Review: Cologne's magnificent Magazine imprint returns with another sure-fire bunch of tracks from this exciting new artist in Mattes Schwarz. The man is local and he means business; specifically, it's clear from the beginning of "There Are Secrets" that he gets Magazine as a label, and that his sound will fit in seamlessly with the rest of the catalogue. Metallic, stripped-back techno is the main ingredient, and "I Donat Know" is peppered with it from start to finish - this particular tune is finished off with a quirky, humming bassline that has Magazine written all over it. The final tune, "From The Distance", is the edgier of the three, and what is surely most capable of hitting the dancefloor with intoxicating levels of energy. Another blinder, another storming debut.
Review: With over ten band members, the Cologne Tape outfit is a veritable crew of diverse talents. The group have, thus far, released one debut LP on Barnt's endlessly fascinating Magazine imprint, and they're finally back with their second slab of outsider sonics with this new album called Welt. Much like their previous effort, Welt isn't concerned with what's trending, it doesn't attempt to please micro groups of listeners, and it certainly doesn't try to fit in a midway point between dance and experimental. It is what it is. Moreover, it's a true album form start to finish, preferring to deploy its narrative through a more subtle use of melodies and influences. Don't get us wrong, it certainly belongs in the 'left of field' section, but its sound can and should only be described as the 'Cologne Tape' flex. There are beats, yes, and some tunes can surely be played to more open-minded audiences, but it's the spaces between the concrete structures that interest us. From ambvient, to broken beats, jazz and even flurries of dub, Welt will be an exciting and rewarding listen upon each new visit. Highly recommended.
Review: James Savage and Jonnie Wilkes are Naum Gabo, a Scottish techno duo who have just landed on one of Germany's most interesting labels, Magazine. The Cologne-based imprint has always been riding on the outskirts of house and techno and has been releasing music by the likes of Wolfgang Voigt and Barnt for a long time. "Fyei" is an '80s-tipped tune, where coldwave vibes weave through the broken beat pattern held together by intricate folds of percussion, while "Hantas" burns its way ever slower across vast plains of synthesized sounds. This is a beautiful addition to Magazine's gorgeous catalogue and as always, this is highly recommended.
Review: After ten years the Magazine label has managed to coax Wolfgang Voigt's Wasserman project out from the deep. Voigt did release on the label last year under his own name however, presenting the three-track Ruckverzauberung EP, a release that nestled into several 2012 best-of lists. Although the title track is a continuous vamping loop - like a fatigued accordion forced to keep playing - it's hard to deny the track of sublime compositional value. "Dumpfe Tone" has a similar feel to something Vangelis or Jean Michel Jarre might create; only its cheesiness and atonality is something to be taken seriously. Then from Vangelis and Jean Michel Jarre comparisons, "Helle Tone" (dare it be said) shares cadence and structure to the electro swing of Jesse Rose's "Touch My Horn" or the Howling Wolf sampling "Well Now".
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