December 2019 Chart

Cas9 Experiments – ITPDWIP (WERD)

Although categorized as electro, that isn’t always the case with this release. It’s only the three tracks on side two which fall into this category, and they are sufficiently left field to go their own way. Abstract and original.

 Stream Of Data EP – D Roots (Dolly)

More straightforward electro, and done with some funk and panache. A quartet of reliable compositions which will ignite any set at any point in the proceedings.

 Nightmoves 2 – Grumptronix (Wormhole Wisdom)

The second of Wormhole Wisdom’s Grumptronix reissues. More nineties electro which sounds just as ahead of the pack now as it did then. ‘Dub Sea’ provides an ambient interlude.

Fallen vs Eclipse EP – Etienne (Melliflow)

Etienne has a good approach to a certain strain of house music; funky, bass-heavy and groovy, he has a safe pair of hands, his tracks being metronomic exercises in setting the control for the heart of the bass. Nothing is overused in this economical quartet. ‘Dash’ is my pick of a varied and inventive EP.

Metal Glo – Roza Terenzi (Klasse Wrecks)

The tracks on this release thrive on a discordance which is fused and honed with microscopic precision. The originals and remixes, which both shine, combine a sonic smorgasbord which coalesces to produce memorable, off-kilter results. 

Fusion EP – Daniel Broesecke (Vivus)

Three pieces of essential, deep minimalism which lope along a lateral line of druggy messiness. Cracking EP which does just what it says on the tin and avoids any high end, gossamer strength silliness. Nice bottom heavy sound and a disorientating sense of itself.

Music Brought Me Here EP – Chrivu (Midas Touch)

Similar vibe to the Daniel Broesecke release, but not as linear an experience. Just as spaced out and funky though; there’s some air within the beats here, which adds body in the absence of bass. Vlad Arapasu remixes here as he does on the ‘Fusion EP’, to some effect both times.

 Palinoia LTD 001 – Donato Dozzy/Eric Cloutier (Palinoia)

Double header of an old, unreleased Dozzy track and one from label head Eric Cloutier. Dozzy’s is sub-aquatic trance of the highest order, while Cloutier’s toughens it up with a hypnotic, funky, driving digeridoo. Both excellent, both essential.

 Exomoon – E.R.P. (Forgotten Future)

This sold out within half an hour of it being put out on the Mojuba mailing list, which is annoying but predictable, given Gerard Hanson’s God-like status. This release doesn’t fool around, it just presents you with six tracks of the purest, cosmic electro with the two tunes on side three teching it up.

 Nocturnal Passions Part lll – Area Forty One  (Delsin)

Slowed down interplanetary interludes. Electro on side one and space mini symphonies on side two. Razor sharp production and an intuitive sense of impending doom; which is nice.