Page 54 - Zone Magazine Issue 014

MUSIC REVIEWS
Louk [UK] - Techno - Hard
SHDW & Obscure Shape - Version 004.1 / 004.2 [From Another Mind] Zone Top Tune - 10/10
As producers, SHDW & Obscure Shape can do no wrong. If you need proof of this check their recent remix of Envoy - Dark Manoeuvres, which was one of my firm favourites last year on RTE 2FM, or their mix of Radio Slave. Anywho, deciding to get a remix package that boasts James Ruskin, Konstantin Sibold, Dax J and Rodhad amongst others on their new two parter on From Another Mind was a wise decision! Ruskin, Sibold and Rodhad provide great reworkings but it's Dax J who steals the show with his remix of 'Die Dinge Des Lebens'. I've been after this ever since hearing Dax play it on a mix and then at the Gashouder for Awakenings at ADE, a merciless onslaught of distorted bassdrums, eerie synth work and delicious percussion that managed to convince me this was a track by Pounding Grooves. Fair play Dax, Good Effort!
https://www.deejay.de/Shdw_%26_Obscure_Shape_Version_0042_FAM0042_Vinyl__259542
Mslwte - No Need For Anyone Else [HC] - Zone Recommended Tune - 9/10
I have been following Mslwte's progress for quite a few years now and often it's worth taking a look at his forum Subsekt.com to check on all things dark in the techno world. Here he delivers a wicked album for HC, where versatility is obviously his strong-point, but the standout track for me was 'No Need For Anyone Else'. Easily sounding like it was taken straight from Birmingham on a moody Monday morning, this grinds away at your subconsciousness and is a relentless broody number that will win favour for anyone who is a fan of Surgeon, Regis and James Ruskin to name but a few. An essential release for those darker closing sets.
ARKVS - Navigator [Planet Rhythm] - Zone Rating - 7/10
This is the first I have heard of ARKVS, but the press release informs me they are from Rotterdam where many legendary techno artists reside. On 'Navigator' we are treated to three tracks of energetic and mysterious techno which as keen readers to these reviews will know, is no bad thing whatsoever! 'Navigator 1' and 'Navigator 3' prove their worth as decent techno grooves good for those extended sets, but it's 'Navigator 2' that has had repeated plays. Featuring a simple bell melody that repeats throughout, and is accompanied by some quality strings, you can't really go wrong. Not sure what's in the water in Holland lately but the techno coming from there is sublime!
http://classic.beatport.com/release/navigator-ep/1937337
Lockertmatik - Interlock [Mord] - Zone Rating - 8/10
Lockertmatik's new four tracker for Mord (easily one of the best labels in existence over the past decade) left me frenetically dribbling on first listen, although I will admit that like ARKVS they are a new artist to me. However, distorted, punchy kick drums combined with and a 303 is always going to impress here, so happy days! Although 'Interlock 3' is ridiculously simple, it does such major damage when played on a large system that you can't help but fall in love with it. The rest of the release features similar quality grooves, though not as immediate as 'Interlock 3', however digital fans will be able to check out 'Interlock 6' which builds to a percussive monster very quickly.
http://classic.beatport.com/track/interlock-3-original-mix/8952571
B-Traits - North Shore [in.toto] - Zone Rating - 8/10
Yeah I know, I am a bit slow off the mark reviewing this one, but truth be told I have been playing it for a couple of months now. Radio 1's B Traits delivers her debut release on her own in.toto label and both sides are varied yet work effectively. Out of the two cuts on offer, 'North Shore' wins favour from yours truly, sounding like a modern day version of Belfast by Orbital and fusing lovely warm chords with breakbeats and delayed vocal samples.
Although it is quite downtempo compared to my usual high octane techno sets, it works wonders when sped up and dropped as second to last track. Definitely worth checking out for something that little bit different!
https://www.beatport.com/track/north-shore-original-mix/8499593
54 ZONE-MAGAZINE.COM