Reviews

Track of the Moment: Robert Babicz’s ‘Rave Angel’ EP (Bedrock)

Darren Ressler Leave a Comment

Robert Babicz Rave Angel Bedrock

A dance floor journeyman whose work dates back to producing acid tracks in the ’90s, Cologne-based DJ/producer Robert Babicz has steadfastly blazed new trails in the realm of techno in recent years. Wielding a signature ranging from deep and minimal to tech-house, Babicz’s latest and greatest for Bedrock confirms his ascent to the top run of his chose genre’s ladder.

“Rave Angel” gets the party started right with a no-holds-barred assault of clanging hi-hats and a kick drum from heaven (or hell). This bad-ass, full-on assault is tailor-made for big rooms and festivals alike.

Babicz rounds out his EP with another sweat-inducing floor burner, “Wonderland,” crafted albeit in a housier mindset. He smoothly changes gears on the stripped down “Shifting Reality,” a comedown track featuring horns and piano melodies played over an effervescent soundscape, bringing to mind the majesty of The Beloved and its Balearic ilk.

A brilliantly well-rounded release, this is an EP you shouldn’t sleep on.

Review: Raelism – ‘Freedom Within the Prison’

Scott Binder Leave a Comment

Raelism-Freedom-Within-the-Prison

★★★☆☆

London-based Max Rael is the producer behind Realism. His track “Your Obedient Servants” climbed to #19 in journalist Mick Mercer’s list of Top 30 goth singles of all-time. After listening to his new EP, Freedom Within the Prison, it’s clear Rael has an eclectic taste in music and appreciates experimenting with blending genres together. After all, one of the beautiful things about electronic music is that one style can introduce you to a sub-genres, taking you to places that allow you to appreciate music you normally wouldn’t seek out.

Freedom Within The Prison is just that. It’s a fusion of electronica and experimental, featuring some luscious melodies. Although Realism’s style is not for everyone, those who like to venture out and try new things, Freedom Within the Prison is worth your attention.

For a sneak peak of Realism’s Freedom From Within the Prison, check it out on SoundCloud.

Track of the Moment: DVS1 – ‘Klockworks 13’ (Klockworks)

Darren Ressler Leave a Comment

DVS1 Zak Khutoretsky

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.

Review: Dark Model – s/t (Model Electronic)

Scott Binder Leave a Comment

Dark Model Dance of Wrath

★★★★☆

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.”