DJ Hal

It is two years since lunar warrior DJ Hal released his last single, a long wait for sure but well worth the wait as he returns with a brand new EP of minimal electronic beats and progressive tech sounds.

Desire is the title of the DJs latest offering and features the original version of the track alongside two remixes, one from Alan Barratt and the other from Dudley Strangeways, the EP closes with Hal’s progressive-tech tune Pavlov’s Dog.

The title track, ‘Desire’, features a hypnotic one word vocal from Katy Heath (of Bent fame), that sits snugly over HAL’s intricate programming and deep percussive tech groove. HAL describes the track as an “empathy indulgence that teaches you in just one word what desire is all about”… and you can’t help but be moved by the emotion in the music, whether at home or on the dance floor.

Of the two remixes, it is newcomer Dudley Strangeways version that stands out for me, introducing his beefy percussion and bass-driven magic to great effect, creating an eerily beautiful interpretation, bristling with energy and dance floor attitude.

The closing track on the EP is another brand new composition from DJ Hal, Pavlov’s Dog. A driving progressive-tech track that has Hal saying; ….”the pulsating nature of Pavlov’s Dog sets off an automatic response in the human mind, that opens up your aural awareness paths and makes you dance.”

While the closing track  stutters to start, Pavlov’s Dog does eventually kick off into something of a foot tapper, but it also drifts in and out of aural focus and for me never really reaches Hal’s expectation.

None the less another sterling effort from DJ Hal with the title track and Dudley Strangeways remix version worthy of a listen or adding to your collection.

DJ HAL – DESIRE EP – Okyo
1. Desire (Original Remix)
2. Desire (Alan Barratt Minimal Remix)
3. Desire (Dudley Strangeways Remix)
4. Pavlov’s Dog
(Okyo, Denmark) OKYO 010
Release: 21st June 2010

The first track ‘Press to Begin’ has 5 am shuffle all about it.  It sneaks in with looped sounds of dripping water before introducing the main drive of the track- multiple synthesised sound effects and a dirty driving bass line.  It’s the layers of the hooks and sound effects that turn what initially appears to be a simply constructed track into a sure fire summer smash for all the Minimal freaks out there.

The title track ‘Disko Kats’ continues to deliver the same clear and precise manipulation of effects and production tools.  The sound is all the more darker and sinister though and I can’t help but wonder what type of disco these cats go to?

By two minutes in, we are assaulted by a groovy bass hell bent on keeping us bouncing along to the track.  This is bang up to the minute Tech-House.

The other two tracks ‘Float’ and ‘Ganjah’ follow a similar aesthetic and ‘Ganjah’ includes a vocal sample moving it slightly more towards the Progressive House/ Tech- House spectrum of things.

The Jalebee Cartel mix of ‘Ganjah’ propels the track into a fairly definitive House camp with softer more rounded bass and greater attention to the vocal sample.

For more information visit www.myspace.com/animaltek

Renaissance: The Masters Series - Dave Seaman

Renaissance: The Masters Series – Dave Seaman

Dave Seaman returns once again to Renaissance with a sublime 32 track double CD DJ mix.

DJ Dave Seaman is one of the best when it comes to smooth mixing of a wide spectrum of music.  His incredible depth of experience, remaining as meticulous as ever in his track selection, incredible ear for harmonic mixing and natural feel for programming.

Renaissance: The Masters Series Part 14 finds Seaman in a rich vein of form as he draws upon the scenes best talent.

Disc One treads along a more eclectic path taking in Four Tet, Ben Watt, Moby and Spooky before culminating in Dave’s own twist on Ewan Pearson’s lauded re-work of Jon Hopkins blissful anthem ‘Light Through The Veins’.

Disc Two intros with UNKLE’s Hold My Hand (Innervisions Orchestra Dub Mix) and takes more of a peak-time high road, picking-up hitchhikers in the form of Guy J, Agoria, Radio Slave and Nic Fanciulli before bundling them all out to make way for the heavy hitting finale of Gui Boratto’s Adam Freeland remix.

As ever, the unique bag of editing, additional production and sampler effects has been expertly woven throughout the mix.

Dave Seaman explains “There’s so much additional production and ‘nipping and tucking’ editing going on it’s difficult to highlight it all! We’ve credited certain parts where the results are obvious (the UNKLE acapella over a heavily chopped-up Andre Winter track and the additional drums, bass and female vocal on Jon Hopkins for example), but the whole album almost became like one long track to be honest, such was the care and attention that went into it. I hope it shines through…”

Dave Seaman – Renaissance: The Masters Series Part 14 is yet another musical chapter that will define and stand the test of time – an essential listen to brighten up your Autumn days as the dark nights draw in.

Renaissance: The Masters Series – Dave Seaman is now available via Renaissance Records.

Renaissance: The Masters Series – Dave Seaman CD1

1. Four Tet – Swimmer
2. Ben Watt – Guinea Pig (DJ Koze’s Vocal Variation Remix)
3. Culoe De Song – The Bright Forest
4. Butch Feat. Julie – Soultan
5. Extrawelt – Mit Liese Der Auf Wiese
6. Andre Winter – Trauma c/w UNKLE – Heaven (King Unique Acapella Remix) [Seaman's Group Therapy Meeting]
7. Will Saul & Tam Cooper – Through The Smoke
8. Ian Pooley – Compact
9. Sahar Z & Audio Junkies – Beyond Detroit
10. Quivver – Sludge
11. Djuma Soundsystem – Bi Polar
12. Moby – Pale Horses (Gui Boratto’s Last Window Remix)
13. Triangle Feat. Joel Xavier – Three
14. Spooky – Outernebula
15. The Youngsters – The Phoenix
16. Fiol Lasse – Svedala
17. Jon Hopkins – Light Through The Veins (Ewan Pearson’s Downtown Lights         Remix) [Seaman's Intravenous Remodel]

Renaissance: The Masters Series – Dave Seaman CD2

1. UNKLE – Hold My Hand (Innervisions Orchestra Dub Mix) c/w Moderat – Les Grandes Marches
2. Guy J – Esperanza
3. Dave Seaman – Gobbledygook (Erphun Remix)
4. Agoria – Baboul Hair Cuttin (Radio Slave Remix)
5. Infusion – So Soon (King Unique Remix)
6. Jay Lumen – Morning Call
7. Nic Fanciulli & Steve Mac – 10%
8. Delphic – Counterpoint (Paul Woolford Remix)
9. Popof – Shades
10. Nick Muir – Fu Man Chew
11. Niko Fantin – Fire Games (Venue 44 Edit)
12. 16 Bit Lolita’s – Gig On The Moon
13. Gregor Tresher – The Life Wire
14. Freeland – Mancry (Gui Boratto Remix)
15. Darko Esser – Teardrops

Bedrock Eleven compiled & mixed by John Digweed

John Digweed’s Bedrock 11 is a three CD set of selected future highlights, unreleased exclusives, current favourites and remixed classics it is available from October 12th from his own influential label Bedrock.

The second of John Digweed’s Bedrock 11 promo podcast’s features music from Disc 2 of the three CD release, featuring ten previously unreleased tracks amongst it’s fourteen titles.

The podcast gives a valuable insight to the artists and tracks chosen for the Bedrock 11 compilation from John Digweed himself along with samples from all the tracks on the album.

You can listen to part two of  John Digweed’s Bedrock 11 preview podcast.

Bedrock Eleven compiled & mixed by John Digweed will be released on October 12th on CD ( 2 x mixed + 1 x unmixed), 6 x limited edition 12” vinyl samplers and digital download.

CD 1  Mixed by John Digweed
01. Mutant Clan – On And Amp (Unreleased)
02. Dirty Mongrel – Cream (Unreleased)
03. Alex Dolby + Santos – Babylon (Unreleased)
04. John Digweed & Nick Muir – Aquatonic – Unreleased Dub (Unreleased)
05. Guy J – Mikro – Nick Muir Edit (Unreleased)
06. Moonface – Futiurized Fears – Guy J Remix (Unreleased)
07. Giorgos Gatzgristos – Binary Star System (Unreleased)
08. Christian Smith & John Selway – Mistral – Anton Pieete Remix
09. Marco Bailey – Jungle Laps   Unreleased
10. Pete Heller – Sabotage – Acid  Dub (Unreleased)
11. Mutant Clan – Persuader (Unreleased)
12. Christian Smith & John Selway – Daytona (Unreleased)
13. Alan Fitzpatrick – Reflections – Petar Dundov Remix
14. Guy J – Lamur – Henry Saiz Unreleased Remix (Unreleased)

CD 2  Mixed by John Digweed
01. Alan Fitzpatrick – Reflections
02. Giorgos Gatzgristos -  Pencils For The Weak (Unreleased)
03. James Zabiela – Tylium
04. Rowdent  – Found It (Unreleased)
05. Tonedepth – Rumblefish – Maherdaniel Remix (Unreleased)
06. Erphun – The Little Rascal (Unreleased)
07. Alex Dolby + Santos – No Walls (Unreleased)
08. Guy Gerber – Stoppage Time – Reshuffle Remix
09. Marc Marzenit – Not Assigned (Unreleased)
10. John Digweed & Nick Muir – Tangent
11. Marc Marzenit – Expiritualized (Unreleased)
12. Marc Marzenit – Unexpiritualized feat Mastafaktor (Unreleased)
13. Bedrock – Emerald – Henry Saiz Remix (Unreleased)
14. Suicide Sports Club – My Black Dog – Gutterstylz Alternative Dub (Unreleased)

CD 3  Compiled by John Digweed
01. Alan Fitzpatrick – Reflections – Reprise
02. Rowdent – Eat Your Heart Out (Unreleased)
03. Christian Smith & John Selway – Daytona – John Digweed & Nick Muir Remix
04. Tijuana – Groove Is In The Air – Tom Budden’s Alive Remix (Unreleased)
05. Rowdent – Found It (Unreleased)
06. Saints and Sinners – Pushin Too Hard – Guy J Remix (Unreleased)
07. James Zabiela – Tylium – Spooky Remix (Unreleased)
08. Guy J – Lamur – Henry Saiz Remix 2 (Unreleased)
09. Tonedepth – Rumblefish – Maherdaniel Remix (Unreleased)
10. Marco Bailey – Jungle Laps (Unreleased)
11. Erphun – Termination Sequence )Unreleased)

Bedrock Eleven compiled & mixed by John Digweed

Bedrock Eleven
Compiled & mixed by John Digweed released on Bedrock Records

2009 has been a fantastic year for music and a great year for Bedrock Records, and now John Digweed has selected future highlights, unreleased exclusives, current favourites and remixed classics, from his influential label’s catalogue for this next annual instalment of the Bedrock mix compilation series.

With outstanding singles from Guy Gerber, Christian Smith & John Selway, Pete Heller, Alan Fitzpatrick and Guy J to name just a few, 2009 has seen the Bedrock label go from strength  to strength with each release. Now, as this mix follows on from last year’s 10 year celebration album Past Present Future the main focus for Bedrock Eleven is the future.

Featuring a wealth of unreleased tracks that have been severely road-tested by the man himself over the last few months, this is a showcase of exclusives from artists such as Mutant Clan, Marco Bailey, Alex Dolby + Santos, Giorgos Gatzigristos, Marc Marzenit, Rowdent, Erphun and James Zabiela.

There are also select classics from the label that have been specially remixed and updated for this album – Moonface Futurized Fears, Bedrock Emerald, and Tijuana Groove Is In The Air.

Bedrock Eleven compiled & mixed by John Digweed will be released on October 12th on CD ( 2 x mixed + 1 x unmixed), 6 x limited edition 12” vinyl samplers and digital download.

You can listen to part one of a John Digweed’s Bedrock 11 preview podcast.

CD 1  Mixed by John Digweed

01. Mutant Clan – On And Amp (Unreleased)
02. Dirty Mongrel – Cream (Unreleased)
03. Alex Dolby + Santos – Babylon (Unreleased)
04. John Digweed & Nick Muir – Aquatonic – Unreleased Dub (Unreleased)
05. Guy J – Mikro – Nick Muir Edit (Unreleased)
06. Moonface – Futiurized Fears – Guy J Remix (Unreleased)
07. Giorgos Gatzgristos – Binary Star System (Unreleased)
08. Christian Smith & John Selway – Mistral – Anton Pieete Remix
09. Marco Bailey – Jungle Laps   Unreleased
10. Pete Heller – Sabotage – Acid  Dub (Unreleased)
11. Mutant Clan – Persuader (Unreleased)
12. Christian Smith & John Selway – Daytona (Unreleased)
13. Alan Fitzpatrick – Reflections – Petar Dundov Remix
14. Guy J – Lamur – Henry Saiz Unreleased Remix (Unreleased)

CD 2  Mixed by John Digweed

01. Alan Fitzpatrick – Reflections
02. Giorgos Gatzgristos -  Pencils For The Weak (Unreleased)
03. James Zabiela – Tylium
04. Rowdent  – Found It (Unreleased)
05. Tonedepth – Rumblefish – Maherdaniel Remix (Unreleased)
06. Erphun – The Little Rascal (Unreleased)
07. Alex Dolby + Santos – No Walls (Unreleased)
08. Guy Gerber – Stoppage Time – Reshuffle Remix
09. Marc Marzenit – Not Assigned (Unreleased)
10. John Digweed & Nick Muir – Tangent
11. Marc Marzenit – Expiritualized (Unreleased)
12. Marc Marzenit – Unexpiritualized feat Mastafaktor (Unreleased)
13. Bedrock – Emerald – Henry Saiz Remix (Unreleased)
14. Suicide Sports Club – My Black Dog – Gutterstylz Alternative Dub (Unreleased)

CD 3  Compiled by John Digweed

01. Alan Fitzpatrick – Reflections – Reprise
02. Rowdent – Eat Your Heart Out (Unreleased)
03. Christian Smith & John Selway – Daytona – John Digweed & Nick Muir Remix
04. Tijuana – Groove Is In The Air – Tom Budden’s Alive Remix (Unreleased)
05. Rowdent – Found It (Unreleased)
06. Saints and Sinners – Pushin Too Hard – Guy J Remix (Unreleased)
07. James Zabiela – Tylium – Spooky Remix (Unreleased)
08. Guy J – Lamur – Henry Saiz Remix 2 (Unreleased)
09. Tonedepth – Rumblefish – Maherdaniel Remix (Unreleased)
10. Marco Bailey – Jungle Laps (Unreleased)
11. Erphun – Termination Sequence )Unreleased)

John Digweed – Live DJ Dates

01/09 Space, Ibiza
04/09 Dolce Club, Cyprus
05/09 Matrix, Crete
07/09 Gianpula, Malta
10/09 Chasa, UFA
11/09 Arma, Moscow
12/09 Manezh, St Petersburg
19/09 TLV, Tel Aviv
23/09 Zouk, KL
25/09 Zouk, Singapore
26/09 808, Bangkok
02/10 Danzoo, Madrid
03/10 Colours, Glasgow
17/10 Bedrock Eleven, Matter, London
22/10 Panama, Amsterdam
23/10 Brancaleone, Italy
24/10 SQ, Poznan
27/10 Bedrock, Thesaloniki
06/11 Obsession, Cluj
07/11 Kristal, Bucharest
13/11 Shindig, Newcastle
14/11 Lush, Portrush

For more information visit www.JohnDigweed.com

Bart and Martijn are two brothers from Amsterdam who found themselves in the middle of the early days of the dance music revolution  in Holland.

R.E.Z gained notoriety for their progressive and techno sets , both in their home town and also in studio projects  for many big name DJs and record labels, breaking out to make a name for themselves over the past couple of years.

Fan’s of the Open Records label will remember the R.E.Z remix of SQL’s Lactose released earlier this year, if not you are in for a treat. Sunderland EP is a massive return to form for R.E.Z  and is well worth checking out.

Opening with the moody and melancholic deep progressive vibes of the Original Mix, the brothers also offer an alternative Strings Attached Remix with a slightly more sunny and emotive festival vibe.

Bus Records head-honcho D-Sens out of France also comes to the party with a storming techno interpretation, which is perfect for the peak-time dancefloor, completing another killer release in 2009 from Open Records.

Sunderland EP contains:

1. Original mix

2. Strings Attached Remix

3. D Sens Burn Remix

Open Records, Australia OPNDG011

Timo Garcia - Wonderlust Bug

Tim Belcher aka Timo Garcia has released a fantastic debut Prog House album titled Wonderlust Bug on the Berwick Street Records label.

Timo has captured sounds and influences on his worldly travels as a top club DJ from London’s Ministry Of Sound to Brazil and Russia.

By day, Tim Belcher champions up-coming (D-Dub, Hauswerks, Le Crunch) and established artists (Lutzenkirtchen, Yousef & Smokin Jo) alike on his Berwick Street Records imprint. The label is concerned with nurturing originality and releasing quality music, no matter the name of the genre.

Wonderlust Bug is a beautiful album, a window into Timo Garcia’s world, and a document of his thoughts and travels put to music.

“I get to see a lot of places I wouldn’t otherwise get to being a DJ, and I am thankful for that. The album’s inspired by so many things, from buskers on the South Bank to acoustic bands playing on the beaches of Brazil. I felt the need to help spread the vibes of things like the Hang Drum into the dance music fraternity. I wanted to use and promote the sounds I hear around the world, as well as use some older ideas I’ve had for a while and been desperate to use somehow!”

Wonderlust Bug builds from the soft feet shuffle of the opening track, Boom and the brilliant Hang Drum Track, which introduces the unique talents of Manu Delago who’s sonorous drum/bell percussion instrument rings out in waves and creates an enchanting, light trance.

Magic Roundabout deepens the trance and funky groove, while Wonderlust fuses electronic glitch with the gently building rhythms.

With the seventh of ten and my favourite track, The Bug, the tempo is turned up a couple of notches and the album comes out of the shadows and onto the dancefloor; and by the time the album reaches the dark disco of Deadly Grooves with its electro, skewed synth and its driving pulse-like bassline, you will no doubt agree with me, this is one heck of an eclectic awesome debut album that takes Progressive House to several levels and back again.

Wonderlust Bug by Timo Garcia looks like it is going to make my best albums of 2009 list.

Torro Remote - RSN08 on Elektrotribe

Torro Remote – RSN08 is available through Elektrotribe, single review

RSN08 is the hard-hitting new track from Torro Remote. Hard floor-filling industrial dance music that resides somewhere between techno and progressive house.

Torro Remote is a UK DJ, artist and producer.  The single was recently included on James Zabiela’s Renaissance: The Masters Series DJ mix CD.

The 3 track single also includes another new track HZRD which falls between the same two music genres though being even harder, errs more towards the techno side of Torro Remote’s soundscape.

RSN08 gets the remix treatment from Digital Filth who delivers a more industrial techno version.

Here is a quick excerpt of James Zabiela using Torro Remote – RSN08 as an introduction to his DJ set at the  ARMA17  CLUB in Moscow, earlier this year.

For more information visit www.elektrotribe.com