Page 66 - Zone Magazine Issue 017

Ben Sims - Gamma Ray Subway [Deeply Rooted]
Ben Sims yet again proves why he is an unmistakable hero in the world of driving techno in this rather awesome four track EP on DJ Deep's Deeply Rooted label. He recently appeared on the label with a remix of 'Stressin' by Deep himself which is still in the box to date.
With four tracks to choose from, with 'Rippin & Skippin', 'Gamma Ray Subway' and 'The Stalker' all proving to be worthy dancefloor cuts with that added finesse of twisting ones head up, it is the B2 'Acid OD' which does it for me. Mentally twisted 303 riffs played to perfection over frenetic percussion sound awesome on paper and even better up loud, what more can you ask for?
http://www.juno.co.uk/products/ben-sims-gamma-ray-subway-ep/658781-01/
TOP TUNE //
Hush & Sleep - Mirth [Etruria Beat]
As you can probably tell by the last issue, I am loving this label at the moment and have been for quite some time. Admittedly Dutch artists Hush & Sleep are new to me, but they make a decent first impression with two driving cuts 'Mirth' and the rather aptly titled 'Hysteria'. With remixes from two of the hottest acts at the moment, Farrago and Marco Effe, who both manage to up the game quite considerably you are spoiled for choice! Farrago, fresh from his awesome release on ARTS with girlfriend Amelie Lens, takes the more laid back approach with some rather mesmerizing synths and intricate percussion. Marco Effe is the remix of choice here, going straight for the jugular from the offset.
http://www.juno.co.uk/products/hush-sleep-mirth/655701-01/
AnD - Social Decay [Electric Deluxe]
The Mancunian purveyors of distortion are back with their long awaited second album, and their 'Go Hard Or Go Home' motto in full effect! This is sheer brutality from the very beginning, all the way through, until the very end. That's no bad thing mind as we all like a gritty distorted kick drum or two to really take our sets somewhere darker! Standout tracks for me are 'UFO', 'Taking Control' and the eerie as it sounds 'Screaming Voices'. All three of which are ferocious by name and just pound relentlessly with no prisoners taken. If you want something to keep the energy levels high throughout, that's exactly what you have in store here.
http://www.juno.co.uk/products/and-social-decay/658056-01/
Various - Klockworks 20 [Klockworks]
I knew this was going to be something special before even listening to it, and thankfully it didn't disappoint. Reading like a who is who of quality techno artists, featuring tracks from the likes of Etapp Kyle, Sterac, DVS1, Dax J, ROD, Heiko Laux, Ritzi Lee, Vincent, material from Ben himself and a fitting unreleased track from the sadly departed Trevino, and that's just scratching the surface. So many playable tracks here from the very funky 'How I Feel' from Vincent, right the way through to the darker numbers from Dax J and Ritzi Lee. An excellent selection that frankly 110 words doesn't do nearly enough justice, check it out.
http://klockworks.de
Pako & Frederik - Pegs Heel [Astir]
I used to hammer these guys releases back in the early 00s and have been a fan since the late nineties. It's good to see they are still going strong, and launching the Astir label ran by South West musical guru Simon Huxtable. With three tracks to choose from varying from the deeper progressive grooves of the title track 'A Pegs Heel' and 'Man Drone', right the way through to the techno as you like 'Command Systems', this took me right back to the glory days of yesteryear. As you can imagine being a serious techno head, 'Command Systems' wins favour for me, opening a new mix recently. Simon's hinted that he has a few tricks up his sleeve before the year is out so can't wait for them!
http://www.junodownload.com/products/pako-frederik-pegs-heel/3488797-02/
Albums - Dance techno / hard techno // louk
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