Reports
Reports
Blawan - BouQ
Blawan's new record, BouQ, released under his imprint Ternesc, showcases his signature radical sound design and bass-heavy sections while pushing genre boundaries. The EP features varied grooves, incorporating pop rhythms into his futurist bass style. While the record can feel overwhelming, Blawan introduces more solid, trappy and UK hip-hop influences, experimenting more with dramatic vocals and glitches. The second half of the EP returns to a progressive direction, combining old-school dubstep and electro house and featuring a garagey footwork vibe and haunting flute melody.
Schwefelgelb - Trigger
The critique of live versus studio music has intensified, especially with the rise of live performances in electronic music. The German duo Schwefelgelb stands out in this regard, consistently surpassing expectations in their live shows. Their latest EP, Trigger (2024), particularly highlights how they capture the energy of live performances in their recordings.
The track "IO" showcases their mastery of acceleration and deceleration, creating a dynamic, intense atmosphere that deviates from typical industrial sounds. 'The second track, Open World Games', embraces a more theatrical style with a dark ambience, incorporating rugged glitches and minimalist rave elements for contrast.
Additionally, the album features two remixes: UFO95's minimalist electro/techno remix of 'Open World Games' maintains Schwefelgelb's aesthetic. In contrast, Flore's remix of 'IO' takes a bold departure with a contemporary UKG influence, reflecting the duo's openness to new sounds. Overall, the project effectively simulates the thrill of a live performance while exploring diverse musical landscapes.
Shed - Applications
A special collaboration between a prominent German label, Ilian Tape, and influential producer Shed showcases the intersection of Munich and Berlin's music scenes. The Applications EP encapsulates the Ilian Tape ethos through retro-futurist sounds and analogue techniques. Shed's distinctive style, characterised by gritty drum programming and analogue synthesis, heavily influences the tracklist.
Opening with EMCZ, a high-energy, industrial boom-bap-style track that propels the dance forward, TLSQ contrasts this with an organic 4x4 groove, rich with transforming synth layers that surprise the listener. The closing track, UFO2, is marked by its intense Big Room energy, highlighted by pounding percussion and atmospheric elements. The overall impact of Applications shows how relevant Shed is and may always be.
Quimbie - Sunday Fiction Remixes Pt. 2
Quinbie has released the second part of his remix series of the 2021 album Sunday Fiction, featuring interpretations by Lawrence and Carsten Jost. Both tracks showcase a deep astral tech house style, blending extraterrestrial drum grooves and baselines with human elements. Lawrence's remix of 'What to Put On a Record' juxtaposes future tech with analogue past through orchestral tape loops. At the same time, Jost's version of ‘Loveletters.pdf' opts for synthetic percussion, emphasizing the contrast between Earth and extraterrestrial themes. Both tracks elevate the original works and are ideal for rooftop parties. The full Sunday Fiction remixes, including Pt. 1 featuring Bielefeld Murder Boys and Ubahnrider, are available as digital downloads on Janx Records' Bandcamp.
Objekt - Chicken Garaage
Chicken Garaage is the second release from Objekt's new label, Kapsela, showcasing his creative freedom. The title track combines a two-step rhythm with a unique bassline, appealing to fans of Objekt's quirky style and reminiscent of Theme from Q. The B-side, Worm Dance, features a playful 808 bassline and a more serious tone, adding depth to the track. Both songs prioritise fun and danceability, marking a shift from Objekt's usual complex structures. This new approach is expected to resonate with both new and longtime fans.
Neel - Movimento EP
Neel, a key figure behind Spazio Disponibile, has launched a sub-label called Spazio Nero, focusing on dancefloor techno. The first release, the Movimento EP, explores a unique sound that combines hypnotic, dubby, and minimal elements with percussive beats. The tracks create a cavernous auditory environment with deep bass and intricate organic sounds. While tracks like 'Azione' and 'Visione' emphasise danceability, 'Riflesso' and 'Moto' stand out, embodying a darker, more immersive vibe. The EP features slow builds and reflective sounds, making it a promising start for the Spazio Nero sub-label with hints at further ventures into deeper techno explorations.
nthng - Two People
Nthng's latest release, Two People, sparked my interest in dub and electronica again. The intelligent use of dynamics and how Nthng plays with sound and erosions effortlessly within manufactured space as tracks flow between soothing climaxes, which resonate through the ear canal before subsiding to quiet echoes. Nthng's successful experimentation with different genres, particularly applauding the track 'In Static' and the abstract composition of the final track, 'Don't Be Scared', breathe new life into the 0000 label. The Two People EP is the logical next step in Nthng's evolution.
Cherryphonic - Industrial Collapse
Cherryphonic's latest release, Industrial Collapse (2024), is a fast and noisy record that showcases the artist's high-tempo and high-octane style. The tracks create tension through rhythmic percussion and deep bass melodies, evoking a sense of impending danger. The immersive and aggressive sound keeps listeners on their toes, with chaotic BPMs designed to elicit an uncontrollable response from audiences.
Chicago Boys - Dance Department
Chicago Boys aims to modernise the old-school Chicago acid sound in the upcoming Dance Department. The group attempts to balance classic Chicago elements with modern production, with praise-worthy riffs and pockets of originality. However, the Chicago Boys struggle to fully commit to a style as they still search for their unique voice within the genre. Overall, the record is a solid effort with potential, particularly for fans of classic acid sounds.
Ellery Cowles - Sonic Control
Synchrophone has given the reissue of Ellery Cowles's Sonic Control, originally released in 1995, new life. The record's timeless and futuristic nature is apparent through its crystal-clear percussion and minimalistic yet creative production. Sonic Control demonstrates how to properly reissue classics for new audiences to enjoy. Pick up Sonic Control now, especially as it's available on limited blue marbled vinyl.