Review: Frustrated Funk has been representing underground electro for close to two decades and is sure to be doing the same once the current hype around the music form dissipates. This split release demonstrates exactly why the Dutch imprint is so important. "ZRX" sees Gerard Hanson deliver one of his darkest tracks so far as E.R.P, with a predatory bass underpinning the project's dreamy synths. Apart from showcasing international artists, Frustrated Funk has also done a superb job in shining a spotlight on local talent. This release is no exception, with the hugely underrated Duplex remixed by Klen under his Ovatow guise - the result is a dreamy, downtempo take on "Molecular".
Review: For the seventh edition of Ostgut Ton?s acclaimed Panorama Bar mix, they have reeled in one of their finest and hard working sectors in the from of ND Baumecker - and it's about time! The Frankfurt native's compilation features a varied selection of moods and grooves, including exclusive tracks from FaltyDL, Gen Ludd and Jinje - as heard on volume one. The second one featured here is where you are treated to British deep house sensation Ross From Friends' trippy yet absolutely evocative "High Energy", Bay Area human beatbox Dave Aju getting into some deeply exotic microhouse on "Wayahed" and Rotterdam based electro heads Duplex delivering the ultra smooth "Isolator".
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. On the third Dollydeluxe release, the mood darkens temporarily. This is thanks to newcomer UAS dropping a lithe, acidic electro stepper in the shape of "World Gets Crazy". Nothus then revisits the evocative, atmospheric mood that shaped the preceding releases. Working as Late Night Approach, "Poison Valley" resounds to rolling 808s, widescreen synths and spacey bleeps. It makes for futuristic electro with a capital 'F'. Dutch veteran Duplex mixes steely funk with dreamy melodies on his contribution, "Voidfiller", while Mesak, who released before on Steffi's other label, Klakson, brings the third instalment to a close with the jittery "Commonaukko".
Review: John Matze and Chris Callahan are the unsung heroes of underground electronic music, and as Photic Zone shows, they impress most when operating in the grey area between electro and techno. The title track is reminiscent of Convextion as emotive synths swell over angular rhythms and tight drums, but this release shows that the duo aren't content to follow other producers. "Electric Trees" features more robotic break beats, but they sound muted as a fluid, sensuous bass and dreamy pads make for a more introspective sound. "Galx" meanwhile sees them veer into techno territories, as a dubby groove and warbling acid provide the backdrop for subtle vocal samples and lithe broken beats.
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