Friday, February 5, 2010
Monday, February 1, 2010
REVIEW: F - Energy Distortion / Untold Remix [7EVEN]
And here is my review of F's "Energy Distortion" album sampler for Big Up Magazine, with an Untold remix on the flip, out on 7EVEN Recordings. I must say that since writing this review, I've grown to favor the Untold mix much more than before. But it's already been printed, so whatever.
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F / Untold - Energy Distortion (Album Sampler Part 1) [7EVEN Recordings] (12")
Another quality release from the 7EVEN camp out of France. This one is built by my favorite of the crew: the producer simply known as F, backed with a great remix by the man of 2009 – Untold. If you haven’t heard anything from this label yet, I highly recommend doing so NOW. 7EVEN has released some brilliant techno-dubstep crossover material by the likes of F and Helixir over the last year, for fans of Headhunter and 2562.
“Energy Distortion” may be the best one on the label yet – and I have to say, despite my expectations when receiving the promo, the original is the real killer. Relentlessly throwing shuffling, syncopated rhythms to your face while spraying you with beeps, bloops, and warm filter mods from the very start, once it fully drops in, it’s all over. Not literally… but if you don’t lose your s&!t at that point, maybe you’re not paying attention. I’m not kidding, you’ll want to check your pants. It’s a delight to the ear from start to finish, whether at home or on the dancefloor, but subwoofers are highly recommended for maximum effect.
On the flip, Untold takes the tempo down a bit, with a slightly more meditative version, which is a welcome surprise given the near-silliness of his recent releases. It’s still got his characteristic sound – fat, subby percussion underneath, complemented with imaginative re-workings of F’s musical textures. It’s not quite what you’d expect of an Untold remix, but it totally works in its own right.
- Alex Incyde
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Buy it HERE.
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F / Untold - Energy Distortion (Album Sampler Part 1) [7EVEN Recordings] (12")
Another quality release from the 7EVEN camp out of France. This one is built by my favorite of the crew: the producer simply known as F, backed with a great remix by the man of 2009 – Untold. If you haven’t heard anything from this label yet, I highly recommend doing so NOW. 7EVEN has released some brilliant techno-dubstep crossover material by the likes of F and Helixir over the last year, for fans of Headhunter and 2562.
“Energy Distortion” may be the best one on the label yet – and I have to say, despite my expectations when receiving the promo, the original is the real killer. Relentlessly throwing shuffling, syncopated rhythms to your face while spraying you with beeps, bloops, and warm filter mods from the very start, once it fully drops in, it’s all over. Not literally… but if you don’t lose your s&!t at that point, maybe you’re not paying attention. I’m not kidding, you’ll want to check your pants. It’s a delight to the ear from start to finish, whether at home or on the dancefloor, but subwoofers are highly recommended for maximum effect.
On the flip, Untold takes the tempo down a bit, with a slightly more meditative version, which is a welcome surprise given the near-silliness of his recent releases. It’s still got his characteristic sound – fat, subby percussion underneath, complemented with imaginative re-workings of F’s musical textures. It’s not quite what you’d expect of an Untold remix, but it totally works in its own right.
- Alex Incyde
==
Buy it HERE.
REVIEW: Asusu - Small Hours / Taurean [PSQ001]
Below is my review of the new single from Asusu on Project Squared, taken from the new issue of Big Up Magazine.
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Buy it HERE.
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Asusu - Small Hours / Taurean [Project Squared] (12")
Here’s a brand new label focusing on dubstep’s mutated evolutions. Kicking it off on the first release is Asusu, bringing some quality production to the fore, taking bits and pieces from techno, breakbeat, and garage, then reformulating it into a wonderfully deep, yet upbeat and tasty pair of tracks, for fans of Scuba, Jus Wan, and Spatial.
“Small Hours” is a warm roller, utilizing skipping hi hats, a subalicious kick and punchy snare to deliver the goods in full force, served over a bed of sub-bass, laying the foundation for its dubbed-out synth lines dancing about over the top. The melodies are pleasing to the ear and complement each other perfectly, enticing you to just close your eyes and bob your head. It stays interesting throughout, not falling victim to the standard “copy and paste” technique after the breakdown, instead making subtle changes and shifts between the sonic layers.
On the flipside, “Taurean” is on a similar tip but errs more toward the UK garage side of things, especially in the drums. The synth lines are delicious, and carry the flow throughout with just enough variation, a bit reminiscent of Untold’s “I Can’t Stop This Feeling” and “Sweat”. Don’t get me wrong – it’s not a rip-off, but you can hear the influences clearly.
Overall a very strong release, with two carefully crafted tracks that are well paired, like two leaves coming from the same branch of the tree. Out in December on Project Squared, this is definitely a label to watch out for in 2010.
- Alex Incyde
Buy it HERE.
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