Mihai Popoviciu & Markus Homm - "June Tune" - (7:18) 123 BPM
Review: Still Hot is an upcoming German label that focuses on a small coterie of artists. As this split release shows, it has succeeded in its mission to keep a tight focus on its select pool of talent. Alex Flatner's "Without You" is a deep, tranced out house groove featuring euphoric vocals, while at the other end of the tech-house spectrum, Benny Grauer delivers a moody, chord-heavy roller on "Absolute Alert" and Martin Eyerer's "Accessor" revolves around urgent percussion, a grinding synth riff and a skipping rhythm. Veteran German producer Martin Landsky brings the tempo and mood back down on the clanging bass and tonal bleeps of "Alpha Funk", while Mihai Popoviciu & Markus Homm end the release with the stripped back "June Tune".
Review: Mannheim's finest returns; Nick Curly's one time right hand man Gorge teams up with Nuremberg's Markus Homm for the Balance EP. Starting out with the adrenalised progressive house of the title track (which features some sublime arpeggios), they then get stuck into some solo efforts. First Gorge presents "Don't Give Up" which brings his trademark percussive tendencies into the mix for this exotic and esoteric feeling drifter, while Homm delivers the bouncy party starter "Come Into My Life"; the kind of peak time tech house that has earned him releases on the likes of Saved and Highgrade.
I Don't Blame You (Djebali Sugar remix) - (7:00) 128 BPM
Review: Following up some great ones recently by the likes of Dilby, Alex Ranerro and Frink, German label Bondage is back with label staple Markus Homm. On his latest track titled "I Don't Blame You", you can be sure that it's another late night adventure, where the 'safe word' is groove - a signature close to Homm's heart. Sensual and evocative mood music for the late night with a dubby and bass-driven vibe, it receives a more energetic and upbeat remix by the ever reliable Frenchman Djebali, packed full of swing-fuelled and groovy minimal style as always.
Review: After releases on Zenebona, Tenor and City Noises, not to mention his acclaimed Hive Audio debut release not long ago, the Nuremberg-based Romanian Markus Homm returns with his new four track piece the 'Amour Fou' EP. The moody and atmospheric tribal groove on the title track receives a rework by Swiss scene stalwart Animal Trainer, elsewhere it's typical Homm on the hypnotic and sensual mood music of "Pamona" until the slinky and dub-laden dancefloor drama of "Touch" sees the Cyclic Records chief hammer the message home in true style.
Review: Nuremberg's Markus Homm has released on a who's who of respected labels over the years such as Highgrade, 8 bit, Saved and Bondage but now makes his debut on Hamburg institution Poker Flat. Starting off with the rolling, driving and absolutely energetic title track: this one is perfect for the peak time. The energy level remains the same for the slinky and hypnotic "Dance With Me" featuring some smooth vocals that add to its overall euphoric qualities. Finally "Feel It" is a change of vibe altogether: this one is rather moody and more suited to the early evening or afterhours alike. With its dub techno influence all over the bassline, haunting chords and delay drenched textures: this is perfect mood lighting if we've ever heard it!
