins - No Response EP

2012-03-07T12:35:00.001-08:00

Artist(s): Ly Sander & Michael J. Collins; remix by Deep Space Orchestra
Name: No Response
Genre: deep-house, techno
Label: Raoul
Catalog: RAOUL006
No. of tracks: 3
Type: unmixed

Tracklist:

01. No Response
02. No Response (Deep Space Orchestra remix)
03. Russian Roulette

Opinion:

Soon after the latest release on the label (Digitaline`s Raoul05, find it here), it`s time for another magic moments with this 3-tracked EP pumping through the audio system. You will not be disappointed.

No Response takes the form of a deep-house song, with a kind of chilling atmosphere, and filled with old school sounds and a slick bass-line. The trance feeling it creates is so nice, and the vocals fit perfectly in the overall structure. Deep Space Orchestra`s remix picks up the pace, being more danceable, because of the use of more percussion, and a higher BMP (from 112 to 117). And the dark atmosphere is still there, the thing that made the original mix so special. When chilling down in the morning, I could recommend Russian Roulete, which is not that dark as the first two tracks, but is a relaxing kind of techno, not based on drums but on the overall groove. To sum up, a very original and pleasant to hear EP. Keep it up!!!

Will be released at the end of March.

[digital] Yooj - Mademoiselle EP

2012-03-06T10:54:00.000-08:00

Artist(s): Yooj; remix by Martin Buttrich
Name: Mademoiselle
Genre: tech-house, techno
Label: Monique Musique
Catalog: MM077
No. of tracks: 2
Type: unmixed

Tracklist:

01. Mademoiselle
02. Mademoiselle (Martin Buttrich remix)

Opinion:

I know it`s almost 2 months old, but my bad is that I did not hear this track until I heard Darius Syrossian`s VIVa show #019 (a great mix, which you will find at the bottom of this page). Both tracks are in the top 10 for Monique Musique, as it results from Beatport, with the remix being at the top of the chart.

The origial mix is signed by Yooj, and, leaving the sensual french voice you will hear, you got to be prepared for a mad ride. It`s straight forward tech-house, rough, with a lot of percussion, and extremely danceable. And if you think you cannot get better than this, be prepared for the Martin Buttrich remix. He sure is a legend among electronic music producers, and, yet again, shows his remarkable talent. He maintains the same wild rhythm, and adds slick bass-line and a more techno-oriented feeling, taking the song to the level of ear orgasm :)) Anyway, listen and buy, a true gem.

http://www.beatport.com/release/mademoiselle/849853

[digital] Pirupa - Party Non Stop EP

2012-03-04T09:40:00.000-08:00

Artist(s): Pirupa; remix by DJ QU
Name: Party Non Stop
Genre: tech-house, house
Label: Desolat
Catalog: DESOLAT019
No. of tracks: 3
Type: unmixed

Tracklist:

01. Party Non Stop (Vocal)
02. Party Non Stop (DJ QU Remix)
03. Party Non Stop (Instrumental)

Opinion:

Pirupa, known for his releases for CR2, Cecille, Monique Musique, VIVa, Toolroom, and many more, makes his debut on one of the most charted labels around, Desolat. And what a musical feast we get.

Party Non Stop, in its original vocal version, is a mad tech-house, filled with various percussions, a strong beat, and hip-hop vocals that blend in perfectly, giving the track a feeling of old school tech-house. Needless to say that they are missing from the instrumental version, but still we can immerse ourselves in this perfectly crafted song. DJ QU delivers the only remix, as a deeper and darker version of the original, with distorted sounds, and an irresistible bass-line. As the original goes, it is a true gem, and for me it rises to the status of one of the best tracks of Desolat. And that`s something. Find it here:

http://www.beatport.com/release/party-non-stop/874881

[digital] Nick Curly - A Certain Someone EP

2012-03-03T13:30:00.001-08:00

Artist(s): Nick Curly
Name: A Certain Someone
Genre: tech-house
Label: Cecille
Catalog: CEC025
No. of tracks: 2
Type: unmixed

Tracklist:

01. A Certain Someone
02. Inside Out

Opinion:

The first release of Cecille for 2012 has a magic number (#25) and is signed by a magician of electronic music, when it comes to dj-ing and producing. Nick Curly is known for his excellent releases at labels like 8Bit, Get Physical, Tronic, Cocoon, SCI+TEC, and many more.
With A Certain Someone we get our share of original sounds blended together in a blend of tech-house, with strong beats, interesting vocals, and quite a funky structure and vibe. It`s originality was not left unnoticed, as many top-class artists picked the track in their latest charts. And no wonder, it`s weird and extremely danceable. On the other side, Inside Out resembles more with the classic Curly style, combining such a nice bass with tribal percussions. It`s a kind of track that you love more and more as it unfolds. To sum up, a great EP, and the last one for Curly until his first LP. Looking forward for that :D. Meanwhile, treat your ears with this release:

http://www.beatport.com/release/a-certain-someone-ep/855101

[digital] Sante - Ce Tout/La Pek/Zacatecas EP

2012-03-01T11:00:00.000-08:00

Artist(s): Sante, Soliman
Name: Ce Tout/La Pek/Zacatecas
Genre: tech-house, house
Label: VIVa Music
Catalog: VIVA091
No. of tracks: 3
Type: unmixed

Tracklist:

01. Ce Tout
02. La Pek
03. Zacatecas

Opinion:

A new EP was released 2 weeks ago at Steve Lawler`s label, and, as always, we get our share of tribal tech-house of the highest quality. And we remember again that there are only a few releases left until no. 100.

It`s the second time Sante releases his work on VIVa, and he brings 3 of his songs to the table. Ce Tout starts the release in a very technical way, with distorted vocals obscured by loads different percussion, just perfect to use when starting a set. La Pek is a true gem of a track, with a slick bass-line and perfect grooves, combined in a mad rhythm. Zacatecas ends the record with a bit more darker atmosphere, but still the danceable beats are present, so everyone is invited to the dance-floor. Overall, a solid release. Find it here:

https://www.beatport.com/release/ce-tout-la-pek-zacatecas/867738

[digital] M.A.N.D.Y. vs. Adultnapper - Kindling EP

2012-02-27T08:14:00.001-08:00

Artist(s): M.A.N.D.Y., Adultnapper; remix by John Tejada
Name: Kindling
Genre: deep-house
Label: Get Physical Music
Catalog: GPM162
No. of tracks: 3
Type: unmixed

Tracklist:

01. Kindling
02. Kindling (John Tejada remix)
03. Kindling (John Tejada instrumental)

Opinion:

It`s not the first time that duo M.A.N.D.Y., one of the most famous producers & djs, and also pillars of Physical Music, team up with ex-punk-rocker Adultnapper, now a heavy name in the electronic music industry. And again, top quality can be used to define the final result.
If you are expecting something related to tech-house, don`t be fooled by the start of the original song. It develops into a dark deep-house track, with distorted vocals, strong percussion, and a jazzy flavor. The piano lines from the second part blend in perfectly with the overall atmosphere. It`s my pleasure to announce you that John Tejada is back on the label, on his second EP, in this one being a remixer, rather than a producer. The interesting part is that he signed, together with M.A.N.D.Y, GPM001, almost 10 years ago (Put Put Put). His remix picks up the pace, and contains more electronic sounds than the first song, being a very good and danceable track. And we get also a instrumental version of his work. Overall, highly recommended:

http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=7763822473728205639

[digital] Digitaline - Raoul05 EP

2012-02-20T11:00:00.000-08:00

Artist(s): Digitaline
Name: Raoul05
Genre: tech-house
Label: Raoul
Catalog: RAOUL005
No. of tracks: 2
Type: unmixed

Tracklist:

01. Neon
02. Comet

Opinion:

A year elapsed since Digitaline`s (Cadenza, Cityfox, CR2) first EP on Raoul, number 001, and the best when it comes to the label. But let`s not dwell in the past, and mind the present.

The high quality music from Digitaline`s live act can be heard on this wonderful 2-track EP. Neon comes with extremely powerful percussion (with a light scent of tribal house) and danceable grooves, combining techno with tech-house in a very exquisite way. Comet stays in the realm of tech-house, but projects a dreamy trance atmosphere, through the use of some deep-house and electronic sounds. The song that results is a true gem, and I hope I will hear it once on the dancefloor, from a big speaker. Summing up, a high quality release. I`m waiting for more:

http://www.beatport.com/release/raoul05/861880

[vinyl/digital] Echonomist / Andrade - Obstacles/Dancing EP

2012-02-10T06:35:00.000-08:00

Artist(s): Echonomist, Andrade; remixes by Quell, Pol_On
Name: Obstacles/Dancing
Genre: deep-house, tech-house
Label: Back and Forth
Catalog: BAF004
No. of tracks: 4
Type: unmixed

Tracklist:

01. Echonomist - Obstacles
02. Echonomist - Obstacles (Pol_On Remix)
03. Andrade - Dancing
04. Andrade - Dancing (Quell 'The Grind' Remix)

Opinion:

The first vinyl from Back and Forth for 2012 brings the usual format, with the sides being split, one to the Echonomist, and the other to Andrade. Both bring on an original mix, and also a remix, to fill the whole record.

The EP starts with the original Obstacles track, with deep grooves and a bit of a dark atmosphere, a bit of scent of old school synth, and a very danceable rhythm. The haunting vocals of Mz Sunday Luv are in the perfect harmony with the song. The duo Pol_On have an even deeper vision of the track, providing an irresistible bass and unforgettable musical patterns. Turning on the other side, Andrade still remains in the realm of deep-house, but brings a very original and pleasant uplifting touch (for the ones who don`t understand the uplifting part of deep-house, it`s like remembering a good moment from the past; you are happy, but also sad because it`s gone). Quell takes Dancing on another level, making it more dance-oriented, incorporating strong percussion and bass usually found in tech-house. Overall, a very nice auditive experience (as always from BAF). Keep up to good work :)

Vinyl is out in the stores on 17.02, and digitally the EP will be available on 08.03. Check out a preview bellow.

[digital] DJ T. - The Pleasure Principle (Remix Edition)

2012-02-08T11:15:00.000-08:00

Artist(s): DJ T.; remixes by David August, Jimmy Edgar, Jean Le Phunk, MANIK, Julian Ganzer, Findling, Lihab, Mario, Vidis
Name: The Pleasure Principle (Remix Edition)
Genre: house, deep-house, tech-house
Label: Get Physical
Catalog: GPMDA046
No. of tracks: 16
Type: unmixed

Tracklist:

01. Burning (Feat Nick Maurer) (Acapella)

02. Burning (Feat Nick Maurer) (Jean Le Phunk & DJ T Edit)

03. City Life (Feat Cari Golden) (Acapella)

04. Discotrain (Ext Version)

05. Leavin Me (Feat Khan) (Acapella)

06. Leavin Me (Feat Khan) (David August Remix)

07. Nothing Even Comes Close (Jimmy Edgar Remix)

08. Opera Buffa (DJ Ts Night In Turin Mix)

09. Opera Buffa (M A N I Ks Paradise LL Mix)

10. Remember The Future (Feat Jaw) (Mario & Vidis Redo)

11. Same Plane (Feat Jaw Ginger) (DJ Ts Take Off)

12. Sense (Feat James Teej) (Acapella)

13. Sense (Feat James Teej) (Julian Ganzers Deadly Deadline Mix)

14. Time Slip (Subb-an ReInterpretation)

15. Yesterday, Tomorrow (Feat Dave Aju) (Acapella)

16. Yesterday, Tomorrow (Feat Dave Aju) (Findling & Lihab Remix)

Opinion:

Excepting the well known singles like Burning and City Life, that got some remixes with their stand-alone release, we didn`t get any other remixes linked to the beautiful (and most recent) album signed by producer, label manager, and obviously dj, non other than DJ T. Full of originality, the album let us explore the creative mind of the german producer, full with inspiration tons of hours listening to all kinds of music genres.

The remix album contains no less than 16 tracks, a combination of remixes by various artists, T`s own views, and some acapellas. To get rid of the last ones, I gotta note that the beautiful vocals from 5 tracks have made it on this album. It`s a good way for DJs to mess up with a track and add some vocals, doing a live remix and definitely surprising (in a good way) the audience. If City Life is presented only in the form of acapella, Burning gets a dark remix filled with a kind of tribal percussion and a spooky atmosphere. The mad electronic vibes from Discotrain are available at last in a extended version, while David August`s remix of Leaving Me slows the BPM and moves the feeling towards the deep-house. Opera Buffa gets two remixes, the groovy and melodic one by MANIK, and one even more old school by DJ T., made in the italo disco style, and filled with old synth feeling. In case you think you seem to hear bird sounds, you`re just in for a ride filled with wicked bass, courtesy of Mario & Vidis, in Remember the Future. Same Plane gets refined by mr. T. himself, resulting in a dark and haunting track, before Julian Ganzers` vision to take you by surprise. He comes with a very original house track, and expect many sound patterns to be played in 7 minutes. The beautiful remixes of Time Slip and Yesterday, Tomorrow end the album in style, wrapping up more than one hour and a half of quality music. Recommended !!! Find it only on:

http://www.beatport.com/release/the-pleasure-principle-remix-edition/863431

[digital] DJ Le Roi & Roland Clark - I Get Deep (The Remixes)

2012-01-24T10:02:00.000-08:00

Artist(s): DJ Le Roi, Roland Clark; remixes by Dj T., Joris Voorn, Late Nite Tuff Guy, Julian Ganzer, Herbert Ten
Name: I Get Deep (the remixes)
Genre: house, deep-house, tech-house
Label: Get Physical
Catalog: GPM160
No. of tracks: 5
Type: unmixed

Tracklist:

01. I Get Deep (2011 Edit)
02. I Get Deep (Joris Voorn This Is Not A Remix)
03. I Get Deep (Dj T. Remix)
04. I Get Deep (Late Nite Tuff Guy Remix)
05. I Get Deep (Embassy of Love Remix)

Opinion:

5 years passed since a very loved house tune, namely I Get Deep, was released as the first EP of the Deeptown Music label, and since then it rocked dancefloors around the world, becoming a classic song.

Now, we get new takes on this track, out on Physical Music. It starts out with an Edit, reminding us of the sweet combination of house and deep-house, together with a rap that you won`t likely get out of your mind easily. Joris Voorn comes up with a different groove, strong and extremely danceable, with a fast BPM and an irresistible bass-line, but uses the same lyrics. Dj T. shows yet again his large set of skills, providing us with a very enjoyable house track, with a crowd-entertaining twist at the middle. Australian producer Late Nite Tuff Guy has a bit darker and electronic vision, with a raw bass-line taken from the realm of techno synths. The last remix is a joint effort from Julian Ganzer and Herbert Ten, and by far is the most deep track from the EP. With a slow 107 BPM and a moody atmosphere, it represents probably the most interesting and original vision of I Get Deep. So don`t forget to listen to this EP, it is truly a wonder:

http://www.beatport.com/release/i-get-deep-the-remixes/856534

[digital] Guti & Fosky - Step EP

2012-01-22T07:48:00.000-08:00

Artist(s): Guti, Fosky; remix by Martinez Brothers

Name: Step
Genre: tech-house, deep-house
Label: Crosstown Rebels
Catalog: CRM088
No. of tracks: 3
Type: unmixed

Tracklist:

01. Guti & Fosky – Step

02. Guti – Jealous Guy

03. Fosky – Shiva feat. Shiva (Martinez Brothers Remix)

Opinion:

The latest EP from Crosstown Rebels features one of the best guys around when it comes to electronica, Guti, and a newcomer from Desolat, Fosky.

Step is the result of both working together, and is quite minimalistic in its own way, filled almost only with percussion, except for the nice vocals and a vague trumpet sound. Guti continues the percussive approach with Jealous Guy, which is a bit deeper and darker than the previous song. Fosky`s Shiva is remixed by the Martines Brothers, that provide a vibe filled with roaring bass and, yes, a lot of drums. An EP worth listening, that will definitely reverberate on the dance floor.

http://www.beatport.com/release/step-ep/848954

[digital] Ben Hoo - Modal EP

2012-01-20T13:41:00.000-08:00

Artist(s): Ben Hoo; remixes by Daso, App
Name: Modal
Genre: tech-house, house, deep-house
Label: Kindisch
Catalog: KD039
No. of tracks: 4
Type: unmixed

Tracklist:

01. Modal
02. Modal (Daso Remix)
03. Jasmine
04. Jasmine (App Remix)

Opinion:

The latest release by Kindisch shows yet again that originality has not died, and us, true lovers of electronica, can enjoy fresh grooves. This time, Ben Hoo, a label regular, comes in to serve us with 2 original tracks and 2 remixes.

Modal comes with a danceable tech-house rhythm, and a splendid percussion, but with a small twist of electronica, having some nice key patterns that start before the middle of the track. The remix of this track belongs to Daso, and it`s a damn good one. A heavy bass is accompanied by piano and a strong house/deep-house feeling. Jasmine starts at the realm of tech with tribal house, but arranges the sounds in a pleasurable dreamy composition, rather than just to move the dancefloor. App remixes Jasmine, and transforms is as if Dj T. was in his thoughts. So we get a very old school feeling of old synth and structure, perfectly ending the EP. So if you`re into quality music, and a variety added to it, check out this release:

http://www.beatport.com/release/modal/857671

[digital] Someone Else - Pillowface EP

2012-01-19T05:13:00.000-08:00

Artist(s): Someone Else; remixes by M.in, Chriss Vogt, David Keno
Name: Pillowface
Genre: tech-house, deep-house
Label: Get Physical
Catalog: GPM167
No. of tracks: 4
Type: unmixed

Tracklist:

01. Pillowface
02. Pillowface (M.in feat. Chriss Vogt Deep Remix)
03. Pillowface (M.in feat. Chriss Vogt Funk Remix)
04. Pillowface (David Keno Remix)

Opinion:

The first release for 2012 sees the second return of Someone Else to the label, with an EP composed by one original track, and 3 remixes.

The original mix of Pillowface takes the form of a tech-house track filled with all the elements that made the genre so loved, such as a solid bass-line, joined together with different drums, creating a very danceable track. M.in and Chriss Vogt bring 2 versions, the Deep one, with a touch of classic house and analog synth, and the Funk one, featuring more pronounced keys, but the same irresistible jazzy feeling. David Keno ends the EP with quite a deep after-hours suited grove, to calm down the spirits after the first 3 tracks. Overall, a good one from Physical. Find it here:

http://www.beatport.com/release/pillowface/855231

[digital] V.A. - Muchas Fatcias LP

2012-01-15T04:53:00.000-08:00

Artist(s): Douglas Greed, Monkey Maffia, Kadebostan, Krause Duo, Taron-Trekka, Juno6, No Accident In Paradise, Feindrehstar, Mathy K & The Funky Punch, Mooryc
Name: Muchas Fatcias
Genre: tech-house, house, techno, deep-house, minimal
Label: Freude Am Tanzen
Catalog: ???
No. of tracks: 11
Type: unmixed compilation

Tracklist:

01. Kadebostan - Portofino

02. Douglas Greed - Autumn

03. Feindrehstar - For ya Loft

04. Gathaspar - Serwus

05. Juno6 - PMU

06. Krause Duo - Down Up Right Left

07. Monkey Maffia - Red Rude Boys "F.J."

08. Mathy K & The Funky Punch - Back in the Days

09. Taron-Trekka - Just

10. Mooryc - Saint-Saens (Groove Mix)

11. No Accident in Paradise - Kmos

Opinion:

One of the most exclusivist labels in the world, Freude Am Tanzen, strikes yet again with a compilation aimed for the true lovers of electronic music, people who don`t want to hear the same commercial stuff that everyone can hear in the mainstream. And what it`s even better is that you can download these songs for free on their site :D

You can consider this to be the underground of the underground electronica. The level of originality is as high as it can be, and some people may find these compositions strange, as some don`t follow the usual styles you might expect when listening to deep or tech-house. From the strange sounds of the tech-ish song delivered by Kadebostan, we pass to the sentimental style of Douglas Greed. And I swear I never heard such a song as Feindrehstar`s For ya Loft, danceable and extremely original. Cruising along the LP we will find names like Monkey Maffia, Krause Duo, Taron-Trekka and many others. All deliver songs that are so hard to explain in words, truly a dream of any electronica fan. With influences from all kinds of genres you can (and cannot) think of (old school house, jazz, ambiental, piano, disco, trip-hop), it`s something worth listening to over and over again. And again, it`s free (full tracks - 320kbps) on their website. What do you want more?

http://www.freude-am-tanzen.de/index.php/54d9e377f5784c15fb0119f39ac8b931/2/112/content/3791

Muchas FATcias by Freude am Tanzen

[digital] Nick Beringer - Thee I Need EP

2012-01-12T14:44:00.000-08:00

Artist(s): Nick Beringer; remix by Washerman
Name: Thee I Need
Genre: deep-house
Label: Back And Forth
Catalog: BAFDIGI012
No. of tracks: 4
Type: unmixed

Tracklist:

01. Thee I Need
02. Thee I Need (Washerman Remix)
03. Never Acting
04. Wrought Up

Opinion:

You might never heard of Nick Beringer, but undoubtedly I will keep an eye (or an ear?!) in the future when it comes to his name. The new Back & Forth, due to be released on 26.01.2011, features 3 of his songs, and a remix by Washerman.

Nick comes from Berlin, so there`s no doubt about the superb quality of electronica you can find in a German club. And when it comes to deep-house, I think you cannot go deeper in the genre to explore it`s classical part, than the first song gets you, namely Thee I Need. I got that special feeling of being in a dark room, with the speakers at full, immersed in kind of a trance from all these nice vibrations we call music. Washerman delivers a more dance-oriented version, using loads of percussion, and keeping parts of the original in the structure. Never Acting returns to Beringer`s own style, as the mysterious keys keep rolling and taking me back to Chicago, in the 80s. Wrought Up ends it all in a very melodic fashion, with a slower but perfect song for 6 AM. As a conclusion, I think a new talent is definitely on the way to become a star in the near future ;)

Nick Beringer - Thee I Need EP (incl. Washerman Remix) // Back & Forth Rec. // PREVIEW by Nick Beringer

[digital] M.A.N.D.Y. vs. Booka Shade - Home Remixes Pt. 2 EP

2012-01-07T06:14:00.000-08:00

Artist(s): M.A.N.D.Y., Booka Shade; remixes by Kollektiv Turmstrasse, Samuel L Session, Steve Rachmad, Silvershover
Name: Home Remixes Pt. 2
Genre: tech-house, deep-house, techno
Label: Get Physical
Catalog: GPM168
No. of tracks: 4
Type: unmixed

Tracklist:

01. Home (Kollektiv Turmstrasse Remix)
02. Home (Samuel L Session Remix)
03. Home (Steve Rachmad Remix)
03. Home (Silvershover Remix)

Opinion:

The second installment of remixes linked to the latest M.A.N.D.Y. and Booka Shade collaboration features a new set of big names, following Tim Green and Jona`s versions found in part 1 (find it here).

And it starts in an excellent fashion, with a breathtaking remix by non others than Kollektiv Turmstrasse themselves. With deep vibes and a dreamy groove, this song encompasses their "sentimental" style of doing electronic music. And for the ones looking for a more dance-oriented but equally dark vision, check out the tech-ish remix by Samuel L Session. Steve Rachmad`s version is more house oriented, fast and filled with hi-hats, while Silvershover`s view gives, at first, an impression of deep-house, before immersing in the techno genre, with a song full of effects and strong vibes. To sum up, excellent work from great artist, two thumbs up!!!

[digital] Highland Brothers Inc. - Toughtforms EP

2012-01-05T05:38:00.000-08:00

Artist(s): Highland Brothers Inc.; remixes by John Dimas, Aeromaschine
Name: Toughtforms
Genre: tech-house, deep-house, techno
Label: Back And Forth
Catalog: BAFDIGI011
No. of tracks: 5
Type: unmixed

Tracklist:

01. Crosbow
02. This One`s a Keeper
03. This One`s a Keeper (John Dimas Remix)
04. All This Time
05. All This Time (Aeromaschine Revision)

Opinion:

The first B&F for 2012 will be launched in exactly one week (12 Jan), and already has feedback from Paco Osuna, Gorge, Chaim, Pele, Mihai Popoviciu, UGLH, Luciano and Danny Tenaglia. Let`s see what it is all about.

Crosbow sets the tone of the EP with deep vibes and quite a dreamy atmosphere, if not for the nice bass-line. This One`s a Keeper continues this style, with moody but very danceable grooves. John Dimas` vision is more dance oriented, shifting the style to tech-house, with sharp hi-hats and bouncy percussion. All This Time brings back the deep-house rhythm, with a song filled with echo effects. Aeromaschine ends the EP in style, with a techno remix of the last track, dark and very danceable. To sum up, a very interesting year is announced when it comes to music, and B&F will be a label to look for. Out on 12/01/2012.

BAFDIGI011 Highland Brothers Inc. - Toughtforms EP (incl. John Dimas & Aeromaschine Remixes) by Back And Forth

[digital] V.A. - X-Sampler Purple LP

2011-12-23T03:48:00.000-08:00

Artist(s): Alexkid, Anthea, Danny Ocean, Davide Squillace, Filsonik, Funk E, Guti, Hector, Martin Buttrich, Reboot
Name: X-Sampler Purple
Genre: tech-house, deep-house, house
Label: Desolat
Catalog: DESOLAT020
No. of tracks: 7
Type: unmixed + mixed by Livio & Roby

Tracklist:

01. Alexkid & Hector – Ontra
02. Danny Ocean – Backstage
03. Funk E – Goostep
04. Filsonik – Tamur
05. Reboot – Daddy
06. Martin Buttrich & Davide Squillace – Mishima
07. Anthea & Guti – Option One

Opinion:

Each year Desolat has prepared a special compilation, having a different color. And we had red (the review here) and also blue (find it here). Now it`s time for purple.

The first thing that comes to mind is "wait, where is Loco Dice & Livio & Roby?". I was used with their presence and I was disappointed when I saw the tracklist. I mean I do value good music, as this definitely is, but still expected the big names to join in and bring their contributions. Getting past that, you can expect both quality deep and tech-house here, with Ontra starting it pretty slow but good for relaxing or after-hours. Danny Ocean brings on the pure house in quite a mad track, while Funk E continues this style, with irresistible vibes and good rhythm. For the ones used more to the tech part of house, Filsonik and Reboot deliver two solid tracks, the first one being more energic and danceable, the second being more calm but having a wonderful bass-line. Two legends join forces and deliver a very nice deep-house song, called Mishima (Yukio?), while Anthea teams up with rising star Guti in order to create the last track of the compilation, the best one from my point of view. To sum up, very nice sounds for Christmas, waiting to hear them on the dancefloor.

http://www.beatport.com/release/x-sampler-purple/844530

[digital] Nick Curly - Still Not Sorry EP

2011-12-22T10:58:00.000-08:00

Artist(s): Nick Curly
Name: Still Not Sorry
Genre: tech-house, house
Label: 8Bit
Catalog: 8BIT052
No. of tracks: 3
Type: unmixed

Tracklist:

01. Still Not Sorry
02. Rebound (Dub)
03. Rebound

Opinion:

The last 8Bit for 2011 brings in front one of the two bosses, namely Nick Curly. His skills are undeniable, both when talking about mixing or about production. His fans will have what to celebrate in 2012, with the appearance of his long awaited LP, but until then we can hear him in the latest 8Bit.

And with faint trumpet sounds in the background, Still Not Sorry unrolls rhythmic grooves remembering us of early days Chicago house. And Rebound is even better, providing an insane vibe and deep vocals contributing to create a track that you won`t likely forget soon. We can get an insight why Nick released his work at labels such as Cocoon, SCI+TEC, Get Physical and many more. He sure is one heck of a guy. Find it here:

http://www.beatport.com/release/still-not-sorry-ep/850325

[digital] Siopis - Day Alive EP

2011-12-22T10:07:00.000-08:00

Artist(s): Siopis
Name: Day Alive
Genre: tech-house, deep-house
Label: Get Physical
Catalog: GPM170
No. of tracks: 2
Type: unmixed

Tracklist:

01. Day Alive
02. Go Past

Opinion:

Maybe the last Physical of 2011 features Siopis in his 14th release on the German label. And what a better way to end the year with an artist that released, among others, tracks for 3 Full Body Workouts, GPM 100 and 7 Years Compilation.
Both tracks are very original, starting with a typical tech-house structure but evolving in a mixture of genres, taking the atmosphere from the deep side of house, and some of the sounds from techno. The result consists of two dark futuristic songs, filled with a highly danceable bass-line and old-school electronica chords. This is more visible in Go Past, where a part of Dj T.`s acid house can be experienced. Overall, a solid Christmas present from Get Physical. They should make Tron 2 OST with Siopis as composer:

http://www.beatport.com/release/day-alive/847759

[digital] Merveille & Crosson - DRM Part 1 EP

2011-12-20T03:46:00.000-08:00

Artist(s): Ryan Crosson, Cesar Merveille
Name: DRM Part 1
Genre: deep-house
Label: Visionquest
Catalog: VQ008
No. of tracks: 3
Type: unmixed

Tracklist:

01. DRM
02. Orca
03. The Day You Left

Opinion:

A new duo is formed, composed of Ryan Crosson (Trapez, Desolat, Minux, Wolf + Lamb) and Cesar Merveille (Cadenza, Monique Musique), on their second release as individuals for Visionquest, but first as a group.

And when two forces clash, they either cancel each other out, or join and create a more devastating effect. Luckily for us, the second part is what`s going on here. DRM is a long deep-house track, filled with dreamy synths and rough beats in the background to keep you focused on moving your feet. Orca continues the style, leaving the dark atmosphere behind and presenting all kinds of uplifting sounds, with bells and keys taken like from chill-out new-age songs. The Day You Left ends the EP in style, with a beat-less uplifting electronica song, proving the fantastic skills of the two producers. I`m really waiting for part 2, nice one guys:

http://www.beatport.com/release/drm-part-1/839327

[digital] Steve Lawler & Detlef - Audition EP

2011-12-20T01:22:00.001-08:00

Artist(s): Steve Lawler, Detlef; remix by Davide Squillace
Name: Audition
Genre: tech-house
Label: VIVa Music
Catalog: VIVA086
No. of tracks: 2
Type: unmixed

Tracklist:

01. Audition
02. Audition (Davide Squillace Lovely Nightmare Remix)

Opinion:

With feedback from none others than Nick Curly, Reboot, Tiefschwarz, Laurent Garnier, Robert Dietz, and many more, this two track EP will keep you jolly this Christmas season.

VIVa`s boss, Steve Lawler, joins up with a regular artist that releases here, Detlef, and produce a track exactly in the style of the label. And anyone who has seen Lawler mix (me included) can figure out that it`s the same good old tech-house with a strong tribal feel. With a solid bass and danceable grooves, this will definitely be heard around the world. Davide Squillace is on his 3rd apparition on the label, and comes up with a very interesting remix, substituting the tribal feel with a more techno oriented one, joined by bouncy percussion and a nice rhythm. Overall, a strong EP, and you can find it here:

http://www.beatport.com/release/audition/836992

[digital] M.A.N.D.Y. vs. Booka Shade - Home Remixes Pt. 1 EP

2011-12-15T09:06:00.000-08:00

Artist(s): M.A.N.D.Y., Booka Shade; remixes by Tim Green, Jona, Monaque
Name: Home Remixes Pt. 1
Genre: tech-house, deep-house
Label: Get Physical
Catalog: GPM156
No. of tracks: 3
Type: unmixed

Tracklist:

01. Home (Tim Green Remix)
02. Home (Jona Remix)
03. Home (Monaque Remix)

Opinion:

I can`t even remember the last time I saw a M.A.N.D.Y. vs. Booka Shade track, but their track Home, from Body Language Vol. 10 gets some remix packs. And the first one is in stores now...

And when one of my favorite artists are featured, I can barely wait to hear it out. And I was not disappointed. UK superstar Tim Green (as he is on the best labels around) shows his wonderful production skills, opening the EP with a bouncy track with a strong scent of electronica, like we`re used from the two pillars of Physical Music. Jona takes over, providing a good rhythm and a kind of tribal feeling, creating a quite original melody. Duo Monaque end the remix series with a bit more deeper vision, accompanied by loads of percussion and somewhat of a darker feeling. To sum up, excellent work from these great artists, highly danceable and highly recommended. Can`t wait for Part 2.

http://www.beatport.com/release/home-remixes-pt-1/844193

M.A.N.D.Y vs Booka Shade - Home (Tim Green Remix) by Mixmag

[digital] Davide Squillace - Muchachos Y Cabrones EP

2011-12-14T05:52:00.000-08:00

Artist(s): Davide Squillace; remixes by G Flame, Robert Dietz, Sis
Name: Muchachos Y Cabrones
Genre: tech-house
Label: Hideout
Catalog: Ho011
No. of tracks: 3
Type: normal

Tracklist:

01. Crocodile Tears (Robert Dietz Cry Me A River Mix)

02. Crocodile Tears (G Flame Remix)

03. Crocodile Tears (SIS remix)

Opinion:

Some time has passed since the last Hideout, featuring Squillace and Guti (here is the review), and, as its predecessor, the 011th release brings out big names to the front. And now it`s time for some good music...

Cecille`s Robert Dietz is the first one to remix Crocodile Tears, and he created quite a song at the boundary of techno & tech-house. Among distorted vocals you can enjoy a very original percussion, somewhat hollow and not well defined, but definitely showing Dietz`s strong skills in electronica. G Flame takes an even more techno approach to this, delivering a short but solid track, and extremely danceable. Finally, one of my favorite live-show artists, SIS, brings out a more chilling song, but with a dose of Dominik Eulberg kind of techno, with dreamy sounds and kind of a chill-out influence (not counting the steady beat). Find it here:

http://www.beatport.com/release/muchachos-y-cabrones/846318

[digital] Ross Evana & Yousef - 09.12.2011 EP

2011-12-12T13:33:00.000-08:00

Artist(s): Yousef, Ross Evana
Name: 09.12.2011
Genre: tech-house
Label: Cecille Numbers
Catalog: CEN015
No. of tracks: 4
Type: unmixed

Tracklist:

01. Ross Evana – Devil Inside

02. Ross Evana – Losing Consciousness

03. Yousef – Don’t Worry About It

04. Yousef – Launch Baby Ready

Opinion:

Ross Evana (Cocoon, Cr2, Toolroom) joins forces with Yousef (Cr2, Monique Musique, Cocoon) to deliver a 4-tracked EP, marking their return on Numbers. Each side features one artist, and the whole release has a special name, its own release date.

Devil Inside remind us of the Cecille Numbers` style of music, being an extremely energic and danceable track with a splendid bass-line. Losing Consciousness is even better, providing a very defined beat to move to, and a faint tribal house feel. Turning the record on the other side, Don`t Worry About It provides an original piece of tech-house, filled with looping vocals and a positive vibe. And for the grande finale, Launch Baby Ready takes some sounds from the techno genre and combines them in a very solid and groovy song. You can always expect this kind of quality from Cecille. Definitely will hear them on the dancefloor:

http://www.beatport.com/release/09-12-2011/845367

[digital] Dominik Eulberg - Diorama Remixes Pt. 2

2011-12-11T11:59:00.000-08:00

Artist(s): Dominik Eulberg; remixes by Stephan Bodzin, Kollektiv Turmstrasse, Hot Chip, Extrawelt, Gabriel Ananda, Rone
Name: Diorama Remixes Pt. 2
Genre: techno
Label: Traum
Catalog: TRAUMV145
No. of tracks: 8 (digital), 4 (vinyl)
Type: unmixed

Tracklist:

01. Der Tanz Der Gluehwuermchen (Kollektiv Turmstrasse "Dirt Glow" Remix)*

02. H2o (Hot Chip Vocal Edit Mix)*

03. Die 3 Millionen Musketiere (Extrawelt Remix)*

04. Die 3 Millionen Musketiere (Gabriel Ananda "Kleines Woelkchen" Remix)*

05. Der Tanz Der Gluehwuermchen (Rone Remix)

06. H2o (Hot Chip Extended Vocal Mix)

07. H2o (Hot Chip Extended Instrumental Mix)

08. Teddy Tausendtod (Stephan Bodzin "Zebra" Remix)

* on vinyl release

Opinion:

Dominik Eulberg`s nature inspired top class album Diorama (a review here) got it`s second remix pack, not long after the first one hit the stores, featuring works by Stephan Bodzin and Petar Dundov (a review here). With names like Kollektiv Turmstrasse, Gabriel Ananada and Extrawelt involved, there is no chance you can go on with your life without listening to it.

Kolletiv Turmstrasse`s remix contains some sentimental techno (as usual) in the form of a slow chilling track. Hot Chip delivers a more alert song, remixing one of my favorite tracks from the original album, H2O. Vocals are added to the equation, resulting in a quite good piece of work, but not as good as the original. For the ones enjoying it, the digital versions contains two extended (to 12 minutes) versions. Die 3 Millionen Musketiere is by far my favorite track and I listened to it a million times by now, and I am pleased to say that Extrawelt came up with an interesting vision, more calm than the original, but still maintaining the melodic line that made the track excellent to start with. And for those in need for a more alert version, techno master Gabriel Ananda comes up with a remix that closer resembles the energy of the original. As a digital bonus, besides the two extra versions by Hot Chip, we get a remix by Rone that reflects the melodic points of Der Tanz, and the 3rd remix of Teddy Tausendtod by Stephan Bodzin. He definitely loves this track, as he submitted already 2 strong remixes for Part 1. The third vision takes a path of downtempo minimal techno that ends it all in a very original way. To sum up, great names created a great remix pack. I only hope the trilogy will be completed :)

http://www.beatport.com/release/diorama-remixes-pt-2/830713

[digital] V.A. - Letters From Venice

2011-12-09T14:34:00.000-08:00

Artist(s): Sello, The Banister Soul, Lownza, Robby Olson, Fog, Dj Da, Highland Brothers Inc., 9west
Name: Letters From Venice
Genre: deep-house
Label: Back And Forth
Catalog: BAFDIGI010
No. of tracks: 7
Type: unmixed

Tracklist:

01. Sello - Such As More

02. The Banister Soul - T Session

03. Lownza & Robby Olson - Break The Loop

04. Fog - Go Easy On Me Luv

05. Dj Da - Broken Mirror

06. Highland Brothers Inc. - Like You Didn't Know

07. 9west - My Way

Opinion:

Christmas is coming up fast, and if you`re planning to put some good music under the tree, and you`re looking for deep-house, I`ll recommend the new compilation from the label owned by Cosmic Cowboys, Back and Forth.

And you can feel the deep vibe from the first track, Such As More, with a classic construction and appropriate vocals. The Banister Soul provides a more chilling track, with a minimalistic approach and some wicked jazz sounds, and Lownza & Robby Olson keep the same rhythm but deliver a more percussive song. Go Easy On Me Luv is more alert and fitting for the peaktime, combining a melodic background with a strong bass.Broken Mirror provides nice piano lines and an extremely charming vocals. Highland Brothers Inc. calm the atmosphere with a deeper song, that evolves into a brilliant piece of work after the middle. My Way is a good conclusion of the former 6 tracks, bringing a chilling atmosphere and a strong beat to dance too. As a conclusion, a deep and sentimental compilation, and I have a hunch we`ll hear again from these artists in 2012. Out on the 22nd of December.

BAFDIGI010 Various Artists - Letters From Venice by Back And Forth

[digital] M.A.N.D.Y. vs. Adultnapper - 201 EP

2011-12-08T11:08:00.000-08:00

Artist(s): M.A.N.D.Y., Adultnapper; remixes by Jona, Findling, Pele, Ben Hoo
Name: 201
Genre: tech-house
Label: Kindisch
Catalog: KD035
No. of tracks: 4
Type: unmixed

Tracklist:

01. 201

02. 201 (Jona Remix)

03. 201 (Findling & Pele Remix)

04. 201 (Ben Hoo Remix)

Opinion:

It`s now time to turn our attention to Kindisch, the sublabel of Physical Music, in which you can find a sound that was once the basis of it`s sister label. And to reiterate this feeling, we find M.A.N.D.Y. and Jona on the list of artists for their new release, names not new to the German label.

The original mix dates from 2010, and was first heard on the 8 years compilation. Now it is featured with 3 remixes as a standalone EP, that offers a view into top-quality electronica. The original mix is well constructed, dark and haunting, making a dark club room look even darker, but still remaining extremely danceable. Jona`s version is more electronic and not that deep, remembering us of the classic Physical releases, back in the old days. Findling & Pele stick closer to the original, adding extra percussion. Ben Hoo`s vision is more rapid and focuses more on the rhythm, putting the deep theme in the background. To sum up, excellent, hopefully we hear more of this kind of music in the future.

http://www.beatport.com/release/201/836726

[digital] V.A. - Full Body Workout Vol. 8

2011-12-07T13:33:00.000-08:00

Artist(s): Dapayk Solo, Elon, Hamid & Arnauld LeTexier, Javier Logares, Kris Wadsworth, Murat, Pele & Shawnecey, Rauwkost, Siopis, Smash TV
Name: Full Body Workout Vol. 8
Genre: tech-house
Label: Get Physical
Catalog: GPMDA048
No. of tracks: 10
Type: unmixed

Tracklist:

01. Dapayk Solo – Down The Block

02. Elon – Turkey Bark

03. Hamid & Arnaud LeTexier – The Price Of Beans (feat. Stacey DeLooze)

04. Javier Logares – One Upon A Riff

05. Kris Wadsworth – Assador

06. Murat – Divide & Conquer

07. Pele & Shawnecey – Down Low

08. Rauwkost – Der Schnitt

09. Siopis – The Monkey Hair

10. Smash TV – After All These Years

Opinion:

It`s the end of the year, and Physical Music delights us with another collection to put in our record boxes, for the 8th consecutive year. Let`s see what`s the latest installment like...

You can feel the electronic vibe even from the first song, Down The Block, and Elon brings more rough techno sounds into play, with a mad track called Turkey Bark (as the name suggests it). The Price Of Beans maintains a wicked bass-line, but adds a dreamy context and vocals, moving the genre towards deep-house. Javier Logares provides a tech-house track filled with more "electro" synth sounds, remembering us of the glorious past, filled with Booka and M.A.N.D.Y. (where are you guys???). Assador starts extremely minimalistic, but maintains a lot of percussion throughout the main body of the song, creating somewhat of a deep/tech dark style, but Divide & Conquer lifts the spirits once again, with tribal influences and an excellent bass. Pele & Shawnecey join forces and give us a very bouncy track, filled with cool effects and vocals. Der Schnitt is a nice song filled with minimal-like sounds, but on a solid background, so you will not feel the minimalism in its full strength. Siopis and Smash TV end the LP in style, with top class original tracks, one more tech and another more deep (and hear After All These Years from the middle, omg what keys), proving yet again their artistic qualities. Nonetheless, all the songs you will find here are a solid addition to the label. It`s like German quality, it`s the best you can find out there :)

http://www.beatport.com/release/full-body-workout-volume-8/839038

[digital] Daniel Dubb - She`s a Swinger/Alone Again EP

2011-12-07T10:20:00.000-08:00

Artist(s): Daniel Dubb
Name: She`s a Swinger/Alone Again
Genre: tech-house
Label: VIVa Music
Catalog: VIVA074
No. of tracks: 2
Type: unmixed

Tracklist:

01. She`s a Swinger
02. Alone Again

Opinion:

It`s strange that VIVa, a label I really like, was not yet featured on my blog. But what can be a better way to do that than to open the record box in search for a good old EP.

And by old I mean half an year old, so don`t dispare. It features the best electronic artist from Canada, Daniel Dubb, and it consists of two songs that will teach you a lesson of tech-house. Just play She`s a Swinger and see what I mean, an extremely danceable rhythm, an irresistible bass and mad loops. Flip the record on the other side and you get the same treatment, and you`ll wish you loop these beats indefinitely. I will definitely search this vinyl.

http://www.beatport.com/release/shes-a-swinger-alone-again/322360

[digital] Stefano Libelle - I Hear Voices EP

2011-12-03T14:57:00.000-08:00

Artist(s): Stefano Libelle
Name: I Hear Voices
Genre: tech-house, house, deep-house
Label: 8bit
Catalog: 8BIT051
No. of tracks: 4
Type: unmixed

Tracklist:

01. Tall Bold Slugger
02. Losing The Physics
03. We Need To Stop
04. Suncatcher

Opinion:

Gorge`s and Curly`s 8bit passed the half way towards 100 releases a few weeks back, and now Stefano Libelle takes a new step further, with his second appearance on the label.
Tall Bold Slugger features very cool vocals, placed on a tech-house percussion and a deep-house layer of sounds, creating a solid track. The same ground-shaking rhythm we can hear on the second song, Losing The Physics, a good example of the quality you can expect any 8bit release to have. We Need To Stop is a bit faster, and leaves all traces of deep-house, but adding a faint scent of pure techno, and the EP ends with Suncatcher, that can be easily attributed to the house genre. Stefano Libelle can take you on a ride through electronic music influences with this wonderful EP, and provide a lesson of good music making.

http://www.beatport.com/release/i-hear-voices-ep/834878

[dj set] Above & Beyond - Trance Around The World (TATW) # 400

2011-11-29T11:07:00.000-08:00

DJ: Above & Beyond
Name: Trance Around The World 400
Genre: trance
No. of songs: 20
Time: 2:00:00

A new milestone was set last week by the trio Above & Beyond, that have celebrated their 400th show in Beirut. Hear the best tunes selected for this occasion. You can hear it here, just go down the page.

01.Boom Jinx & Justine Suissa - Phoenix From The Flames (Maor Levi Remix)

02.Oceanlab vs. Eric Prydz - Breaking 2night (Maor Levi Mash Up)

03.Jerome Isma-Ae - Speed

04.Velvetine - Great Divide

05.Parker & Hanson - Afterthought (Heartbeat Remix)

06.Above & Beyond - On My Way To Heaven

07.Ost & Meyer - Scaret Heaven (Dan Stone Remix)

08.Above & Beyond - You Got To Go (Kyau & Albert Remix)

09.Norin & Rad - Bloom

10.Ost & Meyer - Antalya

11.Above & Beyond - Every Little Beat (Myon & Shane 54 Summer Of Love Mix)

12.Above & Beyond - Sun & Moon (TATW 400 Edit)

13.Kyau & Albert vs. Daft Punk - Be There 4 U One More Time

14.Above & Beyond - Prelude

15.Super8 & Tab - Irufushi

16.Super8 & Tab - ID

17.Breakfast - Median

18.Above & Beyond - Formula Rossa (Nitrous Oxide Remix)

19.Oceanlab - Miracle (Above & Beyond 2011 Tweak)

20.Above & Beyond - Eternal

Above & Beyond - TATW #400 live in Beirut by Above & Beyond on Mixcloud

[digital] Tim Green - In Love EP

2011-11-29T10:32:00.000-08:00

Artist(s): Tim Green
Name: In Love
Genre: tech-house, house
Label: Get Physical Music
Catalog: GPM164
No. of tracks: 2
Type: unmixed

Tracklist:

01. In Love
02. Gum Stew

Opinion:

Physical Music released the second Tim Green-only EP out on their label, but the UK-based artist has been present on Miami 2010 Sampler and the 8 Years compilation. With the talent he possesses, it`s no wonder that the huge German label is helping him release his works to the public.

In Love is a house track that blends in some old school disco influences and vocals, adding a good tech beat, thus creating a very danceable track. The tempo increases slightly with Gum Stew, and the disco is replaced by jazz, with some suggestive trumpets being added to the wicked rhythm. And don`t forget the flute, a good addition to the sound spectrum. To sum up, a solid release, and hope to see Green again in Physical`s lineup. These tracks will definitely be heard on the dance-floor.

http://www.beatport.com/release/in-love/836779

[digital] Cosmic Cowboys - Notre Jour Viendra EP

2011-11-29T07:41:00.000-08:00

Artist(s): Cosmic Cowboys; remixes by youANDme, Lake People
Name: Notre Jour Viendra
Genre: techno, tech-house
Label: Musik Gewinnt Freunde
Catalog: MGF019
No. of tracks: 4
Type: unmixed

Tracklist:

01. Notre Jour Viendra
02. Notre Jour Viendra (youANDme Remix)
03. Deux Histories
04. Notre Jour Viendra (Lake People Remix)

Opinion:

The third EP of the Cosmic Cowboys marks the 3rd review on a Musik Gewinnt Freunde release here at my blog. And it`s not the first time I said that Kollektiv Turmstrasse are one of my all time favorite acts when it comes to music, so it is normal for me to keep an eye on their label.
It`s good to see that Turmstrasse keep their quality standards very high when it comes to released music, and Cosmic Cowboys rise to their expectations with some original songs. Notre Jour Viendra means Our Day Will Come, but nobody will care about that when they hear the song. You can expect to hear a deep sentimental song (in an electronic way), placed on an irresistible beat. youANDme`s vision is more rough and electronic, but still keeping the good rhythm and parts of the original. Lake People`s view is considerably slower and darker than the others, but in a good way, and it allows you to chill out and relax on a couch, and definitely not meant for the peaktime. The last track, Deux Histories, translates as Two Stories, and you can feel the gravity of the musical notes on your spine, the song being more deep and dark as compared to the original Notre Jour Viendra. A very solid release, with positive feedback from Audiofly, M.A.N.D.Y., Kaiserdisco, Luciano, Dubfire, UGLH and many more. Listen to it below. The EP is out next week (5th of December) in your favorite electronic music shops.

http://www.junodownload.com/products/notre-jour-viendra/1872033-02/

http://soundcloud.com/cosmiccowboys/sets/mgf019-cosmic-cowboys-notre

[digital] Above & Beyond - Formula Rossa

2011-11-28T03:45:00.000-08:00

Artist(s): Above & Beyond; remix by Jaytech
Name: Formula Rossa
Genre: trance, progressive house
Label: Anjunabeats
Catalog: ANJ221D
No. of tracks: 2
Type: unmixed

Tracklist:

01. Formula Rossa
02. Formula Rossa (Jaytech Remix)

Opinion:

Played since Trance Around The World 350, over 1 year back, its time for Formula Rossa to make it into the shops and definitely into our collections.
You can experience the chilled down part of Above & Beyond`s style, with a track that is between trance and progressive, but having the same uplifting feel when the breakdown occurs. Dreamy keys and a slow 128 BPM rhythm define the original mix, while Jaytech offers a good view for a warm-up or chill-down progressive house song. Both versions provide a good lesson when it comes to building up their euphoric vibes. This EP is a solid addition to the Anjunabeats discography, and hopefully we won`t have to wait long for another A&B bomb:

http://www.beatport.com/release/formula-rossa/834511

[dj set] Sven Vath - The Sound of the Twelfth Season

2011-11-26T12:48:00.000-08:00

DJ: Sven Vath
Name: The Sound of the Twelfth Season
Genre: techno, tech-house
Label: Cocoon
Catalog: CORMIX027
No. of CDs: 2
No. of songs: 25
Time: 2:38:40

Note: you can find a selection of the songs as Youtube links at the back of this article

Playlist:

CD1: Night

01. Efdemin – There Will Be Singing (DJ Koze Remix)
02. Dense & Pika – Vomee
03. Levon Vincent – Man or Mistress
04. Boys Noize – Adonis
05. Justin Vandervolgen – Clapping Song
06. Todd Terje – Ragysh
07. Mark E – Belvide Beat
08. Chateau Flight – Chichi Devils
09. Aufgang – Dulceria (Clark Remix)
10. Gary Beck – Enough Talk
11. Benoit & Sergio – Let Me Count The Ways
12. Acquiescence – Nocturnal Wave
13. Roman Flügel – Brian Le Bon

CD2: Day

01. Move D – Workshop 13 A1
02. Omar S – Here’s Your Trance Now Dance
03. Steffi – Yours Feat. Virginia
04. Gerd – Time & Space (2011 Rub)
05. Osunlade – Envision (Âme Remix)
06. Allì Borèm – Scotch Your Mind
07. Maceo Plex – Falling
08. Anthony Collins – Don’t Look Down Now (Roman Flügel Remix)
09. Philip Bader – Hou!!!
10. Matt John – The Blue Storm
11. Re. You – Ghost
12. Mark E – The Day

Opinion:

It`s a rarity to post on my blog dj sets, and this is the 2nd time I`m doing this, so it must be a special event.

And it is. It`s that time of the year when Sven Vath takes it`s time to summarize his choices among the songs that rocked the dancefloor since the Sound of the 11th Season. And everyone knows Sven is God-like when it comes to mixing, making memorable gigs through his 30 years of being a DJ, mixing from vinyl when possible and delivering both quality and quantity at the same time. The ones who attended one of his shows will know what I`m talking about. The ones who did not should try to see him asap. Be prepared to hear original songs, belonging to techno and tech-house genres, but be prepared also for some Chicago influences, jazzy grooves, indie, disco and deep-house. And if CD1 is targeted for the dancefloor peak-time, the second is more deep and suitable for after hours, but don`t expect this to last for long, as most the songs are filled with wild electronic sounds and offer an even wider experience than the first. With songs by Anthony Collins, Ame, Maceo Plex, Roman Flugel, Omar S, Boys Nose, Dj Koze and many more, this is an experience you will likely not forget. Find it here, both on CD and digital:

http://cocoon.net/releases/cormix037_sven_vaeth_the_sound_of_the_twelfth_season#showmedium_26914

[digital] DJ W!ld pres. V.A. - Catwash Hors-Serie Vol. 05

2011-11-26T12:01:00.000-08:00

Artist(s): DJ Wild, Sammy Dee, Chris Carrier, William Kouam Djoko, Shaun Reeves
Name: Catwash Hors-Serie Vol. 05
Genre: tech-house
Label: Catwash Hors-Serie
Catalog: CWHS005
No. of tracks: 3
Type: unmixed

Tracklist:

01. DJ Wild & Sammy Dee – Dur

02. DJ Wild & Chris Carrier & William Kouam Djoko – WCW

03. DJ Wild & Shaun Reeves – New Chez Moi

Opinion:

I had the pleasure to hear Dj Wild (or W!ld) mixing one night, and since then I am always interested when his name comes up. He is joined by 4 others in this short EP compilation that consists of variations of tech-house.

Dur has minimal influences in it when it comes to the sounds you hear, but still has a hard bass and a steady beat. WCW is far better, being more danceable, and you can see Chris Carrier`s influence when it comes to bass, a style you can hear in all his songs. With irresistible vibes, this song will definitely capture the dance-floor. New Chez Moi is also a bouncy track, with slight influences of deep-house, with some haunting vocals and typical genre construction. It`s hard not to recommend it. A good EP that you should check out, even if some of you will not be impressed by the first song:

http://www.beatport.com/release/---/838239

[digital] Basti Grub - Basti And The Gang EP

2011-11-25T13:57:00.000-08:00

Artist(s): Basti Grub
Name: Basti & The Gang
Genre: tech-house
Label: Desolat
Catalog: DESOLATX014
No. of tracks: 3
Type: unmixed

Tracklist:

01. Walking In My Blues (Feat. Agent)
02. Mediante (Feat. Mike Trend)
03. Hang Over (Feat. Mike Trend)

Opinion:

Thank God, a new Desolat hit the market a few days ago, starring Basti Grub and (obviously) friends. And we get 3 tracks, two of them of normal length, and the 3rd totaling 11 minutes. So, is it any good?

It was just a rhetorical question. Quality comes first when is comes to Desolat, and if you expect top class songs, you came to the right place. From the start, Walking in my Blues begins with tribal percussion, and has a steady but very danceable rhythm throughout the song. Mediate continues the style of its predecessor, a drop more minimalistic, and filled with faded latino vocals. And for the grande finale, expect a minimalistic song, good for 6AM, filled with a broad spectrum of sounds and a bit darker in style. To sum up, nice to see Desolat is back :)

http://www.beatport.com/release/basti-and-the-gang/834792

[digital] UGLH - Funky Mood EP

2011-11-23T08:51:00.000-08:00

Artist(s): UGLH; remixes by Kruse & Nurnberg, Markus Schatz, Francesco Bonora, Decoside
Name: Funky Mood
Genre: house, deep-house
Label: Back & Forth
Catalog: BAFDIGI008
No. of tracks: 6
Type: unmixed

Tracklist:

01. Funky Mood (original mix)
02. Funky Mood (Kruse & Nuernberg Remix)
03. Funky Mood (Markus Schatz Downtown Mix)
04. Funky Mood (Markus Schatz Oldschool Mix)
05. Funky Mood (Francesco Bonora Remix)
06. Funky Mood (Decoside Remix)

Opinion:

Maybe this sounds familiar, but in a way it is, as the first 2 tracks of this remix pack were already reviewed by me here, filling one side of the vinyl. Remembering what I said then...
"On the other side, duo UGLH shifts completely the rhythm, and we immerse ourselves in deep Chicago vibes, remembering me of the club I went so many times and danced in that dark room. Kruse & Nurnberg`s remix is more uplifting, resulting in a very classic house track, with some old-school touch in it."... you can imagine I was looking forward for some more remixes on this track.

Markus Schatz contributes with 2 visions. His Downtown Mix is a strong piece of underground deep-house, with some acid keys in the background. But the best thing is yet to come, the Oldschool Mix being among the best rated when it comes to feedback. And its not too hard to imagine why. A lot of percussion and classic 80s sounds, just to remember us the forgotten age of analog synths. Francesco Bonora`s vision is still immersed in old school, providing quite a bouncy track for the dance floor. Decoside wraps it up with an extremely acid (and good) track. To sum up, quite a bunch of nice tracks remembering of the good old times of underground music. Available in December in the electronic music stores. Check some sneak previews below:

http://soundcloud.com/backandforth/sets/bafdigi008-uglh-funky-mood-1/

[digital] Dominik Eulberg - Diorama Remixes Pt. 1

2011-11-13T13:44:00.000-08:00

Artist(s): Dominik Eulberg; remixes by Stephan Bodzin, Petar Dundov, Ryan Davis, Jesse Somfray
Name: Diorama Remixes Pt. 1
Genre: techno
Label: Traum
Catalog: TRAUMV144
No. of tracks: 5
Type: unmixed

Tracklist:

01. Teddy Tausendtod (Stephan Bodzin Marabu remix)
02. Der Tanz Der Gluehwuermchen (Petar Dundov remix)
03. Taeuschungs-Blume (Ryan Davis Narciss Render)
04. Teddy Tausendtod (Stephan Bodzin Flamingo remix)
05. Echomaus (Jesse Somfray Xaltill remix)

Opinion:

New EP out on Traum, representing the first pack of remixes from the excellent Domink Eulberg album (find the review here). But how will other people put their own mark on these haunting songs? Let`s find out...

I have to admit that Bodzin`s first remix dissapointed me at first, but after hearing the full track I really enjoyed the hard beat and the sounds of the original Teddy being played with the volume up and down. As for Dundov`s vision of Der Tanz, I can say that it is a very good and danceable techno track, far from being minimalistic, and using all the frequency spectrum. Ryan Davis remix is more chilling and sentimental, and it brings back good memories from the album. The second version delivered by Stephan Bodzin is a tad more minimalistic, more dark and haunting. The Echomaus remix by Jesse Somfray is somewhat out of picture, being very rough and more electronic, but it`s the only thing I can comment about this excellent addition to the Traum family. Top class!

http://www.beatport.com/#release/diorama-remixes-pt-1/831567

[digital] Sound Apparel - Conventum EP

2011-11-12T13:44:00.000-08:00

Artist(s): Sound Apparel
Name: Conventum
Genre: trance
Label: Pulsar Recordings
Catalog: PULSAR015
No. of tracks: 2
Type: unmixed

Tracklist:

01. Conventum
02. Conventum (Percussion Mix)

Opinion:

Uplifting trance was always one of my weak spots, and now with the 15th release of Pulsar I experienced another good example defining the genre.
Even if it starts in force, with all the speed the 140BPM can provide, the original track gets slow, dreamy and chill by the third minute, and it keeps on like that for another three, just before unleashing classic trance sounds. In those 3 minutes, you actually forget what genre you are listening to, and imagine you hear more of a new-age/movie soundtrack kind of music. The percussion mix adds up some vague percussion during the first break minute, for those of you that think that 3 minutes without beat is far too long (I don`t). Nonetheless, an uplifting journey that I recommend you to take. Find it here:

http://www.beatport.com/#release/conventum/829239

[digital] Flashmob - Brick House EP

2011-11-09T12:38:00.000-08:00

Artist(s): Flashmob
Name: Brick House
Genre: house
Label: Get Physical
Catalog: GPM166
No. of tracks: 1
Type: unmixed

Tracklist:

01. Brick House

Opinion:

A simple 1 track EP, that is what we get from Physical today, but in the end it is worth it, and you will find Dice, T., Sneak, Schumacher and Troxler playing it in their sets.
And there is no wonder why. Brick House is a very classic track, house at the best, with alot of percussion and old-school vocals. And not to forget the funky irresistible bass-line. It was nice if we got one more original mix or a remix from Flashmob but it does not matter. The track is top class anyway. I`ll keep an eye on these guys in the future if I were you. Get it only on Beatport:

http://www.beatport.com/release/brick-house/829372

[digital] John Dimas, UGLH - Impress Me/Funky Mood EP

2011-11-07T08:56:00.000-08:00

Artist(s): John Dimas, UGLH; remixes by Anonym, Kruse & Nurnberg
Name: Impress Me/Funky Mood
Genre: house, tech-house, deep-house, techno
Label: Back & Forth
Catalog: BAF003
No. of tracks: 4
Type: unmixed

Tracklist:

01. John Dimas – Impress Me (Original Mix)
02. John Dimas – Impress Me (Anonym Show Me What’cha Got Remix)
03. UGLH – Funky Mood (Original Mix)
04. UGLH – Funky Mood (Kruse & Nürnberg Remix)

Opinion:

With support from Loco Dice and Laurent Garnier, followed by names like Tim Green, Anthony Collins, dOP or Italoboyz, it`s hard to miss the 3rd vinyl release of Cosmic Cowboy`s label, Back and Forth.

John Dimas` track fills the A side, and it`s original mix is a combination of tech-house with dark techno flavors, and the loops make you bounce back and forth on the dance-floor (fitting name for a label). Anonym is not new in the field, as he released tracks on Vakant, Tsuba and Bass Culture. His vision leaves any traces of house behind (besides the vocals) and focuses on some irresistible techno loops. On the other side, duo UGLH shifts completely the rhythm, and we immerse ourselves in deep Chicago vibes, remembering me of the club I went so many times and danced in that dark room. Kruse & Nurnberg`s remix is more uplifting, resulting in a very classic house track, with some old-school touch in it. To sum up, you can find 4 excellent tracks belonging to different sub-genres of music here. Get it as an exclusive out of Beatport (or a vinyl perhaps?):

http://www.beatport.com/#release/impress-me-funky-mood/820514

[digital] Mazu - Love This EP

2011-11-03T14:45:00.000-07:00

Artist(s): Mazu; remix by UGLH
Name: Love This
Genre: deep-house, house
Label: Caramella Records
Catalog: CARA013
No. of tracks: 3
Type: unmixed

Tracklist:

01. Love This
02. Love This (UGLH Remix)
03. In The Deep of my Soul

Opinion:

If you want to hear a bit of true underground music you should definetly check Caramella out. 13 is a special number, and it`s worth checking out as it already has positive feedback from guys like Richie Hawtin, M.A.N.D.Y., Darius Syrossian, Leon, Mihai Popoviciu, Mobius Strum, Kruse & Nuernberg, Claude VonStroke, and many others.
Love This starts with various percussion and a strong beat, and the aggressive-pressed piano and looping vocals give it such an old-school scent, of a world when analog was the only way to go. Caramella bosses UGLH have a more darker vision, starting with the echoed vocals and deep-house sounds, and adding value to the original composition. You can feel their experience gained over years and years of practicing the art of production. The 3rd track, In the Deep of My Soul, brings us back to the old days, with a very joyful rhythm. You can actually see the classical percussion that even Jeff Mills uses in his true techno songs, and they are based on the big-old synths. So listen to this EP to go on the memory lane, to the roots of what we call electronica. Started re-listening to Marshall Jefferson after this :) Find it in stores at the middle of November ... until then a sneak preview:

[vinyl] Terry Lee Brown Junior - Baltimore EP

2011-11-01T10:51:00.000-07:00

Artist(s): Terry Lee Brown Junior; remixes by Aki Bergen, Bas Amro
Name: Baltimore
Genre: deep-house
Label: Plastic City
Catalog: PLAX 0926
No. of tracks: 3
Type: unmixed

Tracklist:

01. Baltimore (Bas Amro Remix)
02. Baltimore (Aki Bergen Remix)
03. Baltimore (Dub Mix)

Opinion:

Since I heard him on Loco Dice`s Lab (find it here), his name stuck in my mind, and now I saw his new release on Plastic City, that includes an original track and 2 remixes.
From the Bas Amro remix you fully experience the magnitude of deep-house, but don`t expect to go into a dreamy state, because there is a very strong beat present. Aki Bergen goes deeper than that, calms the beats and lets the music flow slowly and naturally. The dub mix situates itself between the two at percussion and vibes. The old-school flavor just makes you imagine you`re in a dark club in Chicago and the dj is spinning this vinyl. Check it out:

http://www.juno.co.uk/ppps/products/439274-01.htm

[digital] Johnwaynes - The Yeah Yeah EP

2011-10-28T03:11:00.000-07:00

Artist(s): Johnwaynes, Stee Downes
Name: The Yeah Yeah
Genre: house
Label: Cecille
Catalog: CEC024
No. of tracks: 2
Type: unmixed

Tracklist:

01. Belong to Me
02. The Yeah Yeah

Opinion:

The last Cecille until no. 25 is out, and with the massive feedback from guys like Vath, Reboot, Butch, Dubfire, Dietz, Audiofly, Tim Green (...and the list goes on...) it`s not easy to miss. On paper, the EP stands fantastic, but what about on the speakers?
The first track is pure house, filled with (not that impressive) vocals but quite bouncy percussion, but it just does not make me change my state and begin to dance. The true gem here is The Yeah Yeah, faster, more powerful, filled with strong keys and irresistible loops. And after the track reaches the half, even more hard keys will be unleashed, to take all the dance-floor on a ride. At some moments I felt even some old-school vibes being released from the track. To sum up, an average track followed by one we will hear a lot in the clubs. Check it out:

http://www.beatport.com/#release/the-yeah-yeah-ep/684948

[digital] Dj T. - Leaving Me (Remixes)

2011-10-26T13:17:00.000-07:00

Artist(s): Dj T.; remixes by Clockwork, Daniel Bortz
Name: Leaving Me
Genre: house, deep-house
Label: Get Physical Music
Catalog: GPM163
No. of tracks: 3
Type: unmixed

Tracklist:

01. Leaving Me (Clockwork Remix)
02. Leaving Me (Daniel Bortz Remix)
03. Leaving Me (Dj T.`s Left with Attitude Mix)

Opinion:

It`s been a while since I saw names from the old rooster releasing new stuff on Physical. So I really was happy when Dj T.`s name came along, one of my all time heroes, standing on a pedestal with names like Sven Vath and Jeff Mills (among others).
This remix pack targets one of the tracks that made on his latest LP, namely Leaving Me. Clockwork`s view is very deep and chill, with dreamy vocals but quite a strong beat added to it. Daniel Bortz`s take is even more slow, with a heavy scent of ambiental, a song that is targeted for after-hours or home (chilling-on-a-couch) purpose. Nonetheless I really have to appreciate these two remixes, as they are very good built and offer an insight into the musical knowledge of the artists. Saving T.`s own remix for the end, all I can say is that you can feel his own personal (old-school) style, and the track starts very slow, just to be unleashed in the second part (due to some deep keys). Even if you won`t hear this in peak-time, those tracks emanate true sentiment. I for one will listen to them many times:

http://www.beatport.com/#release/leaving-me/816201

[digital] Maximiljan - Bodymovin EP

2011-10-24T13:15:00.000-07:00

Artist(s): Maximiljan; remix by Tapesh
Name: Bodymovin
Genre: tech-house, techno
Label: Monique Musique
Catalog: MM072
No. of tracks: 4
Type: unmixed

Tracklist:

01. Bodymovin
02. Bodymovin (Tapesh Remix)
03. Ruthless Ambition
04. Gonna Do This

Opinion:

I`ve heard the original head track and the 3rd one being dropped by Dubfire in Holland, for Loveland festival (a link to the live set with video here) and I thought of investigating more, also because Monique Musique is not a new name for me.
The original starts with some hollow drum sounds but beware if you expect some tribal house. Maybe just a scent of it, because the rest is filled with pure techno, fast and filled with slick bass and percussion. The Tapesh remix starts the same, but keeps all the interesting elements and adds a bouncy bass-line, bringing the song to a more tech-house level. Ruthless Ambition can be cataloged in the same genre, even if some deep-sounds are present, but not enough to shift the balance. Gonna Do This is fast paced and has alot of drums involved, but compared to the rest seems a bit fade, proving to be the weak link in this excellent EP. But enough talk, listen & buy it:

http://www.beatport.com/#release/bodymovin/674565

[digital] Delete - My Own Nightmare EP

2011-10-21T13:28:00.000-07:00

Artist(s): Delete (a.k.a. Sergio Munoz); remix by Fur Coat
Name: My Own Nightmare
Genre: tech-house, techno
Label: Get Physical Music
Catalog: GPM154
No. of tracks: 3
Type: unmixed

Tracklist:

01. My Own Nightmare
02. Slo-Mo Girl
03. Slo-Mo Girl (Fur Coat Dark After Hour Mix)

Opinion:

New Physical in town this week, but sadly yet again the old artists in the roster don`t show up to remind us of the good old times. At least, Delete really proves that he is ready, through this music, to bring the label one step ahead.
My Own Nightmare is between tech-house and pure techno, with a nice bass-line reminding of Mathias Kaden`s Rive Strikes Back, and electronic keys that can be heard from time to time. Expect the same electronic view in Slo-Mo Girl. And also expect it to be slow (as the title implies). For a faster track, check the remix by Fur Coat, that provides a deeper and darker perspective (again, as the title implies). To sum up, it made me think of the electronic sounds by Booka Shade. Maybe we see them in the near future dropping something new on the label. But until then, Delete provides a solid release, that you can buy from here:

http://www.beatport.com/release/my-own-nightmare/815290

[digital] M.E.D.O. - Love In Motion EP

2011-10-16T08:14:00.000-07:00

Artist(s): M.E.D.O.; remixes by Midnight Star, Vintage, Morelli, Dramatic Effect
Name: Love In Motion
Genre: trance
Label: Pulsar Recordings
Catalog: PULSAR013
No. of tracks: 4
Type: unmixed

Tracklist:

01. Love In Motion
02. Love In Motion (Vintage & Morelli Remix)
03. Love In Motion (Dramatic Effect`s Motive Mix)
04. Love In Motion (Midnight Star Fucked Up Love Remix)

Opinion:

The new single EP on Pulsar Recordings is based on love, but how about the trance?

As far as I know, pure trance is very uplifting, so it creates a positive vibe that is directed towards the listeners, just the same as love can generate. Getting back to more realistic stuff, the original Love In Motion is the definition of uplifting trance, with a strong beat and dreamy keys. Vintage & Morelli`s take is a bit more deep, while Dramatic Effect`s view is very energic, and more close to the original trance genre. Midnight Star shifts a gear down from the third song, delivering a more rough and hard remix. To sum up, good trance to lift your spirits:

http://www.beatport.com/release/love-in-motion/689213

[digital] Sean Miller & Daniel Dubb - Sinnerman EP

2011-10-15T14:27:00.000-07:00

Artist(s): Sean Miller, Daniel Dubb
Name: Sinnerman
Genre: tech-house
Label: Toolroom Records
Catalog: TRAX19401Z
No. of tracks: 1
Type: unmixed

Tracklist:

01. Sinnerman

Opinion:

So I woke up this morning, and on Facebook I saw a link on Steve Lawler`s South America tour, a live transmission from Argentina. And I fell in love with the first track I heard. And I`m still listening to it, amazed by the energy and positive feel it transmits.
Supported not only by Lawler, but by Luciano, Lee Burridge, Mark Knight and Loco Dice, it takes the haunting sample of Nina Simone`s voice, and builds atop of it a powerful by-the-book tech-house track. Sean Miller and Daniel Dubb outdone themselves with this, and I do not know where to start the praise. Maybe at the perfect percussion? Or at the wild piano keys? Or at the perfect bass-line, ready to rock any dancefloor? Too bad I found about it half a year after it was played. But alas I found it. Two thumbs up. By the way, I dropped Lawler`s part 2 of the Argentina set below the track:

http://www.beatport.com/release/sinnerman/351915

[digital] Pele & Findling - Funky Mood EP

2011-10-13T12:09:00.000-07:00

Artist(s): Pele, Findling; remixes by Sante, Lihab, Shawnecy
Name: Funky Mood
Genre: tech-house
Label: Get Physical Music
Catalog: GPM158
No. of tracks: 5
Type: unmixed

Tracklist:

01. Deep Sea
02. Slap Your Soul
03. Deep Sea (Lihab remix)
04. Slap Your Soul (Shawnecy remix)
05. Deep Sea (Sante remix)

Opinion:

New reasons to dance are available today at one of my favorite labels, namely Get Physical, and there are 5 of them, in the form of 2 original tracks and 3 remixes.
Advertised as jazz meets house, Deep Sea combines jazzy sounds with tech and deep house, maintaining a daring beat along the way, and also some very nice keys. Lihab makes this track a little bit more dark, also adding some overlapping noise, but unfortunately not rising to the quality of the original. But, luckily for us, where he failed, Sante succeeded, giving the track a slick bass-line and a bouncy tribal feel. Slap Your Soul continues in the style of Deep Sea, with cunning percussion and some jazzy effects. The Shawnecy remix starts in a very not interesting fashion but develops in a very strong and danceable track, probably the high point of this EP. Check it out bellow and buy it:

http://www.beatport.com/#release/deep-sea/817645

[digital] Viudez & Rainer - Scusas EP

2011-10-10T14:37:00.000-07:00

Artist(s): Viudez, Rainer

Name: Scusas
Genre: tech-house
Label: Desolat
Catalog: DESOLAT018
No. of tracks: 5
Type: unmixed

Tracklist:

01. Scusas
02. Rainer Nostalgia
03. Nuevo Cedar
04. Philips TV
05. Una Cosa Tool

Opinion:

Waiting for Livio & Roby`s forthcoming album on Loco Dice`s and Martin Buttrich`s Desolat, I came across the last release, signed by the London based Spanish duo Viudez & Rainer. So, if you dig the style of this label, take a look below.

The typical Latino influence that Guti has exhibits in his tracks is felt here also, in these "by the book" tech-house (sometimes minimalistic) tracks. Scusa gets directly to the point, with tribal percussion, and the loops hide a midway surprise, represented by some violins playing randomly and vocals. The looping vocals take a woman`s voice in Rainer Nostalgia, a more chilled track with nice bass-line. Nuevo Cedar is more playful, heading towards the minimal genre, with its small and non-complex sounds. Philips TV has the same minimal feel to it, being at best an average track. Una Cosa Tool has some nice Latino vocals and good percussion, proving to be more enjoyable than the former song. To sum up, a good EP, with some small flaws. I`m interested how these 2 will develop in the future. But beware, don`t expect Guti here.

http://www.beatport.com/#release/scusas/680173

[digital] Nima Gorji & Sunsetpeople - Day by Day EP

2011-10-09T08:45:00.000-07:00

Artist(s): Nima Gorji, Sunsetpeople
Name: Day By Day
Genre: tech-house
Label: Monza Ibiza Records
Catalog: MIR006
No. of tracks: 2
Type: unmixed

Tracklist:

01. Youzer
02. 2 Day

Opinion:

Nima Gorji and Sunsetpeople join their forces on this new Monza Ibiza EP, but is the combination good or not? Glad to report it is :). Youzer is a top song, filled with bouncy percussion, repeating vocals and some pretty nice keys, that use your stereo system to the fullest, creating this interesting 3D sound. 2 Day is more relaxing than the first track, but still good for jumping on the dancefloor. The chilling vocals are the mark of Sunsetpeople, that`s for sure. Anyway, check it out on the next link and the Youtube videos. Enjoy!

http://www.beatport.com/#release/day-by-day/683255

[digital] Kris Wadsworth - It`s Time EP

2011-10-05T12:47:00.000-07:00

Artist(s): Kris Wadsworth
Name: It`s Time
Genre: techno, tech-house, deep-house
Label: Get Physical Music
Catalog: GPM146
No. of tracks: 3
Type: unmixed

Tracklist:

01. It`s Time
02. Det Sound
03. Connection

Opinion:

New Physical is out today, and I should warn you that this one is special. It may shock the years of a newbie in electronica, but it`s a damn original work from an expert point of view. I`ll tell you why...

It`s Time is definitely the strong piece here, starting with a hot beat and lyrics remembering us of Detroit, and after a chilling half of song, sharp techno sounds keep popping out, and for the finale, they are joined by deep-house type of keys, producing a very interesting mixture altogether. It is followed by Kris` own remix of Det Sound, quite a mad track in itself, filled with strong percussion and distortions, placing itself mainly in the techno genre. The digital bonus is called Connection, and is a kind of a breaks track, getting somewhere close to house in some style. In the end, I can only recommend you to listen to the 3 mixed on the following video and go to Beatport, as it is the only place you can find it:

http://www.beatport.com/#release/its-time/688060

[digital] NTFO, Dj Optick - NTFO & Dj Optick EP

2011-10-04T10:58:00.000-07:00

Artist(s): NTFO, Dj Optick
Name: NTFO & Dj Optick
Genre: tech-house, deep-house
Label: Gruuv
Catalog: GRU010
No. of tracks: 3
Type: unmixed

Tracklist:

01. From The Tower
02. From The Trenches
03. From The Tower (ONNO & David Labeij Remix)
04. From The Tower (Nikola Gala Remix)

Opinion:

It`s always good to hear that fellow Romanians do some good in the world. And when it comes to electronic music all the world knows about Livio, Roby and RPR. Duo NTFO are not new when it comes to musical production, and they are joined by Dj Optick, one of the oldest and best in the trade when it comes to Romanian djs, but sadly lacking in many original productions. So, as you imagine, I listened to this EP with great interest.

The fist track, From the Tower, starts the record in force, with quite a booming and percussive deep-house track. From the Trenches follow, a short but very nice song, filled with a wicked bass-line, shifting the style to tech-house. ONNO`s and Labeij`s view of From the Tower forgets about the beautiful deep feeling of the original, focusing on strong drums and powerful rhythm. Nikola Gala`s view is even better, with even stronger percussion, resulting in a quite mad track that will shake the dance-floor. To sum up, a good and complete EP, and I`ll keep an eye on NTFO and Optick in the future. You should too:

http://www.beatport.com/#release/ntfo-and-dj-optick-ep/688604

[digital] Giuseppe Cennamo - A Single in the Jungle EP

2011-10-02T09:18:00.000-07:00

Artist(s): Giuseppe Cennamo
Name: A Single in the Jungle
Genre: tech-house, deep-house
Label: 8Bit
Catalog: 8Bit048
No. of tracks: 3
Type: unmixed

Tracklist:

01. Wannabe
02. Please Hold On
03. June in Naples

Opinion:

With only one EP to go until no.50, 8Bit gives us another dose of high quality electronica, with Giuseppe Cennamo starring as the lead-man in this 3-tracked EP.

Wannabe is clearly meant for the dancefloor, with a strong tribal beat and some haunting sounds. You can easily imagine you`re in a real jungle, hearing an ancient tribe beat on their drums. The exotic journey continues with Please Hold On, with occasional creepy sounds, deep vocals and slick bass-line. And for all you tribal fans, the trip stops here, as June in Naples has nothing to do with the previous tracks. First of all, it is deep-house, in itself very good and danceable, but don`t expect to continue the style of the EP. Summing up, I just can`t wait for 8Bit no. 50. Just damn good music!

http://www.beatport.com/#release/a-single-in-the-jungle-ep/683902

[digital] Nick Curly - Sun City EP

2011-10-01T03:39:00.000-07:00

Artist(s): Nick Curly
Name: Sun City
Genre: tech-house, techno
Label: Cocoon
Catalog: COR12089
No. of tracks: 3
Type: unmixed

Tracklist:

01. Sun City
02. Green Baize
03. Libero

Opinion:

8Bit`s and Cecille`s own superstar, Nick Curly, is not new to the gigantic label Cocoon, and yet again he strikes to remind us why Germans are so good at what they do, especially when it comes to electronic music. Germany is trully the house of the best underground music I`ve heard, and as a consequence, most of my favorite labels and artists come from that area.
Getting back on the new EP, Sun City mixes both Nick`s style of powerful beats and the true techno that Cocoon is so well known for. Also you can notice that the style is a bit darker than Nick`s work. Playfulness returns with Green Baize, a tech-house track filled with tribal percussion, and with excellent keys developing in the second part of the song, when the bass fades away and we`re left with a funky rhythm. Libero is made in the style of the first track, and frankly I thought of Kollektiv Turmstrasse a bit when I heard it. Even with the strong tech-house beats and drums, the core of the song belongs to the genre embraced by the duo mentioned above. That`s a bit of sentimental techno right there ;) Anyway, a very strong release by Nick Curly, and I can`t wait to hear this on the dancefloor.

http://www.beatport.com/#release/sun-city-ep/653800

[digital] Smash TV - Steroids to Heaven EP

2011-09-21T12:03:00.000-07:00

Artist(s): Smash TV
Name: Steroids to Heaven
Genre: tech-house, deep-house, techno
Label: Get Physical
Catalog: GPM139
No. of tracks: 3
Type: unmixed

Tracklist:

01. Steroids to Heaven
02. Made for Eachother
03. Pleasure

Opinion:

A new EP is out on Physical, with Smash TV being the solo presence, bringing to the game 3 original tracks. So how is the new addition to the well known label family?

Steroids to Heaven open the EP is a straight tech track, with some synth effects that offer a more electro feel to it, making it a tad more darker and deeper. Made for Eachother is the middle track here, and I, for one, cannot find a flaw in it. It has a very catchy bass-line and you can be mislead to believe that it is pure tech-house from the first seconds of the song. But actually, the sharp keys that are heard later on (and the vocals) add a bit of deep-house flavor to it. The combination is indeed tasty, if I can call it that :)) Pleasure ends it all in an original style, with complex drums and quite a techno style, that can even be considered minimalistic. Jeff Mills fans will definitely dig this. To wrap it up, if you are looking for an EP that is not monotonous, check it out. With all different kinds of electronica flavors, this is something to look for:

http://www.beatport.com/#release/steroids-to-heaven/680187

[digital] Siopis - Stinky Socks (The Remixes) EP

2011-09-14T05:45:00.000-07:00

Artist(s): Siopis; remixes by Adam Port, Boogie Drama, Haito Goepfrich
Name: Stinky Socks (The Remixes)
Genre: tech-house, deep-house
Label: Get Physical
Catalog: GPM151
No. of tracks: 4
Type: unmixed

Tracklist:

01. Lost Battleships (Re-Edit)
02. Lost Battleships (Adam Port Remix)
03. I Try To Fight (Feat. Alfons) (Boogie Drama Remix)
04. I Try To Fight (Feat. Alfons) (Haito Goepfrich’s Kotti Prozak Dub Mix)

Opinion:

New Physical hit the stores this week, a 4-track remix pack of Siopis` Stinky Socks, which came out a while ago (in April if I`m not wrong). But will this new installment make you move?

The Re-Edit of Lost Battleships is a slow and deep track, with sharp keys being played that give this song a scent of electronica. Adam Port`s remix is the opposite, fast-paced and filled with lots of percussion, resulting in a tech-house combined with a bit of a tribal feel. Boogie Drama`s vision of I Try To Fight is very electronic, Booka Shade-like, filled with a lot of synth. A very nice and solid track, it is my personal favorite from this EP. Haito Goepfrich creates a darker and deeper feeling of the same song, in an interesting combination of tech and deep-house, which actually goes along perfectly with the Lost Battleships Re-Edit. Just listen for yourself below, and if you like it, here`s the Beatport link:

http://www.beatport.com/release/stinky-socks-the-remixes/674527

[digital] V.A. - Somero 2011

2011-09-13T03:54:00.000-07:00

Artist(s): Lee Burridge, Matthew Dekay, Pirupa, Gwen Maze, Tripmastaz, Arram Mantana, Emanuel Satie, Martyne And Julien Bracht, Marco Faraone And Arado, Lahib Alekozei
Name: Somero 2011
Genre: tech-house
Label: Cecille
Catalog: CECSEASON002
No. of tracks: 12 (digital), 8 (vinyl)
Type: unmixed

Tracklist:

01. Lee Burridge And Matthew Dekay – Out Of Order
02. Pirupa – Raw Orbit
03. Gwen Maze. Jef K And G–Rom - Number 6
04. Tripmastaz And Arram Mantana – Circus Passin` By...
05. Emanuel Satie – Hans
06. Martyne And Julien Bracht – Deal For Shine
07. Marco Faraone And Arado – Get Reverse
08. Lahib Alekozei – Behind Closed Doors
09. Marco Faraone And Arado – Slow Down
10. Emanuel Satie – Over
11. Lahib Alekozei – Sweet Nothings For Jeann
12. Pirupa – In The Morning

Opinion:

The second Somero from Curly`s Cecille is in stores, 2 years after the first installment, and brings with it a combination of some new and some not that new names in the industry, in a double vinyl or digital format. And, as always, we can expect great music from the German label.

The 12 tracks are almost pure tech-house, at 124/125 BPM, with the exception of Circus Passin` By, that has a techno feel but is a weird track, and other 2 or 3 tracks that go towards the deep-house genre, like Slow Down or Ro-Number 6. Don`t expect Livio & Roby kind of tech-house, most of the songs are very chill and in some rare moments minimalistic, with the exception of In the Morning and Deal For Shine, which will probably blow your head off. To sum up, an interesting array of songs to remind us of the summer that passed. Sadly it does not come close to Cecille 2Y for example.

http://www.beatport.com/release/somero-2011/674406

[digital] Aka Aka, Thalstroem, Umami - What Matters (Remixes)

2011-09-13T03:32:00.000-07:00

Artist(s): Aka Aka, Umami, Thalstroem; remixes by Hanne & Lore, Broombeck, Philip Bader
Name: What Matters (Remixes)
Genre: techno, tech-house
Label: Burlesque Musique
Catalog: BUR008
No. of tracks: 4
Type: unmixed

Tracklist:

01. What Matters
02. What Matters (Hanne & Lore Remix)
03. What Matters (Broombeck Remix)
04. What Matters (Philip Bader Remix)

Opinion:

Aka Aka`s own label, Burlesque Musique, is always a source of good music if you like the sounds created by the German duo. As I really dig their techno, I decided to add this first EP in my collection. 4 songs, one original and 3 remixes.
You will not be disappointed by this. The original has it all, strong percussion, funny "drunken-style" vocals, trumpets and other sounds that create this happy techno song, good to listen to a party no matter the degree of alcohol in your system. It actually reminds me of Noze and Riva Starr`s I was Drunk. Surely Goran Bregovic would sound like this if he made electronica. Hanne & Lore remix is more minimalistic, focusing more on the drums and the actual vocals, that appear in the middle of the song. The Broombeck remix is more techno oriented than the original, containing more electronic elements and effects and also an awesome bass-line. The view of Philip Bader is more deep due to the duo created by the sad trumpet and the bass keys, a very interesting perspective that differs from the happiness of the rest of the EP. In the end all I can say is that you must listen to this:

http://www.beatport.com/release/what-matters-remixes/673245

[digital] Darius Syrossian - Seeking for Peace EP

2011-09-09T11:29:00.000-07:00

Artist(s): Darius Syrossian; remixes by William Kouam Djoko, DJ Kool Dek

Name: Seeking for Peace
Genre: tech-house, deep-house
Label: Area Remote
Catalog: AREA033
No. of tracks: 4
Type: unmixed

Tracklist:

01. Seeking for Peace (4am Mix)
02. Seeking for Peace (DJ Kool Dek Remix)
03. Seeking for Peace (Bass Not Bombs Original Mix)
04. Seeking for Peace (William Kouam Djoko`s Peace of Me Remix)

Opinion:

The new Area Remote release contains one track interpreted in 2 ways by its original producer, Darius Syrossian, followed by two remixes, representing a combination of tech-house and house.
The original mix, Bass Not Bombs as it is called, lives up to it`s name, with a hard and pure bass-line and percussion found all over the tech-house genre. The interesting element here, besides the vocals that repeat themselves, is represented by the sharp keys that can be heard in deep-house and house tracks. The 4am mix changes the bass notes a bit and adds up more deep-house sounds, including a very fitting echo effect. DJ Kool Dek`s point of view is pure tech-house, resulting in a rough but bouncy track, with all the deep elements gone. Luckily for us, William Kouam`s vision is very deep, and the resulting keys are accentuated in a mad symphony, just right to make you bounce. So if you seek for peace, you will not find it here surely. This will rock the club.

http://www.beatport.com/release/seeking-for-peace/439795

[digital] Jake & Amber - This is Mine EP

2011-09-09T09:51:00.000-07:00

Artist(s): Jake & Amber
Name: This is Mine
Genre: tech-house, techno
Label: Minus
Catalog: MINUS113
No. of tracks: 2
Type: unmixed

Tracklist:

01. This is Mine
02. Teenpop

Opinion:

We have yet again a typical Minus release, a 2-track EP with one song per part, totaling a small dosage of excellent techno combined with tech-house.
This is Mine gets closer to tech-house, with it`s vocals, superb percussion and witty rhythm. It`s a track that is meant for peak time in a club, when everyone is jumping around the dance-floor. Teenpop is the pure techno track, being more rough and using more sounds specific to the genre. As the first song, it is quite fast and has a large palette of sounds, so don`t expect minimal. Check it out, it`s really nice:

http://www.beatport.com/release/this-is-mine/651104