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Single Of The Month: Inigo Kennedy ‘Dark Instigations (ASYMMETRIC
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SINGLE OF THE MONTH:
Inigo Kennedy
‘Dark Instigations’
(ASYMMETRIC)
You don’t get much better than this. A totally free, five-track release, available for download at www.asymmetric.co.uk. And this brilliant work of art is all loving crafted from one of the most innovative figures in techno music – Inigo Kennedy. If you’re into dark landscapes, beautiful ambient textures and driving percussion, then you’re going to be in heaven after downloading this. ‘Trigonomet’ is the one to die for here, with mechanical hats and rolling kicks setting the backdrop for an immense journey into sound. Finally, your VIP journey ends with ‘It Catches A Cloud Somehow’, something that could have been made by angels. Don’t miss this. M8/M8
Various
‘Fuse Presents Shinedoe’
(MUSIC MAN)
Closing the gap between Detroit, minimal techno and house, this CD is a complex journey of soulful rhythm and heart rendering emotion. From dancer to DJ, African soul-stress Shindoe has definitely hit the mark here with the track listing - presenting a totally unique CD that you will not find elsewhere. It’s for this reason that you need to check this out. Names such as Ron Trent, Stephan Bodzin and Underground Resistance are placed together in a thought provoking and challenging way. Although her mixing could be slightly smoother in places, you can’t help but admire the funk that quite literally litters the airwaves here. Good work. M6/M8
Paul Mac
‘Remasters and Re-Edits Vol 1’
(STIMULUS)
This is the first in a serious of digital only re-releases from Paul Mac’s extensive back catalogue that have been remastered and re-edited for 2007. First up is the amazing ‘Cards On The Table’, something that was originally released on Primate and finally Ingoma. ‘Informal Introduction’ and ‘the infamous ‘Work It’ track follow, finishing off this impressive package. All those who know Paul’s work from the past will be jumping to get hold of this. If not, you need to jump anyway. Tribal and funky peak time club classics. M8/M8
Chris Fortier
‘As Long As The Moment Exists EP1’
(EQ)
If you’re into the minimal side of techno and appreciate the more progressive side to house music, this could be the one for you. Taken from the debut album ‘As Long As The Moment Exists’ this EP features perhaps the best track from that along with three other totally playable numbers. ‘Deep Throbmostess’ is the opener here, drilling into the subconscious with a ploddy kick and train-like movements – all servicing the dancefloor in a spacious and wonderful way. As an EP this stands up as being impressive and forward thinking, especially as Chris Fortier is such a new name on the scene. Well worth checking out. M6/M8
Jet Project
‘Time Flies’
(DARK ROOM DUBS)
From the Glasgow based Dark Room Dubs label and high on the play list of superstar DJ Laurent Garnier, this is a summer killer that doesn’t half pack a huge punch in a daytime environment. Irish based Jet Project are Timmy Stewart and John McIver, both DJ’s at the Stiff Kitten and Shine parties in Belfast, so as expected, you’re treated to some of the best middle ground between house and techno. The production here is exceptional good, meticulously crafted with plenty of quirky effects and drops. If you’re looking for a timeless crossover classic, look no further. M7/M8
Zoid And Distek
‘Max Min 56’
(MAXIMUM MINIMUM)
Hard floor bangers Zoid And Distek from North Wales take centre stage and rip into the audience with a two track honker that blasts its rivals and spits fire in their faces. Take cover as Zoid present ‘Under Pressure’ on the Maximum side – a bassline roller with clever drops and edits, as well as a huge stab to punch you in the groin. Distek complements this perfectly with the cheeky bum-wiggler ‘Beat Fantastik’ on the Minimum side. Both producers demonstrating their undeniable talent, that is now finally catapulting them up there with the best in the acid techno genre. M7/M8
TR One
‘Inner Thoughts’
(FINE ART)
Incredible second release from the UK based Fine Art Recordings label, following on perfectly from the Gary Beck EP released a short while ago. The feeling here is dirty acid house crossed with pure Detroit techno and the results are second-to-none. Building via a squelchy 303 line into a smooth Detroit pad with bags of 909 hi-hat character, the A1 ‘Inner Thoughts’ is the true beauty here. One for the more discerning techno believer, you only have to think back to the days of New Electronica to get close to the level of innovation going on here. A serious recommendation for the month. M8/M8
Various
‘Ear Damage EP’
(GIVEWAY)
Giveway Records is Schranz’s answer to having a brick thrown at your head, so be prepared for some serious damage here. Four tracks feature and it’s a mixture of some of the best talent the UK scene has to offer. First up it’s Scott Kemix and DJ Pheeva, taking great pleasure in leaving you with a bad dose of tittinus. It’s all way too much to for the old eardrums to take but don’t let that worry you. Flip to the B1 and Alex Calver shows us exactly why we should be bringing chainsaws into the club next time we go out. The best EP on the Giveway label yet. M7/M8
Concrete DJz
‘The Tunnel EP’
(BLACKOUT AUDIO)
Rarely do I review my own label releases but in this case it would be rude and quite simply criminal not to give these guys a mention in my monthly coloum. The Concrete DJz hail from deepest darkest Serbia and are fast becoming the ones to watch if your bag swings toward the dark side of hard and club techno. This three track EP has been waiting for release for nearly a year, opening with a huge atmosphere infested peak timer entitled ‘Tunnel’. It’s this track that rips the roof off and always gets the spotters asking. Keep your eye out for these boys in the future. M8/M8
Orlando B
‘Unknown EP’
(EASTBOUND)
Every so often you come across an EP with a hidden gem on the B-side. This is one of those – a serious funky techno number with bags of character in the form of ‘Just Jammin’. Using a house-style vocal, the track builds into complete techno heaven with plenty of frequency sweeps to keep the mind racing. Supported already by the likes of Trevor Rockcliffe and Paul Mac, you can imagine just where the groove is heading here. The A-side isn’t bad either. Excellent release. M6/M8
Various
‘Damaged Trax 001’
(DAMAGED TRAX)
The first release for Damaged Trax with four superb tracks to crush your ears and rip the speaker cones. Label owner Rhythm Technologies takes the reigns on the A-side with ‘First Run’ and it’s a clubby grappler that pulls a punch with it’s superb guitar-like licks. It’s all good stuff but the B-side comes up trumps, keeping the harder heads on max-gain with a battle axe from The Concrete DJz. Finally the B2 demonstrates Alex Calver’s immense talent with a colossal surprise in the form of ‘Forward Slash’. This track quite literally damages, so be prepared. M7/M8
Ambivalent
‘R U OK’
(MINUS)
If you’re a fan of Richie Hawtin’s DJ sets you’ll know this one from the lyric ‘It might help if you throw up, you don’t look so good’. It’s an instantly recognisable number and now we’re treated to a whole new set of remixes that leave you completely breathless. Marco Corola gives us two mixes as well as extra’s from Tim Xavier and Troy Pierce. But the best here is the Kasper Remix, using an in-ya-face bassline that cuts so incredible sharply through the mix. M7/M8
Android And Victor Stroganov
‘Electric Death’
(Spartek)
Russian club techno label Spartek has given us some killer gems recently but this is by far the best so far. Android is the label owner and all round nice guy here, pairing with Russian DJ superstar/promoter and Thor look-a-like Victor Stronganov. It’s a pairing that has pulled off brilliantly, with Android keeping the focus on the club sound but Victor adding the harder, more aggressive elements – especially when the track kicks back in after the breakdown. Android gives us an acid-techno style stomper with a wonky edge on the B-side. Russia is well and truly rocking. M7/M8
A.P.
‘True North’
(CLUSTER)
Check this one out and your head is guaranteed to come off its hinges. Building up perfectly with a ‘One Night In Hackney’ style bottom end, it cunningly pulls you in with a throbbing bass hook and plenty of mid-hz fx. But it’s the clever break that get the serious movement going and when the ride enters, well you might as well kiss goodbye to anything within a sixty-mile radius. This is a killer party track for anyone into hard and driving techno music. M8/M8
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