Snaker Japan Schallplatten & CDs

Review: Odopt's Snaker 011, the first release in five years by Snaker and the tenth in their catalogue, marks a compelling full-length debut for the duo. Known for their hypnotic and freaky sound on labels like [Emotional] Especial, Hivern Discs, and Born Free, Odopt delivers a "contemporary library sound" for Snaker Records that defies conventional dancefloor or home listening categorizations. Instead, it offers a unique cinematic soundscape for a fresh auditory experience. Highlights include 'Antimilitarist,' with its experimental broken beat that's subdued yet intriguing. 'Barfold' presents a movie-like quality with a unique groove and production. 'Spakra' features a dark, slow groove with metallic sounds, echo, and a slight EBM influence. 'Mangrove' stands out with its otherworldly, alien sounds. 'Orch Noise' rounds out the album with its atmospheric and distinct character. For those seeking something different and unique, Odopt is here for you.

Review: There's a point in 'Awakening', about 2:15 in, when you realise how perfectly balanced the piece is. A sumptuous mixture of jazz, downtempo and drum & bass, just like Labour's election win, you have to ask yourself how hollow the track will turn out to be once it's actually front and centre. But regardless of the next four years, Sonic Weapon and KoolMFL's laidback afternoon bliss delivers in terms of depth and instance gratification. No mean feat, Sneaker 012 doesn't slip from thereon in. 'Suckers' is percussive opium, somehow both calming and compelling, 'K-Dub' belongs in all our hopes for hip hop instrumentals, and as we get further into things how about those warbling disco cuts ('KCAB') and organic house grooves ('I Thought It Was Lonnie')? Let's leave it there then.