Review:
Austrian label Etage Noir Special is currently going through a transitional stage. Originally set up by Parov Stelar as a sublabel of house imprint Etage Noir Recordings, it is now run by Andy Korg and Aka Tell who are better known as two thirds of the A.G.Trio. With a new look which includes fresh artwork and design and an evolving artist roster the label is going through a relaunch but as "Heads-Up Raves" proves, as far as the music goes they're sticking with ferocious electro house.

This time, the impressive electro monster comes from rising Parisian star, No1Else. Grabbing attention with last year's "Cocaino Combo," a furious, raging banger full of hard drumkicks and shredding synths, he returns with a three tracker of more of the same. All three tracks come armed with super heavy side chained riffs and some filthy distortion. With tons of energy and angry synths, these tracks have been likened to Justice on speed.
"Heads-Up Ravers" is simply a peak time banger. Trashy and nasty, the track keeps a raw feel as distorted bass leads the way. "Kick-Ass Derby" sees filtered sawtooth synths, clicking snare drums and distorted beats dominate in a track whose nastiness is so apparent that it causes an atmosphere of unease for anyone who is in ear-shot of its glass shattering distorted bass. "Broken Amplid" finishes the release in rough and untamed fashion. Again, distorted bass and big, crashing breaks collide amongst the whirlwind of noise and devastation.
Certainly not one for the faint-hearted, this release is pure and simply a club banger. Relentless to the finish, what it lacks in crispness it more than makes up for in energy and spirit. As this young label continues to grow it will be interesting to see what sounds they put out next.