Blackout Audio/M8 Record Reviews - Sept 2005
As usual let me know what you reckon u lot. I'm really loving getting feedback from posting these up TBH, so any reply is so appreciated :)
As usual these are all out in M8 next month ;)
Album Of The Month:
Speedy J and Chris Liebing
‘Metalism (Collabs 3000)’
(NOVAMUTE)
Get these two in the same room and you know there’ll be fireworks. With their first single staying in the box for what seemed like years, it’s hardly surprising that this album makes serious waves. Building momentum steadily, the shit quite literally hits the fan on track eight when everything is stripped down and worked up brilliantly until the end. Speedy J’s legendary production is obvious (check the jaw dropping scissor sound on the final track) but with Liebing’s dark and modulated atmospheres over the top, the result is unmistakable carnage. Shit on the fan, in your mouth and under your armpits. Shit everywhere you turn actually. M8/M8
Single Of The Month
The Black Dog
‘The Remixes’
(DUST SCIENCE)
Once Vince Watson gets involved there’s no looking back and that’s most definitely what’s happening here on this Dust Science release. A string-driven beast of a remix with all the hallmarks of a timeless classic, utilizing not only some of the most lush pads you’ve heard in ages but also a beautiful TB-303 sound that presents the sound of acid in a much more anthemic way than most. Reverse to the B-side and you get a more straight-laced Carl Taylor remix, but it’s the A-side that gets the eyes watering here. M8/M8
Thomas Christopher and Steve Payne
‘Introvex EP’ (Valentino Kanzyani Remix)
(TCP)
Following the first release featuring a deadly Patrick Skoog remix, TCP Recordings now release the ‘Introvex EP’. Handing man-of-the-moment Valentino Kanzyani the remix duties, this is one wastes no time in bringing in a huge bassline with all sorts of weird and wonderful Kanzyani sound snippets. An absolute doddle to mix, thanks to an early first breakdown. If you liked Valentino’s recent releases on Intec and Drumcode, you’re gonna love this. A Saturday night must-have. M7/M8
Alex Smoke
‘Lost In Sound’
(SOMA)
Soma superstar Alex Smoke has shot to fame, especially after his dazzling ‘Incommunicado’ album release this year. This is a mind-bending, tripped out version of album favourite ‘Lost In Sound’ and all the elements are in place to ensure Alex continues to enlist an army of new fans from all four corners of the globe. Especially moving here is the string sound that quite literally lifts you out of your underpants and places you in a field full of daisies. Minimal techno never sounded so good. M7/M8
Marco Bailey and Tom Hades
‘Kamaki’
(OMEGA AUDIO)
I’m not totally sure how old this release will be by the time this review comes out, but when you find a record of such quality it would be absolutely criminal not to review it simply based on the fact it’s a month or so old. Each side features a different style of techno – the first being a clubby, bass-line number and the second being a heads down party roller. Both tracks are of superb quality, demonstrating that these two are at the very peak of their game. M7/M8
Paul Langley
‘Konty Madness Remixes’
(JACKSTAR)
This is outstanding value for money. Three new remixes from those at the head of their game. First up Jamie Bismire with a steam train of aggression, right to the very center of your crown jewels. Then you’re handed over to Chicago booty jacker Bam Bam for a effective and thought provoking butt slapping with a giant fly swatter. Finally Boris S keeps the Schranzers happy with a hammer drill of sound with enough breakdowns to give you nightmares for the rest of your natural life. M7/M8
Mike Humphries
‘Modification Madness’
(POTENTIAL)
Intense stuff, this one places your balls on the table as asks the school bully to work his magic with a conveniently placed lump hammer. But of course you knew that didn’t you. Especially as the Humphriemiester never fails to make sure there’s all the right ingredients to cook up a colossal heap of trouble with anyone who comes within six foot. Rollin hard techno that stands out high above the rest. Essential. M7/M8
Jorg Henze
‘Ash and Diamonds’
(ZENIT)
When you shell out for a full-length album it’s always a plus if there’s a little more diversity to the artist’s production than you get on standard single releases and this album by Jorg Henze does not disappoint. With such an incredible history (Jorg was responsible for the ‘Psilocybin’ anthem that appeared on his own Delirium label in the 90’s), expect there to be techno for all shapes and sizes – something for all the family. I’d like to have seen a little more experimental stuff on here but nevertheless if it’s dancefloor tracks you want, this is a great little catch. M7/M8
Vicarious Bliss
‘Theme From Vicarious Bliss’ (Dave Clarke Remix)
(SKINT)
This was one of the highlights of the recent World Service electro mix by Dave Clarke himself, so it should come as no surprise to learn he has decided to take it upon himself to remix the track. To be honest, crafting a remix to match the original would be near on impossible, but Clarkey-boy has taken a slightly different slant and the results are impressive. Heavy machine synths and an industrial electro drum roll give this a smoky midnight feel. M7/M8
Felix Da Housecat
‘Tweak!’
(RUDE PHOTO)
Never let it be said that Felix The Housecat doesn’t try new things when he locks down in the studio. This is typical Housecat, something that will stick out like a thumb in cow dung, with a whole catalogue of strange stuff going on and a ridiculous squeaky noise that will have the place in flames if played at the right point in the night. Apparently big in the box of Miss Kitten, but you can see this one crossing into many boxes across a much wider spectrum. M7/M8
Collins And Behnam
‘Solid Beatz EP’
(ROTATION)
Again Dave Angel’s Rotation label is on top form with this three-track bomb from Collins and Behnam. A combination of huge warm and fuzzy synth stabs, basslines to lick ladies bums to, and breakdowns that will attract anything within a hundred foot radius, means this is essential dancing music. If you’re into that funky house techno wiggle your rear sound, this is the one to look out for this month. M6/M8
DJ Ogi
‘Beast Bombarder’
(BEAST)
This A1 track here is the absolute dogs left nut sack, especially as it just dangles in front of you like nothing you’ve ever heard before. You may actually need to see a specialist after you hear the breakdown, because this is some of the sickest evil hard techno Ogi has ever produced. He’s been threatening to come up with goods like this for a while now so this track is sure to be a firm favorite in the box for a long time to come. M7/M8
Various
‘Textures Series 1’
(STARK)
This four track EP on new label Stark, is the perfect warm-up to any techno party. Featuring Naples born Umberto Carmignani (recent release on Rotation), up coming tribal-man to watch Bio Booster and fellow Brazilian Elton D (recent release on Dark House), you’re soon going to find at least on or two spaces to play this during a two-hour action packed techno set. For those who need a bit more funk in their trunk. M6/M8
Sam Ostyn and Trish Van Eynde
‘Drama Of Life’
(MINIMAXIMA)
Ultimate and extreme melodic dancefloor action, Sam Ostyn and Trish Van Eynde throw away the loop folders and concentrate on intricate arpeggiators and elaborate knob twiddling to get the party going. And the result is something to get wet about, especially when the break kicks into action with some wonderful old school claps and infectiously shaky hi-hats. If you like Technasia, you’ll love this. Top notch. M6/M8
Ant and Lenny Dee
‘The Powertool’
(POWERTOOLS)
The next Powertools assault for those without a care for their own personal well being. It comes from label owner Ant and techno legend Lenny Dee. Although the A-side is an absolute belter of a track and will rip any set of speakers apart, what makes this a special release is the additional B-side number. Rising and falling bass with an absolutely brilliant vocal sample, this is a total party piece with it’s own unique minimal style that will stand out head and shoulders above the rest. M7/M8
Jon O Connor and Kay D Smith
‘Weapons Of Justice’
(SUPERTECH)
The Construct Rhythm master Kay D Smith teams up with North Wales techno trooper Jon O Connor for this three-track argument with the bin men. There’s some downright nastiness going on here and it’s not pleasant, especially when you find yourself surrounded by several thousand blood-sucking maggots. The A-side is so hard it defies belief but the real anthem is on the B1 with all sorts of accusations flying through the low frequencies. If you don’t get hold of this, you’re in trouble. M6/M8
Marco Nastic and Dejan Milicevic
‘Belgrade Burner’
(WET MUSIK)
Although Marco’s A1 track predictably takes all the prizes in the production stakes, it’s his long-term buddy that will turn previously unaware heads with his two admirable club bumpers on the B-side. Marco and Dejan were actually both DJ partners and Belgrade superheros way before they decided to get involved in production, so it’s great to finally see Dejan get a look-in on the global action. Expect much more from him in the future. M6/M8
For reviews:
Blackout Audio | PO Box 303 | Pudsey | Leeds | LS28 5ZQ
Re: Blackout Audio/M8 Record Reviews - Sept 2005
Quote:
Originally Posted by MARK EG
Mike Humphries
‘Modification Madness’
(POTENTIAL)
Intense stuff, this one places your balls on the table as asks the school bully to work his magic with a conveniently placed lump hammer. But of course you knew that didn’t you.
haha, just laughed out very loud at that! :clap: :lol:
Re: Blackout Audio/M8 Record Reviews - Sept 2005
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sunil
Quote:
Originally Posted by MARK EG
Mike Humphries
‘Modification Madness’
(POTENTIAL)
Intense stuff, this one places your balls on the table as asks the school bully to work his magic with a conveniently placed lump hammer. But of course you knew that didn’t you.
haha, just laughed out very loud at that! :clap: :lol:
he does have a way with words doesnt he:):)
Re: Blackout Audio/M8 Record Reviews - Sept 2005
Quote:
Originally Posted by ampassasinbirmingham
he does have a way with words doesnt he:):)
he sure does
always enjoy reading these... :clap:
Re: Blackout Audio/M8 Record Reviews - Sept 2005
Quote:
Originally Posted by MARK EG
Jon O Connor and Kay D Smith
‘Weapons Of Justice’
(SUPERTECH)
The Construct Rhythm master Kay D Smith teams up with North Wales techno trooper Jon O Connor for this three-track argument with the bin men. There’s some downright nastiness going on here and it’s not pleasant, especially when you find yourself surrounded by several thousand blood-sucking maggots. The A-side is so hard it defies belief but the real anthem is on the B1 with all sorts of accusations flying through the low frequencies. If you don’t get hold of this, you’re in trouble. M6/M8
Agreed!!! :clap: this is some serious nasty, hard, sharp techno!!!
Well done to jon for actually gettin this long awaited peice of evil out there!! hehe ;)
