Review: Valerie Ace solidifies her rising status in techno with her third vinyl EP, 'Givers & Takers', on her Hardwon imprint. The title track sets an ominous tone with a slow breakbeat and interlocking percussion, building tension before a heavy bass climax. 'Eat Dirt' lives up to its name, switching between breaks and straight sections to pound the floor with relentless intensity. 'A Moment Lost' wastes no time, charging out of the gates with rapidly evolving snares and filtered bass punches driving the track over atmospheric background sounds. The afternoon or afterhours vibe of '3PM' is enhanced by seasick synth layers contrasting against malignant drums, creating a sense of uncertainty. Each of the four tracks offers a hard-hitting techno experience, showcasing Valerie Ace's skill in crafting intense workouts. Givers & Takers confirms her premier place in contemporary techno and this EP is a great example to her ability to push boundaries and keep the energy high on the dancefloor.
… Read more