Review:
Following on from last year's Flower of Cane EP, Hamburg house duo Adana Twins return to Watergate. The title track is subtle but effective and austere-sounding but also uplifting. It chugs along to a solid groove and features eerie synths that build and build thanks to some effective filtering - and is exactly the type of track one would expect to hear at the feted Berlin club. On the flip side, "Sequence 01" is centred on a different approach. While its groove is also linear, it is powered by a pulsation bass and the kind of evocative, crystalline hooks that sound like the modern embodiment of classic German trance.
Review:
For their next release, Berlin institution Watergate welcomes back two of Hamburg's finest: Adana Twins. Last seen on the label's last compilation, the duo returns with a bunch of stunners which the label itself best describe as 'low slung, infectious cuts blurring the lines between house and techno' and truly showcase the signature sounds of these two Harbour City heroes. The original version of "Flower Of Cane" sees the duo follow their darkest route into the abyss yet on this druggy and heaving main room groove that follows in the tradition of classic Reude Hagelstein or even local legends like Stephan Bodzin. "Ortus" is an adrenalised exercise in mood lighting which is perfect to make a transition with its elevating EBM style bassline. The third offering "Relentless" (feat Jeppe Kjellberg of Danish electro-poppers Whomadewho) offers yet more quality, but if you ask us: it's all about Andre Lodemann's vocal mix, which is so incredibly dreamy and evocative as always.
Review:
Zurich based DJ and producer Jimi Jules is one of the most promising upcoming artists within the international underground. With previous releases on top labels like Superfriends, Cocoon and local imprint Zukunft - he tops all that by being picked as selector for esteemed Berlin institution Watergate's 24th mix album. Here we get treated to a few exclusives: first we have Jules & Jesaya's +4 BPM Update of Ame's "119 BPM", there's also his collaboration with Domenico Ferrari on the sleazy lo-slung pop of "Parkuhr". Then, we soon discover its almost entirely a Jimi Jules affair (naturlich!) with his remix of Swiss/German duo Egopusher's "Flake" (venturing into truly sublime territory) and the dreamy and bittersweet tones of Ed Ed & Petja Virikko's "Sundroina" (feat Jinadu).
Review:
By the stuffy standards of German techno, Bulent "Butch" Gurler is something of a maverick - an eccentric whose seemingly never-ending output regularly pulls techno in a variety of different directions. Certainly, he's a great choice to mix the latest instalment of Berlin club Watergate's excellent mix series. Beginning in a deep and contemplative mood, Gurler works through a range of micro-genres in an undulating, entertaining, 22-track trawl through various contemporary inspirations. Along the way, you'll find cuts by The Horrorist (as remixed by Ricardo Villalobos), Redshape (the thrilling broken techno of "Goom"), and Shifted and Sigha. There's also a couple of exclusives from the man himself and regular studio partner Hohberg, including the exotic, Arabic pulse of "Thai Cubensis".
Review:
As Summer peaks, Berlin clubbing institution Watergate brings you the brand new series where standout tracks from their discography are remixed by some of their favourite artists. Kicking off the first instalment we have Matthias Meyer and Jimi Jules stepping up to deliver their twist on two big tunes from heavy-hitters Butch and Henrik Schwarz. First up is Meyer's remix of Butch's "Shahrzad", where he dishes out a truly timeless piece of dancefloor euphoria. With his trademark organic groove and swirling pads, Meyer guides you through a heavenly journey into the distant reaches of sonic elation. On the flip, Jimi Jules brings his A-game with a revision of Henrik Schwarz' classic "Words In Return" and in the process demonstrates an incredibly mature restraint, with precise and calculated efforts which results in an enchanting trip.
Review:
By the stuffy standards of German techno, Bulent "Butch" Gurler is something of a maverick - an eccentric whose seemingly never-ending output regularly pulls techno in a variety of different directions. Certainly, he's a great choice to mix the latest instalment of Berlin club Watergate's excellent mix series. Beginning in a deep and contemplative mood, Gurler works through a range of micro-genres in an undulating, entertaining, 22-track trawl through various contemporary inspirations. Along the way, you'll find cuts by The Horrorist (as remixed by Ricardo Villalobos), Redshape (the thrilling broken techno of "Goom"), and Shifted and Sigha. There's also a couple of exclusives from the man himself and regular studio partner Hohberg, including the exotic, Arabic pulse of "Thai Cubensis".
Review:
Watergate 22 is Catz'N'Dogz second official mix CD. It shows that the Polish pair have outgrown their minimal roots and have delivered a wide ranging, house selection. There's the deeper than deep late 90s "Let It Rain" by City People, while Chicago is represented by the veteran K-Alexi - on the wailing diva vocals of "You Get Down" - and later on with Da Posse. While there are echoes of minimal thanks to appearances from the likes of Krikor, the mix jumps quickly and breathlessly through styles that also includes Credit OO's tough jacking sound and the dense tribal house of Mr G's "Absurd Beatz 4".
Review:
Like their first official mix CD for Get Physical back in 2012, Catz 'N Dogz latest mix on Watergate - Watergate 22- sees the pair drop classic house music from DJ Garth, Mystic Bill and Todd Terry. But as this second sampler shows, it also sees them deliver their own interpretation of these sounds. "Blakkat", their collaboration with Yotam Avni, is a killer chord-heavy serving of 90s tech house, while on "Afterglow", the Polish duo delivers a tough tribal workout. The mood changes on "To Ma People", their collaboration with Reno Wurzbacher, where deep Detroit chords are mixed with a soulful vocal to create a truly memorable deep house sound.,
Review:
The Watergate 22 mix compilation is curated and mixed by Polish duo Catz 'N Dogz of the wildly popular Pets Recordings imprint. They deliver eight exclusive tracks from their mix via two EP's showcasing their expert ability to navigate a multitude of different styles. Spread across two releases are originals from the duo themselves, collaborations with Rotam Avni and Reno Wurzbacher plus two remixes from Prosumer ("Fire Burning When We Are") and Sebo K ("Afterglow" featuring the vocals of Shaun J. Wright). If that was not enough, there's another exclusive track from Wooton's finest Eats Everything and Lord Leopard.
Review:
A day with a new Kerri Chandler EP is always a good day, and especially if it comes out on the impressively on-point Watergate. The Berlin dance institution is famous for its varied DJ mixes but they're started dabbling in full-blown releases, and we couldn't be happier. The NY house legend steps up with two new tracks, backed by two killer remixes. "Mama" is a peak-time, piano house burner featuring Jerome Sydenham, while "Think Of Something" is the proper ripper here, with one hell of a hook and a filthy, pouncing bassline. The remixes comes from the likes of Voyeur, who dishes out a real belter, and La Fleur, who goes for a retro kind of vibe on the synths.
Review:
At the tail end of 2016, Culoe De Song enhanced his growing credentials with a fine set for the Watergate mix series. This tasty EP offers a first outing for the four previously unreleased productions he slipped into that mix. All are naturally superb, and tend towards the atmospheric. "Deadman's Walk" is a deep and emotion-rich shuffler that boasts some seriously stretched-out organ chords, while "Aftermatch" fixes spacey electronics and stargazing melodies to a jaunty, Osunlade style drum pattern. "Bang Royales" sounds like his fusion of deep house and the steppy rhythms of fellow South African DJ Mujave, while "Juice" is a stretched-out shuffler with distinctive nods to both Innervisions style tech-house, and Motor City futurism.
Review:
The past and the present collide on this sampler for the latest Watergate mix. Martin Eyerer's "Reckless" draws on classic acid house tropes, including searing acid lines and rolling snares - reminiscent to the ones on Laurent X's timeless Machines - but the bass growls with the kind of aggression only a modern artist could make. Stephan Hinz's "Hungry" is the most contemporary sounding track, a jacking, rolling affair that unwinds to the sound of sheet metal percussion and eerie bleeps. Clint Stewart's "Drenched" also takes inspiration from the old school, its evocative, building chords combined with a wailing siren that sounds like a modern take on Lil Louis.
Review:
Fur Coat have enjoyed a meteoric rise over the past few years, releasing on labels like Bpitch, Hot Creations and Crosstown Rebels, with Damian Lazarus' label also putting out their debut album. The Venezuelan pair's latest record is on Watergate and showcases again their sleek, clubby sound. The title track revolves around a tone-shifitng bass and hissing percussion and these elements combine for a heads-down, late night sound. "Desire of Mine", which features Delhia De France provide some breathy vocals, resonates to blustery synths and has a more epic feeling to it. Changing tact, Watergate has commissioned Ruede Hagelstein to deliver a tripped out, minimal house take that is sure to hypnotise the Berlin club's main room.
Review:
Fur Coat have released EPs on some of techno and house music's biggest labels, including Crosstown Rebels and Hot Creations. Now they consolidate their relationship with a second EP for Berlin imprint Watergate. The Venezuelan pair's strength lies in their ability to effortlessly blur underground sound design with a big room sensibility and this approach is evident in spades on Immersion. The title track features slamming kicks providing the backdrop for chords that loop and filter their way hypnotically over the course of eight minutes, but without once sounding repetitive. "Inner Circle" is more understated, and sees the duo drop a pulsating, tranced out groove that is sure to dawn DJ sets ablaze with its electronic intensity.
Review:
As stated previously, Hamburg house hero Matthias Meyer presented the 20th edition of Berlin super club Watergate's acclaimed mix series and several exclusive tracks he premiered for the mix are now finally available individually. On the second volume he serves up "Turgoyakk" by Russian up and comer Gorje Hewek; a stunningly gorgeous deep house excursion with dark elements that has just the right amounts of suspense and drama to captivate the world's dancefloors at present. Next up Frenchman via Sydney via Berlin YokoO teams up with Retza on "Satori", which has a bit more energy and bump in its groove but still focuses on dreamy and mesmerising elements. That string section that comes in around the two minute mark is just brilliant.
Review:
Culoe De Song's recent contribution to the Watergate mix series was piled high with previously unreleased exclusives, three of which get an airing on this accompanying EP. First up is MR Joe's "Vector Groove", a deliciously hypnotic, slowly unfolding chunk of deep house/tech house fusion full of Osunlade style beats, Innervisions style motifs and bubbling, delay-laden electronics. The same producer's "Dharma Groove" is a similarly inclined, if slightly straighter, stretched-out epic, while Illumonate DJs' standout "Nomvula" wraps deliciously positive melodies around a quirky, off-kilter groove rich in South African influences and wavy, early morning intent.
Review:
Swiss producer Jimi Jules has released previously on Defected and Hive Audio but now appears on Berlin superclub Watergate's in-house label. "Hundeblick" is a pretty dark journey track that will fit in with the current status quo of music; real hummer of a bassline on this one: it's pretty wicked! Second track "Modulation" is more of a straight up techno jam with a booming and cavernous 808 stomp and hissing hi-hats all over the place; more suited to his Ostgut Ton aspirations perhaps? Final track "Bogota" is druggy, slinky tech house for the afterhours at Kater Blau, just wait until that blues guitar come in though!
Review:
Zurich based DJ and producer Jimi Jules is one of the most promising upcoming artists within the international underground. With previous releases on top labels like Superfriends, Cocoon and local imprint Zukunft - he tops all that by being picked as selector for esteemed Berlin institution Watergate's 24th mix album. Mysterious dancefloor drama is guaranteed on the deep and moody acid trip entitled "Abandoned Soul" (his contribution to the mix) which receives a brooding and epic rework by Plangent main man Recondite - taking the track deeper into the late night when the strobe light and smoke machine will accompany it just perfectly. Closing track "Othervision" is a soulful and slo-mo tech house cut, that's perfect to lead into the morning hours just before the lights come on.
Review:
Watergate Affairs is a brand new music series from the Berlin superclub. Music will be featured by residents or regulars who have become closely affiliated with the club over the recent years. Moreover, these handpicked artists will "perfectly display the sound of Watergate". First up is Zurich's Jimi Jules who presents us with the dark journey track "1.6%" with that buzzy, wonky synth lead and mysterious atmosphere: Life & Death eat your heart out. Berlin legend Lee Jones, the British ex-pat who you may remember for his collaboration with Nick Hoppner as My My is back with "Fraction Disco (Metro edit)" a sexy and bouncy tech house workout that is guaranteed for hands in the air moments. But it's their most well known resident La Fleur who really impresses with "Waves" where the Swede gives us a driving and emotional journey track with a humming sub bass and tight rhythm that you could imagine setting off a frenzy at peak time on that killer sound system.
Review:
Jimi Jules is one of the main DJs at Berlin club Watergate and it's true to say that he leaves his mark on this mix: 13 of the 21 tracks are edits, remixes or original productions from the Swiss selector. That said, he also leaves space for other artists: Porn Sword Tobacco's dreamt "B1" segues nearly into Jules' own "Gare de Lion", while the live funk of "Caldo", one of the tracks from Keope's 2016 album, also makes a seamless transition into Jules & Domenico Ferrari's stripped back vocal track, "Parkuhr". There are multiple such moments on Watergate 24, and its eclectic feel is typified by tracks from Aphex Twin and DJ Koze, electronic music's most eccentric acts.
Review:
It's some three years since Watergate resident Lee Jones graced the Berlin club's in-house label. "A Perfect Kick" is, however, a decent comeback. In its original form, it rolls along nicely on an attractive bed of deep house grooves, bubbling electronics, dreamy vocal samples and intoxicating pedal steel. It grows in intensity as it progresses, too, thanks to some heavy-hitting jazz percussion and Jones' light-touch production. He offers a darker, more percussive remix, too, for those wide-eyed early morning moments. Elsewhere, there's a warm, building, decidedly tougher rework from Matthias Meyer, and two drifting, droning, dubbed-out techno takes from Daria.
Review:
Techno wizard and selector to envy La Fleur has been an artist to watch for some time now. Starting her journey in Stockholm in 2008 she's now partly based in Berlin, soaking up the atmosphere ready for bigger things. This release sees her sound progress further into a house template, pushing her penchant for progressive, minimal sounds into a brighter, more traditional club environment. All three tracks including the gloriously minimal and haunting remix of "Nightflow" by Kenny Larkin show an understanding and love for the genre not often seen in breakthrough artists. Well worth your time.
Review:
Watergate resident and rising star La Fleur has certainly come a long way. With a residency at the Berlin super-club that does from strength to strength and the success of her own Power Plant recordings, she follows up 2013's Nightflow EP with another stellar release for Watergate recordings. Starting off with "Make A Move", she doesn't mess around; unleashing a dark, slinky tech house cut with a killer Reese style bassline that will get some serious hands in the air moments happening. Also, "Just In Time" is funky and sexy enough for those pre peak time moments. On the flip "Result" is the most epic cut on here with its tough rolling bassline backing up some sweet melodies and the right amount of atmosphere to elevate the crowd.
Review:
The fourth EP by Swedish DJ La Fleur on Watergate follows the same kind of late-night heads down approach that charcterised her previous releases. "Bloomer" is led by an acid-soaked groove, out-there vocals and a warbling rhythm. On "Longevity", she seamlessly traverses the world of minimal while remaining rooted in Chicago house with a combination of outer-space bleeps and tones unfolding over a stripped back, metallic groove. Meanwhile the Camea remix of "Longevity" is a deep and insistent minimal rhythm powered by rasping percussion and tight stripped back beats Best of all though is the title track where La Fleur fuses pulsing bass with mysterious chords and a loose house groove.
Review:
Since breaking out back in 2010, Sanna La Fleur Engdahl has switched between her own label, Power Plant, and home city imprint Watergate. Here she makes her first appearance on the Berlin imprint for two years. "Devil Sigh", where delay-laden, dub-wise vocal snippets ricochet around aggressive, end-of-days stabs, alien electronics and a driving rhythm track, is our pick of the bunch, though the woozier and more positive - nay, impressively glassy-eyed - title track is also rather good. Rush-inducing, shirt-removing thrills are provided by Tuff City Kids, whose piano-laden, hands-in-the-air rub of "Devil Sigh" sounds like a future anthem.
Review:
Having just mixed the 16th installment of Watergate's showcase compilation series, Sanna La Fleur Engdahl graces the label with her second offering in the shape of Arms Around. Anyone who enjoyed Watergate 16 will probably doing a little victory pump as this release culls both her original productions from that 15 track mix, as well as providing quite a bonus in the shape of a Carl Craig remix. The eponymous track is reminiscent of the melodic early-noughties with a dreamy, synth-driven break that practically guarantees a proverbial "Arms Around"-effect on the floor. Complementing this, "Stella" shows La Fleur can take it deep too with filtered pads and vocals shreds augmenting what feels like a never ending groove. The aforementioned Planet E boss does his thing to "Arms Around" with his self-styled 'Affected Remix' retaining the charms of La Fleur's original production but sliding up the sense of intensity.
Review:
Hamburg heroes Benjamin Busse, Friso Traas aka Adana Twins delivered the 25th installment in Berlin institution Watergate's esteemed mix series. The second EP released here features exclusive tracks from their riveting mix, included here are: Italian (and fellow Diynamic artist) Lehar getting hypnotically melodic on the sonic sorcery of "Blue Wolf", veteran German producer Acid Pauli going deeper in typically eloquent fashion on g"Geeting From Orgonon" and Sicily's Musumeci - fresh off great releases for Innervision and Bedrock - with the electro tinged progressive house of "Invaders" which is just sublime.
Review:
LOYOTO are the East Berlin born Eva Be and Cle; the latter many may know as one half of legendary duo Martini Bros. Both started their DJ and production career almost at the same time at the heart of the then developing scene in Berlin. Just after the wall came down, in fact. Here they return for local institution Watergate with the Lonely Young Tourist EP. Starting out with the deep and dubby tech house journey "Sheijk", they then serve up the euphoric and uplifting "3 Balls" which gets on more of a progressive house tip which we particularly enjoyed. Finally they end this EP in style with the nearly nine minute long, deep dub techno epic "Feel The Bumpin'" which takes things down a much darker and sinister route.
Review:
Upon You founder Marco Resmann hooks up with Deep Aztec and Black Soda for this deeply soulful release. The title track accurately sums up the shift by minimal producers into deep and vocal house variations, as hypnotic vocals weave their way through the arrangement, underpinned by a throbbing, pulsing bass. There's a similar aesthetic at play on "Abadala", with Deep Aztec's high pitched tones fused with Resmann's tribal beats. Watergate has drafted in Oliver Huntemann to rework the "Babylon Side", turning it into a powerful and somewhat menacing big room number, while Resmann himself also provides a remix - putting a focus on a grainy bass and chopping up the original vocals.
Review:
Mathias Kaden may have gained recognition as a minimal house producer, but as his selection for Watergate shows, he has moved on to deeper pastures. Embracing US house as well as the more esoteric end of the European sound, Watergate 14 is full of warm, fluid basslines, seductive melodies and inviting vocal samples. Ron Trent's "Kids at Play" captures the approach eloquently, with jazzy keys unfolding over a heavy bassline, while Moodymann also shines on the cut-up "4 One Night". The Americans don't completely own the mix however, and DJ Sprinkles' brilliant fade-heavy re-imaging of The Mole's "Lockdown Party" is worth the price of the mix alone.
Review:
Hamburg house hero Matthias Meyer presented the 20th edition of Berlin superclub Watergate's acclaimed mix series and two of the exclusive tracks he premiered for the mix now appear as singles, finally! On "LA Strings", Meyer executes a dreamy and ethereal deep house journey that's engineered for dancefloor drifting, guaranteed. Whereas on "Uluwatu" he throws us a sublime and captivating journey track will draw you into the void with its superbly presented drama, just as it did on the mix CD. Get ready for Part 2, coming at you very soon!
Review:
Originally featured on their celebratory XV compilation back in 2017, Berlin clubbing institution Watergate have reissued one of the the standout tracks here by Hamburg hero Matthias Meyer and Berlin's Sebastian Waack aka Ryan Davis. The track "Hope" in its original form was a lush and hypnotic drifter, geared for some life-affirming moments on the dancefloor. The rework featured here by Bedrock head honchos John Digweed & Nick Muir takes the track into much more adrenalised and tunnelling territory, with its trance arpeggios and tight rhythm arrangement making for great dancefloor dynamics - but the breathtaking orchestral arrangements of the original are left intact. New track "Love Letters From Sicily" could equally have had a home on All Day I Dream - its ethereal daydream qualities make it perfect for a Sunday afternoon rooftop party downtown.
Review:
The next edition in Berlin superclub Watergate's renown mix series (we're up to the 20th volume now!) sees Hamburg house hero Matthias Meyer step up to helm the duties. Known for his great releases on local imprint liebe*detail and Mannheim's Cecille Records, this continuous mix sees Meyer implement the kind of functional tech house and lush deep house sounds by himself and like minded producers of the moment into one great listening experience. Featuring the gorgeous and ethereal opener "Ten Friends" by Kettenkarussel, several of Meyer's own productions are featured such as "Uluwatu", "LA Strings" (an exclusive) and "Ostinato (Patlac Remix)". Honourable mentions also to great tracks featured by YokoO & Retza Satori (another exlcusive), Underworld's legendary "Crocodile" and the brilliant Moby sounding closer: Efdemin's "Parallaxis (Traumprinz Over 2 The End Remix)".
