Review: Legendary label and compilers Cafe Del Mar deliver Terrace Decade Mix! With a contemporary cast of artists keeping the label in the limelight, the sound and feeling of this compilation still very much harks back to the original sentiments of those legendary mixes from back in the day. Headlining numbers include Fritz Kalkbrenner & Thalstroem's (aka Kollektiv Turmstrasse) piano dub to Till Von Sein's "Blueprint" fitting sweetly with the oil drum memories of Mop Mop's "Kamakumba (Simbad dub)". Keeping with the pianos still is Volen Sentir's retouch to About : River alongside some cultural touches of afrocentric styles by wildcard artist Aunti Flo in his remix to Bosq's "Tumbala". '90s Trance plays a huge and effervescent role in Budakid's "The End" next to the spiraling Krautrock and Italo sentiments of Frankey & Sandrino's "Acamar" and other basslines dubs from Mollono.Bass's .Feeling Good". Take it to the terrace - feel good.
Review: One half of acclaimed German duo Frankey & Sandrino goes solo for Hanseatic powerhouse Poker Flat here with the Dream EP. Frank Beckers aka Frankey is a veteran producer and DJ from Essen that has been releasing music since the late '80s. His last solo outing was remixing Florian Kruse & Lazarusman's "Breathe" last year. The title track is a slinky and entrancing sonic journey that's perfect for dreamy rooftop parties this summer and perfect for DJs to interweave with their sonic narratives. Second offering "Rotary" is a more boppy and upbeat affair, again featuring rich rhythmic structures but more vibrant and hypnotic melodies - and charming chord progressions too!
Review: Berlin native Oliver Koletzki has cited his hometown as a main point of reference and inspiration throughout his career. His last two albums are said to be 'wholehearted tributes' to the German capital and its importance in the current climate of electronic music. The label's aesthetic - right down to the cover art is testament to this - featuring photos of local landmarks and graffiti adorning his fair city. There are little to no corners in the city that haven't brought a spark of inspiration into the mix and the eighth instalment of the Schneeweiss (English translation 'white snow') compilation series, is said to be a tribute to the many aspects or 'particles' consolidated as a series of carefully curated tracks. There's so many highlights on here and we're only going to name a few, but they're not limited to: hometown hero and one time Terranova member Rampa's brooding dance floor drama on "Fluke", Frankey & Sandrino bridging the gap between tech-house and nu-disco ever so gracefully again on "Solaris", Cologne's finest Andhim lend their deft hand on a remix of Leipzig figurehead Matthias Tanzmann's "Coffee Clouds" and the man from Mannheim Ray Okpara who's still going: his track "Satin Curtain" getting a smooth remix by the legendary Kevin Yost.
Review: Steve Bug founded Poker Flat two decades ago and while much has changed since, the quality of the music has remained a constant. From established artists to upstarts alike, the Hanseatic powerhouse has introduced discerning house and techno to dancefloors far and wide - from Berlin to L.A. and everywhere in between. The label marked its 20th anniversary this year: a huge achievement and one of which everyone involved with the imprint is proud of. Fans will not just consider this just a celebratory compilation then, but certainly as a commemorative one as well. Highlights not limited to: boss man Bug's new slinky and hypnotic collaboration with Spain's UNER titled "Mantis On The Moon", the ever reliable Francesca Lombardo delivering some moody dancefloor drama on "Flumen" and acclaimed German sound engineer Hannes Bieger proving he's capable of even more sonic mastery on the other side of the desk - as heard on his collaboration with Sailor & I "Chemistry" (Dub). Elsewhere, label staple Mihai Popoviciu appears with two tracks, we particularly enjoyed the sensual, late-night boompty jam "Sleepwalking" and legend Ian Pooley's sublime rework of Eva Be's "Delight".
Review: With 15 tracks to choose from, this is a package that offers great value for money and much useful ammunition for DJs playing at the deep tech/minimal end of the spectrum. Sasse, Satoshi Fumi & Hiroshi Watanabe and Spiritcatcher all feature, but generally the emphasis is on more up-and-coming producers, with tracks ranging from the deep, atmospheric throb of ORDA's opening salvo 'More Over' to the string-drenched, glitchy prog of Fumi & Watanabe's 'Time Lapse', via the smooth deep house of Sasse's 'Eagle Eyes' and the Italo nouveau of Alessio Pagliaroli's 'Distractions', not to mention something of a curveball in the form of Nick Chacona's shimmering, female-vocalled disco-pop closer 'Fear'.
Luke Brancaccio & Simon Berry & John Digweed & Nick Muir - "Close Your Eyes" (Luke Brancaccio & Simon Berry VS. John Digweed & Nick Muir feat JJD) - (6:29) 122 BPM
Luke Brancaccio & Simon Berry - "Close Your Eyes" (original mix feat JJD) - (7:56) 126 BPM
