This month marks the one-year anniversary of Scalectric Music. To celebrate the milestone they’ve put together a special EP featuring work from a handful of top producers who’ve been dropping bombs on the Spanish underground house and techno scene. I was pleasantly surprised by the five tracks I found here; they are upfront and in-your-face, what-you-see-is-what-you-get kind of cuts. No fluff, no unnecessary drops or empty hooks or bells or whistles. These cut to the chase and will knock you down if you’re not paying attention.
Label newcomer Town of Mind’s “Playing for Change” is a real powerhouse with great chuggin’ beats, disembodied voices whispering in the back of your mind and spacey acid zaps. Xar Lee’s “Loco Bass” is built around a simple sample, stretchy synths and a big bottom. Ekai’s “Why Women Hate Porn” might win the high marks on the release with its interesting layers, nice sample work and infectious acid-tech waves flowing in and out of the rhythm. Duosky’s “Beachfloor” is bare-bones 303 and big beats, but it works. Finally, Kike Henriquez’s “That Groove” is a strong song with acid yelps and 8-bit attitude. No classics here to be sure, but this collection packs a punch in a way that’s often missing from over-thought productions. Sometimes simpler is better.