Latest Reviews

Artist -	Various Artists
Label -	Fabric Records
Released -	Out Now

 Fabric Live 40 Mixed By Noisia

Not strictly on the techno, electro vein of these reviews yet Noisia’s production as well as this mix offer something for everyone, as despite it’s core drum n’ bass, the tough beats will appeal to those into dubstep, techno, breaks and house. Mid way through this compilation the mix seamlessly moves from D&B to tough electro house. His versatility as a producer shows why he has been asked to remix a wide range of artists such as Moby (featured here), The Freestylers, Amon Tobin and even Robbie Williams! Most of the tracks on this mix are his own or remixes he’s done for people plus other tracks that work well with his style. Groundbreaking and tough stuff.
 
Reviewed By Rik Symmetrik (04/07/2008)

Artist -	Mark Farina
Label -	Fabric Records
Released -	Out Now

 Various Artists

When I first got this mix I thought it seemed a bit too housey for me. As much as I like a good house track I’m generally more into the minimal side of things, or stuff which is tougher generally – although this compilation has made me rethink my views somewhat. Yeah to start out with it’s more wiggle than stomp, but as the mix goes on the beats get more wonky, more jackin’ and altogether more enticing, dragging you in. A top mix, of some altogether outstanding tracks.
 
Reviewed By Rik Symmetrik (04/07/2008)

Artist -	Venetian Snares
Label -	Planet Mu
Released -	Out Now

 Detrimentalist

One of the leading names on Planet Mu and in the breakcore scene Aaron Funk, aka Venetian Snares, holds no barrs and from ten seconds in the beats are spliced, skewed and poured into your ears. Amen-style breaks, cut up snares, warbling bass, jarred melodies and keyboard stabs – it’s all here. A lot of them. There’s a definite jungle element theme running through this album, but don’t think Nicky Blackmarket, think warehouse party meets technovel and you’re getting nearer. Some people will hate this album, so my answer to them is – don’t listen to it.
 
Reviewed By Rik Symmetrik (04/07/2008)

Artist -	Vibert/ Simmonds
Label -	Rephlex
Released -	Out Now

 Rodulate

Delving into the Rephlex archive and we find Luke Vibert teaming up with Jeremy Simmonds for this album of 90s-sounding electronica. From the slow, syncopated 4/4 feel of opening track ‘Open File’ to the old-skool beats of ‘Room 28 Rap’ complete with its last decade mc-ing over the top, and the acid adventure that is ‘I Said Acid, then I Said…’ it’s obvious that this is as much breaking new territory as visiting the past.

Simmonds has released various ambient and electronica pieces for a few years now but in teaming up with Vibert he’s brought his style of childhood recordings, captured sounds from TV and radio and blended them perfectly with Vibert’s intricate beats. Elements of house, techno, acid, hip hop and jazz all play a part but all with a very sleepy classic electro feel
 
Reviewed By Rik Symmetrik (04/07/2008)

Artist -	Various
Label -	Soma
Released -	Out Now

 Soma Coma Vol.2

Soma are well-known for releasing high quality electro, house and techno. Here they take the lead from their mellower side, and as you’d expect from Soma the result is equally as appealing. Starting out with the strings from ‘Prologue1’ by Envoy and moving nicely into the piano laden ‘Piano Dust’ by Vector Lovers. Things pick up the pace slightly with the downtempo beats of Blue Planet’s ‘Chaser’ remixed by Abakus and the label stalwarts Slam strip back their sound on ‘Kill The Pain.’ Many of Soma’s best-known artists feature here and present some great ambient, laid back and organic tracks – Alex Smoke, The Black Dog, Silicone Soul and Lee Van Downski & Quenum. There’s also a welcome surprise with ‘Hear What I Say’ by Butch Cassidy Soundsystem. Lovely…
 
Reviewed By Rik Symmetrik (04/07/2008)

Artist -	Eskmo
Label -	Studio Rockers
Released -	Out Now

 Eskmo Ep

I’ve known Eskmo’s tracks for a while now but am more familiar with his other, squlechy breaks style on labels such as Cyberfunk. Here he shows his other passion: dubstep. His recognisable style shines through and ‘Process’ would work on many floors with its 4/4 yet stepping kick, ‘Trudge’ is more twisted and skewed and ‘Willow Grail’ adds a more ragga style with 4/4 dub line and phasing vocals.
 
Reviewed By Rik Symmetrik (04/07/2008)

Artist -	Adam Beyer & Mathew Jonson
Label -	Wagon Repair
Released -	Out Now

 The Big Dipper Ep

Two of techno’s finest names link up in collaboration and, fortunately, it’s awesome. Jonson’s intricate melodies merge effortlessly with Beyer’s deep hypnotic kick drums and bass rumbles, which build to a climax of percussive inflections and heavier bass. On the flip Beyer remixes classic Jonson track ‘Marionette.’ He builds on the original with a deeper kick and smooth rumbling bass
 
Reviewed By Rik Symmetrik (04/07/2008)