Reviews

Ever since the release of his debut album, the 1996 masterpiece Endtroducing….., DJ Shadow has faced scrutiny with each subsequent album. Some complain he’s repeating himself and becoming stagnant; others say he’s straying away from what made him popular in the first place. The truth is that DJ Shadow does things exactly the way he wants to. If you don’t get it, then that’s fine because Shadow knows what works and that’s all that matters.

His fifth album, The Mountain Will Fall, is certainly exciting. While the sounds are varied, there is never any doubt that is anyone other than Shadow is behind the boards. You see, he is the master of of his own musical destiny and he has never compromised his sound since the beginning of his career.

Mountain…. opens with the cinematic title track that starts off as a sprawling journey through different sounds. It’s a song that leads into the manic hip-hop of “The Sideshow” featuring Ernie Fresh; the throbbing drums and furious energy of “Ghost Town” and the minimal effectiveness of “Mambo.” And that’s just for starters.

From the menacing “Depth Charge” to the funky but always threatening “Nobody Speak” featuring Run The Jewels (DJ Shadow proclaimed on the Endtroducing….. track “Why Hip Hop Sucks In 96.” If you changed the year in the title to 2016, there is a lot to choose from but that could not be leveled at Killer Mike and EL-P who simply slay this track as they always do.)

There is a hardcore side to the album. Just check out Shadow’s love letter to his hometown state, the banging “California,” a track complete with head crushing beats and classic G Funk loops. He is ably assisted by the more calming tracks such as the electronic quirk of “Bergschrund,” a track featuring Nils Frahm, and the haunting closing track “Suicide Pact,” a song that concludes the album on a somber and reflective note.

With The Mountain Will Fall, DJ Shadow has made an album that is ready made for the contemporary dance floor — some of the beats on here could only come from the past couple of years — but also for peaceful contemplation. And that is the beauty of the album—first and foremost it shows Shadow at his eclectic best and proves exactly why he is one of the best beatmasters ever. He has definitely done himself proud once again.

Kike Henriquez breaks new ground with the Angora Race EP, the debut release from his Analog Music label. It’s a triple techno assault built from the drums up that will be shaking down dark dance floors this summer.

The title track paces itself early before punching into high gear with a brutal drop. It’s a rough housin’ tech track piled atop beefy kicks and percussive flits. The subtle layers, rolls, and change-ups keep this one driving forward.

“Bad Habits” lives up to its name—at first it seems innocent, but as with most debaucherous behavior, the more you get it, the more you need it. Another kick-centric cut, this one’s also got a dirty side with plenty of samples stirred in for flavor. The structure is fairly typical, but the driving groove and brief but energy-infused breakdowns add spice.

“This is the Rhythm” is a unique stormer with garage-y bass stabs, classic samples, and a retro vibe that old school ‘heads can appreciate.

There’s nothing pretty about the Angora EP, and that’s what makes it so appealing. It’s a hard-pounding beast that’s ready to escape the speakers. What it lacks in subtlety it makes up for in raw power. The tracks may be a bit longer than necessary but the hypnotic beats and dirty grooves keep things moving along. This is the perfect addition to add some tech-driven aggression in your underground arsenal this summer.

DJ/producer Pirupa’s latest release on his own NONSTOP label is the steamy Rising EP. The London-based label boss has partnered with WhoMadeWho frontman/bassist Tomas Hoffding, a.k.a. Bon Homme, for an emotive tech-house ride across sound. The original mix of “Rising” is a deep and spacey cut built around the melodic vocal work of Bon Homme. It’s dynamic and well-mixed with lush sounds and a catchy synth snaking its way in and out but never over top of the action. The Metodi Hristov remix runs with a bit more grit, the vocals replaced by a subtle chorus and simple samples while the overall vibe casts moody shadows.

Pirupa’s Drumcode alter-ego Brain Zoo’s remix brings back the Bon Homme vocal along with some aggressive “rising” samples. This one features stripped down, snappy acid-house influenced beats with hard drums and a straight-laced tech attack. Finally, the Instrumental Dub Mix is just what the name implies, rounding out the package nicely. It’s solid, and the accessible sound will work in sets across the spectrum of genres and settings this summer.

“Monolith” is the debut release from Fingers Crossed Records founder Pilarion, and the Dubai resident makes his introduction in the best way possible. This techno triple-hitter is a dynamic project with dark melodies, vibrant beats and a mysterious aura. “Machinarium” powers up a throbbing bassline under lush layers of sound, the plinking of deep crystalline drips and warm percussion sprinkled liberally throughout keep this one running smoothly. Laid-back and beautifully layered, “Jukly” spreads a big bottom beneath frantic runs that chase each other flirtingly until the embracing breakdown, where the strands finally tie together in a hypnotic dance to the finish. Title cut “Monolith” lives up to its name with rumbling lows and a melodic groove that rises above lessor tracks before the pulsing pinnacle shines enough glamourous light to chase the shadows from the darkest corners of the dance floor. The Monolith EP doesn’t need any flashy gimmicks, but Pilarion delivers on the promise so many other producers never live up to: he gives us quality. His sound isn’t rushed, it isn’t fancy, it’s not overly complex, but it is precise. Everything fits together just-so and nothing’s left to chance.