Page 53 - Zone Magazine Issue 011

Waxhands [UK] - House & Techno
MUSIC REVIEWS
Saytek – Machine Jams [Cubisim] - Zone Top Tune - 10/10
A name now synonymous with the recent resurgence of live techno, Saytek has spent the last few years building up a solid following. With releases on Cubism, Soma and Fabric, with his Eps and live albums garnering support from fans and industry insiders alike.
With “Machine Jams”, he takes things back to what he is renowned for. Over an hour of solid live techno. But dont let let the “live” tag fool you. These tracks are expertly put together. The production is top notch and it ever deviates into self indulgent jams which go on for far too long. Opener “Putting the pieces together” sets the tone. Definitly the intro track, a floaty arpeggio leads into the pounding 4/4 beat which carries the album along. Dont expect any downtempo numbers here, this is the sound of what you will get when you see Saytek in a club. And it doesnt disappoint. Heavy on the acid, with a distinct detroit influence aswell this is an album that will get any party started, or if you fancy keeping the night going when you get home, get this on and watch the sun rise.
https://www.beatport.com/release/machine-jams/1808877
Jona Sul – Milkboy EP [SOUTHERN FRIED RECORDS] - Zone Recommended Tune - 10/10
Based in Brighton, Jona Sul has been making significant waves with his unique take on electronica. This 4 track ep serves as a great intro to his sound. Title track Milkboy is as close as you will get to a club track, and is a mix of deep house and with scatty spoken and dreamy vocals drifting over the minimal bass and drums. All 4 tracks have a similar style and sound, and will be perfect for a sun drenched beach or outdoor party as the sun is rising or setting. Perfect baleiric music, and has summer written all over it.
https://www.beatport.com/release/milkboy/1793933
Kasey Taylor, Lister Coray – Departime (Florian Kruse remix) [LO FI 45] Zone Rating - 9/10
Released a while back, the original release of “Departime” did well enough, but with the release of a new batch of remixes, including ones from Vincenzo, Damir Smith and Retza, my pick of the bunch is the Florian Kruze take on it. A perfect plend of smooth deep house elements in the breaks and a chunky recurring bassline, tough punchy drums and a smattering of 303 over the top, this is a great mid set track that will keep people going.
https://www.beatport.com/release/departime-remixes/1824241
Steve Shaden – Criminal – [NAKED LUNCH RECORDS] - Zone Rating - 7/10
Italy's Steve Shaden hooks up with Portugal's Naked Lunch Records and drops an absolute beast of a track. Verging dangerously close to “hard techno” with the pounding kick and monotone bassline being driven along with enough shuffle and minimal percussion to keep the groove going. Simple but effective, I can see this being very effective when unleashed on the right dancefloor.
https://www.beatport.com/release/criminal-madhouse-ep/1789637
Jonny Vaz – Lagoa EP [INTIMATE PROJECT MUSIC] - Zone Rating - 8/10
Boston based Jonny Vaz delivers a sun drenched EP on Intimate Project Music. Again summer vibes all over this one, with all 3 tracks being perfect for any outdoor party. Smooth pads chords and stabs are the order of the day, with punchy funky bass. The El Mundo remix of “Spray” takes things to a more techy level, with the arpegiated bassline running throughout and giving the track a more late night edge. Quality release.
https://www.beatport.com/release/lagoa/1815720
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