Page 54 - Zone Magazine Issue 020

Albums - Dance
Deejay.de / Vinyl / house & techno // john ricketts
Albums - Dance
Metodi Hristov – This is EP [Terminal M Records] [Techhouse - Techno]
TOP TUNE //
Back with his second EP on Terminal M, Metodi Hristov brings four absolute bangers here. Title track “This is” is a simple, heads down techno affair. With a simple stab riff, a rolling bassline and minimal drums, it really doesn’t need much more. The haunting, sparsely used vocal gives the track it’s identity.Next up, “Eon” again keeps the energy levels up, with a subtle arpeggio, and deep, thundering bass forming the backbone of the track, whilst the drums are a bit lighter than the previous track. This doesn’t mean it lets up on the energy at all. “Sci fi” follows the same theme, the rolling arpeggiated bassline cuts through the mix perfectly and sits with the drums and minimal percussion nicely. Synths are used sparingly, keeping things nice and simple, as it should with all good techno. Less is more. Finally “Kicks” rounds things off with a menacing feel. The lead and slowly evolving acid bassline are perfect partners. Again the dums are efficient and solid, keeping things moving nicely. A great EP, and a bold move to put put 4 original tracks, with no remixes, but when they are of this quality, you dont need to!
https://www.deejay.de/Metodi_Hristov_This_Is_Ep_TERM148_Vinyl__294888
Silat Beksi & Daniel Broesecke –Taboo [Virus Records] [Minimal / House/Techno]
For the third instalment of their vinyl only series VRV, they bring in the rising stars Silat Beksi and Daniel Broesecke. A brilliant 2 track EP, it kicks off with the funk fuelled “Shades”. The bassline is pure funk, rolling along smoothly. Its simple, but has a great movement to it. The synths layered over the top are simplistic yet work really well. After the 2 minute mark there is an acid element brought in and takes the track in a slightly darker direction, but it is held in its more dreamy state with the pads and synths layered throughout. “Taboo” goes for a more electronica vibe, and feels like more of an experimental techno track. The chunky bassline and scatty drums hold together well. Drums are kept to a minimum, providing just enough punch to give energy to the track.
Two very different tracks proving the pair have a great musical pallet to draw from.
https://www.deejay.de/Silat_Beksi_%26_Daniel_Broesecke_Taboo_VRV03_Vinyl__290149
Frag Maddin – De Wizard EP [Kakudo Records] [House]
Bringing his own take on deep house, Frag Maddin arrives on Kakudo records and delivers a solid 4 track EP. “Bullish” kicks things off with a deep sub bassline and heavy chords. The drums are solid and the percussion and hats are hectic but still hold the groove well. “Teehaus” amps up the funk, with a pounding sub bass and repeating filtered piano riff throughout. Its simple but very effective. The drums ooze analogue warmth and the minimal use of the vocal gives it character when needed. This is one for the times you may see the crowd flagging, play this and the energy levels in the room will go through the roof.“Point 0” has an early 90s house vibe to it, again simple but never boring. Finally “De Wizard” rounds things off and goes on a more tech house vibe. The drums are punchy and the bassline sits with the kick well. The synths are sparkly and the stabs keep the groove rolling. Nice all rounder.
https://www.deejay.de/Frag_Maddin_De_Wizard_Ep_KAKUDO005_Vinyl__286623
2Vilas–DestinyEP [QualityVibeRecords][Deep/Minimal-House]
Being based in Ibiza and having a residency at Pacha, is a good way to have you finger on the pulse of what the vibe is on the white isle. Title track “Destiny” is a quirky deep house number. With a staccato bassline and smooth chord stabs acting as the basis of the track, the drums are solid and do the job nicely. Thomas Wood is on the remix of the title track and takes things into proper deep house territory. Floaty synths and the 808 toms acting as the foundations. With the bouncy bassline giving things movement and a solid bottom end. Slowing things down a bit, and keeping the deep vibe with “Feelings”, and rounding things off with the more upbeat “I know” it’s a great rounded EP with something for most deep house DJ’s. https://www.deejay.de/2vilas_Destiny_Ep_QV012_Vinyl__287711
Various Artists – Acktlt001 [ACKT Ltd] [Minimal Tech-House]
A great and varied compilation from ACKT Ltd. First up is “Housing about” by Ekkohaus. It’s a shuffling tech house affair, with a jazzy riff and some vocal scats thrown over the top. The drums shuffle along nicely and have enough energy in them to keep things going. “Rhythmic trip” by Ribo takes things down a notch, with a deep minimal feel to it. Dark chords and a menacing vocal carry thing along. “Novalie” by Ackt is next, continues the deep minimal vibe. Sparse drums and bleeping percussion are the main theme here, with breakbeat fills and spacey synths. Finally, Nicke, R.ma and Juardo round things up with “Lyssna”, a luscious chord driven deep house number. Something for everyone here.
https://www.deejay.de/Various_Acktltd001_ACKTLTD001_Vinyl__289862
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