Techno Reviews: August 2023
Bish bash bosh!
Here we are, back with another fresh batch of techno releases that landed in August. I love all different flavours of techno, so I do my utmost to represent the genre in its various shades and styles. I’m also working hard to be as inclusive as I can. I’ll be very honest and admit that I can often be too reliant on PR agencies for my techno recommendations, this is something I am working on behind-the-scenes to remedy as I know it can create a rather skewed reviews page. You’ll hopefully notice how things shift in the coming months…
For now, check these out and have a listen to the mix as well. From this point onwards the mixes will include additional cuts from the EPs I review - up til now I’ve only included the tunes I review, but there’s usually at least one other track I like from each release so I thought why not put them in the mix as well.
I put a lot of work into all of this, so it’s very much appreciated when people take the time to listen to the mix and read/share my reviews. Thanks!
Album Of The Month
Thomas P. Heckmann
Legacy
[Monnom Black]
This is an absolute beast of an album, featuring 17 cuts (23 on the digital release) from Thomas P. Heckmann on Dax J’s always firing Monnom Black label. Heckmann’s output has been prolific and consistently powerful over the years since he started. From aliases like Drax, Spectral Emotions and Knarz, to his real name, he’s built up a formidable discography. Legacy encapsulates Heckmann’s output with a collection of tracks that traverse a variety of styles, all with a sound signature that is dynamic and raw, yet polished. Acid, electro, abrasive techno, cosmic sounds and more, all come through on this album, which helps solidify Heckmann’s already established legacy.
TOP TRACKS: Age - ‘Doomsday’, Thomas P Heckmann - ‘Himmel Und Hoelle’ and Drax - ‘Virtual Plane’
Tune Of The Month
Witch Trials
Tranquility
[Myryrs]
I first met Witch Trials at a MOTZ party at The Cause in Tottenham in 2019. He’s been busy cultivating his own artist persona and musical identity for a while and it’s been a joy to watch him mature and evolve. His Cannibal Culture release is diverse and a serious piece of art, with careful consideration going into the visual presentation as well as the music. ‘Tranquility’ is a soothing soundscape with the gentle thud of a kick drum pushing the track along together with a droning low end. A sweet melody floats around the top end, while a persistent chirp complements the exquisite drum programming. As a bonus, check out some of the poster images below, each of which relates to a different track on this release.
Mha Iri
Let The Good Times Roll
[Drumcode]
Ahhhh, Mha Iri has been on my radar for a while. I still play her 2021 release ‘Liquid Light’ A LOT. Absolutely banger, just like this one. I love how she combines the roughness with brighter tones and ‘Let The Good Times Roll’ gets extra points for the use of a vocal from a British rapper. On top of that, the track is all about going out and having a good old rave with your mates, and who doesn’t love a bit of that?! So, all round, this is a highlight of August for me. Shout out to Mha!
Lemont
A Sea of Data and Not a Drop of Information
[A Walking Contradiction]
Wow, so this is proper experimentalism. Lemont utilises AI to embark on a research-based audio excursion. This is a full LP, but I wanted to include one of the tracks to highlight this fascinating project. The onward march and rapid evolution of AI seems to have struck fear into the hearts of many creatives, whereas Lemont is “psychoanalysing” AI itself through a web interface. There aren’t very many electronic music releases that can say that. Strange, bewildering and mesmerising. I love this.
Anchoret
Stay High (Jay Tripwire Remix)
[Solar Phenomena Music]
Crisp, minimal and effortlessly produced. I expect nothing less from Jay Tripwire, who I’ve been a fan of for quite some time now. Love the dub aesthetic on this one, those echoes that reverberate around in the background are hypnotic and keep you locked into the simple, yet oh-so-deadly groove. Tip of the hat to Jay on this one.
Sven Väth
The Worm (Robag Wruhme Remix)
[Cocoon]
Had to get this on the page after hearing Papa Sven share it on Instagram. Robag Wruhme is such a unique artist, his music doesn’t sound like anything else and this remix is a shining example of the way he warps and twists sounds. The groove is immense and the cacophony of strange sounds is like a soothing balm for my scattered brain.
Hemissi
Shyd
[Symbolism]
Love the title of this EP ;-) Hemissi drops a four-tracker on Symbolism, with a strong collection of techno thumpers, each one with a slightly different style. ‘Shyd’ has a jittery low end, percolating away while a subtle melody builds in the background. At the midpoint a short breakdown allows for a break in energy before we back to it. Lots of barely there elements come together on this cut to give it depth and dynamism, without overcooking it.
Shlomi Aber
Righ
[CLR]
Shlomi Aber has got that special something, call it the X Factor, call it what you like, but his releases will always touch something deeper in you, beyond the physical. ‘Righ’ embodies the relentless, captivating repetition that makes club music, especially techno, so appealing to so many of us. Through the (positive) monotony, we can escape our limiting thoughts. When this one gets going, get ready to depart your mind and let your body take over fully.
Joaquin Ruiz
XX 13
[Molecular Recordings]
One of those carefully balanced cuts that straddles the line between taut density and bright spaciousness. Joaquin Ruiz does a great job here of keeping the different layers aligned and harmonious. That pumping bassline propels the track forward with crisp beats and an subtle eerie vibe pervading throughout. His command of energy here is especially impressive.
Marco Faraone
Ego Kills
[Rekids]
As soon as the synth stabs kick in on this new one on Rekids, you know it’s going to be fire. Marco Faraone uses a repeated vocal clip to get his sonic talons into your mainframe and keep you hooked throughout. A combination of warm bass, intermittent percussive elements and exemplary drum programming makes this one a surefire winner for me. Sounds amazing in the mix, too. Get it on a massive system and PUMP IT.
Ross Harper
My Gift (Bleur & MB1 Remix)
[City Wall]
Just like the artwork for this release, Bleur & MB1’s remix merges mysticism and sombre tones to cultivate an unnerving atmosphere. Their drums are heavy hitting, while the melody embodies a stirring simplicity that penetrates your mind and body. Interesting combination of sounds that feel ominous, yet borderline optimistic at the same time.
DJ T-1000
Klendathu (Hertz Collision Remix)
[Rekids Special Projects]
More from Rekids, this time on their sub-label, RSPX. DJ T-1000 (always loved that name) brings us his Functionality EP, which does exactly what the title suggest. Hertz Collision offers up a fast-paced rework of ‘Klendathu’ (the name of a planet in Starship Troopers, for all the trainspotters out there). The energy of this one feels like controlled chaos, there’s a lot going on, but it all makes sense and doesn’t feel overwhelming. Nicely done.
Julian Muller
Let It Bounce
[Terminal V]
Fledgling Scottish imprint Terminal V Records (from the same people who organise the respected festival) are back with their second release. This single from Julian Muller has a funky groove, repetitive vocal clip and sturdy beats. That’s basically all you need to inflict damage on the dance floor and Julian keeps it unfussy throughout, through in additional hi hats midway through, to up the energy of this banger.
PEIX
Rigor
[Antimodus]
Cor, you can really get lost in this one. From the pounding drums to the array of layers, it’s packed full of potent energy. Most notably, the breakdown is particularly outstanding, with a protracted break in procedings while PEIX guides us into a furious second half. Prepare to be dunked in the low end frequencies. Dramatic to say the least.
Citizen Kain
Stories
[UNSEEN]
This is a mammoth track from Citizen Kain, full of raw emotion and that pulsating energy that has become synonymous with acts like Tale Of Us and Mind Against. The production levels are of the highest quality, with the vocals in particular having a distinct heartfelt potency. This is bound to be the highlight of many DJ sets around the world, electrifying atmosphere and impeccable production. Special mention to the artwork as well, which is part of the label’s ethos around merging digital art and music.
Mutecell
Hi
[Mutewax]
First off, I absolutely love the artwork for this release. Secondly, this cut is from Mutecell’s debut album OnAc1d, which is excellent and could easily have been Album Of The Month. ‘Hi’ is so repetitive that you’ll be in a deep trance by the time it comes to an end. A short vocal clip saying “Hi” is repeated over and over, while a dark foreboding instrumental rolls out with industrial hints and chunky, chuggy beats. Brilliant.
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