Page 70 - Zone Magazine Issue 017

Hamburg based Oliver Huntemann has been a respected name in underground dance music for over two decades and in that time he has released four artist albums with this album ‘Propaganda’ being his fifth. The album itself offers a new chapter in dark electronic tracks with the intention of transporting the listener on an exhilarating journey which in the words of the producer himself ranges “from sophisticated down-beats to uplifting Techno.”
There are 12 tracks and three bonus tracks in total and the album kicks off with ‘Taktik’ which starts with a long menacing synth tone and then builds with crisp percussion to an acidic bassline which underpins the track as filtered sounds are brought in and out of the mix. It sets the pace for the album nicely and the clarity of the sounds is exquisite. The next track ‘Poltergeist’ is less menacing with a pounding kick drum and echoed claps leading you on a merry dance through a fine and slightly sinister soundscape with some great slabs of sound which wash over you as the track progresses. It is easy to see that this album is created by a DJ/ Producer as there is a fine balance between dance tracks and listening tracks and the album is paced in a way that you never get lost in ambience as can often be the case with just Producer produced releases.
For example the next track ‘Egoist’ just begs to be played through a large sound system with an upbeat tempo, developing top lines and a great rhythmic quality to it. Across the whole album you have the juxtaposition of dance floor groovers next to cerebral behemoths of technoid beauty that make you want to hear every note in fine detail. Take for example ‘Anonym’ which is a slowed down warm enveloping tune with a throbbing synth with a futuristic top line with added bleeps and popping sounds which sits next to ‘Absurd’ which is tribal techno with an almost latin percussion, tizzy high hats and a synth sound which resonates with dancefloor energy.
Right through to the final track ‘Trick 17’ and even through the three bonus tracks this album keeps you guessing and never becomes dowdy with its uber futuristic and empathic feel. I tried to pick a favourite but failed dismally as there is such a lot of goodness herein with this release and I suspect that this will be his most well received release to date when it hits the download portals on October 13th.
Words By Danny Slade
Release date: October 13th
Genre: Techno https://soundcloud.com/oliver-huntemann
Various Artists Beach Candies Vol. 1 Album Sampler [Klein Aber Fein]
This taster release is an album sampler for the label’s forthcoming compilation album that is out sometime in September and it features three cool soulful tracks that are perfect for any time and place but the theme is tracks for the beach and if you hear it you will understand why.
It is the second sampler that they have released for the compilation and like the first sampler, it contains some elegantly soulful cuts which are all original tracks and are: Pray for More’s ‘Amante's Theme’ which starts with a kick led percussive intro which builds with jazzy guitar licks, lush strings and a funky bassline which blossoms into a warm summery soul nugget that is airy and ethereal with the lush strings leading the way through this mid tempo groover. KPD’s ‘Macedonia’ which is more uptempo with a choppier guitar riff that is backed by a simple but effective bassline and features in the front line a flute, saxophone, xylophone, piano and organ lead sounds that give it a real Jazz Funk feel. The instruments all play their parts solo so nothing clashes and it really is a fine example of quality funky soulful house. And finally Paul Lock’s ‘Get Away’ which opens with wispy synth pads and a 4/4 drum beat and deftly brings in female vocals, a chunky bass synth and more organic funky guitar riffs and is a real smooth summer groove that is again mid tempo and would be perfect for daytime sets on a certain white isle or just anywhere where people appreciate quality house music.
As mentioned this is just a sampler of what will be a full album release that features 20 tracks and two DJ mixes and I for one, can't wait to get my hands on the finished article as judging from this little taster, it is going to be one of the stand out compilations of Summer 2017. If you like it mellow, funky and soulful, this is one compilation release that is not to be missed out on!
Words By Danny Slade
Release date: August 25th
Genre: House https://www.facebook.com/kleinaberfeinrecords1/
Albums - Dance COMPILLATIONS // ALBUMS
Oliver Huntemann Propaganda [Senso Sounds]
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