Been writing these for the new worldtechnonation site which probably still wont be ready for a while so thought I'd post the best of here.
Los Hermanos - The birth of 3000 (Los Hermanos) A new label from UR soldiers DJ Rolando and Gerald Mitchell which, according to the press info will 'explore what is digitally possible through an electronic cultural interface' through the bringing together musically of Rolando and Mitchell's Hispanic and Black ethnic backgrounds. Certainly there is latin flavour on display amidst a real heavy dose of WAR inspired soul and flutings on one cut, which manages to be simple and hypnotic, yet embraced by a far deeper vibe. The other side has the sort of intro that you might expect to drop into a classic Mad Mike cut, but quickly breaks into a really nice mix of strong percussion, melody, bass and yearning chords. I have read somewhere that this sounds like Rolando trying to recreate the sucess of 'Jaguar' too hard. I can't see that at all, this is different, deeper and better. A promosing start from what should turn into an interesting label UR - Inspiration (Underground Resistance) In techno there is possibly nothing as eagerly awaitied and highly anticipated as a new Mad Mike record. Every time he drops a record great things are expected and, as with his last release 'Timeline', once again the man does not dissapoint. The main track 'Inspiration', does just that, inspires, with its incredible deep vibe of positivity. Having spoke to someone working at Submerge recently it is clear that this track really represents the wave of energy that is running through the newly built Submerge building right now. This is as beautiful and moving a track that Mike has ever done for me, with its soul searching analogue, deep rising bass and classic UR percussion. With the main melody it is almost hands in the air time, but as Mike Banks have proved countless times, he is the master at producing uplifting, accesible techno without the slightest whiff of cheese. The flip side may take a double take at first, with its thumping house beat and spoken word messages of positive thought, but when you tune yourself into the underiding groove that is worked throughout, it'll soon all fall in to place. The vocals speak of making a transition and it certainly seems like UR and Submerge are going through a transitional period and with a new wave of positive assaults from guys like Rolando, Red Planet and Metroplex all due out then I for one and happy to make that transition with them. Top stuff Dex & S2 - Phases 001 (Phases) Two artists apparently new to Detroit, but who have also been operating as part of Underground Resistance for some time. Originally hailing from Los Angeles, Dex is currently DJing for UR and Submerge whilst S² travels with the UR band Chaos. Between them they share one side a piece on this new label with S² providing two experimental deep techno oddities, one of which carries a solid bassdrum through haunting echoes, menacing chords and a variety of abstract fx creating a strange alien soundscape. The slightly more DJ friendly 'electrico' by Dex on the flip is an excellent tribalish tech workout that holds a similar interest in creating a very funked up alien sound through warped synths and airy chords. Both artists accompany these cuts with a more downtempo and experimental beaty number, but it will definatly be interesting to see where these guys go with this sound in the future. Future Beat Alliance - Headways ep (Emoticon) Matt Puffett is undoubtedly producing some of the best music in the current wave of deep, downtempo and broken beat techno coming from labels like Delsin, Emoticon and Music for Speakers. His recent full length excursion on Delsin was superb and this Ep represents some of his best music to date. The title cut is excellent with its jittery fx, spacey chords and droning bassline that breaks into nice crunchy breakbeats, culminating into a space jam of a finale. 'Earth message' takes the vibe deeper with a slow head nodder of a breakbeat played under a hypnotic, dream inducing array of bass, chords and strange distorted synths. On the flip he becomes more experimental with the jazzy percussion and fx on 'Flood lights' and the deep growling bass of 'fba theme' all making for a top notch and solid EP of deep techno soul. $tinkworx - Todas Las Noches (Delsin) Another new artist for Delsin, this time its the man from Downlow records Mr $tinkworx, providing a cool collection of quirky deep house grooves. Delsin seem to have a knack of releasing very different material, that also works well together as a whole catalogue and this release is no exception. On the title cut funky down tempo beats mix it up with quirky analogue, whilst deep basslines rumble amidst moody chords. Elsewhere we get an electro disco workout, effortlessly infused with some real Detroit soul on 'Hu T'ieh'. In fact there are all sorts of influences at work here, the often abstract electronica of Drexcyia sits nicely amidst the the quirky funk of Morgan Geist resulting in a wicked EP that will play very nicely at 4am in the dark backroom of some sweaty underground party. And according to the man himself, this wasn't the best stuff that Delsin could have put out, which leaves bright hopes for the future. cheers [EMAIL PROTECTED] --------------------------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] For additional commands, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
