Track Of The day: Gigi Galaxy - Interview with an Alien (Teknotica)

Gigi Galaxy, aka Gary Martin is a one off. Releasing almost exclusively on his own Teknotika Records which is, according to the Discogs blurb; “Where most Techno artists are out to create a new and futuristic sound, the state of mind of Teknotika is what occurs after every sound has been sounded. In the world of Teknotika, the past, the present, and the future all come together in a musical conglomeration.” There’s no doubt that the music that came out on this label is unique in the house and techno hinterland, having an almost ghostly, burlesque feel to it, which is consistent with “The original concept of the label was to merge exotica with techno. The exotica period was in the late '50s and early '60s, and consisted of mostly instrumental music with a lot of percussion. This music served to highlight exotic places and beautiful woman.” This particular track is one of the more known from this very underappreciated imprint, and was rereleased on DET 313, with a Delano Smith remix, last year.

Track Of The Day: APB - Shoot You Down (Oily Records)

Coming out at around the same time that the Postcard bands were starting to make their mark, this piece of post punk sounds more like it was influenced by what was coming out of Manchester at the time, not the sound of young Scotland. And, like New Order and A Certain Ratio, APB explored the nether regions of New York clubland, garnering a cult following in the process. This track is a great, timeless example of a crystallisation of cross-pollination all wrapped up in three and a half minutes.

BARAC at KULT // (Belgrade) 07.04.2023.

Jane Fitz live at Transcendence April 2023

 

Jane Fitz · Jane Fitz live at Transcendence April 2023

Track Of The Day: Donato Dozzy - Gol (Dozzy Records)

Whenever I think of Donato Dozzy, it’s this kind of track that pops into my head. Minimal trance, elastic bass line, haunting synths and a completely invasive melody. Tracks like this really stood out when they were made, quite a while ago now. They could also be credited with kick starting the whole “headfuck techno” niche; populated by Dozzy himself, and other Italians, Claudio PRC, Dino Sabatini & Giorgio Gigli for example; which was crystallised by the Prologue label. This sound has always been hovering on the periphery, occasionally making its presence felt, but not having to try too hard as it’s primitive pull on the tribal dancing funny muscle is a timeless one.

Set 46.4 Yaron Sobel

Yaron Sobel · Set 46.4

Barac @ Nook Club, Bucharest 23.01.2024

 

Barac · Barac @ Nook Club, Bucharest 23.01.2024

Track Of The Day: Lindstrom - Syreen (Smalltown Supersound)

We do like a bit of Lindstrom over here at Cacophonous Towers, and this recent effort from him really does the trick. It’s a piece of disco euphoria which sustains its energy throughout its seven minutes, going up a notch just when needed. Of course it’s repetitive, but that’s exactly what you want tracks like this to be. You want to know what’s coming around the corner, there’s comfort in familiarity. This is proper hands in the air business and although has that eternal sun vibe, perhaps it’s only possible for someone from Scandinavia to realise it. Really, really good.

Panama Racing Club Mad Wednesday Feat. Legowelt (2023.12.06 S09E13.1)

Voyage de Lux with Alex Downey - 27.12.2023

 

1BTN · Voyage de Lux with Alex Downey - 27.12.2023

We Are aka Medicine 8 - Bone Of Her Hand (Next Century Records)

Nothing much to say about this, except that in the mix it’s an absolute banger/beast/bomb (choose your weapon). Stands out quite well on its own as well. A great track to iron out any set creases and start throwing dancers down a worm hole.

New Brvtalism No. 124: Helena Hauff + Silent Servant (*Live in Amsterdam)

 

THE BRVTALIST · New Brvtalism No. 124: Helena Hauff + Silent Servant (*Live in Amsterdam)

Track Of The Day: Richie Rich - Salsa House (FFRR)

Definitely one of those tracks. This brings back so many memories. Pre-university, the spring and summer of 1989. The first rave I went to, at Biggin Hill Airfield, walking up to the hangar with a pocket full of weed, seeing the token police presence on the door, putting y hands up in surrender, getting laughed at asnd ushered in before they changed their minds. (I was already battered. First e’s on the way down in the Volkswagen Camper from The Elephant & Castle). Talking to other loved up football fans about the respective merits of our teams (no hate here). A fairground outside, platforms full of ravers going nuts, another influx at around 4am shortly after some clubs in the capital had shut. Dancing with supermodels. And this playing in the background.

Track Of The Day: Chiapet - Tick Tock (War Of The Worlds Mix) (Yoshi Toshi)

One of the bangers, for want of a better word, from the end of the 20^th century. Chiapet, aka John Ciafone of Mood ll Swing, took the famed house music duo’s Basic Channel influenced sound off in a dubbier, darker direction. This is one of two mixes on the release, the other being the more stripped down ‘Apocalypse Now’ mix. This version gets the nod over that one, however, by virtue of its fuller sound and undulating, wobble board riddims. It has to be heard out (like everything) to reach its full potential. Preferably on drugs, on a crowded dance floor with a nice crowd, as there is the possibility that one could have feelings of paranoia in the wrong company. Oh, and did I mention that it was a big Wiggle fave? Of course I didn’t, but I just did, so that’s nice.

Fuse w/ Sansibar @ Kiosk Radio 20.01.2024

Track Of The Day: Malcolm X - No Sell Out (Tommy Boy)

A track that goes under the nom de plume “Malcolm X”, but is the largely the work of Keith LeBlanc, the in house drummer at Sugerhill Records and also a member of Tackhead, along with Doug Wimbish, Skip McDonald and Adrien Sherwood. The premise is simple: spoken word samples from the man himself, with an incredibly funky foundation highlighting the drum machine, which canters on, loudly, sparsely and assertively. This is electro stripped down to its bare bones, it’s influence apparent in releases that came three or four years later; Schooly D’s first album for example, and predating Spike Lee’s movie by nine years. I don’t remember whether or not this track was revived then to add to the general hoo ha, but that film took the states by storm for a few months, and it would probably have started an electro avalanche if it had.

Track Of The Day: Deep Contest - Sunday Morning (FNAC)

In anticipation of tomorrow, here are ten minutes of pure bliss. An absolute lush, deep masterclass that bathes you in analogue warmth. One of the best tracks that FNAC released, and one of the best deep house/techno tracks to come out of France ever. Deep Contest was a short-lived collaboration between DJ Deep & Ludovic Navarre with this being their only release. It came out in 1993 and I moved to Paris in 1994, so this type of faithful rendering of Detroit was very much the aural backdrop to a lot of the landscape I was inhabiting, predating the filter sound which muddied the water somewhat. I rediscovered this track a few years back courtesy of a Rubsilent mix, which inspired me to get in touch with the Turkish master and persuade him to contribute to my stop/start podcast series, as he clearly has great taste. 

Dietroiter Electro Mix DR2312

DIETROITER · Dietroiter Electro Mix DR2312

Outra Cena 12-01-2024

 

Nick Craddock · Outra Cena 12-01-2024

Track Of The Day: Silent Servant - Discipline (Sandwell District)

In memory of John Juan Mendez, one of his best, if not his best. ‘Discipline’ resists the temptation to attack head on, preferring instead to plant itself insidiously in the mind and mentality of the listener. There are echoes of Mills, Hood, New Beat, EBM, whatever your heart desires. The pace of this track allows you to wallow in its profundity. Above all else, it’s an immersive, meditative experience. The type of beats that should be pumping out of Buddha machines everywhere. All underlaid with an affinity for remaining in the shadows.

Track Of The Day: Octave One - Siege (430 West Records)

One of my favourite Octave One tracks, there are many. I saw them live at Cream more than 20 years ago, and they’re still touring, being great global ambassadors for techno and Detroit. I’ve always been struck by how infectiously funky their tracks are. Maybe it’s because the elements that constitute them are so simple which allows each one to be highlighted throughout, even if it’s just a handclap. The production is razor sharp, and the foundation is almost always a linear groove that just defies you not to dance or nod your head. The titles are often coming from a place of deep consciousness and reflection, and are well - chosen inasmuch as they easily evoke complementary imagery within the music. I would play most of their stuff pitched down, but it’s very adabtable.

Atmospheric Existence with Miles Atmospheric & Special Guest Domenic Cappello

MilesAtmospheric · Atmospheric Existence with Miles Atmospheric & Special Guest Domenic Cappello

Among Trees @Soundscapes III Birds Of Paradise Zanzibar | 30.6.23

 

Soundscapes · Among Trees @Soundscapes III Birds Of Paradise Zanzibar | 30.6.23

Track Of The Day: Charlie - Spacer Woman (Mr Disc Organisation)

One of the quintessential italo tracks. ‘Spacer Woman’ has it all: a synth line that burrows deep into the subconscious; cymbals that sound like they’ve been lifted from The Flying Lizards’ ‘Money’; a melodic refrain that sounds eerily like that used on ‘No UFOs’, an overarching industrial feel that is sporadically softened by some strategically arranged sound design and, last but not least, the amazing vocals which feel strangely tuneless and occasionally tone deaf, but fit the track like a glove. One of the most iconic looking back to look forward tunes ever made. Ahead of its time, but completely of it.

Colin Dale - Abstrakt Dance Live - 11.01.2024 (Video FX Special)

NI62 | Shawn Rudiman

Neptunian Influence · NI62 | Shawn Rudiman

Crazy P Curate 05: Daniele Baldelli

 

OpenLab Radio · Crazy P Curate 05: Daniele Baldelli

Track Of The Day: Wambonix - Deep Affection (Earth Recordings)

Sandwiched between ‘When You’re Alone’, Pts. 1 & 2, this piece of tribal deep house by Chris Brann really starts as it means to go on. What distinguishes it is, I suppose, the trumpet, which punctuates when necessary, and isn’t overused, which is good because I’ve never been a big fan of brass in house music. Brann also uses said horn in the other tracks on this release, on which he also resists going nuts. There’s a depth and refinement to this release, similar to that of Dana Kelley and the Guidance sound as well. This release came out in 1997, a pivotal year for me as it was when I moved back to The UK from France, so this could have been bought in Paris, most likely Rough Trade, or over in London (most likely one of many very influential Soho spots.)There’s a lot of love for the Deep Dish Essential Mix on Youtube, which was the introduction to this track for many people, and it does sound dreamy enough to be a part of their repertoire. It’s also one of many great productions that Brann came up with around this time, under a number of guises.

Track Of The Day: Monotix - Wicked Plastic (Sound On Sound)

Are Monotix and RV800 the same organism? I don’t know, but I’m sure somebody reading this does. In any case, I ask this because there are so many similarities between their respective productions. Characterised by a minimal, acidic tranced out vibe, with vocal washes and a nice percussive underlay, these tracks are dance floor opium and hit that spaced out sweet spot so well that it should be on prescription. All of Monotix’s releases are available on Bandcamp, and I’ve noticed that the vinyl has crept up in price since the last time I looked on Discogs. About time I guess, but the digital is more than sufficient. Buy them all!

Track Of The Day: Rob Dougan - Clubbed To Death (Spoon Mix by Carl Craig) (Mo' Wax)

“Carl Craig The Early Years” so much good stuff. Sounding like nothing on Earth, let alone in Detroit. This remix of possibly Mo’ Wax’s biggest hit, puts it through the musical mangle and turns a track which I always thought to be a bit up its own arse into some sort of deconstructed symphonic beat clash. There are still vestiges of the original’s over solemn tone, but this, embellished with the Geiger counter percussion, the slapping claps and a funky little line in noodling really feels like it has been beamed up from another dimension. The release comes correct with Peshay and Wax Doctor remixes which, when I played them earlier, transported me back to a small window in the mid nineties when James Lavelle thought he could mix anything into anything and it would work. It didn’t always, but full marks for trying.

Track Of The Day: Exozz - Orangeblue (Mosaic)

Released on a pale red vinyl double pack in 1999, there is a danger that this sublime piece of low frequency dub techno from Exos could slip under the radar forever. Well, here’s a reminder that it exists and that it’s ace. If it is possible to guess the geographical origin of a piece of music from its tone, and the textures it deploys, then the arctic circle is a pretty good location to start with this piece. From there, it’s a short leap to the misty, volcanic grandeur of Iceland. This is a sublime track that takes the listener on the proverbial voyage, mining the subconscious for continual variance in the aural experience based on the response to a subtle shift in configuration of perspective. I have this somewhere, so it’s time to dig it out. This is the type of understated excellence that uplifts in the coldest of climates, just as it was meant to do.

PODCAST 03 - INTERGALACTIC GARY. TERROR CLASH.

 

TERROR CLASH. · PODCAST 03 - INTERGALACTIC GARY.

Track Of The Day: Sandoz - White Darkness (Intone)

The closing track to ‘Digital Lifeforms’, and produced around the same time as ‘The Conversation’, it seems appropriate to ask if Richard H. Kirk got much sleep in the late eighties, early nineties. ‘White Darkness’ is a mid-paced piece of synth washed future disco straight from a parallel universe; somewhere beyond the stars where the languid pace of life is reflected in the gravity defying beats therein. Sounding like all of your hallucinogenic experiences put to music, and occupying that strange space between ecstasy and uncertainty, this will never sound anything other than the future going through the process of regeneration. 

Daisychain 311 - Louisahhh

 

Daisychain · Daisychain 311 - Louisahhh

Track Of The Day: Cajmere feat. Terence FM - Feelin' Kinda High (Cajual)

Who is Terence FM, and why is he so named? This is a question I ask myself every time I see a reference to this great track. Does the FM refer to radio, and does it reflect a predilection for it, in the same way that Synthesiser Patel eponymously reflects an obsession with analogue keyboards. I remember this track being played at Wiggle, often the last of a particular set, or the whole night. The vocal is what makes this track into the monster it is, but the music upon which it rests is well worth a mention. Although released on Cajual, if an instrumental were ever released then Relief would be a more natural home. Having said that, the trackiness and, with it, the aggression, is toned down to make it more tonally palatable to blend with whatever vocal banger might follow. Not that any of this matters of course. The genres are not self-conscious and, in the hands of anyone capable and inflected by the feeling, can be aligned any which way, holding up a mirror to the mood of the dance floor. This is one of my favourite vocal house tracks, and it’s lost none of its lustre in the thirty years it’s been around. Partly, I guess, to its original approach to highlighting said vocal something which, in turn, draws attention to and elicits interest in, the music.

Track Of The Day: RV800 - Equanimity (Formula)

So I’m going to bed with a smile on my face this evening, the football all having a lot to do with this. Mere music does not do this feeling justice. Having said that, there’s always room for a mellifluous melody. With that in mind I’m about to post RV800’s other great contribution to humanity after ‘Subsync’. ‘Equanimity’ isn’t regarded quite as highly, but what do they know? It’s every bit as trance inducing, in spite of being cheaper than its label mate on Discogs, and having a Higher Intelligence Agency remix instead of a Haventepe one. The track itself is a chunk of linear goodness that stays the course, composed of all manner of fluctuating, flange - like synth work, a robust low end that and percussion that, no matter how you care to describe it, sounds like handclaps done many ways. A great piece of work which, with the aforementioned ‘Subsync’ wetted the appetite for much more, which never really materialised (although I have my suspicions.)

Track Of The Day: Audion - Mouth To Mouth (Spectral Sound)

At some point in the first decade of this century, Matthew Dear was everywhere. This is probably because he spread himself so thin and, in doing so, became the minimal movement’s polymath. In spite of his categorisation within said genre, he didn’t really make much minimal. He released on Minus as False, and Perlon as Jabberjaw. However, the tunes he’s really remembered for are those under his own name or as Audion. The latter, in particular, being an outlet for choice, rave brain melters, of which ‘Mouth To Mouth’ is a prime example. It’s a lengthy track, but all then more effective and hedonistic for it, allowing other compositions to be layered above and below it while it gathers a tireless, inexorable momentum. It’s also definitely a track that divides people, if the comments on Discogs are anything to go by. Thankfully, for the most part, they’re not, as they’re probably written by bad nerds who need to go outside once n a while. ‘Mouth To Mouth’ is elegant in its simplicity. And there is a (new?) edit of it floating around, as played on Sean Johnston’s latest ALFOS EBS. It’s paced very well for ALFOS actually. A little faster than the chug normally allows, so all you superannuated ravers had better watch your sacroiliacs.

Parallax 011 | 214

 

ParallaX · Parallax 011 | 214

Track Of The Day: Last Tango In Paris (Ballad) / Gato Barbieri (United Artists)

This composition is my favourite from this soundtrack. The film itself isn’t that good, typically French in that it’s about a dirty old man gagging after a woman less than half his age and getting some. However, the shots of Paris in the early seventies are incredibly atmospheric and the ambience generated is contagious. Gato Barbieri plays like a more aggressive version of Kenny G at times, but what makes this track is the wooping, yelping and percussive depth. 

Track Of The Day: Roland Kirk - We Free Kings (Mercury)

Plucked right out of left field,. Very big in the Wallasey boondocks where a celebrated few had access. This piece of music by Rahsaan Roland Kirk was only 20 years old when I first came across it in the Liscard branch of Oxfam. Fast forward forty years and even though it was maybe showing its age a bit back then, being listened to in parallel with the likes of ‘My Life In The Bush Of Ghosts’, it feels no more dated now, like the notes are preserved in amber. Roland Kirk was a random gateway into jazz for my young self, something that came about through an obsession with the writers of the beat generation and narcotics. We weren’t sitting around rooms like Ned Flanders’ parents eschewing discipline, control and muttering “daddy o” endlessly. We were getting very baked though. This was one facet of our autodidactic education in the arts, something that prepared us for later life much better than what was to come later at university. Friends, acquaintances and knowledge were gained for life, and we were shaped us into the people we are today.

Electronic Convergence - Verdant Session 04 - Dec 23

 

verdant-recordings · Electronic Convergence - Verdant Session 04 - Dec 23

Track Of The Day: Costin RP - Astro (Memoria Recordings)

Music is becoming more and more abstract to me, no matter what its genre or function. The market has never been more saturated, and remuneration never more difficult to come by, which is one of many reasons why the percentage of quality tuneage, although still considerable, either comes willingly, or remains hidden. One such piece of music that has recently revealed itself is ‘Astro’ from the prolific Costin RP, which came out on an eponymously-titled EP, all of which is excellent. Anyway, to the untrained ear it may not sound particularly ground breaking. However, those who make music like this, with one of many motives being to induce euphoria and simultaneously evoke different worlds, know just what it takes to tap into the cerebral subconscious. And, even though this piece of textured body mapping is mostly designed to be one relatively small part of a larger whole, its spark catalyses way beyond its length.

Track Of The Day: James Blood Ulmer - Are You Glad To Be In America? (Rough Trade)

The random nature of music, and particular compositions, is one of the reasons I write. And here’s something that has floated in from god knows where. James Blood Ulmer found his way into my head in the early 1980s, along with the post punk I was listening to at the time. That music was influenced by artists I’d had no previous exposure to and wanted to find out more about. He was very much a free funk advocate and there is a feeling of constant improvisation in this track, in spite of which never truly gets out of control. Label mates The Pop Group were probably listening and learning when this was released, as the implicit political message runs hand in hand with the music, to which nothing has sounded similar, before or since.

Track Of The Day: Model 500 - Starlight (Moritz Mix aka Maurizio remix) (Metroplex)

Inspired by Mr Anthony Teasdale, the first post of this year will be a classic remix of an already classic track. One that, depending on your point of view, typifies an implicit techno vibe and, in doing so, is possibly the most representative composition of the genre when it goes down the dub direction. Like the living evocation of the “attack ships on fire off the shoulder of Orion...”  and listening to “ C-beams glitter in the dark near the Tannhäuser Gate.” Being surrounded by this track is a kinesthetic experience. It’s a piece of living, breathing electronic genius. An enduring piece of work, the likes of which should be soundtracking the dreams and imagination of everyone who is lucky enough to hear it.