Review: Alexander Kowalski, a fixture in European techno during the early part of the millennium, continues his comeback with this killer four-track release on Andr? Kronert's Odd Even. The title track is a driving, dubbed out techno track that resounds to rich chords and niggling percussion. On "Perception", the German producer uses a similar approach with dubbed out chords, but on this occasion ups the tempo and makes the percussion sharper. "Current 101" meanwhile is more stripped back, with a warbling acid line unfolding over a stripped back rhythm and dramatic stabs. Demonstrating that he is indeed back with a bang, the release also features a tough, tribal take on the title track by ROD.
Ain't No Funny Dirty Old Man Music (Jeroen Search Rework) - (7:00) 128 BPM
Ain't No Funny Music (Bluetrain Stripped Down dub) - (6:10) 125 BPM
Ain't No Funny Music (Nima Khak Second edit) - (7:07) 128 BPM
Ain't No Funny Music (Jesse Jakob remix) - (6:08) 125 BPM
Ain't No Funny Music (Nima Khak remix) - (7:00) 130 BPM
Review: Despite managing a number of other labels, Andre Kronert has found the time to also focus on Odd Even - and the latest release is one of its best yet. The German DJ /producer has commissioned an impressive group of remixers to rework him; Jeroen Search steps up first with an acid-soaked take on "Ain't No Funny Dirty Old Man Music", while Steve O'Sullivan works under his Bluetrain guise to deliver a stepping, dubby take on "Ain't No Funny Music". Ever the astute A&R, Kronert has also tapped Swedish producer Nima Khak for a stripped back, hiccuping vocal Robotman-style version of "Ain't No Funny Music" while Jesse Jakob's dense, booming version of the same track is redolent of classic Aubrey.
Review: This duo is not from Massachusetts, rather Turin, Italy and focus on psychedelic / acid / techno vibes according to their Soundcloud profile; quite an apt description. They have appeared on labels like Involve and Enemy previously and now Germany's Odd Even for the Oblivion EP. "Nightcall" has a taste for the acid life that pushes that 303 to it's full limit like an Acid Test record over a tough beat, but it's the title track which really nails it: this is droning and hypnotic techno further fuelled by a well-executed acid snarl and a ferocious and shuffling rhythm. On the flip "Split String" sounds like a fierce Jeff Mills 909 live drum solo but then that chiming synth melody comes through with those claps on the kick, sounding more like a Rodhad cut. Great stuff!
Review: This is Boston 168's third outing on Odd Even, and it sees them building on the "psychedelic acid" style that previous EPs hinted at. "Contactor" is an atmospheric, spaced out affair, with nimble 303s building and building over a skeletal rhythm. By contrast, "Vacuum" is a heavier track; the drums and percussion reverberate with great force, the acid line builds in tandem with eerie synths, and there is an underlying, menacing sensibility. "Cybernetics" sees them go a few steps farther down the rabbit hole, as lead-weight kicks combine with gurgling 303s, while the Italian pair continue on their journey into the depths of tripped out techno with the pumping, pulsing "Futuretro".
Review: Dubspeeka follows up 2018's Contras release on Odd Even with this expansive EP. The title track resounds to billowing chords underpinned by a lean, metallic rhythm, looped to infinity. On "Kie", there's a similar rhythmic approach, but on this occasion the stepping beats provide the backdrop for acid gurgles and dubbed out chords. "A3A33" sees the UK producer raise the tempo and add some trance sparkle thanks to the addition of frosty melody lines - it's no wonder that he has released on Get Physical and Sasha's Last Night on Earth. "QWN" sees him opt for a stripped back approach, with seductive electronic tweaks underpinned by lithe percussion.
Review: Fabrizio Rat is a pianist and composer, who last year released his debut album on Arnaud Rebotini's Blackstrobe label. As this EP for techno label Odd Even demonstrates, he is also capable of crafting dance floor-primed arrangements. "La Notte" starts with the kind of moody piano tones that he is associated with, before the title track sees him veering into a hypnotic, tranced out techno workout that's not a million miles from Donato Dozzy. On "L'Estate", he dispenses with his esoteric approach in favour of a bubbling acidic groove, while "Vulcano" sees him move into droning rhythms, guided by the tolling of an eerie lighthouse bell. Clearly Mr Rat is a man of many talents, and "Lontano" closes the release with the kind of tripped out techno that Speedy J used to specialise in.
Review: Over the past decade, Rushin has released music on some of the most respected underground labels - including Mote Evolver and Arts Collective - and now steps up for Odd Even. As the streamlined tribal groove that constitutes the title track and "Confusion" both demonstrate, it's not hard to understand Rushin's appeal. However, there is also a deeper side to his sound, audible on the frazzled chords of "Lead Me", while the Dutch producer also delivers a hypnotic groove in the shape of "Where to Find". Based on a rolling groove, detuned riffs and crisp, doubled-up claps, it rounds off this expertly executed release in style.
Review: ODD / EVEN is the label project of Andre Kronert. Created by the German as a wide open space and blank canvas for friends and peers to release music that Andre himself will include is his DJ sets. ODD / EVEN is a playground for both music and art, with each release receiving a full vinyl press and exclusive cover artwork. It welcomes one of the most authentic techno producers and veterans: Jeroen Search. Known for his hard hitting Millsian influenced DJ tools, usually made in conjunction with fellow Dutchman Dimi Angelis. Featured are four reliable and straight up expressions in cyclical techno, with as much tension and suspense as you'd always expect from him. "Without Abrupt Changes" starting off with restraint, featuring that chiming Axis style melody while "Contiuum" is the most heads down and straight ahead affair on offer, good for the peak time. There's also two mesmerising drone pieces "Explain Variation 1 & 2".
Review: For his eleventh(!) studio album, techno veteran Johannes Heil does what he knows best and focuses on the dance floor. Gospel starts the soundscapes of "Gospel One" before giving way to the epic synths and heavy kicks of "Gospel Two", which come across like Slam and early Ron Trent on steroids. "Gospel Three" sees the German producer delve into deeper, dub techno, while on the fourth instalment, he drops a bleep-heavy break beat track. Heil has always been a versatile producer, but no matter what direction he veers into, each track on Gospel has a crisp, precise sound. From the chord-heavy builds of "Gospel Six" to the rolling tribal groove of "Gospel Nine", this approach prevails on Heil's latest album.
Review: Joton is known primarily for releases on his own New Rhythmic label, so this outing on Odd Even is sure to win him more attention. It moves in style from the hypnotic dub techno of "Antioquia 1", before the second version sees him opt for a more percussive rhythm, albeit still underpinned by ghostly sounds. "Antioquia 3" is different again, with the Spanish producer upping the tempo slightly more and dropping yelping vocals and insistent claps over a prowling bass. On the fourth and final instalment, Joton opts for a somewhat more visceral approach, with clanging metallic drums underpinning a series of acid squelches.
Review: Following on from his excellent long player, Resist, Suckut now drops this killer four-tracker. While the German producer's second artist album saw him explore a range of styles and moods, this release is all about the dance floor. "Your Legs" is a murky, percussive affair that resounds to distant sirens and dense, shuffling drums. On "Your Head", Suckut goes for an all-out acid assault, featuring a central 303 line so virulent and claps so militant that the combination will flatten anything that gets in its way. On "Your Arms", he offers a more loose approach, with a raw bass underpinning a shuffling, percussive rhythm, while on "Your Body", Suckut opts for a minimal, stripped back house workout that takes influence from Dan Bell.
Review: Suckut returns to Andre Kronet's label with a killer dance floor EP. The title track is an irresistible, rolling affair, halfway between house and techno, and featuring a hypnotic vocal loop. On "Prism Part One", Suckut ups the tempo and drops a searing acid line that burns its way over doubled up claps. The second iteration of "Prism" is even more dance floor focused: based on a heavy 303 line, pitch bent hats and rolling snare drums, these elements veer into Emanuel Top-style pandemonium. Changing tact again, "Backyard" inhabits a similar territory as "Promises", albeit with tougher drums, rasping percussion and a indistinguishable vocal loop.
Review: Michael Klein has enjoyed a productive year, and rounds it off with this slamming release on Andr? Kronert's label. "Taste" has a juggernaut rhythm at its heart, which is supported by dense, thundering bass and rickety percussion. On "Whisper", he ups the tempo and intensity levels to deliver a scuffled rhythm peppered with discordant bleeps, sounding like a malfunctioning robot. Klein changes tact on "Touch", a rolling affair that resounds to crispy hi hats and deep space synth lines, while he signs off with a more forceful track, as "Smell" unravels to the sound of insistent tones and a dramatic, filtered groove.
Review: Odd Even is already home to respected producers like NX1 and Johannes Heil, and now the German label welcomes two more veteran artists, Alex Bau and Mikael Jonasson to the fold. The title track strikes a balance between big room minimal and classic techno, as the pair deliver a pulsating tonal groove and looped vocal samples. Underpinned by firing percussion, it makes for a hypnotic and effective combination. "Timber" is less conventional and sees the pair lay down dense, filtered percussion and a teased out but equally bruising rhythm, while on "Swedish "Massage", a softer side to their sound with some soft-focus ambience.
Anders Hellberg - "Over The Hills" - (6:27) 129 BPM
Electric Rescue - "Beldip" (TT 144) - (6:11) 130 BPM
Observer - "Density Wave" - (5:07) 128 BPM
Review: Andre Kronert's label continues on its mission to showcase underground techno on this second installment of Diffused Light. This time, the emphasis is on emerging and under-the-radar artists. Observer's "Density Wave" caters to a big room audience as it resounds to a muddy bass and rough kicks. Meanwhile, Anders Hellberg's "Over the Hill" will resonate with a similar audience, even though it revolves around tranced out synths and doubled-up claps. Following a more understated approach is Electric Rescue's "Beldip (tt 144)", which revolves around a bubbling bass and rasping percussion. Best of all is Nima Khak's "Ebb Och Flod", where brittle, stepping rhythms merge with mysterious static hiss and hum for a heady combination.
Review: The twentieth release on Andre Kronert's label sees MindTrip boss Pfirter deliver a high-impact EP. "Through My Window" is a lean roller that resounds to swirling synths, while on "Last Breath", he strips out any semblance of melody to deliver a fuzzy, tribal affair. "Endless" has an accurate title, with churning chords looped to the back drop of a dense, rolling groove, the kind of hypnotic arrangement that sounds like it goes on forever. "Certain" meanwhile, sees Pfirter go deeper with its high-paced, steely rhythm shot through with atmospheric chords, while on "Release" he ups the ante to deliver an insistent, buzzing track.
Review: The mysterious Ruhbarb is up next on Germany's Odd Even who have previously brought us great work by Boston 168, dub techno man Andre Kronert and the legendary Johannes Heil. Starting off with the brooding and atmospheric title track which is reminiscent of classic Mathew Jonson, there's the Millsian minimalism of "Field" which is rather hypnotic indeed. Elsewhere "Hetre" is where the producer really finds his own sound on this slow burning yet tough enough stomper, that's guided by a mesmerising arpeggio. Finally "Echoes" closes the EP out in great style, by veering away from techno and more into Life & Death style tech house on this oddly bittersweet dark journey track.
Review: The latest release on Odd Even features a change of direction from Shlomi Aber. The Be As One boss is usually associated with hypnotic, dubbed out techno, but he navigates his way through tougher territory here. "Exponent" is a wild acid workout, while on the title track, Aber puts his head down to hammer out a dark minimal techno banger. Although he drops the tempo on "Forum", the arrangement still teems with eerie riffs, while a similar aesthetic applies on "Amox". Led by ghostly synth sweeps and underpinned by bug eyed acid spirals, it is as frosty as a winter's night in Reykjavik.
Review: The latest release on Odd Even mines the rich heritage of 90s techno. The work of Steve Parker, who has featured on household labels like Ovum and Synewave, it moves from the layered 303 builds of "Acid Machine" and "The Prophet" into the rolling, tribal drums of "Planet E" - which doesn't resemble material on Carl Craig's label. The brilliantly-named "Horns of Jupiter" sees the Portuguese artist deliver a tranced out jam, with echoes of early Music Man, while closing track "Singular Dimension" is the most impressive. Layered, droning soundscapes unravel in a majestic fashion, like the stellar ambience of Richie Hawtin's F.U.S.E project.
Johannes Heil - "By Night Part Three" - (6:47) 129 BPM
Electric Rescue - "BELDIP" (TT 144) - (6:11) 130 BPM
Andre Kronert - "Terminus" (Jonas Kopp Torture mix) - (6:08) 132 BPM
Johannes Heil - "By Night Part One" - (6:59) 126 BPM
NX1 - "OE03" - (6:37) 130 BPM
Johannes Heil - "Gospel Thirteen" - (8:16) 129 BPM
Markus Suckut - "Your Arms" - (5:43) 130 BPM
Ruhbarb - "Hetre" - (7:07) 126 BPM
Boston 168 - "Nightcall" (instrumental) - (6:51) 125 BPM
Andre Kronert - "Dirty Old Man" (Blind Observatory's Old Man Rising dub) - (6:37) 129 BPM
Review: A journey through waveforms, transmission and light with label boss Andre Kronert on Odd Even Volume One, where he carefully curates an intoxicating mix comprised of some of the label's finest moments. Highlights not limited to: boss man Kronert on the dirty acid jack of "Ain't No Funny Dirty Old Man Music (Jeroen Search Remix) and the tunnelling techno of "Isolation", German veteran Johannes Heil who is fine form as always on the trance-indicing "Gospel Seven" and the barrelling peak time thriller "By Night Part Three" through to label staple Markus Suckut who delivers his typically contorted style of techno on "Your Legs", plus ever impressive Italian duo Boston 168 doing their usual mentalist thing on the acidic "Oblivion" and "Nightcall" respectively.
Death In Goa (Markus Suckut remix) - (7:12) 127 BPM
Review: The latest release on Andre Kronert's Odd Even label has an unusual name, and it finds Avni covering a range of different styles. The macabre-titled "Death in Goa (Flight Mode)" is a serene ambient affair, while on an alternate version, simply called "Death in Goa", a chugging groove underpins Avni's hypnotic textures. Despite Goa begin the destination of choice for those who have finished their Israeli military service, this release eschews making an overt political statement and its strongest repercussions can be felt on the dance floor. Accordingly, "Oriental Jazz" is a robust stepper populated by repetitive vocal snatches, while Markus Suckut's take on "Death In Goa" is a deep but effective roller.
