Latest Reviews

Artist -	Various
Label -	Subject Detroit
Released -	Out Now

 Various

At a time when oil prices are high, record labels struggle to shift meagre units of vinyl, there is always someone out there willing to stick there neck on the line and fly the flag in the face of adversity. Having never done things by halves, DJ Bone and his Subject Detroit outfit definitely fit the mould. Not merely content with launching the odd release or two, the label is back on the block laying down 10 limited release 12s. With material from fellow cohorts Rennie Foster, Stephen Brown, Trench, Mister X and of course himself, the vibe is strictly 313. As ever, Bone captures and translates the personal to the interpersonal via the likes of Circus World and Subjugation. Not content with imparting his views, the volume of quality music by and large speaks for itself here. He who dares wins?
 
Reviewed By Owain Kimber (27/08/2008)

Artist -	Andy Stott
Label -	Modern Love
Released -	01st September 2008

 Unknown Exception

Rounding up his work over the last 3 years, Manchester’s finest electronic imprint Modern Love compiles 12 of Andy Stott’s choice cuts from his back catalogue for CD release. Restlessly shifting from the deeper end of Detroit techno through to the pounding bottom heavy end of dubstep hybrid, his work has struck a firm chord between traditionalists and leaders of the new school alike – drawing as much upon his Motorcity roots as he does from the legacy of likes of Lee Scratch Perry and King Tubby. If you haven’t already armed yourself with Stott’s ammo, Unknown Exception is well worth the buy, sounding equally good on the dancefloor as it makes for home listening.
 
Reviewed By Owain Kimber (27/08/2008)

Artist -	Deetron
Label -	Music Man
Released -	04th August 2008

 Let's Get Over It

Sam Geiser aka Deetron has shown no sign of letting up since the release of his album “Twisted” in 2006. With a string of singles and remixes that have followed, he has certainly made his mark with a new audience of music lovers and djs across the board. “Let’s get over it” is another fine example of his blend of techno sensibilities with a soulful edge. Featuring the vocal talents of Justin Chapman, a simple yet surging chord powers through the original as he weaves in the vocals, lifting the track to a whole new level. With 3 reworks of varying style accompany over two 12s, this really a solid all round package. First up, Marcel Dettman strips things back to a rough trimmed beat, layering over some analogue quirk that veers on the edge of wonk. Henrik Schwarz takes up the mantle and refashions the original into a trade mark jazz fused jam that will certainly appeal to his fans. Last but not least, French House maestro Llorca makes good with a deep and tuneful stringed intro, dropping a sweet yet body pulsing house affair that guarantees a massive smile.
 
Reviewed By Owain Kimber (17/07/2008)

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)