Review: Alex Stein follows last year's Rebirth release on Terminal M with a four-tracker that has already won support from Umek and Oliver Huntemann. It's not hard to understand why the latter producer is a fan of "Headrush": the title track is built on a belching, ominous bass and rickety percussion, with these elements providing the backdrop for a crescendo of synth builds. "Line of Sight" is more musical, with Stein weaving tranced-out melodic builds and tonal bleeps into his nocturnal, bass-led sound. Meanwhile, on "Had Matter", Stein veers into a more full-on sound, deploying a hoover-style bass and a moody vocal sample that spiral to a heady climax.
Review: Maelstrom is Alex Stein's second release on Senso Sounds and shows that he is a worthy addition to the label roster. The title track combines the type of splurging, oppressive bass that label owner Oliver Huntemann is best known and loved for - but on this occasion it is accompanied by mysterious synth melodies and doubled up claps. "Steep" is similar in approach: this time the Brazilian producer makes the bass even more malevolent and pounding, and it acts as a backdrop for cavernous filters, delayed claps and an epic break down. It's an energetic, exhilarating affair - don't be surprised to hear more material from Stein on Senso.
Review: Oliver Huntemann's label goes down a tougher route than usual on "Atomkraft", one of the highlights of this release by Alex Stein. The German term for nuclear power, it sees the upcoming producer drop a pounding, steely track, full of sharp percussion and dark tones. Andre Winter has been drafted in to rework "Atomkraft". He delivers a take that is more in keeping with Senso Sounds' in-house style, with an oppressive, throbbing rhythm and nocturnal bass to the fore. There is a similar approach audible on the title track, with Stein delivering the kind of menacing low end and gritty tones that Huntemann and his label have become synonymous with.
Review: The fifth instalment of this split release series gets off to a raucous start: Alex Stein's "Gojira" features an ominous bass and the kind of nocturnal synth stabs that could be the soundtrack to curfew in a bleak dystopia. Olivier Giacomotto's "Eake" is more restrained, but it does feature what sounds like a hyena yowling at regular intervals over its blend of percussive rhythm and morose bass. It's only a brief respite however, and on Distale's "Tantal", a pounding techno groove unravels to the sound of ominous chords and a buzzing bass. Oliver Huntemann deserves props for supporting new artists through this series - and the Senso boss is sure to especially proud of the closing track, the chilling "Full Of Magic" by Murat Uncuoglu.
