Berlin based Elektrotribe Records start off the summer season with the new Tech My House 3 compilation album and a debut EP from Animaltek.
Started back in June 2007, the Tech My House series gets a third outing this month, and follows the evolution of the electronic music in delivering 1o heavy Tech House tracks.
The international lineup includes Animaltek, Alex Tomb, Datensi, Breger, Dominic& Moog Conspiracy, Pete Nouveau and Digital Filth diffusing the Elektrotribe sound all through the compilation.
Newcomers Insect Elektrika from Prague, Steve Lorenz from Italy & Tiari from Detroit are also included.
Most of the songs have been especially produced by Elektrotribe artists to make this new Tech My House 3 compilation the best in the series so far.
Tech My House 3 Track List:
1. Dominic & Moog Conspiracy – Lost
2. Steve Lorenz – Overload
3. Digital Filth - Edition
4. Breger - Il Pavone
5. Animaltek - Bucket Dance
6. Datensi – Morana
7. Pete Nouveau - Fun Box
8. Tiari - Ware Road
9. Insect Elektrika - When I met 19
10.Alex Tomb - Just copy & paste
Tech My House 3 was released on 25th June
Animaltek - Aspiree EP
Animaltek are Oleg Slepak & Shay Raban (aka DJ Earthian) from New York. Aspiree includes three tracks: Bessame, Ghetto Twist & the title track Apsiree.
The Aspiree 3 track EP is a smooth electronic adventure navigating an electronic path with essence of electronica, jazz and minimal techno universe.
Bessame introduces a warm groove against the colder minimal trance rhythm. There seems to be a merging of contemporary minimal techno with an old skool analogue synthesizer giving the track a distinctive twist.
In contrast, Ghetto Twist is a dark, brooding straight deep minimal techno groove that throbs so hard it will bring a lump to your throat, and might leave unexpecting clubbers dazed and confused.
Aspiree, included here in its original mix, escapes from the darkness of the last track and returns instead to the centre of the minimalist techno dancefloor, but keeps that throbbing techno sound. Simple yet effective use of a phaser gives light refreshment to the EP and will bring smiles to faces. Great track.
Oleg Slepak and Shay Raban released their debut Karmik loops EP on WIR, both sides of the which on numerous occasions reached air play from some of the World’s Top DJ’s such as John Digweed, Sasha, Satoshi Tomie, Anthony Pappa, among others.
They followed their debut release in 2008 on Germany labels Treibstoff and WIR, and Canada’s Thoughtless Music, receiving positive reviews from the likes of DE:BUG, the French TSUGI and Progressive-Sounds, and appearing in the charts of Mathias Schafhauser and DJ Hell, among others.
Animaltek - Aspiree EP will be released on 9th July.
Lindstrøm and Prins Thomas - Lindstrøm and Prins Thomas II - album review
Lindstrom & Prins Thomas II
This is the second time that Lindstrøm and Prins Thomas have collaborated, the first being three years ago for Eskimo Records’ debut release. The two Norwegians, both of whom are at the forefront of the leftfield dance scene, come at their music from different angles – Lindstrøm is a multi-instrumentalist whilst Prins Thomas is more of a DJ, and the music they create together occupies that space between the two – electronica blends with live instruments; live instruments take on the qualities of digital music.
The album opener ‘Cisco’ builds slowly, a relaxed tribal feel reflecting the shuffling rhythms and calm growth of the synths, which never quite tip this slow-burning and sturdy piece of electronica into a bursting piece of glam-influenced electro. This has two effects, both keeping the subtlety that their music is known for whilst giving the impression of something somehow anti-climactic.
This is the difficulty for much of Lindstrøm and Prins Thomas II, which has glimpses of brilliance in its use of loose patterns, hypnotic repetitions, gentle electronics and flashes of melody, but which can all too easily fall by the wayside when the album is played in the background. When this is the case, it becomes nothing more than lift music, and you can almost feel yourself rocking on your feet and looking around at anything but the person next to you.
Turn it up a little though, and it is almost impossible not to be sucked into the musical journey of each of the tracks, which extend at times to thirteen minutes. Here, the evolution of sounds absorbs the listener and it is possible to distinguish several layers going onother than the overall impression, all familiar and at once always new to the ear.
Equally, the whole album is a journey. The meandering (almost directionless), piano-led ‘For Ett Slikk Og Ingenting’ emerges seamlessly from the much more urgent ‘Rothaus’. The glitchy ‘Rett På’ (think Junior Boys or Four Tet on Everything Ecstatic) fades out and into the ethereal beginning of ‘Skal Vi Prøve Nå?’, in which, as on various points of the album, subdued aspects of disco and glam seep into the production.
It is this track, along with ‘Rett På’, when this collaboration is at its best. Glitchy like subdued disco, there is no risk of these ever being played in a lift to aggravate your awkwardness, or down the phone as you get more and more annoyed. Unlike, perhaps, the duller areas of this second album from Lindstrøm and Prins Thomas.
Murdering Disco is the new techno single on Gobsmacked Records by rising techno star, Diarmaid O Meara. It is just one of six releases on as many labels planned for release this summer for the talented young techno artist, DJ and producer.
With two distinct and equally intense versions of the original track, Murdering Disco brings you on an uplifting, melodic and intense ride in the direction Diarmaid O Meara has become renowned for .. with oscillating basslines and crushing synth riffs mixed with energetic beats and driving rhythms that will lift you to heights before chucking you back down….and then blowing you away again.
The B side, Disco Murderer is a deeper, darker and more loose, early night melodic mind melter remix of the original, with off key intensifying basslines and intense synth riffs, this track is spacy and bordering on beautiful. Thrown in for good measure is a Radio Edit of ‘Murdering Disco’ for those who like big things in small packages.
Murdering Disco was released digitally on 15 , with a vinyl release to follow.
Diarmaid O Meara is also working on aforthcoming techno DJ mix album which is set for release through Gobsmacked Records at the end of 2009. The album will also include Diarmaid’s forthcoming releases on the infamous Potential Recordingz, Gobsmacked Records, Now We Do Recordingz and more.
A Collection of Scars & Situations by Yousef is out now on Circus Recordings
‘A Collection of Scars & Situations’ is the debut artist album from Liverpool’s likeliest lad of dance, Yousef.
As a globetrotting DJ of over ten years Yousef has ignited the world over, first with his famous residency at Cream and now his own internationally acclaimed promotion Circus, a monthly gathering of the who’s who of modern electronic music.
This album sees Yousef finally lay down on wax a watermark of his effervescent personality, showcasing the different dynamics to his sound as a performer alongside material more reflective of the man away from the booth.
So what for the stuff you already know? Well the slew of singles that marked the early signs of the album have continued to create a fervent level of interest from the glitterati of house and techno DJs. Carl Cox, Laurent Garnier, Nick Curly, Nic Fanciuilli, James Zabiela and John Digweed are all impassioned Yousef supporters. Present and correct is the acid fuelled nightmare ‘Letter to No One’, alongside the snaking funk of ‘In Parliament’.
Elsewhere there’s some gloriously ebullient freshness in the brand new club bangers. ‘I Suggest’ boasts some gloriously frenetic percussion, jettisoning an illegible vocal against the clunking tribal drums. ‘Equilibrium’ comes on hard as a modern powerhouse of cold clinical techno, whilst ‘Fun Whore’ resonates with the electronic tomfoolery that epitomises Circus, a slab of wild carnival techno. And ‘Anti Hero’ stands as a melodic snapshot of main room intensity; layering futuristic effects over a section of gentle Detroit inspired chords and arpeggiated synths. It’s blissful abandon and marks the ray of sunshine bursting through the album’s predominantly dark outlook.
There’s also efforts made to strike beyond the club arena, taking the album out of a DJ led tour de force and into the realms of that murky district often labelled as ‘proper’. But rather than some tacked on beatless numbers working as an after thought, Yousef’s efforts compliment the sound he’s crafted with ease. The haunting space that emanates on ‘Birthday Thoughts’ adds a black undercurrent to the hedonism that ripples through the rest of the release, whilst ‘A Moment of Clarity’ has a warmer effect with its focus on melody. Yet this is done with the track grimacing through a bleak outlook, marrying a melancholy breakdown with sharp and gritty drums to create an UNKLE esque vibe.
Like every release there’s a story behind the fabric of what Yousef has tried to do, nowhere better illustrated than on ‘Africa’. A holiday in Gambia this year was supposed to be a period of relaxation and escape from the grind of musical solidity that defines the daily life of Yousef, but instead one impromptu session saw a jam with three musicians build the parts from which this dreamy yet powerful groove originated.
That’s not the only collaboration. The superb ‘Legacy’ has none other than jacking house doyen Derrick Carter on vocal duties, his presence adding a weighty edge to an already superb piece of music. Perfectly redolent of the fizzing energy that characterised the American sounds that fed his initial artistic inspiration in the mid nineties, it still sounds like a twenty first century tech house master class, serving as arguably the standout of the release.
And as for the album’s legacy as a whole?
It encapsulates everything that is Yousef in 2009, skull crushing techno alongside hip shaking house grooves and moments of melancholy reflection bursting out of the madness. It’s reflective of the times we live in, dripping with hope, paranoia and hedonistic allure. Beyond the man, this is twenty first century electronica in full technicolour.
Yousef - A Collection of Scars & Situations tracklisting:
1. Wig
2. In Parliament
3. I Suggest
4. A Moment of Clarity
5. Fun Whore
6. Letter to No one
7. In all my Numbers
8. Legacy (feat. Derrick Carter)
9. Birthday Thoughts
10. Anti hero
11. Equilibrium
12. Africa
Cavo Paradiso Mykonos 09 The Mater Sessions: Argy and Luca Bacchetti
Cavo Paradiso Mykonos 09 The Mater Sessions: Argy and Luca Bacchetti was released on 30th May 2009.
The Greek Island of Mykonos has, over the years, evolved to become so much more than sandy beaches and oiled bodies; musically, it has evolved into one of Europe’s newest pioneers in Electronic Dance Music, and a global clubbing mecca, attracting thousands of reveling holidaymakers to visit the island each summer, and soak up the sun and beat-heathen culture!
Cavo Paradiso teeters 150 feet above the Aegean Sea and feeds the throng of local and international clubbers, a non-stop parade of the best dance music and artists from around the globe. The club honors its homegrown vista with a spectacular design and layout which includes breath-taking views, an iridescent pool and exclusively customized sound system. Renowned for its eclectic vibe and friendly, fun-seeking party-people; Cavo Paradiso is aptly considered ‘one of the best summer clubs in the world!’
This summer sees the first installment of their special album series. The Cavo Paradiso club album is mixed by Greece’s finest export, Argy Theofilis, and Italian underground hero Luca Bacchetti, and is set to create big waves within the electronic music community!
The Cavo Paradiso club album includes a 21st century House music ethos and each disc compliments the other in a stand-out demonstration which pays homage to the current musical renaissance that is being experienced around the globe.
Both Argy Theofilis and Luca Bacchetti have taken to this project with a vengeance and currently hold the dance industry by the ear with astounding productions and live sets. Their coming together as the mixologists of this album sees them fuse their distinct groovy, deep and tech elements through a decadent selection of tracks from artists such as Josh Wink, Kerri Chandler, Audiofly, Loco Dice and Radioslave, as well as their own incredible productions. It’s all put together with lashings of Greek island flair and truly captures the essence of a session at the club!
Luca Bacchetti
Luca Bacchetti’s relentless passion for electronic music has seen him forge a name for himself on both the house and techno scene and successfully blur the line in between. Beginning as a radio dj in Italy, with hip-hip and soul influences, his early work with Alex Neri gave him the gusto to get severely electronic. Luca organically grew a reputation for expertly produced music and was soon chased to make and remix for the likes of Wagon Repair, Supernature, Ovum, Viva Music, Saw Recordings and Meerestief among them, giving him an international profile. Last year his status was cemented with a nomination for Best Artist in the Beatport Music Awards 2008.
Argy Theofilis
Argy Theofilis is an artist who lives, eats and dreams his electronic craft every day. His musical direction steered him to London early in life where he cut his teeth and made his debut on Poker Flat Recordings in 2005, at just 20 years old. His sound has been described as ‘State of the Art’ and releases on notable labels like Cocoon, Deeply Rooted House, Raum Musik, Cargo Edition and Defected have confirmed and encouraged his innovative yet functional sounds. Argy’s electronic web of wonder is beginning to stick well, as 2009 has already seen him launch his first record label, These Days.
Cavo Paradiso Album Tracklisting:
CD 1- Argy Theofilis
01 Filsonik- “Riji”- Symple sound
02 Kerri Chandler- Fortran (Argy’s 6.23 mix)- Deeply rooted house
03 The Dose - Look Good - Fumakilla
04 Kabale und Liebe - Disko BZRK- 100% Pure
05 Jerome Sydenhman- Darkroom- UK Promotions
06 Argy feat. Bajka - Upon Ourselves- These Days
07 Gorge- Kassiande (Marc Romboy remix)-Freerange
08 Kalim Shabazz-Peak Bomb (Phonique remix)- Thugfucker
09 Dj Ino - Take Control (Justifield & extended mix)-Justified Cause
10 Gummihz - Under the sun- Mobilee
11 Manoo - Agoe-Earthrumental
12 Radio Slave - Tantakatan- Rekids
CD 2 – Luca Bacchetti
01 The Clover – Mr. Ditton - Tenax
02 DOP – Mambo Jumbo (Guy Gerber’s Hemlock Remix) - Supplement Facts
03 Eriko Tanabe – Blue Shoes - Titbit Music
04 Ryan Crosson –La Confiteria Del Molino - Wagon Repair
05 Audiofly - 1999 - 8Bit Records
06 Luca Bacchetti – City Souls – Tenax
07 Livio & Roby Vs. George G – Diverse - Cécille Records
08 Lucca Bacchetti – El Matador - Ovum Recordings
09 Martinez – Le Cirkus - Moon Harbour
10 Josh Wink – Everybody To The Sun - Ovum Recordings
11 Loco Dice – Pimp Jackson Is Talkin’ Now!!! ( Luci Gets Loco Remix By Luciano) - Desolat Music Group
12 Paul Ritch – Evil Laff ( Konrad Black Remix) - Wagon Repair
13 Nils Anthes – Lost Soul Chapter 1 ( Sascha Dive’s Sex Wax Remix) - Be Chosen
