Music Reviews

Review: Jonny Cade – ‘Atrocious Focus’ EP (Morris Audio)

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Jonny Cade Atrocious Focus EP Morris Audio

★★★☆☆

Leeds is a city where it’s tough to make an impression as a producer, not least because every man and his dog seems to make electronic music up that way. Jonny Cade, however, is evidently not your average producer, and in spite of his relative youth he’s already served some of the scene’s most seminal labels. On his label debut for Switzerland’s Morris Audio, he serves up two delectable jams, while Oli Furness closes this tasty triumvirate thanks to his remix.

On the original front, first up it’s “Made Me Wait.” The influence of the ubiquitous piano chords is undoubtable, but there are many layers to this one that make it fly, with an unfurling bassline that brilliantly lingers in the background and brings a mound of suspense with it. “Love Baby” is full of crashing drums and an amalgamation of other sounds that all expertly arrive at the same junction, while the aforementioned Mr. Furness opts for a more straight-up, no messing take on his seriously unrelenting remix.

Great work from all involved, but be warned: this EP is not for those of a weary disposition.

Review: Kotelett & Zadak – ‘Moonside’ EP (Hive Audio)

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Kotelett & Zadak - Moonshine EP Hive Audio

★★★☆☆

Fun-filled electronic music has long been Hive Audio’s modus operandi, and their latest recruits Kotelett & Zadak are most definitely proponents of a likeminded sound. Making their label debut with this EP, the Berlin-based duo give absolutely nothing away about themselves on their biography. Regardless, this is probably a good thing, as lazy clichés aside, they let the music do the talking.

In spite of the fact that there are only two tracks on offer, the lads use every last ounce to leave us yearning for more on “Moonside of the Deep” and “Nele.” The former is a bassline soaked anthem and the kind of track that leaves you waiting for the drop in a big and pleasant way. “Nele” traverses through a more rugged and straight-up road, as it engulfs the listener in a unique glare that won’t go unnoticed wherever it’s allowed to stretch out and run riot.

Review: Franco Cinelli – ‘All Frequencies’ (Esperanza)

Darren Ressler Leave a Comment

Franco Cinelli All Frequencies

★★★★☆

Franco Cinelli is the man behind that notorious remix of Cassius’ “The Sound Of Violence.” There is, however, far more to this Argentinian producer than Ibiza anthems. On his debut album for Esperanza Records, he emphatically reminds us of the fact in his own inimitable fashion, with a dizzying and eclectic array of mainly club-ready tracks.

Opener “I Feel It” is a true monster in the best sense of the word: a dizzying, hypnotic track that takes a stranglehold on the senses thanks to its simmering snares and a mound of lavish bass kicks. Simple, yes, but also extremely effective, a hallmark of much of Cinelli’s back catalogue. “Chi-Trax” is more abrasive and touches on techno tinges, with its pummeling soundtrack and up-tempo melodies proving a real joy to behold. They move at a relentless rate, gathering pace thanks to a layer of spiky synths and wiry hats. “Cargo” goes back to the old school in its search for kicks, while “Infiltrate” ups the ante once more courtesy of some hallowed dub sounds. “Slippery Arp” leans on a host of, well, arps, to bring the noise, and while it’s a fitting finale, it’s a bit too esoteric compared to matters elsewhere. Fortunately, digital-only offering “Deep Forest” is on hand to restore some pride, as it imbues the package with a warm glow thanks to its numerous glistening charms as well as a heavy reliance on the flanger.

Driving music with a real human flourish? It could almost only be Mr. Cinelli.

Review: Various Artists – ‘Rave Of Love 01’ (Rave Of Love)

Ian Fleming Leave a Comment

Rave of Love 01 compilation

★★★☆☆

Swiss DJ Low Tales is a producer who’s already turned out tunes for labels such as Svogue Muziq, Monophonic and Sascha Braemer’s Whatiplay. For his latest trick, he calls on a raft of his producers for a compilation which signals the start of his own label, the wonderfully named Rave Of Love. And with six tracks from six different artists on offer, this is very much a heavyweight package too.

Kicking it all off is Garibovic with “Funky Juice,” a track that does its one job well enough. A DJ tool especially for percussion fans, you’d imagine it’s never intended to really stick out from everything else on offer here. Pablo Einzig’s “Niagara” is far more enticing, with its bulging synths and its spiky, devil-may-care ethos a real winner. For me, the highlight of the EP. Up next is Parkcity. “Raw Warrior” is another most effective number, with its rubbery pads and its cosmic tinges leading us toward a warm, sweltering place. Pete & Pete’s “Banto Selakis” is another off-kilter cut, Timoteo’s “Bugs In My Ears” helps matters progress nicely and the last track, Vanita’s “Cries,” reinforces the view that this is a label worth watching out for.

Rave Of Love 01 might not feature an abundance of established stars, but then again, Rave of Love is clearly a label keen to do things on their own terms. It’s an approach that’s just as refreshing as the music itself.