Review: Fresh from mixing the latest instalment of Fabric's mix series, Panorama Bar resident Steffi launches a new sub-label, Dolly Deluxe. Many of the tracks that feature on Fabric 94 also appear across the first four EPs on this offshoot. The second Dollydeluxe release boasts an atmospheric feeling, but with a dance floor bias. This is evident on Answer Code Request's stirring break beat opener, "Forking Path" and Voiski's brooding acid stepper, "Sound of Distance". Dexter, one of Steffi's closest peers, opts for a stern, steely electro approach on "66", while 214, fresh from his release on Lunar Disko, moves back towards ethereal sounds with the widescreen synths and ERP-style bass of "Sound Moments".
Review: When exploring dance music, we are seeing more and more of a melodic influence moving into play in recent years, especially when diving into the swimming harmonies of artists such as 'C.O.W'. He lands here for a stunning selection of spacey originals, under the album name 'Internet', exploring blissful compositional structures and expert pad usage. We see guest appearances throughout from the likes of 'Dexter, Jake Masca, Jakob From Earth, Kid Simius, Masia One, Sola Plexus & Tahnee Matthiesen, all adding their unique twists to an already vibrant pot of influence. As for the solo creations, the sweeping melodies and uplifting vocal lines on 'Cringe Lords' and glitchy 8bit textures of 'CNDY' are immediate standouts.
Review: This an altogether epic offering from Deetron; a vast collection of un-mixed tracks from his brilliant DJ Kicks mix (naturally included as a bonus cut) that is little less than a lesson in the evolution of techno over the last three decades. Amongst the 38 tracks you'll find fine representatives of a myriad of sub-genres (intelligent techno, dub techno, IDM, ambient techno, gospel techno, and so on), as well as past, present and future classics (Damier and Trent's "Morning Factory", Spacetime Continuum's "Swing Factory", Mark Ernestus's recent Equinoxx remix, the Motor City bliss of Rhythim is Rhythim AKA Derrick May's "Ka-o-tic Harmony", a brilliant old Black Dog Productions workout). In other words, it's a breathlessly brilliant collection of both well-known and obscure gems. It comes heartily recommended.
Review: Not to be confused with Klakson's electro-hero of the same name, this Dexter is an acclaimed 26 year-old producer with more of an interest in the jazzy side of things. A teaser for forthcoming album, "The Trip", "Pictures" reveals the producer's newfound 'psychedelic hip-hop' direction. It's a fusion that works extremely well especially in non-album tracks "Church" (West Coat 60s harmony rock) and "Shroom Travels" (disorientated hippy-hop).
Review: Clone stalwart Dexter maintains his sumptuous run of form this year with the Great Northern Driver EP. The title track's booming bass drum and chirruping sonic elements draw a line between vintage electro and modern UK bass ala Julio Bashmore. Those of you with inferior soundsystems can indulge in the less throbbing delights of the 'no bass' version. Although the world probably doesn't need another Amerie sampling track, Dexter's deep, dusty revision is probably the best we've heard - indeed we'd go as far as to say it's downright excellent. Finally, the droning low frequencies of "Bo-Dyned" round off an essential release.
Review: Who says that electro is the preserve of po-faced train spotters? Judging by the tone of "Space Booty'" certainly not Dutch producer Dexter aka Remy Verheijen. On the title track, trademark shuffling 808 drums suggest that he might be looking for a safe approach, but then the lunging bassline kicks in and the listener is transported to a grey area where the primal growl of UK breaks and dubstep meet. However, if you're looking for proof that Dexter doesn't take electro too seriously, then check "Fat Skinny People". Once again, Dexter favours a splurging bass and some great driving percussion in the break gives the track greater urgency, but it's the daft cutting up of robotic electro vocals that make this release so entertaining and refreshing.
Review: Melting Pot Music delivers volume three of their producer series with the super talented Dexter at the helm. The German producer follows Hulk Hodn & Twit One and Suff Daddy to lay down his take on the 2010 Beat Generation.
The Jazz Files is a journey in which Dexter takes a fresh look at the long standing connection between jazz and hip hop. Infusing distinct hip-hop beats and matching attitude with a jazz ethos, the album assumes a vintage feel but with a very modern twist. The tracks take their jazz influence not too much in sound, but rather in their freedom and artistry. Sounds are given an improvisational feel, crafted within a free thinking composition. The hip hop slant is one that oozes out of Dexter seemingly unconsciously. The twenty six year old DJ/producer/MC is part of the Wortsport collective from Heilbronn and has previously produced for the likes of Morlock Dilemma, Damion Davis, Jaques Shure, Audio 88 & Yassin and Retrogott. A self confessed fan of Madlib, Flylo and Oh-No who also listens to psychedelic and rock, Dexter has a broad palette which he delves into throughout the album. With countless samples and recordings, the album is a fun and entertaining exploration through Dexter's take on the combination of the two disciplines. There are even quotes from The Mighty Boosh in there, with Howard Moon's "Deep in the Juju" even becoming a track title.
True to the Hi Hat Club's bluebrint, Vol 3, The Jazz Files is not bound by a particular sound. Instead it is an expression of today's beat generation from one of its most talented producers who is given the artistic freedom to best represent it.
Review: Having recently grabbed our attention with lead single "Pictures", this 26 year old producer now unveils his self-proclaimed 'psychedelic hip-hop' album aptly titled "The Trip". Aside from the single, there's a further 17 tracks on here brimming with strange sounds and ideas, from the Public Enemy-sampling "Once Again Back (Tune In)" to crackling 60s piano clips with hip-hop beats ("Psychedelic Club Scene") and the stoner DJ Shadow-isms of "Dexy Lovecraft" via hammonds and big beat ("Clouds of Zero"). Far out man!
Review: Man like Dexter comes through with that head nod ish for Melting Pot, smartly revisiting some classic breaks but splaying them with bass heavy brilliance. "Gimme No More (Psycho Theme)" takes Busta at his word and does the flip mode, cutting those famed strings up brilliantly over a smart low end throb. Up next Bob James gets turned inside out, married to a Neptunes bump whilst the ever present crackle of vinyl gives proceedings a real charm. Finally a certain pint sized crooner from the Stones Throw imprint gets sprinkled with the Dexter dust. Get involved!
Review: After a five year hiatus, Steffi and Dexter's now legendary Klakson imprint is back in action. Said to have been due to pressing plant delays and being tied up with their respective careers, we can forgive them; so long as they continue with the quality releases they've shown us thus far. The dirty electro funk antics of "Troubles" sees Remy Verheijen awash in an analogue bubble bath to the vocoded tune of "I've got/so much troubles/on my mind". "Flashback" is dark and emotive techno-soul that you could have sworn was the work of Boris Bunnik for a second, but undeniably Dexter. The second half of the release gives us "Twilight Life", a tribute to the more electro-fied leanings of UR or Drexciya, as is "Patternmaster" which gets deep down and nasty in the aquatic fashion of the latter. Tip!
