Flip & Djuma Soundsystem-Atilla EP (Leaders Of The New School/Toolroom)(UK)
Djuma Soundsystem is best remembered for the smash hit “Les Djinns” from a couple of years ago. Here the team up with pal Flip for the tepid “Atilla” which is peak hour but very directionless.
“Jaded” is major chorded happy techno for a filled dancefloor. It does little but is a lot of fun for an active crowd to get down with.
A.D.N.Y.-Forms EP(Ransom Note)(US)
“Under My Skin” by Alexi Delano aka ADNY is everything that’s right about techno currently.Just a hint of minor chorded melody and some minimally invasive beats to move things along and set up an anthem to level the crowd.
Alone this track does nothing special as evidenced by the weak Camea remix and b-side fodder “Zero Too Deep” that back the original but in a well-programmed mix this one is essential.
Once again it’s nice to see a US producer putting out something so good.
Various-Bird Language EP (Supplemental Facts)(Israel)
It’s rare that I get a single where all three of the cuts are solid but this comp from Guy Gerber‘s Supplemental Facts imprint delivers the goods in ways only the Israelis have been able to currently.
Normally David K is much more relentless but here he provides something light and melodic for early in the evening, as do all of the artists.
Catwash drops a nice change of pace with “Brazil” a mix of samba and techno that is very breezy and yet drummy enough to capture an adventurous dancefloor.
Varoslav rounds things out with some latin tech reminiscent of Luciano making this one of those rare EPs worth every penny.
Gavin Hardkiss-The Knights Of The Hawke Fields EP(Eight Tracks)(US)
Nice to see the return of Gavin Hardkiss on this exceptional new three tracker.
All three are steeped in rich melodies with nice flourishes of house and progressive.
The problem is the tracks are all too somnambulistic for the dancefloor, more properly suited for the headphones or super late night slots.
The best of three is probably “Fields Of No Names” but all three are worth a listen on this comebacker from one of SF’s legends.
-Sean-Michael Yoder
Sean-Michael Yoder is a Chico, California-based music writer and tastemaker. Check out more at vinyljunkierecords.blogspot.com