Review: SHDW's label marks its twentieth release with this weighty compilation. Drawing on some of the most respected names in techno, volume three is full of peak-time bangers. There's the lean, rolling techno of Chlar's "Inside Us", while Dax J showers the listener with waves of acid tones on the steely, peak-time "Celestial Dub". The Advent's "Randomized" is a bruising and quite brilliant industrial techno workout. While Blawan's hyperactive "Don't You Dare Squawk At Me" hovers just below the 160 bpm mark, not all of the compilation is as intense. Vocals are mixed with chiming chords on Gary Beck's "Fold" and Z.I.P.P.O's "Broken Game" is a deep Detroit techno track.
Review: On Taken Away, MORD's offshoot continues its mission to deliver hard-edged but inventive techno. The work of Ruman, it applies experimental sensibilities to the dance floor. The brilliantly-named "They Were Dying of Old Age, That's It" is led by gnarly kicks and noisy percussion, with Ruman layering in intense bleeps. Similarly, "Faced With A Formful of Clever People" resounds to high-paced, bass frequencies. While the dense, rolling "Look At It" and the grainy drums of "10,000 Hours" both point to a clubbier approach, the overall approach is intense and visceral - most ably embodied by the grating riffs and high-paced industrial techno of "Mary Got A Quarter".
Review: Acid house in sound but punk in nature, the title of Paranoid London's new album is a reference to "the cavalcade of c***s we find ourselves surrounded by". However, while there is despair there is also hope, and this long player is testament to the power of underground music. Arseholes...also demonstrates the importance of collaboration. Bobby Gillespie croons his way through the gentle tones of "People (Ah Yeah)". At the other end of the sonic spectrum, Joe Love and DJ Genesis feature on the gnarly, 303-led grooves of "Love One Self" and "Up Is Down" respectively. Somewhere between these polar opposites sits the evocative Chicago house sound of "Start To Fade" with Josh Caffe and Mutado Pintado's sonorous vocals on the pulsating "The Motion". Paranoid London proves yet again that when confronted by a***holes, music really is the only answer.
Review: The Hague's bussin' BAKK label is back again with a hug and kiss in Xoxo - drawing in some 11 tracks featuring numbers from friends and cohorts like Legowelt, Aurora Halal, Ocean and Dont DJ! Furthermore you have intrepid cuts from Antenna with the some heavy break beats in "Spiral" alongside some warm and classic deep house from SFV Acid in "Urbanfury". Checkout those squat rave beats from Tala Drum Corps' "Gargoyle" - plus that acid - next to compilation closer "De Papaverparade" that brings that Miami Rhodes feeling to the floor with some extra heat - those kicks bro! As a concluding release to what's be a wonderful label we don't wanna say goodbye to - Xoxo, BAKK says, is a mighty thank you to the artists that helped the label find its place in Holland's rich musical heritage.
Review: Space Dimension Controller takes the reins in the follow-up to the Acid Sampler series, offering a captivating exploration of acid house through his unique lens. With Running Back as the platform, the Irish artist showcases his affinity for the subtleties of primitive electronics, delivering four tracks that exude charm and depth. "Kosmische Conga" leads the EP with infectious hooks and swirling synths, with "Echopet" turning to something a little more introspective that pays homage to the brain dance essence of acid house. "Minehead" - taking inspiration from Bloc Weekender - delivers 'a heartfelt love song for circuits', then leaving "Carinacid" to wrap up the quartet with a rhythmic embrace and slow chugging groove that holds its ground. A resounding pass in the acid test.
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