Klockworks 10 - Etapp Kyle

The latest and 10^th record from Ben Klock’s Klockworks imprint comes from the up and coming Ukranian producer Etapp Kyle, who delivers 4 tracks of really high quality.

The 4 tracks all share a similar aesthetic and are a perfect example for high quality, contemporary minimal techno.

‘Astra’ kicks off the EP with a track which immediately made me think of Jeff Mills’ Something In The Sky series, a cool melody carries the track, whilst the drum patterns subtlety change and drift in and out keeping you locked to its groove.  ‘Drama’ has a darker vibe and picks up the pace a bit; the main hook is another simple loop that alters slightly after 16 bars, before the drums change.  It’s not complex stuff, but it makes for a very effective track and my 2^nd favourite from the record.

B1 ‘Aurora’ is my favourite from the EP and the real standout track. I think that it sounds like something in between artists like Recondite and DVS1.  Breaths of white noise that make way for shuffling hi-hats set the tone early, but as the track develops everything but the melody makes way for almost trance like elements that change the tone (I think it’s cool, but I’d love to have a version that’s just the main loop).  When the beat drops back in it brings the energy.  For me, this is one to be playing near the end of a pretty magical set.

‘Prizma’, the last track, is a pretty cool track, but it’s probably the weakest of the EP for me.  However, that being said, I really love Etapp Kyle’s style on this record and the m_nus track ‘Yuma’.  They are far more distinct than his earlier, more atmospheric productions, but whether that is a change of direction or simply the influence of the labels remains to be seen.

OCH - Whale Song

Recently repressed, this was one of the standout tracks for me when we had Eric Cloutier & John Osborn over last summer.  

Eat Like Hawks

A track that you will either love or hate, and you will probably know within the first 5 seconds of hearing it: grating, awkward but impossible to ignore - I'm still waiting for the right time to play this in a club [3 or so years after picking it up].

An Ancient Methods track is on the flip, but this is where it’s at.

Acronym

Acronym is a fairly new artist with only 3 releases to his name, however, I expect it’s someone that we will be a lot more familiar with in the next few years.  His tracks are deep and atmospheric, similar to Abdulla Rashim’s work, although, not quite as mental.

His latest EP is available now through the Northern Electronics Bandcamp page, although it costs slightly more with postage, the label will receive a lot more than if it is bought via a shop. 

The video above is for a track from his first EP on the label Dimensional Exploration, which I assume is his own label, so give it a listen and check out the samples for the new yin.

All 3 of his records come highly recommended.

Our Favourite Dettmann Records

With the announcement of Dettmann's new album, I asked the crew and Quail what their favourite Dettmann tune was and why.  There was no further discussion about it, but everyone picked a different yin.  It really highlights the quality of his output and I like the fact that you can get a feel for what all of us are about as DJs, just with picking 1 tune from 1 artist.  It's coool.

Let us know what your pick would be! 

Junior Boys – Work (Marcel Dettmann Remix)

“Hard man, but I think his remix of junior boys is maybe the only tune I can think of that whether u are into house or techno you won’t find one person that doesn’t think it’s the fuckin’ business”

Adam

Marcel Dettmann – Kernel

“Simple, yet pounding, right up my strase.  It sounds like what robots would listen to while going into battle.  The hypnotising bass and hat work makes my brain ejaculate all over the inside of my face”

Lovejoy

Gowentgone – M.A.M (Marcel Dettmann Remix)

Unfortunately this is the only video for this track on youtube, it mixes out of the 1st tune around 1.30is I think.

“One of the first records I owned, played countless times and it still sounds as fresh as ever”

Shaun

Commix – Satellite Type 2 (Marcel Dettmann Remix 2)

“I love the stripped back, warehouse vibe you get from this, it’s really hypnotic and just kinda locks you in to its groove.  It's gonna sound just as good in 10 or 15 years, which says it all for me.”

Iain

Marcel Dettmann - Let's Do It

"Probably my first introduction to Dettmann and still grabs me every time. Stripped back and tough, those breath-y synth stabs and jarred rhythm are quintessentially Dettmann."

Quail (Animal Farm)

Donato Dozzy - 200 EP

This yin is the latest EP from Donato Dozzy, who is pretty much The Man in my eyes.  The tracks have been constructed using various parts of other tracks by Roman producers and they were originally featured on Donato’s electronique.it podcast 200.  Which I highly recommend checking out.

The standout track and the one in the video is 200.3, it is an absolute belter and is essential for anyone who is enjoys their tunes with a lot of energy.  It reminds me of Phase – Binary Opposition and I think those tracks would work really well together in a mix.  I love how it feels like it is constantly building towards something that never actually comes, it is hypnotic techno at its finest.  Definitely going to be in my bag for a long time to come.

Top tip! Buy it now.  This will be going for £50+ in a couple of years, easy, so fuck paying that.

Alien Rain

Alien Rain III landed in the shops a couple of weeks ago and sold out pretty much instantly, but there’s been a repress, so you should be able to pick up a copy from a record shop and avoid Discogs prices.

For anyone that doesn't know, Alien Rain is a production alias for Milton Bradley, the guy responsible for the Do Not Resist The Beat record label and The End of All Existence project.  All of the Alien Rain tracks are among the best acid techno tracks around, in my opinion, so if it’s new to you, then get onto it.

The A side on the new record is my pick at the moment (which you should already be listening to), but the b side is definitely worth just as many plays and can also be found on youtube.  Perfect tracks for an after party, yet equally as ideal for use in the club.

It’s another killer EP added to Milton Bradley’s discography and should be in your record collection.

Some Records

Here's a couple of records, released in the last few months, that we recommend you check out. There's Regis' first techno EP in 10 years on the highly limited label 'Blackest Ever Black', An excellent double EP from Time To Express plus new music from Sheffield's finest 'The Black Dog' and Luke Slater [With ASC] ahead of their forthcoming albums.
On the house front - the Rawax EPs and Mark Ernests meets BBC on Honest Jons are both doing the business for us.

Check out some of our favourite tracks from the records below and as always - support the artists, buy the vinyl.


Regis - In a Syrian Tongue


The Black Dog - Liber Kult


ASC/LB Dub Corp - Parallel 1


Various - The Labyrinth


Various - Rawax part 3


Mark Ernestus meets BBC

May I recommend?

Okay, not posted up some records in a little while so here's a few that I have been playing recently, a couple that are just out and 2 that you may have to go to Discogs for.

Mike Parker: Geophone 16

Unique, warehouse techno - a new Mike Parker record means a new essential purchase, this time we're treated to 4 tracks which will seriously mess with people's heads in the club. My pick of the bunch is probably B2 , it's not for the faint hearted but it will sound unreal on a good system. This is going to be in the bag for a long, long time.

Also, I think it's worth mentioning Mike's amazing artwork which is all done by him. Talented guy.

Analogue Solutions: Analogue Solutions 1

Sample heavy house & techno that just rocks on a good system, there's something for every set in the Analogue Solutions series and if you can, I suggest getting all 6 of them - my choice has to be 001 from the records so far, 3 absolutely killer tracks that will go down well anywhere - one of the highlights of the Electric Frog was Ben Klock dropping this.

Donato Dozzy: Acid Test 03

This didn't get the thumbs up over at LWE, but I really can't see where Richard Brophy is coming from when it comes to Dozzy. His Album 'K' was one of the best records last year, and tracks like 'Your Eyes' & 'Menta' are absolutely essential. Granted these are collabs, but I think you can definitely hear the influence Dozzy has had on the them.

As for Acid Test 03 it's a warm, relaxed acidic number that was made especially for Dozzy's set at Labyrinth, and on remix duties is Tinman in a role reversale from Acid Test 01 - The remix is my favourite track out on the EP, dark, trippy techno with a haunting vocal, if you were a fan of Acid Test 01, this will be right up your street.

Atom TM & Pink Elln: Live Volume 12 - 15.11.2009 Berlin Berghain

This is one of the best records in 2011 for me, over 20 minutes of analogue, hypnotic, acid-techno. A & B are both of the highest quality, don't miss this.

Get the B Side FREE - here. Rubadub did have this in stock, but it's not on the site.

The Secret Initiative II

Another white label, another anonymous producer, another fantastic EP.

I missed out on the first Secret Initiative, but on the strength of this release I will be purchasing that when I can. Both of these tracks are ambient/droning/spacey techno with a bit of melody that adds just enough light to the tracks, pick this one up if you can.

Relative 003

This isn't the most recent release from Relative, 4 & 5 are both out and I think you can still get them in most good record shops, but it's my favourite from this label so far.

It comes with 3 raw, analogue house bangers with 'Play Records' being my pick, it just destroys, it's a massive, massive tune.
I think this is one of the only tracks that has been played twice at one of our gigs

For those who don't know, Relative, Appointment, Restoration & Live Jam are all the same crew - and they are making some of the best house music around right now.
If you like your house to be a bit rough around the edges, then this is for you - all of the tracks are recorded on analogue gear, probably in 1 take.
These records just have so much more feeling and warmth than the majority of what is being released today, absolutely essential in my eyes.

* Don't wait around on these records because they are limited, vinyl only pressings and when they're gone you're looking at about £20 + for these on discogs

Also - I highly recommend checking out this mix from ISM if you're new to these guys