Justin Berkovi At Juno Download

Review: The long-serving Berkovi may not have the same media-friendly image as some of his peers. However, like ART boss Kirk Degiorgio, he excels at making musical techno. The title track sees him arrange sensuous woodwind instruments over a blustering, bass-heavy rhythm, and clicking, hissing percussion provides the conduit between theese two seemingly incompatible elements. Berkovi doen't pander to the lowest common denominator either and "When I Throw Down" sees him take inspiration from Detroit electro. There, shuffling, stacatto 808s provide the basis for seductive synths and a doom-laden vocal questioning 'when will I ever understand'. Based on Drive, it sounds like Berkovi knows exactly what he is doing.

Review: Veteran techno producer Justin Berkovi is enjoying a renaissance at the moment, and this release is a reminder of his talents. "Infinity" is the toughest track here, a driving, buzzing rhythm offset by spooky riffs, but the title track is also designed for the dancefloor. Underpinned by tough beats and resonating claps, its evocative riffs sound like an update of Secret Cinema's classic "Timeless Altitude". Berkovi also shows here that he also thinks beyond the club: although rooted by a techno rhythm, the irresistible melodies of "Dawn Brings Hope" deserve a wider audience, while "From Within The Cosmos" is a beautiful yet eerie downtempo number that sounds inspired by John Carpenter.

Review: Veteran UK producer Justin Berkovi was always one of the scene's most diverse producers and Mondrian sees him give full vent to his creativity. It starts in sombre mood with the warm synths of "Godspeed" before veering into the grinding, bass-heavy title track. "Nadir" follows in more chilled form again with textured ambience floating over hissing percussive rivulets. "Oceans" marks a sea change with a housey groove bolstered by a bouncy electronic bass, while the heavy bassline and sensuous strings of "Days Go By" show Berkovi's return to harder sounds. However, when he focuses on a more esoteric techno sound, as is the case on the steely drums of "The Observer" and "City Lights", that Mondrian yields its greatest results.