Review: It's an exciting thing indeed to see the super consistent production talents of Vital Techniques landing on the legendary DJ EZ's Nuvolve imprint, unleashing three emotive bubblers for the dances to enjoy. First up, a dizzying display of synthetic mastery and fiery double drops as 'In My Head' takes the centre stage. From here, a more groove-inspired approach on 'Run It' as we face a sumptuous sweeping combination of grinding synthesisers and unpredictable drum crashes, before 'Show Me Your Love' takes hard hitting 4x4 drum punches and emotive vocal lines for a killer closer.
Review: "Shut The Lights Out" is a funky throwback brimming with infectious energy, courtesy of Berlin production duo Lovebirds and vocalist NILE. Lovebirds channel their well-regarded love for 70s and 80s sounds into a groovy production. The foundation is an arresting funk beat, bolstered by classic disco instrumentation and dreamy synths. NILE's vocals are the perfect compliment, with a motivational spoken-word style that adds another layer of interest. The package is completed by a remix from disco aficionado Birdee, who takes the original's sparkling energy and adds their own signature touch. Birdee's remix is an upbeat and spacey take, perfect for extending the dancefloor journey.
Review: The second instalment of Len Faki's remixes see the storied techno producer tap his favourite artists to re-interpret his work. Luke Slater's Deep Heat take on "Shri Yantra" is redolent of his classic Planetary Assault Systems work, with firing percussion and dramatic break downs to the fore. In contrast, Amotik's version of "Make Me Scream" follows a heads-down approach, with haunting vocals wrapped into a bleep-heavy, rolling groove. In contrast, ANNA's remix of "Hymn" is a tranced out, big room track. At the other end of the spectrum, Modeselektor's interpretation of "Don't Be Stupid Day" is a moody electro stepper, led by waves of menacing low end.
Review: Ostensibly a response to techno being 'in such a sorry and predictable state', Full Pupp's latest compilation goes off in a number of wonderfully captivating tangents. Label owner Prins Thomas' "Mere Apokalypso" is a tripped-out groove, while his take on Synk's "Tool Mix" is an acid-laced chugger. In contrast, JaddajaddaPlay's "Bird No Bird" goes down a percussive route. Despite the title, techno does make an appearance. Blackbelt Engh Rhythm Combo's "Frydenlyn" is a rolling tribal affair, while trance influences bubble to the surface on Christian Engh's dubbed out "Khonsu" and Karolinski's high-paced, melodic "Slutt A Mase Eg Har Ikkje Spelt Pa Ei Veke".
Review: Laurent Garnier and Scan X's label does a great job in showcasing emerging and established talent, and this split release is no exception. The brilliantly named Return Of The Luddites deliver the raw electro-techno of "Scream Into The Darkness". In stark contrast, Detroit techno-inspired tracks also loom large, courtesy of Skatman's string-filled "Tribute To A Dancefloor" and Squal G's more ominous "Waiting 4U". Mirroring Garnier's own wide-ranging tastes, the release also features the call and response hip-hop/drum'n'bass crossover of Joaquim Plossu, Salem Focus and Phoebe Train's "Theory Of The Tide". Taking the tempo down, Yes Basketball's "Next" is a slowed down, bugged out beatsy track.
Review: Since making his debut way back in 2022, Franck Roger has served up a lot of exceptionally good deep, soulful and spiritual house. In its' original mix form (track six), 'Enchanted', featuring Shawn Chappelle, is another high-grade treat - a shuffling, soft-focus vocal house number rich in warming chords, Osunlade-esque spiritual house percussion, meandering guitar solos and chunky bass. The accompanying remix package is naturally very strong too. Fred Everything delivers two takes: a subtly jazz, boogie synth-sporting vocal revision built around bouncy Afro-house beats, and a deliciously dreamy, weightier and more bassline-driven 'Dub'. DJ Spinna dips the tempo slightly on his more relaxed and laidback deep house versions (vocal and instrumental takes are both included), while Demarkus Lewis opts for a more immersive, thickset vibe on his full vocal interpretation.
Review: Manda Moor and Sirus Hood's Mood Child imprint unleashes Gangsta Moods, a VA compilation so on the edge it verges on the illicit. Opening with Chicago House legend DJ Sneak's "Lower Level", the album sets a high bar with its iconic rolling groove. Sirus Hood and Gui Wittckind deliver a collaborative powerhouse with "HOT!", while De Angelis makes a striking label debut with "FKING INC." delving into deep grooves and industry truths. SAMIR and INDECK team up for the gritty "MTFKS", Buogo returns with the deeper "Angle", and Sunday Noise and Ben Finx blow up the dance floor with "Get It For Me". A Gangsta Moods is a tour de force and solid showing of the diverse talent within the Mood Child roster.
Review: Two recent cuts from Russian disco don Alexander Chebankov, better known as Sunner Soul, get handed over to fellow St Petersburg native Unclepasha - whose musical CV dates back to the early 00s - for the remix treatment. His take on 'Right Place', which first appeared on last month's 'Something Good' EP, tones down the boogie and jazz-funk influences of the original and ends up deeper and smoother as a result. Conversely, he's kept the boogie stylings of 'Need You' (taken from February's 'Da Funk' EP) intact and arguably even emphasised them, in a dubbed-out remix that gets distinctly Levan/Peech Boys-esque in places.
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