Review: When Deadmau5 first arrived, he was something of a lightening rod for underground purists who scoffed at his big mouse head and unashamedly over-the-top live performances. All these years later we now know he was in fact ahead of the times and somewhat helped to precipitate the vast EDM revolution that followed with its maximal sounds, crazy characters, and sync button sets. For Lack of a Better Name was the Canadian's fourth album back in 2009 and it features the critically acclaimed 'Strobe' as well as 'Ghosts 'n' Stuff' with Rob Swire of Pendulum. As far as electro and prog house goes, it hits all the right notes.
Review: Craigie Knowes has solidified its standing as a label synonymous with quality electro and techno releases. Known for its consistent ability to unearth and champion fresh talent, the label's latest addition, Obergman's Pentaquark EP, continues this tradition with commendable flair. This new offering, marked by its distinctive blend of classic electro and modern dance floor sensibilities, is a testament to Craigie Knowes' keen ear for cutting-edge sounds. The EP opens with "Quasiparticle," where a melodic hook resonates with echoes of "Blue Monday." Its crisp, metallic quality and syncopated rhythm create a hypnotic effect that is both captivating and rhythmically engaging. Following this, "Omega Centuri" delivers a satisfying dose of acid-infused, chugging beats that cater to the needs of any club environment. On Side B, the title track "Pentaquark" presents a dark, spooky acid bassline, showcasing Obergman's skill in blending eerie atmospheres with classic acid sounds. Finally, "Cuspy Halo Problem" rounds off the EP with its crunchy drums and a similarly dark, acid-tinged vibe. The Pentaquark EP is a fine addition to Craigie Knowes' roster, reinforcing the label's reputation for releasing high-quality, innovative electronic music. Obergman's latest work is a prime example of the label's commitment to pushing the boundaries of the genre while maintaining a solid connection to its roots.
Review: By the time of their third studio album, English electronic pair Goldfrapp were already big news. Here they combined pop and electronic styles to critical effect, with a no 2 slot on the album charts coming in the first week of release. Lead single "Oh La La" went on to become the band';s biggest ever selling single and further singles "Number 1", "Ride a White Horse" and "Fly Me Away" also climbed high in the charts around the world. There's everything from in your face pop to glossy disco beats, glam style beats and lush synth ballads. Brash but beautiful, it's an English pop classic.
Review: Black Key recruit the consistently excellent Dan Piu for their nineteenth vinyl release, laying out three tracks of sophisticated deep house. Opener, "Venus Agenda" (which Piu claims is one of his all-time favourites), builds with reverb-soaked claps and the faintest hint of acid in the bass line, before skipping hi hats and lush pads move us in a deeper direction, soon making way for a haunting, yet beautiful lead - this one really is a thing of wonder. "Mother's Love" immediately heads in a different direction, with sublime keys and a subtle, yet highly effective bass line, and a sparsely used vocal sample heightening the mood when it appears. Finally, "Altarf" again takes us to new territory, with the opening, pacey 45 seconds quickly making way for dreamy pads and a perfectly crafted bassline, underpinned by a broken beat kick and expertly programmed hi hats. This package firmly shows why Piu is in such high demand with some of the best labels in the business.
Review: Celebrating two decades since they burst onto the scene with an era-defining album, Digitalism unleashes their Idealism Forever as a special 20th-anniversary edition. This milestone release encapsulates the duo's pioneering blend of electronic euphoria and indie sensibilities with plenty of scuzzy sonic filth. From the anthemic energy of 'Pogo' to the nostalgic charm of 'Zdarlight,' each track brims with vim and vigour and harks back to this unique time when electro, indie and dance music all collided. Remastered to perfection, the album's big beats and infectious melodies are sure to captivate both longtime fans and new listeners alike.
Review: Joel Zimmerman, known as deadmau5, has cemented his place in the EDM world with his iconic third album, Random Album Title. Recently reissued, this album continues to earn new listeners with its unique blend of atmospheric beats and melodic intricacy. The album opens with 'Sometimes Things Get, Whatever,' setting a dark and atmospheric tone that pervades much of the record. Tracks like 'Complications' and 'Slip' have dizzying melodies and seamless transitions. 'Brazil (2nd Edit)' and 'Alone With You' highlight his ability to craft uplifting anthems, with the latter offering a nostalgic, almost melancholic vibe. 'I Remember,' co-produced with Kaskade, stands out with Haley Gibby's haunting vocals and impeccable transitions, making it a timeless hit. 'Faxing Berlin,' 'Arguru,' and 'Not Exactly' are other simple yet effective beats with memorable melodies.
Review: Judging by the overcrowded sweaty scenes in Dalston for the launch party of Justice's second album, the iconic French duo still retain a core number of fans - who will no doubt be eager to snap up this deluxe version of said album. Audio Video Disco comes in gatefold, silver embossed sleeve, holding both the double vinyl and CD versions of the eleven track album. Musically, this is an album that delves deeper into Gaspard and Xavier's passion for prog, marrying the jagged harshness of the 07 era when they ruled the roost with stadium sized ambition. It's probably one of this year's most divisive albums, but then Justice have always liked making a noise.
My Favourite Stranger (Boris Brejcha remix) (7:10)
My Favourite Stranger (Ela Minus remix) (3:46)
My Favourite Stranger (Lond Island Sound remix) (4:48)
Review: Much loved doom monger emo kids Depeche Mode have always been ripe for remixing by new generations of electronic music artists and so it is that there 'My Favourite Stranger' gets a series of re-rubs here on Columbia. Tech house mainstay Boris Brejcha remixes first and elongates the grooves with mournful pads up top. The Ela Minus remix of the same tune brings some extra textured and darker moods and the best is saved till the last if you ask us. The Lond Island Sound remix is high speed and tinged with electro synth work as the moody vocals echo about the mix to trippy effect.
Review: In 2013, Africaine 808 man Dirk Leyers joined forces with pal Mirko Hector under the Project01 alias. Two 12" singles appeared, before the duo parted company to work on other projects. Two years on, they return with a new 12" for Endless Flight. They begin with "Institution 01", an alluring blend of weighty acid house bass, loose drum machine rhythms, creepy electronics and fluttering deep house melodies. As you might expect, "Planet 01" sees the duo drag their sound further towards Motor City techno, whilst retaining the snappy drums and wiggling acid lines of Chicago. Closer "Pawnshop 01", meanwhile, is an altogether warmer and hazier proposition, with the winding synth melodies and baked bassline suggestion Balearic inspirations.
Review: This is New York-based, Florida native Anthony Naples' first EP since OTT/ZTL back in 2018. Produced right at the start of NYC's summer reopening, the five tracks on Club Pez 'express a state of optimism and excitement for club and dance experiences equal parts real and totally imaginary.' A bouncy bass plays centre stage while underpinned by Afro-house beats on the psychedelic dance of 'Bonk', before taking it down a couple of notches for the deep and minimal afterhours acid of 'Pez Anthem' as well as the elevating energy of 'Solero' on the flip.
John Rocca - "I Want It To Be Real" (instrumental) (5:12)
John Rocca - "Englishman In New York" (extended) (7:27)
John Rocca - "Move" (extended mix) (8:14)
John Rocca - "The Dream" (radio edit) (4:08)
Freeez - "IOU" (feat John Rocca - 7" version remastered) (3:51)
John Rocca - "I Want It To Be Real" (3:45)
Review: Freeez founder John Rocca made these cuts between London and New York City from 1982 to 1987. Once Upon A Time in N.Y.C is a pioneering compilation of proto-electro and house cuts that, for this reissue, come on nice splattered orange vinyl. As well as the six standouts on the original abut, there is also a bonus 7" with two extra cuts, one of which is the international hit 'I.O.U.' Elsewhere, jams like 'Englishman In New York', 'I Dub U' and 'I Want It To Be Real' all still bang as brilliantly now as they did almost 40 years ago.
Review: Tornado Wallace & Jamie Tiller's Basic Spirit (named after their popular party series in Berlin) returns with its sophomore effort, with Wallace flying solo on this one titled 'Dream Corner'. The title track is an absolutely euphoric offering, featuring emotive vocals, pan-pipes and contrasted by a sinister and lurking bassline. The hyperaware energy of the Speed Bump mix follows, while the loved-up sunrise breaks of B-side cut 'Sea Translation' comes with an ambient version.
Review: Auto Sound City have been building a fine head of steam over the last few years. A series of quality EPs on the likes of Chicago Bee, Weapons of Desire and 3am, have all established a rugged electro and techno sound that is big on drums. This double pack is their strongest statement yet. Cuts like 'This Is Me (feat Shoko Yoshida)' pair gallivanting drums with aloof vocals and bright synth stabs. 'Complete Madness' is more stripped back but just as muscular with its icy hi hats and lashings of synth while 'Fully Clothed & Standing' explores loopy and filtered disco house.
Review: Deep Shopping has us filly our trolleys once more with plenty of top-shelf goods here. Mister Bellini is the one on the till and his elastic, bouncy techno is all about pure thrills. The restless and characterful 'What What?!' opens up with plenty of joyfulness. The sound design throughout these tunes is fresh and fun but never silly. 'Stop The Buz' is a little tougher but still with some tripped-out motifs, then 'yes' is a hyperspeed spin-out. On the flip side are squelchy future bass bangers, police sirens and low-key basement tracks. Brilliant EP.
Review: 70s space disco and laser-rock outfit Rockets started out life in Paris as Crystal. They later renamed and had singles such as 'Future Woman' and debut album 'Rockets' which helped establish them and win them a wider fan base. 1980 saw them record their Live album and offer up a cross section of their tracks in all their synth and futuristic glory. The aforementioned 'Future Woman' features along with the heavy sounds of 'Drum Solo' and Kerouac-referring 'On The Road Again' which is a jaunty disco groove with vocoder vocals.
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