With a vicious vocal sample backed by a solid beat, Carlo Lio´s Escobar Season kicks off a pounding EP, released by Intec Digital (ID066). Reckoned by many to be one of Canada´s finest, this Toronto DJ, producer and head of the RAWthentic Music label definitely knows how to bring out the groove.
Italian producer Distant Echoes serves up 3 dark techno tracks on the Fury Road EP (Dystopian 009). Sandwiched between the first and last tunes is Road, a bouncy piece of techno full of synth stabs and huge kicks.
Break New Soil label boss Gregor Tresher has a knack for peak time pleasures, as the A-side of his Midas/Disturber single (BNS046) proves, with epic synths and monster kicks launching this white-hot track into the stratosphere.
An excellent track by Philipe Petit, another long-standing French DJ/producer. Playful bouncing synths and bass with an edgy melody tying it all together. Released by Figure SPC (SPC U).
Hardcore kick stylings give way to a rhythmic workout that´s authentic Clouds: intense and punishing, this track won´t let you go the easy way. First track off the Turbo Recordings Warehouse Series Compilation (TurboDX40).
Nina Kraviz has recently launched her record label трип (trip) with a compilation album (TRP001), showcasing (in her words) the trippier side of electronic dance music. This track by Reykjavik´s Bjarki is a fine example, with a pounding beat alongside high tones coming out of thin air, icy as his homeland´s name.
Hailing from Kiev, Yan Cook delivers a tough-yet-spacey EP on Delsin Records (109dsr). Standing out is opener Gravity, a grumbling grinding track that can generate its own heat.
An epic track by one of France´s leading techno DJs. A combination attack led by massive kicks and synths makes for a blistering record. Out on Deeply Rooted (DRH047).
A London producer keen on creating some of the most offbeat techno around, but always keeping the beat tighter than a submarine screw. His latest release on Russian Torrent Versions (CCCP010) proves just that with 3 rolling tracks that are very heavy on the bass.
From fixing Prince´s synths to producing monster tracks, New York´s Black Asteroid, a.k.a. Bryan Black, is a seasoned DJ whose new Black Moon EP (CLR084) hits all the right spots, especially the dark and seductive Black Moon.
A scary remix by Mord label head Bas Mooy of an original tune by Serbian producer Lag (MORD014). Full-on demented techno perfect for thrashing the dancefloor.
Kaiserdisco really steps into techno territory on its RAW 001 single, giving their new label KD RAW a fitting introduction to the dancefloor. A thundering kick drives the white-hot first cut.
Gerry Read is an odd electronic music artist, as he cannot be pigeonholed into any specific style, his productions always end up someplace in a different dimension musically. This time he takes on a techno beat and adds his strange vision to it, including wobbling bass. Out on Aus Music (AUS1471).
Spanish DJ and producer Dosem lays down 3 grumbling tracks for Intec Digital on his Return EP (ID058), including the dancefloor-igniting Proceed. An impressive addition to his already huge discography.
Raw, bare bones productions are Apes´ signature, stomping beats abound and a vocal sample gives this tune a slightly garage-y feeling. Out on Church. (CHURCH004).
Marco´s one half of the Zenker Brothers, the duo that runs things at techno label Ilian Tape. On his 2626 EP (IT026), Zenker drops 4 meaty tracks including floor stomper Darai, reminiscent of the old school days.
