Review: Back in 2009, the Kittball label decided to do something to support the work of the African Children's Choir. Since then, they've released a string of fundraising compilations featuring collaborations between the choir and DJs and producers across the world. This compilation showcases the series' greatest dancefloor hits to date, offering up percussive, bouncy and life-affirming gems that fuse elements of deep house, tech-house and Afro-house with organic African percussion and the choir's distinctive, ear-catching vocals. There's much to admire throughout, from the seriously bass-heavy bounce of Hanne & Lore's 'Bafirisuti', and the slow-building, late-night Afro-tech of 'African Blues' by Aki Bergen & Neuroxcyde, to the deep and groovy haziness of 'Omolo' by Chris Lattner and the picturesque wonder that is Larse's 'Karoo'.
Review: Anika Zeising aka Bebetta releases her third EP on Monaberry. Not to be confused with the 90s techno act of the same name, Megalon showcases her considerable production prowess. On the title track, this talent is articulated through steely, rolling drums and spiralling, tranced out melodies, as Zeising replicates the sound of a church organ trapped inside a day-glo techno arrangement. On "Hedorah", the German producer opts for a different approach; the drums are dense but understated and effective, while steely percussion helps to underpin mournful piano keys and reflective break downs. It makes for a more considered approach, and shows that Bebetta isn't just about tough club tracks.
Review: It's no coincidence that Seth Schwarz used to be a classical musician. Throughout this release, his compositional skills are audible. On "Metempsychosis", his collaboration with Mollonos Bass, trance-inducing melodies sparkle like light reflected from a pond on a sunny day as the bass warbles euphorically. "Funeral Pyre", his project with Dole & Kom, is far more earthy and gritty, with a low-slung bass powering the mid-tempo rhythm. Finally, there's "Heliopolis", Schwarz's collaboration with Bebetta. Occupying a middle ground between the gritty sound of "Pyre" and the shiny trance of the Mollonos Bass collaboration, its acid-soaked groove and shuffling rhythm will appeal to fans of Ame, Dixon and that other Schwarz, Henrik.
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