Skudge At Juno Download

Review: It would have been difficult to imagine an act as talented as Skudge indefinitely following the approach of their first few EPs. Indeed, as the Swedish duo told Juno Plus in our exclusive interview with them a few months back, their influences and more importantly, their ambitions stretch further than Basic Channel dub techno. That said, "Surplus" doesn't mark a radical change in style, nor does it herald an artistic volte face from the pair. What it does achieve rather craftily however is to subtly push the Skudge sound towards a more wide-ranging place. "Void" is more closely aligned to modern day sounds as its insistent keys build to an acid-tinged, filtered climax. It's Skudge's most accessible track to date and it is likely to appeal to DJs who so far have not played their releases. However, it is unlikely that Skudge will become the preserve of big-room house, something that is reinforced by the remix of "Void". Ironically, Conforce's version is the track most in keeping with the duo's original approach. Based on robust, dubby beats and powered by driving hats, the sick, underlying acid line is a reminder that Skudge's roots are still firmly planted in the underground. Excellent release.

Review: Following strong 4/4 outings from Endian and Basic Soul Unit already on Nonplus this year, Boddika's imprint looks to Sweden for its next release, with one of Skudge's rare appearances outside of their own imprint. Lead track "Fingers" is as simple as techno gets, as peak time chords filter through a strong 909 kick in a fashion reminiscent of Shed's most effective Equalized moments. "Vessel" meanwhile is a more slow burning affair, building up its mechanistic arpeggio over swelling analogue pads and stray claps, combining classic Detroit sci-fi moods with a Berghain scale.

Review: Finally available digitally, Skudge Records offer up the Swedish analog fetishists' first single, which has more than stood the test of time. The dense, shuffling beats of "Convolution" sound similar to those on Martyn's last album, albeit a few degrees denser, while the evocative female vocal that lingers in the background could have been borrowed from a hardcore record which itself sampled an old house track. Just in case any listener thought that Skudge had a 'funky' side to their sound, they then weigh in with "Contamination". Still one of their hardest tracks, its tough, metallic beats provide the basis for insistent stabs and an acid line that embodies malicious intent. Infection has rarely sounded so alluring.

Review: The second Skudge 12" bomb "Melodrama/Ontic" finally sees a digital release after a good few years of anticipation...this is especially exciting seeing as the original vinyl is now near impossible to find and extremely sought after! "Melodrama" is full-on Skudge mode: an echoing female voice is pushed forwards by their signature fist-pumping kick drums and sparse bass lines - an irresistibly seductive and hummable dub-filtered rhythm for fans of Basic Channel or Shed. "Ontic" is another progressive, analogue-powered Skudge anthem - grainy hi-hats, 909 kicks and murky, reverberant bass lines are all swallowed by a stunning backdrop of pads. A definite TIP!

Review: Although Skudge's uniquely deep brand of techno stands apart from almost everyone else on the scene, they certainly know how to pick their remixers. This first entry into their remix series sees two of jacking underground techno's unsung heroes taking turns to offer their take on Skudge's sublime originals. First up, Dutch oddball Aardvarck reworks "Convolution" with skeletal beats playing off against warped vocals and submerged chords, while Detroit's current contemporary master of tracky analogue techno Jared Wilson provides his raw take on "Overture", combining powerfully unfiltered bass and a savage 909 assault.

Review: The second chapter of Skudge remixes hits the digital realm with a suitably classy line up. The inaugural Skudge remix EP housed one of our favourite reworks of 2010 in Aardvarck's relentless regroove of "Convolution" and the same track is reworked here. Marcel Fengler, no stranger to creating a wall of reverberating sound as resident at Berghain, delivers a remix propelled along by a heavy throbbing bass line. Around this, he crafts abrasive tones, piercing kicks and heavily compressed vocal edits that have a distinctly 2-step vibe. Expect a messy dancefloor at the midpoint descent into the bass line throb. Up next veteran techno don Aubrey tackles "Melodrama", reimagining the track as a bustling Basic Channel hypno groove replete with busy percussion, industrial tones, heavily phased vocal snippets and generally harsh bass scratches.