Music Reviews

Minneapolis techno DJ/producer DVS1 (a.k.a. Zak Khutoretsky) continues his longstanding musical relationship with Ben Klock’s Klockworks imprint with a compelling three-tracker, Klockworks 13. It’s been on heavy rotation here at Big Shot’s HQ since last month for quite good reason.

Opening track “Black Russian” finds Khutoretsky swimming like an Olympian in housier waters. Based around a simple keyboard progression that harkens back to early Detroit/Chicago records, his minimal, less-is-more production ethos results in the best 6am song you’ll probably hear this year. “Creeping” slinks along in the same stripped-down direction, albeit with a techier vibe. The EP is rounded out by “Spying,” a tune that plays crisp hi-hats and a melody line off each other until they converge.

Klockworks 13 is a meditation on what’s possible when an artist has the freedom to elaborate on a single idea and realize its full potential.

★★★★☆

Dark Model is a musical project created by award-winning producer Tatsuya Oe. Its focus is edgy electronic music that blends orchestral sounds with a futuristic sonic landscape. Dark Model’s self-titled debut is truly a work of art and will appeal to an audience that can appreciate the mix of symphonic sounds with the computer world. While listening to the album I couldn’t help but think that the full-length could easily be a soundtrack to a movie. That’s no surprise since Oe’s music has been featured in movies and on TV, including Elysium, The Paperboy and ad campaigns for Verizon, Lexus, Oakley, KFC, and more.

Although it’s clear the music that works perfectly with motion picture and TV commercials, make no mistake this is a high-octane album that you can shake your ass to. Whether you want to dance along to Dark Model in a club or listen to at home, the music works in many settings. (Think Lindsey Stirling with an edge.)

The self-titled release features 16 tracks that will take you inside the mind of a seasoned music maker who not only blends the worlds of orchestral and computer music, but also sprinkles a touch of traditional Japanese music and culture. If you like dark symphonic sounds and electronic beats, then Dark Model is for you.

For a sneak peak into the vibe of the album, have a listen to “Close to Infinity.”

★★★☆☆

Electro-pop duo Aubergine MACHINE are ready for the summer with their new single, “Hostage.” The duo consisting of the two-time multi-platinum artist Ian Carey and talented vocalist Shanti Ellis teamed up in 2012 to create a project that is a combination of electronica and pop. “For ‘Hostage’ we went back to the future and used our favorite ’90s trip-hop/neo soul influences to produce a fresh, deep, ultra modern song. We really enjoyed working on this one because it felt very natural to leave a little space to make it a little bit dark,” they’ve said. In “Hostage,” the duo executed their vision perfectly and created a tune that works for a radio audience, while also appealing to a more alternative crowd. Although it’s a bit more mainstream, the vibe of “Hostage” reminds me a little bit of some of Halou’s material. Included with the original work is a solid club remix. The duo also produced a cool rendition of “Call if Fate” by the Strokes. I hope the duo continues to put energy into their partnership. They have something great budding, and I’m curious to see how it unfolds for them.