March 2010 Record Review | D.I.E. - Detroit Party Train:

The party train has arrived, and its here with 4 choice cuts of
pure Detroit Techno Bass. After great success with the "FM Sucks"
E.P., D.I.E. is back on M.A.P. Records with a funky and very old
school influenced release that is sure to please. The First track
is none other than "Detroit Party Train", a soulful jam based on
early Techno influences, with a bassline that grabs you from the
very beginning. Gleaming arpeggios and pounding beats create the
groove here as vocoders and samples work their magic. Side A also
features an alternate version of the track, giving it a slightly
different feel but not much from the original.
On the B side we have a true beauty, "Detroit Technobass" is a
dancefloor bomb packed with raw beats, elegant pads, and
unforgiving basslines that are sure to deliver the effect you are
looking for from Detroit. Side B also has a dub of the original,
offering a simpler version that makes for a great battle tool.
Over all this record is an absolute must have from a label that is
consistently putting out material that is keeping up the pressure
in clubs around the world. Its really great to see M.A.P. Records
back on the Electro/Techno map, bringing us timeless Technobass
classics that set the standard for today's hottest sound.
Written by: Santino Fernandez - technoBass.net
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February 2010 Record Review | Direct Beat - Archive Series
01:

Just when you were depressed, angry, and melancholic about the
disappearance of Direct Beat Records, they return. Yes, that's
right! Your old school favorite Techno Bass label is back with
represses of the original material released over the course of the
'90s and early '00s. Although no new material is expected anytime
soon, perhaps never, they are giving anyone that missed out the
opportunity to grab one of these classics in a compilation series
that is bundling together some of the hottest Techno Bass hits from
Detroit artists like X-ile, AUX 88, Microknox, and the infamous
Will Web.
Side A opens up with one of AUX 88's most classic hits. Whether it
is Electro or Techno to you, "ElectroTechno" is sure to deliver the
funk you want with those intriguing and mysterious melodies that
AUX is known for. Following up is the original 1996 debut of
Posatronix's pure Detroit delight "Shake it", which is a timeless
Techno Bass smasher from one of the originators of the scene. After
having blown away crowds with his witty "From The Mind Of The
Master", DJ Di'jital's 1999 release "360 Degrees" comes up heavy
with acid basslines and tough beats, never leaving out those funky
pads.
Next up is one of Detroit's gems, Will Web, with the track
"Mirrorshades", released in 1995 on the "Cosmic Driveby" E.P. ( DB
011 ), along with the track "Spacewalk". Side A closes up with one
of the more obscure, yet funkiest of the crew...X-ile! a duo
between Marnita Harris and LaToya Vaughn. Having been produced in
part by AUX 88, these tracks were relentless and put you right on
the floor. "I wanna" is probably one of the duo's most notable
releases. A seductive, fast paced bombshell with a gritty bassline
that sends chills up and down your spine.
Side B starts off with another one of AUX's iconic anthems, "My AUX
Mind". A dark, deep track with a powerful, yet gloomy bassline that
grabs you from within. Microknox's upbeat "Transmission", is a
finely tuned jam, specially designed for the dancefloor. Intricate
arpeggios and Motown inspired pads, kick up the energy while the
bumpin' beats take you on a ride through the "D". Closing things up
is another beauty by AUX 88 called "Break It Down". Originally
released in 1996 on DB 019, this is the way Detroit gets
down...raw! unforgiving basslines, powerful kicks and snares, make
way for elegant strings and distorted vocals that bring you back to
the old days. Last on the 12" is Drebrown's "Killing Quazar", off
of the "Seductive Technology" E.P. ( DB 043 ), which also featured
2 mixes of the song "Rejuvenated Rhythm".
In a time where many of the old school pioneers and great artists
that gave birth to Electro Funk and Techno Bass are making their
way back into the scene, it truly brings it back full circle having
Direct Beat's material re-released. For many of the younger
generations that perhaps were not very aware of their influence or
the part they played in carrying forward the Electro/Techno sound,
the resurgence of this label and its iconic releases is like the
opening of a time capsule, where many secrets lie, and unexpected
things await. So next time you are on the street or a forum and
someone tells you that the new Electro sounds are too much like
Techno, you tell them: hell yeah! because Detroit is where most of
what we love about Electronic Music came from, not just in terms of
Techno, but also Electro...to them we say: Electro-Techno
forever!
Written by: Santino Fernandez - technoBass.net
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January 2010 Record Review | Global Surveyor Phase 3:

The long awaited Global Surveyor Phase 3 is finally here! and yes,
it offers not just the usual quality that you've come to expect
from Dominance Electricity, but more...way more! As if the cover
art wasn't enough, depicting a biblical figure being visited by
what has come to be termed in historical circles as: the "Ancient
Astronaut" theory, the music takes us back out to galaxies far away
where the only thing familiar is the music of the spheres...and
what a sweet sound it is!
This new album features not just a wide array of Electro Funk and
Electro/Techno Bass hits, but also delves into the Electronica
world, where slower and more atmospheric masterpieces by artists
like Weltwirstchaft, Geoglyph, and Varia, create beautiful
synthetic melodies and cosmic effects that balance out this record,
making it as much of a dancefloor tool, as it is a listening
pleasure.
The first track we ought to mention is the DBS remix of the
incredible collaboration between K-1 of AUX 88, and Gab.Gato of The
Villains Inc. Effected voices and vocoders guide you through
twisted sequences as they weave their way around dark and sci-fi
strings, while old school beats begin to drop some sbass down and
into your speakers...a must have, and another incredible remix by
Dynamik Bass System!
Middle Men's "Space Quest", does not let off the thrust as you are
taken into a strange world where the question of whether
extraterrestrial life exists is no longer a possibility but a
reality. At first, this track seems like an incredibly dark and
mysterious one, but it has some surprising changes to it that take
it from its obscure core, to a mellower bridge featuring classic
303s and enlightening strings, only to abduct you back to that
foreign place you thought you were safe from. A genius track from
the Middle Men, who time and time again prove that they can do
almost anything when it comes to Electro.
After rewiring your brain with his exquisite "Solar Storm" on
Streetsounds Vol. 2, Lektroid brings us here a truly fascinating
joy ride full of intricate vocoder action, captivating arpeggios
and uplifting strings that make this one of the best tracks on this
album...an exciting artist to watch these days! Keeping up the
momentum is Kalson's "Waiting In The Valley", another magnificient
power house where melancholic visions are expressed through
beautifully crafted pads and luminous syncopations, while a
crushing bassline takes the lead along with hard hitting 808 beats,
scoring yet another point for Kalson's young, but ambitious music
career that has him destined to be a force to be reckoned with.
Brightening things up a bit is Sol Dat's remix of Paul Blackford's
"Quasar". Keeping up with Blackford's typical sped up tempos,
carefully composed pads take charge in this song making it a
melodic dreamworld...but dont be caught sleeping, because the
breakdowns in this track, although not as heavy as some of the
others, still require you to move your body to the beat as vocoders
and animated sounds give this track a darker feel.
Featuring many other great songs by Direct Control, Dagobert, The
Exaltics, Mesak, CPU, and even the return of Keen K of Over X
Posure Records, this compilation once again sets the standard for
today's Electro/Techno sound. Dominance Electricity has a careful
way of choosing its artists and putting together its releases,
making the label a very influential force that never looses its
integrity. Their strong emphasis on melodic structure, while not
gravitating away from the feel that we all look for in Electro
Funk, Techno Bass, and even Electronica, is something to be
respected and acknowledged as a key reason why there is a strong
resurgence in well composed music that goes beyond making tracks or
even fully arranged songs...we are talking masterpieces here!
Written by: Santino Fernandez - technoBass.net
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December 2009 Record Review | Scape One - Diffusion Of
Innovations:

Bass4Bots is back with their 3rd installment, this time with none
other than the legendary Scape One. That's right, the man who
brought you such hit releases like the Planet Funk Express series
on Elektrix, Galaxy Of Funk ( Drivecom ), and Neural Grafting (
Templedog ), has returned to earth once again to invade your
speakers with more of his Sci Fi Electro/Techno Funk from light
years away.
"Diffusion Of Innovations", the title track, is a fast paced and
rhythmic dance floor mover, with an array of percussive elements
that gives this track almost a tribal feel...its what a Rain Dance
in 3065 A.D. would sound like! On the other hand, "Elements of
Diffusion" starts to generate some mystery with dark, melodic, but
abstract pads that combine with some mind altering sounds, while a
solid 808 beat leads you further into Scape One's galaxy of
funk.
Things slow down a bit tempowise, but "Variations Of The Form"
doesn't seize to mesmerize you with enigmatic effects and carefully
programmed sequences, taking you somewhere between the 80s, the
future, and some other place where you are showered by electronic
particles of cosmic synthesis. "Adaptive Adoption" kicks the tempo
back up, but not too much. Here we are led through a wormhole,
where a syncopated melody, carried by what almost seems like a 4x4
beat is met by an array of twisted sounds, ranging from lower
frequencies to dimensional tearing oscillations from deep within
the machines.
"Source Of Innovation" starts to bring us back to speed but shows
no mercy, a dark and profound track here! A classic string lays the
way as a sequenced melody takes charge "a la Rother". A vocoder
makes its way in reminding you what this is: Electro! Great song,
lots of feeling and mystery...A different sound altogether for
Scape One.
Last but not least is "Disruptive Adaptation". As a song that lives
up to its name, it begins to disrupt your nervous system with mind
bending sounds and a wicked, twisted bassline. A nice steady beat
takes you on a ride through an abstract world in a galaxy far, far
away! but don't worry, as long as Scape One is navigating, you'll
never find your way again, space is the place and it is his
domain...hold on tight!
The great thing about Bass4Bots is their conceptual approach to
their releases, something that is unfortunately not very common
this day in age in music, or many of the arts in general. This new
release touches on the subject of Technological Innovation, and how
through the spread of knowledge, it has affected our lives and
cultures as we move into the future. A great idea to bring forth in
an age of Large Hadron Colliders and Nano Computing Systems that
can process a trillion processes per second.
Likewise, the great thing about Scape One is his relentless
inspiration for all things Technological and Scientific. A true
purveyor of Sci Fi Electro/Techno, he never seizes to amaze with so
many different styles, ranging from moody and profound, to abstract
and simply awe inspiring...a great musician and a visionary in a
time where the future has met its present day and the possibilies
are infinite and without barriers.
Diffusion of Innovations
"The diffusion process can be used to describe the effect that
the source of innovation has had on the musical social network for
over four decades (archetype: electro music).
Partially lying dormant while effecting only specialised
communities who have within themselves the knowledge of the
source's truest form. Eventually these elements have adapted to
further social networks until there are many forms, although in a
disrupted and adapted version of the original source of
innovation.
With every new generation a different aspect of influence can be
effected due to social changes, influences from other sources and
diffused descendants of the original source. The effect can also
react to geographic adaptations that can lead to variants of the
form. This may be due to various implications that can vary from
different cities and countries." - Scape One
Written by: Santino Fernandez - technoBass.net
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November 2009 Record Review | Robodrum - Message:

The Eastern European label Elektropunkz is back with their 23rd
installment called "Message", by Poland's Robodrum. 8 killer tracks
released on digital format full of hard boomin' beats, deep warm
pads and strings, and mind bending sounds that will tantalize your
every neuron.
Robodrum got inspired to get into this music by early '80s songs
like Michael Jackson's "Bad", as well as early Hip Hop pioneers
like Afrika Bambataa ( whom the artist had the pleasure to meet and
get a blessing from ). In the '90s, it was Technotronic, C+C Music
Factory, and Kriss kross. Today, he brings us probably some of the
most futuristic Techno Bass we've experienced in quite some
time.
Robodrum's debut album takes a look at life in the future, where
machines control life and androids are the only thing left
reminiscent of humans. Might sound like the typical doom and gloom
scenario brought forth by artists like Bass Junkie or Boris
Divider, but although there are some elements of this found here,
this version is a bit more upbeat and doesnt forget that even
machines need some funk.
From the title track "Message", which delivers a heavy industrial
grinder, full of syncopated computer glitches and melancholic pads,
to the Cybernetic "Create Me", Robodrum fuses his old school
influences with cutting edge sounds and effects, creating a release
that is sure to inspire the masses while it obliterates sound
systems.
This release is available now from
djshop.de and
skylark-digital.pl, and can also be downloaded for
free as 128kbps MP3s through
Fairtilizer and
Last.FM. This release is a must have for anyone
looking for deep, thoughtful, and forward thinking Techno Bass that
creates cinematic soundscapes and otherworldly rhythms. A great
first release for Robodrum, while it is yet another hit for the
Elektropunkz label, which has been devastating dancefloors with
their unique and complex releases.
Written by: Santino Fernandez - technoBass.net
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October 2009 Record Review | Koova - The Fermi Paradox:

Based in London, Koova brings us a brand new E.P. on the Croatian
label Crobot Musik called, "The Fermi Paradox". Full of Detroit
influences, this album takes you back to the roots for some proper
Techno Bass action that is sure to leave dancefloors burning.
Releases like this one are rare this day in age, and it doesnt
dissapoint with 3 great tracks full of hypnotic melodies and
intricate patterns.
The first track, 'Unrealised", is a 4x4 treat with lush and
mysterious pads, followed by a gripping bassline that reminds me of
artists like AUX 88 or Drexciya. We need more Techno like this!
Full of soul and not lacking that funky abstract side that gets you
on the floor.
The next track is called "Click Track", just recently making the
Streetsounds Electro charts, this track is ready for deployment to
annihilate speakers all around the world. A 303 bassline takes hold
as the track progresses. I really like the sound here, seems to
carry the tradition of gritty Detroit style basslines while
retaining that acidy sound that we all love more and more from the
TB-303. Lots of clap action here while a sweeping pad tears the
dimensional veil behind the song, allowing a beautiful string to
convey the emotional side of the track.
Last but not least of course, we have "Smell Of Mammal". This sped
up funky track is very futuristic and melodic, hovering somewhere
in between Electro Funk and Techno Bass with lots of Cowbells,
rimshots, and 808s. A stab and bassline are the first sign of
melodies that we hear, before switching up into what almost sounds
like another track commencing. As a second bassline joins the
fight, an intricate array of sounds wrap this track into a
uplifting and soulful song that could only leave you wanting
more.
Koova is warmly welcomed to the roster of brilliant artists that
the Electro/Techno scene has to offer. Unfortunately not much is
known about them yet, but expect much more to come from these guys
as they continue to unleash their energy unto the masses. I also
think its important to note that the return of Crobot Musik is
something to be very happy about, these guys that compile the
label, from N-Ter and Xed, to Paul Blackford and Kalson are some of
the most talented and original producers of our current times.
Written by: Santino Fernandez - technoBass.net
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September 2009 Record Review | One Nation Under Bass:

Devine Disorder Records is truly a fresh face in the Florida
Electro and Breaks scene. Composed of artists like DJR21, Dark
Vektor, Dwellz Rawks, etc, this label is aiming at taking the sound
of the region to the next level, embracing a global perspective
which is what makes Electro/Techno so versatile.
This new release is called "One Nation Under Bass", and features
label head Dwellz Rawkz, the Catalonian mastermind Dark Vektor, and
Germany's Magnetic Bass Force ( also on Subsonic Device ).
The first track, Devine By Dezine, is by none other than Dwellz
Rawkz himself. This track at first glance might make you think that
this is another remix of Kraftwerk's Numbers, but as you work your
way in to the track you realize this is far from true.
A metallic, almost Trance-like Bassline drops with the beat as
voice samples echo back and forth with the groove. A glittering
melody adds the mood here as Kraftwerk samples keep sneaking their
way in reminding you of who probably helped inspire this
track...this one is hot to the touch! the way tracks with song
samples should be: full of personal ingenuity, moving things
forward instead of simply replicating.
Next we have the incredible "Mind Abduction" by Dark Vektor. This
is more of an Electro Funk gem here, slowing the tempo down a bit.
An old school sounding bassline takes the lead as intricate
patterns weave their way into the track. Lush and enigmatic pads
begin to unravel the true melodic nature of this song as a vocoded
voice suggests the solution to the world's problems: Mind
Abduction! this track is a must have, a true classic.
Last but certainly not least, is the track by Magnetic Bass Force.
You may remember him from the hit E.P. on Subsonic Device called
"European Electro Bass Development". This track is a bass heavy
dancefloor bomb that starts you off with a syncopated wave of bass
that almost sounds like a rubber band of low frequency
oscillations. The pads in this track are very lush and have a nice
warm but dark melody, while an arpeggio sneaks in from behind to
carry things forward. A minimal track in some ways but with a very
catchy groove...play this and play it hard!
This release is out now and available through all your favorite
digital download shops as well as the Direct Download Devine
Disorder Records store.
Written by: Santino Fernandez - technoBass.net
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August 2009 Record Review | Dark Vektor - Wires E.P.:

Dark Vektor is truly an inspiring musician, never
replicating, just moving forward. If you followed his releases on
Djax Up Beats,
FBI Recordings, and
Votox
Records under his other moniker "Sbles3plex", then you know his
productions are unmatched. Powerful dancefloor beats, thought
provoking strings, soul grabbing loops and vocoders that are very
unique and profound. Always putting a message in his music, Dark
Vektor speaks to all of us through this universal language we call
music, whether its in English, Spanish, or Catalonian ( his native
language ).
Also a Techno producer, Ivan Arnau is very influenced by
AUX 88 and the
Detroit Techno Bass Sound. Evident in all of his productions, Ivan
has helped evolve the sound of Techno Bass by continuing to fuse
Electro Funk, Techno, and Miami Bass into a sound that is becoming
more and more prevalent in the Electro scene.
His latest release comes out under a brand new Spanish imprint
called "
Titan's Halo Records". With only one release, we can
already begin to see exactly where this label is headed. Top
quality mastering and packaging, incredible illustrations and an
ear for which artists are on top of the Electro/Techno music
scene.
The first song on the 12" is the already infamous theme track,
"Wires". This track has been making its rounds on all of the top
radio shows like
The
Future Shock,
Jam
On The Groove, and
Global Funk Radio's "The Project", leaving fans
speechless and speakers smoking. Also featured on the new
Streetsounds Nu Electro compilation, Dark Vektor is
climbing quickly to the top, even reaching the #1 spot of the
Electro chart and keeping it for a few weeks.
This track kicks off with a funky beat, bringing in the voices ( by
Downrocks ), while zapping, glitchy sounds begin to
work their way into the track. The track quickly gains momentum as
the melodic groove takes over, taking this track to heights seldom
seen in this type of music...absolute Electric mayhem.
The next track on the E.P. is a dark Electro Funk gem called
Extrany. This track has a slower tempo than Wires, but features a
similar style of production by way of the loops used. The voices
are not easy to understand, but add a very nice, dark and robotic
atmosphere to the track, while a pad that almost seems to
disintegrate on release blends in behind the beats and other
melodies...this is Sci Fi Electro Funk at its best!
Last but certainly not least is the remix of Wires by
Hydraulix,
the duo from Miami that run Kuad Recordings. This is a great twist
on the original, simplifying the voices, yet amplifying the overall
composition of the song. Bass heavy beats and a new loop begin to
fuse with some of the elements of the original, as mysterious pads
begin to take control and add a deep and dark feel to the song.
Look for much more to come from Dark Vektor in the future,
including a remix of
Morphogenetic's track "
Techno Bass Is Back!" which will be released on
technoBass.net's new upcoming imprint "Techno Bass Music",
featuring AUX 88, as well as a collaboration between two of
Detroit's finest up and coming artists,
Geoff Johnson and
Wavefirm.
Other artists to be announced.
The future looks very bright for Titan's halo Records, making their
mark with a fantastic release by a fantastic artist...space is the
frontier, and Titan's Halo Records knows no boundaries. Stay
tuned!
Written by: Santino Fernandez - technoBass.net
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July 2009 Record Review | Cultivated Electronics EP 004:

Cultivated Electronics is a label headed by Sync 24. You may have
heard his releases on Andrea Parker's Touchin' Bass label, as well
as his collaborations under the aliases Cultek and Signal Type.
With 4 releases under it's sleeve, the label has been gaining very
steady momentum over the past couple of years releasing artists
like Gods Of Technology ( also released on the new Streetsounds
compilation ), ADJ, Point 7, and Abstrakt Knights.
The first track is led by none other than Silicon Scally. It's
great to see the legendary Carl Finlow back in action and on this
fantastic label. This track is very reminiscent of the previous
works released by the artist, but its got a bit more of an upbeat,
Technoey feel not always associated with the Silicon Scally
project. As the beat takes you through the doorway, you are met by
what almost sounds like a battle scene from a Star Wars movie, with
sounds coming from every direction as catchy grooves begin to wrap
this track up into a tightly produced piece of work by one of
Electro's most innovative and influential musicians.
Next we have a new one by Sync 24, a track called "Soft Slip". This
track is very abstract, with voice samples being effected in the
background, stuttering back and forth as the other sounds begin to
surface. One of the things i like about this track, although a
simple thing to note, is the way in which the cowbells are
effected, not just giving the track the usual old school feel, but
rather taking it to the next level. This is as great a track for
clubs as it is for listening, with futuristic melodies and a very
dark and spacey atmosphere altogether.
14-B, the track by Signal Type, is probably my favorite on the EP.
This track is very melodic, with light, yet beautiful pads that
dance behind an incredible array of some of the most detailed and
well crafted sounds i have ever heard. In many ways, this track is
like a fusion of old school Electro with the newer styles of Techno
Bass. Listening to this song is like traveling through some sort of
wormhole, where the most unexpected things happen, yet you are left
feeling a sense of familiarity as the melodies begin to take
control...a fascinating ride!
Last but not least, we have another jam by Matt Whitehead. You may
remember him from the Streetsounds chart entry track called "Beat
The Heat". This track has got a little less of the old school feel
that Beat The Heat had, gravitating more towards a Techno
influenced style of production with a bassline that morphs into
many versions of itself, while some funky pads and spaced out loops
race back and forth as you try and catch up with what is
happening...a great track!
This release is due to be published on the 6th of July on 12"
vinyl, adding yet another jewel to the catalog of a label that is
destined to be a force to be reckoned with. The wonderful thing
about Cultivated Electronics is not just the innovation and
incredible talent in the production of the music, but the fact that
it has an obvious awareness of the roots of the Electro/Techno
sound, keeping true to the vibes of the culture while pushing
forward, way forward, quickly becoming a truly influential icon
that will help re-draw the blueprints of this music affecting
generations to come.
Written by: Santino Fernandez - technoBass.net
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June 2009 Record Review | Various - Street Sounds Nu Electro
Volume 1 ( 2x CD ):

Streetsounds Records, the most legendary Electro label is back!
Just in time for the 25th anniversary of the birth of the label,
Morgan khan re-launches this truly influential icon in the history
of the sound.
The new series of Electro
volumes will be called “Nu Electro”, and will be showcasing the
rebirth of old school-influenced Electro as well as the new school
sound often referred to as Techno Bass.
Volume 1 is out now and features tracks by legendary Detroit Techno
Bass pioneers A.U.X. 88, as well as Dark Vektor ( Dona-li Records,
Fundamental Bass Intelligence ) and Blastromen from XOX
Records.
While beginning to focus more on the evolution of the Electro sound
since its decline in the late ‘80s, Streetsounds is keeping true to
its roots with the original Electro-Funk sound and brings back
legendary pioneers such as Egyptian Lover, and Newcleus with a
couple of new hits that are bound to become as much classics as
their original material.
Already receiving a great deal of attention from press sources such
as DJ Magazine, B & S, and iDJ Magazine, the “Nu Electro Vol.
1” compilation will begin to pave the way to a new era in Electro
compilations that will help the sound continue to evolve not only
from the rebirth of the original old school Electro Funk sound, but
also the Detroit influenced style of Techno Bass that influenced
the world so much with its fusion of other genres such as Miami
Bass, Techno, and Classical Music.
Let the games begin! May this new and exciting period in the sound
of Electro finally set the record straight on the original roots of
the sound and where its evolution eventually led it to.
Streetsounds once again proves that the only way forward with music
is through true innovation and desire to craft this art with the
proper dedication that only few men like Morgan can give.
Written By: Santino Fernandez - technoBass.net
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May 2009 Record Review | Bass Junkie - Comply ( 2x CD ):

Bass Junkie is obviously no amateur in the Electro/Techno scene.
With releases dating back to the late 90's on famous labels like
Breakin' Records, Touchin' Bass, and lately, Streetsounds, he has
been enough of a purveyor of the Nu Electro and Techno Bass scenes
that he has earned his keep. One of his most successful endeavors
aside from being an incredibly talented musician, has been his
infamous Battle Trax label. His new double CD album "Comply", is an
adrenaline rush of Electrobotic Bass that will take your mind and
ears on a journey through an apocalyptic world where the machines
rule and humans are an "Obsolete Design".
Comply, the main song off the album is a bass heavy dancefloor bomb
with deep and lush pads, accompanied by a spine chilling pitched
down voice delivering a final message to humankind: Game Over!
Submission ( Control The Bass ), is an old school-oriented blaster
with some deep pounding bass and a really funky loop that take you
back to the days where it all started. A sampled voice from the old
school classic "Security", brings the vocal element to the track in
spoken word, adding a more suddle and dark atmosphere to the
song.
Dance, the hit from the infamous Egyptian Lover, is brought back
here remixed in a typical Bass Junkie fashion, adding some of his
amazing basslines, speaker-shattering bass kicks, and funky
vocoders, while retaining the melodic element of the original
track. Finally, to close on the highlights for CD #1, Out Of The
Unknown is a funky spaced out mind bender full of over-compressed
bass kicks, echoing voice samples that dance back and forth behind
the beat along with some of his signature basslines and loops.
On the second CD, the first track that comes to mind is none other
than the first track on the disc. Infiltrator is probably one my
favorite tracks on this whole album, in some ways it is a very
soothing track that increases the pressure bit by bit, on the other
hand, its got a very funky groove to it that makes this track as
great a club hit as it does a cruisin' banger.
Another mind blowing resurrection by Bass Junkie on this new
release is The Unknown DJ's "Beatronic". The track is almost an
exact replica, maintaining all of the original melodies and loops,
but it has been completely re-written to create a 21st century
version that is likely to become as much a classic as the
original.
Jammin' The Box, one of the funkier tracks on the album, is a
delightful journey from the past to the present with a really
gritty bassline that seems to bend to the beat, while some dark and
moody breakdowns take the track into some unexpected places.
Finally, Electrafluid, is a glitchy computer bass phenomenon with
broken up snares that border almost more on Breaks than Electro,
yet the rimshots and steady tempo keep the track within boundaries,
not letting it stray too far from Bass Junkie's amazing and
captivating Electro/Techno sound that people have come to love him
for.
Many of the other tracks on the album have been released on various
labels and are very familiar record bin classics, while this is his
last release as Bass Junkie, Phil Klein will continue to do work
with legendary Pseudonyms like Kronos Device and I.B.M., as well as
new collaborations under names like The Middle Men, Gods Of
Technology, and The Bassing Guild.
If this is to be the closing chapter in the history of Bass
Junkie's discography, then let this be one of the best musical
stories ever told in the history of Electro Funk and Techno Bass.
Phil Klein is a producer that not only has proven to be cutting
edge and full of innovation, but also someone that shows that
longevity is the key to becoming a truly influencing force in
music. Don't miss out on this CD, it'll never leave your player!
and, if i haven't mentioned that this release has Bass, well...get
it! you may just become as much a bass junkie as the Junkie
himself.
Written By: Santino Fernandez - technoBass.net
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April 2009 Record Review | AUX 88 - Mad Scientist:

The simbiant beings Tucker and Hamilton, known as AUX 88, have been
re-assimilated into a dark simbiant species of technological voice
and mind...this is their return as Mad Scientist! This new CD is
jam packed with 18 tracks full of the usual flavor you've come to
expect and love from the Detroit duo, yet, it has evolved into
something almost completely different.
Voice Modulation, a slowed down Electro/Techno-Hop track displays a
glitchier side of AUX 88 that i had never heard before. A nice
bassline takes us into the abyss as various elements begin to
ricochet off each other. The voices are barely effected, giving us
that pure, dark and funky energy that they are known for, letting
us know that the boys are back from the future to bring us "beats
hardcore" to synthesize the dancefloor.
Space Satellites, however, is a full-on synthesis utopia that takes
us to the greater depths of space and back into orbit with Mother
Earth as we are led to contemplate the wonderful technology we have
come to use to communicate with one another. This track is a
beautiful expression of classical music theory manifested through
synthesizers and shows that AUX 88 has really progressed heavily in
their ability to layer string upon string which deeply expresses
their emotion for their music.
Another one of these is E-Theory, a short downtempo atmospheric
that again showcases the wonderful direction they have taken with
creating incredibly deep and harmonius music that relaxes the
senses and awakens the soul, taking you on cosmic journeys of
subsonic sound and space.
The main track, Mad Scientist, is in some ways reminiscent of their
old stuff, but fresh and more matured. The voices have a very
melodic thing to them that really gets you into the groove of the
track, while rich and wholesome strings along with a very liquidy
bassline lift you up off your seat and to the floor to make you jam
to their absolute madness...great theme track!
Annihilating The Rhythm is another abstract, glitchy track that is
quite unusual for AUX 88. This one really begins to push the sound
barriers as it hits you left and right with some very dark tones
that are bound to send chills down your spine. Finally, for my
highlights on the CD, Electronic Robots is a delightful dancefloor
bomb with some really cool Speak n Spell samples intertwined with
their own voices, accompanied by some really nice pads that add a
great sci fi sort of feel to the song, making it one of my
favorites on the album.
The CD also offers some really amazing 4x4 Techno tracks that show
that these two have not forgotten their roots, one that comes to
mind specifically is Time Portal. This track has a really cool
bassline that reminds me of some good old Electro/Techno Bass,
driven by this loop that simply grabs you from the inside to make
you wanna get on down to the awesome and legendary AUX sound.
To those avid fans of the Electro/Techno Bass sound, this newbie
from AUX 88 will nurture your every need, while refreshing your
perception of the sound altogether. To those that dont know
Electro/Techno, these are now your 18 Commandments, obey them
well!
Written By: Santino Fernandez - technoBass.net