May 23, 2010

Jodey Kendrick - Indus Silver Club (2009)

Rephlex delivers a tantalizingly anonymous and unadorned 12" of machine funk specials from new signing Jodey Kendrick. He's quite obviously heavily inspired by label head Mr. Richard James but Jodey has considerable skill and small twists of his own in the hyper-kinetic patterns, melodic motifs and keen rhythmic force that earns him much respect in his own right. 7 tracks of Analordin' acid, techno and human/machine rhythm conversations with a seal of approval from the big ginger one upstairs.

Aleksi Perala - Boom Blaster (2009)

Longtime Rephlex fixture Aleksi Perala provides Catalogue number 205 for the label with widely ranging and often surprising cuts of electronica and minimised techno. It ranges from breakbeating grimy flavours to rude acid house (Rephlex style) and lush electronic harmonics taken from the top drawer of his hard drive. It's a highly disciplined excersize in crystallized techno rhythms, paying lots of attention to the stunning subbass while pristine hi-end patterns reminiscent of Mika Vainio or Radboud Mens keep time with atmosphere puncturing clarity. Ace.

May 6, 2010

Take - Only Mountain (2010)

A dense and groundbreaking work, Take's Only Mountain stands as a staggering collection of gorgeously brilliant melodies and deep subharmonic bass. Truly future music towards a brighter end.

Enduser - 1/3 (2010)

After almost 2 years here's the new proof why Enduser is one of the biggest names in breakcore. If you're familiar with Lynn Standafer's musical output or ever had the chance to witness one of his electrifying livesets you know that there's not one logical argument NOT to get this record. For everyone else here's the ultimate pick to experience what makes this artist so special. 1/3 (that comes with a beautiful artwork, that has to be mentioned at this point) is the distilled energy of punding drums, catching melodies and basslines that wait for just the right moment to kick in and rage deep in your guts. Many have tried to play king but the ace is back.

May 4, 2010

SebastiAn - Ross Ross Ross (2006)

Ross Ross Ross is the title of the French artist's 2006 EP, following on from 2005's Smoking Kills which upon listening to cuts from it, it just might be one of the best releases of the year. These tracks "Ross Ross Ross" and "Walkman" are glitchy, edgy and slightly dirty which cut and diverge spilling blood and sweat over everything they touch. Plus they possess an impossible to deny invocation to rise from your chair and dance stiff-legged across the floor.

Hautlle - Broken Past (2010)

The prefixes "emotional electronica" and "organic electronica" worry me quite a lot. What is meant by them exactly? If one means electronica that is emotive and sounds organic (whether or not this is the process by which it has been made or not) then Hautle would, for me, be an excellent example of both of these things. The track in question, "If You Were Me (And I Was Someone Else)," clunks along like a rusty oil can full of car parts and broken glass rolling across an open landscape - both rhythmic and naturalistic - accompanied by the low howl of airy synths blowing like the wind through overhead telegraph wires. Then the melody cuts in – a desperately lonely staccato joined only by an organ’s mournful wail, the whole thing gradually building into a scratch-chorus of desolation…I felt extremely moved by the whole thing.

May 2, 2010

Ras G - El-Aylien Pt. 1 (2010)

Introducing part one in a two-part 2010 Leaving Records dombination from Los Angeles-based producer Ras G. Undoubtedly focused and expansive, El-Aylien Part 1 is a cosmic exhibit in sonic explorations of collage and rhythm. The EP, to be released on both cassette and digital-format, features remix contributions from Los Angeles' dak, and GB.

May 1, 2010

H.P. Sneakstep - The Swarm (2010)

New craziness from Dr. Sneakstep, this time covering the theme of insects and bugs. Very entertaining album with high re-playability. My current favorite is "Woody"; the sounds make me feel like I am trapped in a beehive with millions of bees flying around me, all to the soundtrack of unsettling melodies shooting back and forth through the channels. Do not sleep on this one, this is the future of electronic music (or where it should be going!).

April 29, 2010

Starkey - Ephemeral Exhibits (2008)

Okay, you want dubstep? You need those nasty, wobbly beats and massively skewed melodies? You have arrived. Starkey pushes distorted, subsonic bass-driven menace to a level previously unrealized. Your eyes will be peeled open and your ears will bleed, and you will thank Planet Mu for unleashing this upon the Earth. Starkey is dubstep/grime's nastiest messiah. Just try it. You will wonder what you ever did without music this wild.

Brainfeeder 4/20 Cosmogramma Set

Recorded live from Dublab Studios in Los Angeles, sets from Flying Lotus, TokiMonsta, Ras G, Teebs, Samiyam, Kode9, and more!