Page 67 - Zone Magazine Issue 006

Waxhands [UK] - Techno
MUSIC REVIEWS
Ben Coda - Kinetic [LOT 49] - Zone Top Tune - 10/10
Since his debut release in 2008, Ben Coda has been on a steady rise to the top. His unique blend of tough tech beats combined with complex and often beautiful melodies has gained him a deserved reputation as one of the uk’s best producers. “Kinetic” on Meat Katie’s LOT 49, is a step into darker territory. This is tech funk at its finest. A dark rolling bassline keeps things together, with sparse vocal samples smattering over the top of the tough rolling beats. Throw in a ragga vocal at various points and you have all the elements you need. This is simple, yet utterly effective. Tune of the month for sure!
https://pro.beatport.com/release/kinetik/1591754
Lee Van Dowski - If only Jack was here [Crosstown Rebels] Zone Recommended Tune - 9/10
They really don’t make them like this anymore. 10 minute plus tracks that really do take you on a journey. Lee Van Dowski, a pseudonym for Renaud Lewandowski, has just released hie Quasar 27.3 ep on Rebellion, and this track, out of the 4 quality tracks on the ep is the pick of the bunch. Simple yet never repetitive synth lines, and an undulating bassline that slowly evolves throughout the track, and add a building sense of tension which then drops away to allow pads and a haunting vocal to shine through. Some djs may be put off by the length of the track, but as I said, it never gets boring and there is always enough going on to keep people interested. Testament to Lee Van Dowski’s creativity and production that such a simple track can be so effective.
https://pro.beatport.com/release/quasar-27-3-ep/1622740
Two Valleys - Frontline (ANOR remix) - Zone Rating - 8/10
Since forming just over a year ago, kent based duo Anor (Fraser williams and Andy Charles, both respected producers individually) have forged a well earned reputation for releaseing their distinctive takes on tech and deep house. After their debut ep on Smiley Fingers, they have been busy in the studio with follow ups of original and an impressive amount of remix work. Taking the piano based original, they strip everything back using pretty much just the vocal in their mix. Treating it in a way that kind of reminds me of the excorsist, they take their mix on a darker tip, with a chunky, almost garage like sounding bassline. Tight, shuffling 808 hats keep things rolling nicely before a lighter pad break comes in, relieving the tension momentarily before we kick back in. With their sets at studio 338 for the now infamous Abode parties going down so well, these guys know what works on the floor. Solid release once again from ANOR.
https://pro.beatport.com/track/frontline-anor-remix/7009707
Lichtengard - Gradient Echo [Lean Back Records] - Zone Rating - 7/10
Very little is known about Lichtengard. This would appear to be their debut release, but what a cracker it is. Proper rolling techno, with a great arpegiated bassline. This is broken up nicely by a few pad breakdowns which rise nicely before getting back into the main groove. Then for the final section it all comes together nicely. Nice and tight percussion keep everything flowing nicely and the production is top notch. Early support from up and coming dj Richie Hawtin means this release is going down well on the dancefloors and looks like a great start for Lichtengard. Gradient echo is out nov 2nd. https://soundcloud.com/electric-department-rec/lichtengard-gradient-echo- snipped
ESSENTIALDANCEMUSIC 67