BXTR - "Mechabirds" - (5:08) 140 BPM
Gijensu - "Kickelodeon" - (6:00) 138 BPM
Raar - "Fraction" - (5:44) 142 BPM
I Hate Models & Vitalic - "Sexy Beast" - (6:26)
123 BPM Review: The latest split release on Gemstones gets off to a riveting start thanks to BXTR. Fusing ethereal melodies with hard drums, "Mechabirds" is both dreamy and impactful. On "Kickelodeon", Swedish duo Gijensu deliver a more visceral track, dropping a pummelling rhythm track littered with chopped up vocal samples. On "Fraction", Raar, who also has a stunning new collection on Antiverse, delivers a tough, metallic techno workout: built on a steely rhythm, its cold tones and corrosive percussion create a real sense of drama. Rounding off the release is a collaboration between Vitalic and I Hate Models. Unsurprisingly, "Sexy Beast" is a throbbing, frazzled slice of electro-techno.