Electro Recommendations November 2015

Review: Ah yes, it's time for some hardware head fuzz from trusty old DMX Krew, an artist which requires no introduction and one whose energy and hedonism is always appreciated around these parts. DMX makes his debut on the quality Last Known Trajectory, an imprint which has risen quickly and one which has seen action from the likes of Hieroglyphic Being and electro duo The Exaltics, but also some gorgeous reissue action in the form of In Sync's mythical "Storm". "RAM Expansion" itself is a heady electro tune with a sunken load of synths at its disposal, while 'Experiment 5" is classic DMX - mad modular-like patterns surrounded by menacing drums. You also got the weird and wonderful bleeps of "Quantum Computer" on the A-side, whereas the flip kicks off with a fiery techno punch in "Division By "Zero", heads to more AFX territories via "Rubout", and ends on high-tec electro stroll of "Bad Vibes". This is no nonsense dance music at its finest.

Review: Inaugurated by Dollkraut last year, Pinkman sister label Charlois has developed nicely into its own distinct concern thanks to 12" releases from Tim Fairplay, Herzel, and Roberto Auser. Hornet Green sees Dollkraut return to Charlois in triumphant fashion, with the four track 12" Pascal Pinkert's first release of note since he dropped his debut LP on The Gym late last year. Having given the 12" a few spins, we reckon this might be the best Dollkraut 12" yet with the Dutchman really embracing the creative freedom afforded by Charlois. There is a different approach shown on each of the four tracks, though Pinkert's personality shines throughout! Our pick? The wonderful motorik shuffle of final track "Valium".

Review: Nijmegen electro imprint Shipwrec shows us how its done yet again. After a terrific release previously from Welsh mad scientist Dez Williams, its Roel Dijcks aka Ekman stepping up, following up some killer releases on Pankerkreuz, The Trilogy Tapes and Berceuse Heroique. "Autapse" begins proceedings in haunting fashion; spooky church organs provide the backdrop for an epic, soaring acid lead while "Uncertainty Principle" is sub-aquatic, Drexciyan electro for freaks. On the flip is the title track; keeping on like before but with a four to the floor beat for added dancefloor dynamics. Finally "Antinomy" delves into deeper terrain; its razor sharp and morphing synth line leading you further into the darkness of the abyss.

Review: Nightwind Records was launched in low-key fashion last year by Danny Wolfers, a platform to self-release digital albums and cassettes under some all new outlandish aliases. Given the general clamour for anything Legowelt-related, it's no surprise to see that Wolfers has elected to grant one of these cassettes, El Saber Del Arpavor by Calimex Mental Implant Corp, a wider vinyl issue. Fans of the Legowelt 12" for PPU will find much to appreciate in the 13 track El Saber Del Arpavor which rides a similar vein of sumptuous, gliding Lowlands boogie with the occasional deviation into more familiar Legowelt territory. See the Sega-referencing "Son Of Shinobi" for a fine example of that!

Review: Abstract Forms sub label Synth Funk seems dedicated to electro auteur Ed DMX thus far and you could see why can't you; the guy's a legend and still showing us all how it's done! Tha Bump! Is his third Synth Funk release after Electro Worm and Dog Funk, and pretty much carries on from where he left off. Opening track "Three Pee" or "Odd Socks" are the kind of happy electro reminiscent of Japanese Telecom in all their frayed and decayed analogue warmth. He soon ventures into electro-funk boogie territory on "Iced Bun" and "Feel-inn Fine" but saves the best for last on the high tech soul of "Catastrophic Bump".

Review: Maoupa Mazzocchetti has clearly made an impression on Mannequin Records; this Untitled 12" finds the Brussels-based newcomer a rare current artist on Alessandro Adriani's label amidst the array of killer archival releases. Mazzocchetti got his break through a couple of releases on Unknown Precept, and this 12" features three delightfully damaged box jams that suggest he's becoming increasingly seduced by the dark delights of the dancefloor. In amongst the mean-tempered drums and raucous synth lines you can hear some deadpan vocal acrobatics coming through the mix which can be compared to Beau Wanzer's recent output. B-side opener "Another Sinistra Century" is particularly deranged and the whole thing bodes well for a mooted album from Mazzocchetti due on Mannequin next year.