Reports
Reports
Aquarian, Hodge - Split 2
The second instalment of the TraTarTrax Split Series features a collaboration between Hodge and Aquarian, resulting in a thrilling "split" record. Aquarian showcases his mastery of underground music, blending heavy atmospheric techno with breakbeat vigour in 'Kool Ranch FM'. Meanwhile, Hodge brings UK flavour to 'Head Drop', combining old-school garage and grime with a funky house groove. Both tracks promise to energise the dance floor with their impressive speed and attitude.
Ghost Dubs - Damaged
The Ghost Dubs project by Michael Fiedler explores eerie atmospheres and rumbling sub-textures, incorporating vintage techniques and emphasising mechanical elements. The music includes dub reggae and dub techno elements, with innovative percussive hits and effects that evoke the sounds of Kingston, Jamaica. Damaged pays tribute to dub music with an updated take on the genre as the Ghost Dubs project incorporates experimental sounds of downtempo and dark ambient, creating a dark, powerful, and immersive listening experience.
Jabu - Oceanside Spider House
Jabu's latest release, Oceanside Spider House, is a dreamy, experimental record with elements of downtempo music and captivating vocals. The record's unique blend of slower downtempo music, effects-driven textures, and captivating clarinet creates a sense of wonder within an empty world. Contrasts between the tracks make a sense of exploration within a vast and evocative unexplored musical landscape.
ddwy - Spinning Stones
The latest release from ddwy, Spinning Stones, is a versatile and mesmerising album that delves into downbeat disco, transcendent trip-hop, and spiritual synth jams. The tracks are suitable for both lively Saturday nights and laid-back Sunday mornings. The release reflects the duo's unique approach to sound, incorporating organic instrumentation and spiritual themes. While not explicitly crafted for club settings, its diverse elements make it perfect for home listening, offering a captivating and immersive experience.
Eris Drew - I Can Move Move
Eris Drew's latest release, I Can Move Move, explores more experimental and diverse sounds. The remixes by Baby Rollén and Gallegos bring club-friendly and acidic flavours to the track. While Eris Drew's version is more rugged and stripped back, the remixes elevate the song with tight basslines, syncopated snare rolls, and emotional pads, creating a sundown euphoria feel.
Snuff Crew - Energy/Psycho
The Snuff Crew is returning after a two-year break, aiming to reinvent themselves by incorporating live performance into their productions. Their latest release, "Energy/Psycho," showcases a mix of phonetic percussion reminiscent of Chicago and acid sounds. The duo's ambition extends beyond house music, incorporating a techno twist and live performance elements. While their rhythmic variety is solid, their sound could benefit from more aggressive distortion. However, the tracks build energy with acidic synthesised psychedelia and demonstrate the duo's retro-futuristic aesthetic. Energy/Psycho will be available on Bandcamp and all other platforms starting August 23rd.
Mønic - Where Reality Fades
Mønic, also known as Simon Shreeve, is an artist known for pushing the boundaries of deep and dark aesthetics in dubstep under his Kryptic Minds aliased and, more recently, in genres like techno, jungle, and dark ambient. His album, Where Reality Fades, explores drone and loop-based ambience, creating guttural and richly textured music. While some loops in the album may come across as repetitive, Mønic's use of glacial drones and field recordings effectively captures the tense undercurrent of the city and creates a deeply immersive experience. Overall, Mønic's work is intricate and thought-provoking, inviting listeners to ponder personal and existential questions.
Betonkust - DD06
The artist Betonkust's latest release, DD06, features two tracks filled with retro-sounding electro dreamscapes. The first track, 'Bill And His Cat', is a synth-wave journey with an odd medieval melody. In contrast, the second track, 'Second Return', explores lo-fi realms with emotional undertones. Both tracks offer fresh and artistic sounds, marking a fabulous addition to Betonkust's discography.
Physical Therapy & Patrick Holland - Daymaxxing
The Daymaxxing EP by Physical Therapy and Patrick Holland is a captivating blend of classic house sounds with a summer energy vibe. The tracks ‘Daymaxxing’, ‘7 AM Drive’, and ‘7 PM Drive’ offer a mix of groovy, club-conscious beats and downtempo electronica that create a cohesive and immersive experience. The duo effectively incorporates vibrant strings, delicate piano melodies, and smooth basslines, evoking a sense of escapism and nostalgia for carefree summer days.
Michel Banabila - Unspeakable Visions
Banabila’s mind-bending world music-inspired electronica is a must.