Review: The joy of the digital download editions of the DJ Kicks series is not so much the included DJ mix - which, of course, is invariably excellent - but the accompanying full-length, DJ friendly tracks gathered by that edition's selector, in this case Elevate Berlin record store owner (and fine producer) Cinthie Christl. Her mostly club-friendly selections are little less than superb, moving from driving, organ-and-bass-rich U.S-style house (Terrence Parker, Niles Cooper, Sandil, her own exclusive 'Organ (DJ Kicks)') and life-affirming piano-house (Ruff Stuff), to deep two-step (Camion Bazar), slamming techno-funk (Anil Aras), dusty techno (Adriyano), deep breakbeat wooziness (Ben Hauke) and deep, dreamy acid jack ('Anna Wall'). In other words, it's a blindingly good selection - and Cinthie's DJ mix is wildly entertaining, too.
Review: K7's DJ Kicks compilation series is given a new makeover with their latest juggernaut from London-based electronic deviant, Actress, who gives one of his rare appearances out of the live format and onto the decks. As expected, the techno shape-shifter puts through a diverse mix of 20-plus tracks spanning old-school Chicago house to more contemporary experimental techno and ambient-filtered dance music. This continuous DJ mix includes vintage Detroit techno from Reel By Real, distorted outsider disco from the Shit & Shine crew, Gherkin Jerk's "Red Planet" and a new cut from the man himself, "Bird Matrix". It's safe to say that this mix is comprehensive of the current state of affairs in the techno world: cuts ranging from the distorted house of Breaker 1 2, golden era electronica from Autechre, TTT's Zennor, Germany's STL and even PPU affiliate Moon B! An essential collection of music from 2015, highly recommended, of course!
Review: There's much to admire about Kamaal Williams' contribution to the long running DJ Kicks series, not least the producer, DJ and keyboardist's blend of self-made exclusives (both under his name and his alternative Henry Wu alias) and largely overlooked gems. Highlights in the former category include a stunning live version of "Snitches Brew", the jazzy Latin house of "Projections" (a Henry Wu hook-up with Earl Jeffers) and "Lowrider", a jazz guitar-propelled cut from his collaborative Yusuf Kamaal project. In the latter category, we'd suggest wrapping your ears around Awanto 3's dusty and ultra-deep "Pregnant", the deep jazz-funk bliss of Diggs Duke's "Cause I Love You", the up-tempo dancefloor soul of Peven Everett's "Stuck" and the slow motion wonder that is Steve Spacek's "Hey There".
Review: This an altogether epic offering from Deetron; a vast collection of un-mixed tracks from his brilliant DJ Kicks mix (naturally included as a bonus cut) that is little less than a lesson in the evolution of techno over the last three decades. Amongst the 38 tracks you'll find fine representatives of a myriad of sub-genres (intelligent techno, dub techno, IDM, ambient techno, gospel techno, and so on), as well as past, present and future classics (Damier and Trent's "Morning Factory", Spacetime Continuum's "Swing Factory", Mark Ernestus's recent Equinoxx remix, the Motor City bliss of Rhythim is Rhythim AKA Derrick May's "Ka-o-tic Harmony", a brilliant old Black Dog Productions workout). In other words, it's a breathlessly brilliant collection of both well-known and obscure gems. It comes heartily recommended.
Review: 1990s sitcom fan turned lo-fi deep house royalty DJ Seinfeld is the latest selector to contribute to K7's long-running DJ Kicks series. This digital download edition naturally contains his mix - a hugely entertaining musical voyage rich in dreamy chords, bustling breakbeats, groovy deep house workouts, skewed techno and post-IDM curiosities - as well as all 21 tracks in unmixed, full-length, DJ-friendly form. Highlights are plentiful and include the downtempo bliss of the producer's own "I See You", the bass-heavy breakbeat/deep house fusion of Rudolf C's "Deep C Survivor", the quirky electronics and low-slung grooves of Falty DL's "Freak Acid" and the loved-up wonder that is Project Pablo's "Who's It For?"
Review: Three tracks plucked from Avichrom, Dominik Eulberg's sixth, avian-focused studio album get the remix treatment. In the case of "Grauspecht", !K7 has commissioned two versions. The first, from Acid Pauli, is a subtle, stripped back take, melding dreamy melodies with acid blips. This fusion makes for an atmospheric affair that builds slowly and dreamily. Isolee's remix also favours an understated approach. Powered by an offbeat, loose rhythm, it sees the veteran German producer conjure up unhurried, jazzy tones. Aera's version of "Schwarzhalstaucher" also focuses on melody, with warm textures and breathy filters unravelling over a glistening electronic groove. It sounds like even techno producer Etapp Kyle has been influenced by the mellow approach, and his take on "Gelbspotter" revolves around a humming bass and lithe break beats.
Review: Washington DC's James Bangura really stands out from the rest with his truly singular take on electronic music that's appeared of late on labels like Incienso, World Building and Holding Hands. His latest comes courtesy of legendary German imprint !K7 Titled 'Harrar', a frantic and hyper aware experiment in off-the-grid post dubstep that will totally flip your mind. Then he goes for something more straightforward in the form 'Witness Dub' an emotive deep house cut that's perfect for the late night.
Review: London-based, Australian-born sonic alchemist HAAi is called up for her instalment of DJ-Kicks. At 17 tracks large, including three exclusive numbers from the artist herself, it's a mix taking inspiration from techno through electronic pop and the intense sound design of acts like Pan Sonic. Meticulously woven into a euphoric narrative that makes its way through unexpected BPM shifts, dramatic accelerations, and liminal transitions - it's tracklist alone should be enough to pique your interest with rare cuts from the likes of The Blessed Madonna, Agoria and Perc, to John Selway, Manny Dee and Cocktail Party Effect. And fun fact, it follows HAAi's 2022 album, "Baby, We're Ascending".
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