Page 62 - Zone Magazine Issue 020

Albums - Dance
Albums // Compilations
Albums - Dance
Martin Merkel – Constantin [Platipus]
progressive & techno
German Producer Martin Merkel is up now with his 1st Album release on Simon Berry’s Platipus Imprint. Preferring to let his music do the talking and no stranger to the scene with releases on Bonzai Records, and his own Shelter 54 Imprint we kick things off and delve in the hypnotic and progressive realms of House and Techno with this encapsulating journey. (1) “Constantin” right from the off we are eased into things with a very hypnotic Intro and Synths, Deep driving bass with lots of quirky elements. Totally immerse yourself into this opener as it builds throughout. (2)”Wonderful Life” kicks off with a more Slight progressive Vibe lovely Strings keeps building with lots of melodic effects throughout. (3) “Little Wonder” One of my favorite tracks on the Album reminds me of “Ame” Rej from a number of years back. There are lots of little drops and Subsequent builds in this 7- minute journey Little Wonder Is Big News! (4) “Tiefentaucher” Picking Up on that Hypnotic groove every track adding something different but keeping through to his sound. I absolutely love the direction this track has taken with little trumpet Stabs & Moog effects. Encapsulating! (5) “Parthenon” This is the sort of material that I love Big Kicks, Hats & Unique Baselines. I got to say Hats off so far Martin This has been a Journey so far and we are only half way. This is a Big Track I can only imagine what this would do to a Dance floor! (6) “Der Riese MIlz” This Album has been described as Soulful Techno and this track for me we are seeing Martins true sound his ear and what he wants to do truly being expressed with these tranquill melodies, Riffs, and introductions of new sounds and effects. (7) “Seelenfarben” Ok upon listening to the Album a number of times and my notes and looking back and listening the album. This track is my Firm favorite it has everything a Good Techno track should. That Deep Tech feel always keeping you interested diving in and out with its intriguing Baselines and quirky noises and effects it’s for me the Best track on the Album 5***** (8) “Backlight” For me the most Progressive track on the Album and that’s right were things are at the moment staying true to his sound floating in and out with some amazing use of effects the production is flawless. (9) “ Ashikaga” Straight down to business with this Kick and all the time introducing us to new sounds with every track. This track has a catchy baseline offering something slightly different. Reminds me of Oxia “Domino” just goes to show the Level Martin Merkel is at Quality! (10) “Patagonia” Ok Guys if you have or are going to listen to this Album in full from start to finish “Patagonia” makes perfect sense I was so Intrigued by the whole Album I was live chatting to Label boss of Platipus Simon Berry conveying some of my thoughts and appreciation for this Album. This track just drives home what for me was an absolute pleasure to be asked to listen and review. I was honored. Martin Merkel Take a Bow Sir! Out Now on Platipus recording.
Connect: http://www.platipus.com words by gavin duffy
This Is Me & Kloser - Enemies [ENYGMA]
Electronica
This is the labels third release and for this project they have taken two of the labels premier DJ/ producers and stuck them in a studio together and this nine track album is what they have come up with together. Its a bold method of working but one that has paid off as the result is this fine body of work that just begs to be listened to.
The first track on the Album is called ‘Natural Born’ and is a builder which starts with two synth notes and is added to by a pad sound to give it tension and then the keyboard starts pumping out more notes which comes to a crescendo at two minutes and severn seconds where it really comes alive and is eventually added to by a breakbeat drum pattern. Its a great opener and is followed by ‘Let Me Forget’ which has warm synths, finger clicks and the lightest of percussion playing in the background. There is a breakdown with just the warm enveloping synth which wraps around your synapses and gives you a feeling of euphoria before the lightest of rhythms kicks back in and carries you to the end of the track. This album is all about creating “an absorbing melodic sound, a deep atmosphere with unmissable techno rhythm, that brings you to a music trip through the sound of nature and space” and I have to agree that they have been successful in their quest!
Its not a get up and dance album, its all about the mood it creates and it sounds equally as good blasting out through a big sound system as it does while listening to it through some decent headphones that pick up all of the subtleties that they have created. Don’t get me wrong, there are some uptempo numbers like ‘Into The Darkness’ which has a galloping rhythm and a thudding kick drum with arpeggiated synths and an engrossing synth bassline but its not so much of a loose it on the dancefloor tune as this fine piece of work is very cerebral and thought evoking. Its followed by ‘Paranoid’ Which is a very sombre affair with dark monosyllabic synth tones that are joined by a melancholy melody and is a very introspective track.
So if you are a fan of electronica and like getting lost in your own minds eye this album may be right up your street. The second to last track ‘Eclipse’ is another peppy little number that is all about creating a bold ambience which it does with ease and finally it plays out with ‘Natural Born (#2)’ which is a drumless version of the intro track. An interesting listen!
Connect: https://soundcloud.com/enygmarec words by danny slade
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