Review: Kontra faithfuls Jonsson & Alter are gearing up for the release of the snappily titled 2, their second LP for the superb Malmo-based label (watch out now Dettmann) and what better way to raise expectation than issue a preceding EP featuring a remix from those merry Scandinavian pranksters Frak? Having established a reputation for ambience and atmosphere, minimal effort and maximum impact sounds on their previous material together, the forthcoming 2nd LP from Jonsson & Alter looks set to continue that on the basis of "En Melodi" and "Tribunen," the two album cuts featured here with the former particularly crisp and deep. Despite having the sort of discography that would intimidate many, the Frak remix of "En Melodi" is only the trio's second ever commissioned remix. Nonetheless it falls in line with the harsh, raw industrial techno they are sometimes known to lay down.
Review: Released back in 2011, Mod stands head and shoulders above nearly any other contemporay deep house/techno album. It starts with the shimmering ambience of "Dikt", moves into the subtle, teased out bleep bass of "Acapellan" before the duo drop "Djup House", like a cool but dreamy Scadinavian riposte to Larry Heard's Mr Fingers releases. While they are also capable of making harder material - the bugged out acid of "Dvarg" being a prime example - this release is all about Jonsson & Alter's ear for melodies, shimmering synths and low slung house rhythms. When all of these elements come together, as they do so magnificently on "Hela Berget", the results are nothing short of spellbinding.
Review: The mighty Kontra has an impeccable catalogue and these remixes of Jonsson & Alter maintain the label's high standards. Swedish duo Minilogue's take on "Kyrka 2" completes their transformation from a melodic minimal act to a fine purveyor of tripped out techno, with swirling chords and trippy builds swathing the lithe accompanying rhythm in a psychedelic glow. Trailed by an acidic arc, it is one of the few techno tracks deserving the title 'epic'. In contrast, the Dorisburg version of "Djup House" is clanging and glitchy, as metal on metal grinds and glistens. Finally, Donato Dozzy takes on "Acapellan"; instead of droning techno, the Italian drops a deep house reshape, fuelled by rasping percussion, heavy beats a warm, sensuous bass and the most seductive 'ooh ooh' vocal since One Dove's Dot Allison strutted her stuff.
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