Blouse

Sam Paganini techno warp

noreply@blogger.com (Omar) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 11:02:00 +0000

What the fuck is going on in Sydney? There has been no summer. Rain. Clouds. Rain.

I have made out in front of the mirror more than anywhere else.

But one thing has lightened my mood; Sam Paganini's Prisma EP.

It's a tight little thing; its four tracks built to be played in one sitting. You will miss out if you don't give the whole recording a listen.

It was released on Swedish techno label Drumcode a couple of weeks ago.

Get it while it's hot.

Sam Paganini - Self Control

Moment

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 21:19:00 +0000

George Fitzgerald. Such an inconspicuous name.
Yet somehow - against all odds, this guy seems to be making quite a name for himself.

Sitting pretty amongst some stellar company at Scuba's Hotflush Records, Fitzgerald's style of beat fits neatly alongside the rest of the diverse, techno infused dubstep of that crowd.

Where Fitzgerald differs from his stablemates though, is in the line he threads between dubstep, techno and soulful house sounds.. His tracks may still (for the most part) be steered by driving beats and basslines, but what really kicks them off is the light, floating synths and vocal samples that permeate throughout.

The Let Down is perhaps my favourite cut of his and I think it illustrates his genre straddling technique quite nicely, with some solid beats offset by frenetic key stabs and soulful vocal samples:

George Fitzgerald - The Let Down

The Let Down was lifted from his '10 release Weakness/The Let Down. Grab it here.

Recent times haven't seen him slacking off, with a 12" release in late '11 (His track Shackled was featured in Scuba's lauded DJ Kicks mixtape) along with a bunch of remixes AND a solid touring schedule.
His remix of Lee Jones' Moment is one that I have been enjoying of late, and it shows off the other side of his production with its 4/4 beat (love those crisp snares) and gentle techno vibe:

Lee Jones - Moment (George Fitzgerald Remix)

This mix was featured on Jones' amusingly titled The Moose Mingles EP. Reco that shit here.

Marcel Fengler, tequila and an ass shaker

noreply@blogger.com (Omar) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 10:20:00 +0000

Marcel Fengler doesn't require too much effort to consume.

I don't mean his techno is simple. On the contrary, it's complex and has a lot of depth. Where some techno is so precise it sounds devoid of feeling, Fengler has a knack for palatability.

Sometimes you don't want to cuddle your iPod in an empty bath. You just want to shot tequila and dance your ass off (bb).

You can do this to Fengler's Twisted Bleach EP, released by German techno powerhouse Ostgut Ton in 2009.

Buy it here.

Marcel Fengler - Twisted Bleach

Odeiyolaoo Mambo

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 20:46:00 +0000

Mixtape blues. Fuck.

Finding suitable tracks, putting them into order and then mixing them is proving to be an extremely frustrating process. Who would have thought?

Introduction songs, ending songs, build up songs, banging songs... GAH.

The single positive that I can take out of this whole experience is that I have managed to reconnect with the world of disco.
After a period of intermittent-at-best disco following, it was nice to see that things have been bubbling away nicely while I have been gone.

American Athlete - once a major stop for all things disco, as well as a nice insight into the world of Pat Les Stache - was wound up late last year, but its spirit lives on the form of Les Stache's new blog Village Dance Radio. This time around, his focus is on "jazz and afro-latin grooves".. Heaps of vibraphone, heaps of chanty vocals and heaps of funky bass. Heaps good. If that sounds like your cup o' tea, head over and take a look.
A couple of his recent edits can be found on there as well.. Unfortunately they aren't downloadable (as they will be featuring on upcoming 12" releases), but you can still stream the shit out of them..
I would particularly love to direct you to his edit of Ray Stephen Oche's '70 bangor Odeiyolaoo.. Guys wailing on trumpets over bongos and a warmly warbling bass sounds good any ol' time - especially right now.

Pat Les Stache - Odeiyolaoo Mambo

Odeiyolaoo Mambo is a preview from his upcoming release The Spirit Rides Again which will be released on Finnish label Kojack Sounds in late Feb. Preorder that here.

Other high-five worthy news in the world of disco is the continuing run of form by Norwegian master Todd Terje.. I won't spend too much time talking about it here (I'm sure you are sick of hearing of Terje's defiance of recent Scandinavian disco prejudgement) but I would like to say that yes, his The Arps EP is every bit as good as RA and Pitchfork have said it is.. Sheer nu-disco brilliance.
I'm sure most of you would have copped lead single Inpsector Norse already, so I thought I would share the lush Swing Star Pt 1 + Pt 2.. An awesomely shimmery 11 minute synth odyssey that gently winds its way through several decades and time signatures. Part 2 (from seven minutes on) in particular is worth checking out with its profound melodies and playful keys.

Todd Terje - Swing Star Pt 1 + Pt 2

If you haven't already, grab The Arps EP here. It is well worth your while.

Enjoy!

And if this computer can survive my frustrations, a couple of mixtapes will appear on these pages soon. Fingers crossed..

Havah Nagilah (A Night With Future Classic)

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 19:11:00 +0000

Blouse: "Attempting valiantly to get back on the horse in 2012."

Whilst we track down some time, please enjoy a couple of superb tracks which are inspired by the upcoming (and hugely exciting) Future Classic night at the Keystone Festival Bar.

This year sees two masters - in the form of Prins Thomas and DJ Koze - gracing the wheels of steel.

Expect six hours (three each) of power... And probably a whole bunch of top shelf disco and techno. It's almost enough to convince a guy to jump on a plane.

Ben Watt - Guinea P ig (DJ Koze's Vocal Variation)

Azoto - Havah Nagilah (Prins Thomas & Todd Terje Mix)

Tickets aren't cheap ($42?!), but I have no doubt that these guys will put on a stellar show. Grab them here.

Blouse's Best of 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Omar) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 07:17:00 +0000

Well well.. Our 2011 calendars seem to only have a couple of days left until they run out of paper.

I guess that means that it is time for Blouse to reflect and cherry pick the things that we felt made 2011 the year that it was.

Blouse's Best of 2011
(ZIP file download from Mediafire)

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Gang Gang Dance

Eye Contact

4AD

Gang Gang Dance still bears the experimental elements of its previous album Saint Dymphna. But on Eye Contact they are more accessible – without being predictable. 'Glass Jar' is more than 11 minutes long but is so varied in texture that it doesn't become tiring. With a tambourine and funky bassline, 'Chinese High' soars into the stratosphere. 'Thru and Thru' is a drum-driven exploration of mood. As a whole, one of the year's beacons of craft.

Gang Gang Dance – Chinese High

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Nicolas Jaar

What more needs to be said about this guy?

This year has seen him really establish himself as true pioneer. After a string of solid singles and an album that surprised and astonished its way to the top of innumerable 'best of' lists, many would argue that 2011 was the year of Nicolas Jaar.

It is a pretty well trumpeted fact that at 21, the maturity that he shows in his music far outweighs his years.
The restraint, vision and organic craftsmanship present in his music - from remixes for Azari & III and Maceo Plex to singles like Don't Break My Love has been nothing short of stunning.

But it was his debut album Space Is Only Noise that has really captivated his audience - and indeed granted him a shiny new crossover audience.
Floating somewhere between clubland techno and rich, experimental beats, this album was the embodiment of thinking man's electronica in 2011. Beautifully crafted with warm instrumentation and sparse, slow composition, this album broke new ground and thoroughly deserves to one of the albums that will come to represent 2011.

Nicolas Jaar - Keep Me There

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Lucy

Wordplay for Working Bees

Stroboscopic Artefacts

Minimal techno has taken firm footing at Blouse this year; partly due to some ‘dark’ nights in London and partly due to quality releases. Lucy’s debut album Wordplay for Working Bees is a heavily textured composition filled with industrial burrs, drawls and twangs. Crisp minimal cut ‘Bein’ has as much funk as BPMs, ‘Eon’ expresses the primal, paranoid elements of minimal and closing track ‘Ter’ proves surprisingly fragile.

Lucy - Ter

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Real Estate

Days

Domino

Real Estate has made some transcendent indie rock right here. Oscillating guitar chords, picket fence lyrical subject matter and consistent light-and-shade song progression throughout the album. The song 'It's Real' has such an infectious hook that as you sit at the dinner table your family might ask “Who's that band you're playing, Kitty?” If you meet someone, play this album. If you're on the market, play this album.

Real Estate – It's Real

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Visionquest

Lee Curtiss, Seth Troxler, Ryan Crosson and Shaun Reeves started a mini revolution when they opened the doors at Visionquest.

The quirky, downtempo, alternative minimal/tech house sound that they have come to represent has a certain mystery and richness that is nigh on impossible to ignore.

Strong releases by Dinky, Benoit & Sergio and Tale Of Us - plus an excellent Fabric mix at the tail end of year- have seen them garner plenty of well deserved attention in 2011. And with several anticipated projects in the pipeline, I'm sure that will continue through '12 and beyond.

Tale Of Us - Dark Song

Visionquest (Shaun Reeves & Lee Curtiss) - Fabric Promo Mix

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Metronomy

The English Riviera

Atlantic / Big Beat / Because

Metronomy is ageing like aromatic sake. The English Riviera is quirk-pop like the rest of the band’s catalogue, yet more radio ready than previous release Nights Out. 'Everything Goes My Way' is genuinely romantic with its keut British vocals and acoustic guitar, 'The Look' has synthlines that would be familiar to anyone who’s been on the Paris Metro, while 'The Bay' has Metronomy’s signature dorky keys/bass/drums combo.

On a personal note, The English Riviera was the soundtrack to a couple of balmy weeks spent in Croatia. Its laid back, hazy vibe was the perfect companion during that trip, and listening to it always brings back memories of orange roofs, rockily beautiful beaches and sharing figs with nonna's. Fantastic.

Metronomy – The Look

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Sepalcure

Sepalcure

Hotflush Recordings

Travis Stewart and Praveen Sharma banged together this debut release in only a couple of weeks. It fuses house, bass and dubstep with achingly sweet sentiment. Opening track ‘Me’ is wound-up grade A dubstep, ‘See Me Feel Me’ is a touching ode to love and ‘Carrot Man’ pumps out bass, pianos and reverb’d vocals in wave-like surges. Only released last month, Sepalcure has topped off a stellar year in music.

Sepalcure – See Me Feel Me

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The Weeknd

House of Balloons

Self Released

Perhaps the defining musical happening of 2011 was the 'reinvigoration' of R'n'B.
Artists like James Blake, SBTRKT, Jamie Woon and How To Dress Well all contributed to this movement, but to me, Abel Tesfaye's 'The Weeknd' was the game changer.

Somehow the naivety present in his unsavoury stories about sex, insecurity and way too many drugs really resonated with people. And with beats that perfectly matched the dark, scuzzy subject matter, Tesfaye was definitely on to something good.

Something that really struck and impressed me about this release though, was the way that it challenged people's perceptions on their own music taste.
I still remember the confusion on people's faces as they were listening to this (were they really listening to R'n'B?), and I think it speaks volumes that the music was good enough for pre-judgements to be irrelevant.

The Weeknd - What You Need

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Wolf + Lamb & Soul Clap

Along with other notable labels/posses Visionquest and Crosstown Rebels, these guys sure have made a huge mark this year.

A busy touring schedule, numerous releases (including collaborations with Laid Back, Art Department & Theophilus London)
and a well received DJ Kicks mixtape has seen these guys deservedly lift their visibility.

Whilst other buzz labels have maintained a sense minimist restraint, these guys seem to have turned the focus squarely onto fun - both in production and live shows - whilst still retaining a somewhat smooth and chilled vibe.

Their combination of hip hop, soul and g-funk elements with house and tech house feels really fresh and I have no doubt that 2012 will see their popularity grow even further.

Tanner Ross & Soul Clap - Miami Shores

Wolf + Lamb vs Soul Clap Live @ The Modern Love Affair Vol.3

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Well, that was our take on the year that was. What do you think? Did we miss anything? Did we choose something that didn't merit a spot? Comment and let us know.

Again, we invite you to download the full Blouse's Best of 2011 list in this handy ZIP file. Enjoy!

Blouse's Best of 2011
(ZIP file download from Mediafire)

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We would like to thank everyone for helping to make 2011 a bumper year for Blouse. It has been a year of change for us, and we are very much looking forward to another exciting year in 2012.

Hopefully everyone stays safe and enjoys a fantastic New Years! See you next year!

Hallelujah

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 08:16:00 +0000

A little bit late on this one, but thought I would share for those that are straggling..

I am constantly astounded at how few decent Cut Copy remixes there are out there. Everytime I listen to one of their albums, all I hear is non stop remix gold and I really think that only a couple of remixers have done these tracks justice.

Andrew Weatherall is one such remixer with his recent take on epic 'Zonoscope' closer 'Sun God'.

I wouldn't expect any less from such a legend, but what he has done with this track is really quite good.
The slow, spacey grandeur of the original has been faithfully retained, but the introduction of some slow, rolling bass and sassy throwback guitar licks really freshens up proceedings.. Heartily recommended:

Cut Copy - Sun God (Andrew Weatherall Remix)

If you haven't come across much of Andrew Weatherall's stuff in the past, then I suggest you get your ass schooled.. You can start with these two tracks.. Look out for the deliciously slow BPM's and syrupy, rolling and somehow profound bass:

Locussolus - Gunship (Andrew Weatherall Dub)

Happy Mondays - Hallelujah (Andrew Weatherall Remix)

(Notice as well how modern/recent the Happy Mondays remix sounds.. It was actually made in '89)

Nearly Christmas!

Fade Away

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 18:24:00 +0000

Coming up with the Blouse picks of 2011 sure has been sweaty work.. It has been an interesting year to say the least. Will send that your way in the next week or so.

In the meantime:

I came across Nico Purman's 'Fade Away' on the Rebel Rave mix a while back and have been eagerly awaiting its release ever since. Initially it seems quite simple and perhaps even a bit formulaic, but there is definitely something compelling in the play between its driving bass and subtle vocals.
The perfect use of extra percussion (cymbals at 4:40 = winner) and synth touches really add a lot as well:

Nico Purman - Fade Away

Pick up Nico Purman's Fade Away EP here.

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French DJ/producer Chloé has popped up again after a few years in the production wilderness to serve up her new single 'Watch Out'.

This time around, we have been treated to three tracks of busy, full-bodied techno with an almost tribal undertone.

My pick would have to be B-side 'Chatterbox' with its tough, driving bass and filtered vocals. Aimed squarely at the dance floors, this is one track that you definitely want to save for your family's post Christmas lunch rave off.

Chloe - Chatterbox

You can score Chloe's 'Watch Out' right here.

Finally, felt I should mention that I'm currently reaching the tail end of Visionquest's superb Fabric mix, and have stumbled across the staggeringly awesome new single by Footprintz entitled 'Heaven Felt Like Night'. Those guys are on to something special there.. Do what you can to track it down.

Justice: Audio, Video, Disco

noreply@blogger.com (Omar) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 08:26:00 +0000

That wasn't so bad, was it?

I was dreading Justice's sophomore album release. All those remixes, all that hype. A Grammy.

I liked it so much, took such guilty pleasure in the cheesy distortion and poser melodies, that I didn't want to go through it again.

I was/am part of the problem.

And now look at you, Gaspard and Xavier, on Audio, Video, Disco. It's got catchy hooks and transcendent pianos. It's life-affirming, in a festival lineup leak kinda way. It's shimmering electronic rock.

And you've got this smooth track right here:

Justice - On'n'On

Zephyr

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 12:54:00 +0000

Greetings from rainy Struggle town! Hope you are all enjoying your weekend!

I shared Strand's classic '96 space/techno odyssey a few days ago on the Blouse Facebook page, but after some deliberation, I realised that it was so good that it deserved another mention. This time on the site proper. So here it is..
The playful, pulsing, spage age/Blade Runner bassline in this track is remarkable, but it would have to be the classy, effervescent strings that really take this shizen to the next level. A gem in the headphones, or on the dfloor methinks:

Strand - Zephyr

This was taken from Strand's '96 release "Floyd Cramer's Revenge". Grab that here.

For all y'all in Helsinki towne this evening, be sure to spruce yourself up and get down to Nolla to witness Norwegian disco demi-god Rune Lindbaek ply his trade. Expect spunky, funky disco beats and a goodly number of goodly times. Sure seems like a great reason to peel my hungover ass off of this couch, so I hope to see you all there.

To get you in the mood, here is an edit that Rune did of Swedish singer Tomas Ledin. Heaps of fun and funk to be found on here.. And in Nolla tonight.

Tomas Ledin - Ledin Me Astray (Rune Lindbaek Re-Edit)

This was taken from Lindbaek's '08 release "But For The Grace Of Cod". Find it here.

Cheers to our Anonymous commenter for giving us feedback in regards to our lack of embedded music players on Blouse. We're exploring a few options, but for now, please enjoy our modified YouTube embeds.. If you have any comments on our recent redesign, please share them!

Sadness

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 15:40:00 +0000

Some cold downbeat minimal to help us enjoy/wallow in this sad, bleak Saturday.

I did a quick search on Hypem (such a reliable source I know) and was shocked to see that Steffi's recent opus "Sadness" had not been shared.. Completely unfair in my opinion, as this song is so heavily laden with emotion that I get worried about my speakers ability to support it.

Delightfully wistful keys and some stark yet emotionally charged vocals. I'm slightly infatuated with this song - can't recommend it enough:

Steffi - Sadness

Taken from the Panorama Bar 03 vinyl sampler from earlier this year. Grab it here.

This next track by Dial honcho Carsten Jost is perfectly suiting the mood today.. It really feels like every set/morning closing song I've ever heard, all rolled into one. If you've been there, you might recognise the smooth, "winding down" vibe in the pianos and synths and the barely restrained percussion that subtly and gently gives it all a lift. Somehow, I can really feel the desperate exhaustion of those "last song of weekend, pre-bed" moments in this track..
Some nice, smooth techno to round out the weekend:

Carsten Jost - Chateau Jalousie

This was taken from Jost's release "A Greater Administration of Lower Interests", which he shared with fellow Dial founder Lawrence. You can pick that up here.

German Techno Love

noreply@blogger.com (Omar) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 02:30:00 +0000

I really have a thing for Prosumer. It's not just his German perfectionism. It's not that he can mould tech house gems as on Panorama Bar 03. It's that he brings life to the artifice of minimal techno.

On the track 'Daybreak', taken from German label Ostgut Ton's Fünf compilation, Prosumer inserts and then strips away rabid hi-hats, syncopated rhythm and a flat kick drum. His light-and-shade approach to building an industrial scaffold is playful.

Then the understated build-up. The rhythmic repetition could get under your skin:

Prosumer - Daybreak

I was recently blown away by a Berghain mix Lucy (aka Luca Mortellaro) made (hear it here).

His debut album Wordplay for Working Bees, released in March on his label Stroboscopic Artefacts, features rich textures and dark landscapes.

'Bein' is one of the more upbeat cuts. Try it out:

Lucy - Bein

Love Never Sleeps

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 13:56:00 +0000

Well well.. it seems as though we have reached the end of yet another week. I guess that means that another techno Friday. Here we go:

A good way to start anything - especially a weekend - would be to listen to Gadi Mizrahi's take on Seth Troxler's track "Love Never Sleeps". It has all the bombastic percussion you'll (probably) ever need - plus ethereal synths and a heavy, mysterious vibe.
excellent:

Seth Troxler - Love Never Sleeps (Gadi Mizrahi Remix)

Taken from the fantastic "Rebel Rave" triple disc mixtape put out by Crosstown Rebels about a year ago. Grab it here.

Taking it up a notch is this Maurizio (aka Basic Channel) track "Domina" from '93.. Classic, genre defining minimal techno with some really heavy sub bass and nice throwback synths and handclaps.

Maurizio - Domina (Maurizio Mix 1)

If you haven't had the chance to listen to Carl Craig's take on this song, then you should really look to do so now.. Highly recommended for your next Sunday couch sesh.
You can pick up the full "Domina" release here.

Look At You

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 08:18:00 +0000

Still working on the redesign.. What do you think so far? Hopefully it's OK - any comments are more than welcome!

So - some quick redesign disco for the coast into the weekend.. A Facebook post containing the words "oh.my.god." alerted me to the vintage funk of Jacques Renault's "Look At You".
Some seriously rich, hazy, yet pleasingly upbeat sounds on this George McCrae sampling number. Perfect segue into the weekend methinks..

Jacques Renault - Look At You

This was lifted from Renault's curiously named '09 EP "Favicon".. Grab it now.

Mortal Trance

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 18:21:00 +0000

some deep, smooth house for a week that never really managed to rid itself of that horrible monday morning vibe.

this boo williams track hasn't been far from my speakers since i first heard it on friendly fires' bugged out mix many moons ago.. for me, there wouldn't be too much special about this deep house track if it wasn't for the ghostly, ethereal synths that float in and out of the chugging synth and somewhat jacking drums.

if you are having a tough week, fill your ears with this:

Boo Williams - Mortal Trance

pick up boo william's 'mortal trance' ep here.

i surprisingly found this murat tepeli number amongst loads of heavy, industrial german techno on ostgut ton's 'funf' compilation from last year. warm, thick bass pads, paired with more ethereal, floating synths and some skittering drums.. makes for one heck of a wind down track.. really nice:

Murat Tepeli - Hold On

grab ostgut ton's funf compilation here.

if by some chance this week was actually kind to you, then maybe some of this action would be more up your alley.. classic synth pop by american husband///wife duo nu shooz - from way back in '86 (best year ever).
have been spotting this track on quite a few mixes lately - most notably (of course) on several soul clap & wolf + lambs mixes. this track is so full of amazing sounds - it really is a feast for the ears. solid bass, breezy guitars, horns and of course valerie day's awesome, very 80's sounding voice. good luck not having this on repeat for the rest of today:

Nu Shooz - I Can't Wait

happy friday!

Allez Allez Go Going

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 19:42:00 +0000

some horrible news reached me the other day, and i have to say that i am still pretty deep in mourning..

after five stellar years as bloggers, producers, label bosses and djs, the great steve nolan and sam willis - otherwise known as allez allez - have decided to go their separate ways.. incredibly sad news indeed.

these two have done more to open my eyes to the unknown reaches of electronica then perhaps anyone else.. i really have a huge amount of respect for them.

the last couple of weeks have been like one long victory lap for the duo, and as one final goobye, they have whipped up two new mixtapes. it is actually quite sad to listen to them, but i really cant recommend them enough.
these, along with the scores of other amazing, inspirational mixes are currently up on their site, but will only stay there until the tenth of november. that is when they, and the whole allez allez site will be taken down forever. heavy stuff.

so! it's now on you to rush over to the site and grab everything you can. seriously - mixes from the likes of four tet, prins thomas, ben watt, dj t, caribou and mike simonetti only scratch the surface. get over there now.

Allez Allez - Get Their Mixes While You Still Can

a fitting soundtrack to the long download ahead is definitely "the defeatist" - probably my favourite of their modest production output. absolutely love the slinky, busy, sexy groove of this song and the heavy dancefloor killer that it grows into.

Allez Allez - The Defeatist

you can pick up a copy of that here.

to catch up with the lads post allez-allez, keep your eyes on walls (sam willis' exciting project), or various dj booths & podcasts around the world.

lets raise a glass for these two.
heres to an outstanding five years - and lets hope that they can go on to bigger and better things.

They met at Berghain

noreply@blogger.com (Omar) — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 01:55:00 +0000

Her pink cheeks and red mouth were the last parts he saw as she stepped into the cab and out of the cold morning air. He knew he would never see her again. Not in Berlin. Not in London. The streetlights flickered as they turned on. He stood on the curb and watched the cab take her toward a hostel in Mitte. He put his right palm in the air; half-saluting.

Marcel Dettmann - Lattice

He had been optimistic about seeing her again because she was so open about leaving Miami for good. She liked Germany and being with him and taking pills together at Berghain. When they were inside the club she held his hand and hadn't flinched when he kissed her. He liked it when she wiped saliva from the sides of his mouth with her thumbs and offered gum when the clenching hurt. She only asked for beer.

It wasn't because he liked that she spoke three languages or was a paralegal. That wasn't why he liked her more than the other girls. It was the numb expression he saw as she looked up and asked for his phone. Her blue eyes were glassy. He passed the phone over and she typed in her number. She asked to be walked to the taxi rank. He didn't hold her hand; he just walked with her.

Marcel Dettmann - Plain

He knew why she was sad. All the talk of living in Berlin and London got to her. She liked that he was tall and had an engineering degree and liked hiking through Austria in summer. She had outgrown Miami. But moving would be hard. If she stayed in Miami she would have a comfortable home and pretty children. It was a risk she couldn't take.

The cab turned into Rosenstrasse and she saw the open doors of the hostel. She would rest a few hours before packing her things, she thought. The driver asked where he should stop. She asked him to turn back.

Lucy @ Berghain 20-11-2010 by lucy

Black Square

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 19:10:00 +0000

a little bit of chill time.. trust me - you deserve it.

in the past couple of years, i have made a point to not go anywhere near music by artists with capitalised, vowelless names. but after coming across bnjmn and his new album "black square", it looks like i'll be making an exception.

in place of the 30 odd minutes of cheese encrusted, subtle-as-sledgehammers rubbish that i expected was a beautiful collection of fragile, ambient electronica and minimal - akin to the likes of the field or perhaps even boards of canada.

i dont generally like to simultaneously post two tracks from an album, but i think today i'll do it to quickly illustrate the diverse yet cohesive sounds on "black square".

the title track ("black square") and most upbeat cut "open the floodgates" sit snugly together at #'s five and six, and while the differences are immediately apparent, it is their similarities that make this album the powerful piece of work that it is:

"black square" is a heavy, feedback laden odyssey that gently pulses and bubbles its way into your consciousness. there are no real hooks or melodies here - just a multitude of lovely sounds and these incredibly insistent, determined - yet oh-so-distant drums.

BNJMN - Black Square

"open the floodgates" is the showiest piece of "black square" with it's driving beat, choir stabs and frenetic melody.. it is the kind of track whose beaming euphoria grabs you straight away - and perhaps the one you would tire of first.

still - one of those awesome tracks that works in your headphones or front and centre in dfloor land.

BNJMN - Open The Floodgates

but despite the diversity in these two tracks, what really impresses is the whimsical, cinematic quality that somehow ties them - and indeed the whole album - together. bnjmn has really impressed with his knack for creating palpable, dense environments and the judicious - sometimes sparing use of percussion & drums.

"black square" could (and maybe should) take pride of place in your early week survival /sunday ease out of weekend schedule.

check out bnjmn's "black square". find it here.

Planning

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 09:24:00 +0000

techno. saturday.

while omar and myself were in london, we were lucky enough to check out berghain's marcel dettman at an ostgut ton night.. much of the evenings proceedings passed in an intoxicated blur, but what i do remember is dettman's cold visage gazing out over the crowd whilst droves of pounding, no nonsense german techno stirred the crowd to frenzy. "planning" (a cut from his "translations" ep from last month) perfectly illustrates what we were faced with that night. fantastic:

Marcel Dettmann - Planning

pick up marcel dettmann's "translation ep" here.

kassem mosse is unfortunately someone that i haven't had a great deal of contact with in the past. after reading several glowing reviews though, i decided to remedy that situation.. it seemed smart to start recent, so the first thing that i checked out was his "enoha ep" (also from september).. although no two tracks on this ep sound the same (diversity being a cornerstone of his style), he handles the range of musical styles brilliantly.. covered here is flitting breakbeat electronica, deep dubstep, and of course pounding techno - all with a dark, expansive varnish.
my favourite of the bunch though is the title track "enoha".. a slow, sludgy groove that is really brought to life by teasing, energetic percussion and cymbals. keep your ears out for the menacing synth that wanders in around two thirds of the way through:

Kassem Mosse - Enoha

grab kassem mosse's "enoha ep" here.

and finally as a bit of a throwback - here is miss kittin's "requiem for a hit" from way back in '04. tried to play this awesome slice of fun last friday when things were getting a bit rowdy, but found it really hard to track down on youtube. so here it is in all its ass shakin' glory, posted here conveniently for your next moment of need:

Miss Kittin - Requiem For A Hit (Feat L.A. Williams)

have a great weekend!

Part Of Me

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 19:36:00 +0000

i have to say that stepping back into the world of vinyl has - in a way - rekindled my excitement for music. it might sound obvious, but paying (considerably) more and dealing with waiting periods longer than 10 minutes breed a kind of love and pride for your records that only a father could have.

that's why it means quite a lot when i say that one of the clear stand outs in my first haul of vinyl has been greg paulus' "crew love remixes ep".. the intoxicating blend of smoky horns, quirky synths, and minimal beats have certainly been getting much airplay around these parts.

you may have heard soul clap's hazy-but-bouncy take on "suchashame", but the cut that i have been getting excited about on this release is definitely slow hand's mix of "part of me".. twisting percussion & carnival horns in the most solemn tropical party this side of cuba:

Greg Paulus - Part Of Me (Slow Hands Remix)

hot damn these double standard/soul clap/wolf + lamb guys have some amazing sounds right now. best you get some into your ears. grab the "crew love remixes ep" here.. check out some other (also awesome) double standard stuff here.

i posted tale of us' incredible "dark song" a few weeks ago, and it should be no surprise that their ep was one of the first ones that i bought. yes, i really really enjoyed the shit out that song, and it gives me great pleasure to say that i also heartily enjoyed their debut four tracker.
like the greg paulus ep, a heavy haze hangs over this release, but here it is accompanied by a multitude of luxuriant synths, a real driving smoothness, and a vibe caught somewhere between tribal love dance and 90's warehouse party.
"circle of life" may initially be the introverted pick of the bunch, but it really builds into something great. watch for the incredibly soft, velvety synths:

Tale Of Us - Circle Of Life (featuring Fadila)

pick up the full "dark song" release here.

tech house friday tomorrow! yeah!

Miami Shores

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 14:57:00 +0000

some soothing tunes today for my aching head:

i really can't get enough of this wolf & lamb/soul clap p funk thing. i feel like their names have been popping up a lot on blouse recently, but i guess that reflects just how much their names have been popping up in my head. their mixtapes, singles, ep's, podcasts and sides a, b & all the way to z have been getting serious punishment from me.

while their beats have been known to rock d-floors, i also feel that they should be ackowledged for the way they can sooth a hangover. take their collaboration with the awesome tanner ross "miami shores" for instance.. such a diverse, amazing track. lush, smoky synths make way for a thick, syrupy - yet thoroughly bouncy bassline, which in turn is jettisoned for delicious "sensual seduction" sample in the breakdown. indulge:

Tanner Ross & Soul Clap - Miami Shores

"miami shores" is lifted from the soul clap & tanner ross "shady shores ep" from july. grab it here.

a little side note for a saturday night: all this talk of hip hop/soul flavoured electronica has really led me back to sounds from the 70's and 80's.. one time lfo stalwart paul hardcastle is someone that i have been particularly enjoying. the purity and innocence of his music is a joy..
his track "rainforest" is fantastic because while it is smooth as hell and features flutes, you can still image someone break dancing to it.

Paul Hardcastle - Rainforest

check out more of his extensive back catalogue here.

have a good weekend!

Ghetto Sunrise

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 19:17:00 +0000

tuesday night.. chill time in the 'hood.

one thing that i have discovered over the past few weeks is that chill time sure aint chill time without californian armon bazile (aka aybee) and his overwhelmingly smooth, soulful beats. i initially found it hard to pin down his sound, but have since learned to get over it and just love his irresistible blend of soul, house and techno.
this track, "ghetto sunrise" featured prominently on motor city drum ensemble's fantastic resident advisor mix from '08.. soft pads, a gently bubbling bassline and chanting. i can feel my eyes misting over already:

Aybee - Ghetto Sunrise

the good news for everyone is that aybee has been a busy lad of late with a couple of fantastic releases making their way out of the studio. from a fresh stable of amazingly danceable slow jams, "a glance" would have to be my favourite. a track that seriously just gets better and better. a light, ethereal, im'a-sneak-into-yo'-bedroom-at-midnight air matched only by a bombastic bassline that makes a welcome appearance at around the two minute mark. bliss:

Aybee - A Glance

"a glance" was lifted from the eternal radiance ep which he released jointly with atmospheric existence records boss miles sagnia.. grab a copy here. "ghetto sunrise" is a slightly older cut - lifted off future vision's "artifacts from the future ep" from back in '06. you can grab that here.

and finally, to round things off nicely this evening will be this little selection from mike di francesco's one time side project touch sensitive.
this track "body stop" (originally released in '06) got a fair bit of attention after a much deserved future classic re-issue in '09, so chances are that you have come across it already at some point.. but if you havent, make sure you have a listen.
a slightly melancholic, thoroughly engrossing electro-funk number that - for me - perfectly sums up the australian electronic sound from that golden era.. brings to mind vivid images of surry hills and the cross in sydney.. way to make an ex-pat homesick.
cut up vocals, wistful keys and heavy funk on the bass.. great track:

Touch Sensitive - Body Stop

"body stop" featured on future classic's apres compilation from '09. pick that up here.

UV

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 09:24:00 +0000

woohoo! tech house fridays are back at last..

for some reason, there has been a lot of talk (mostly coming from me) about visiting berlin and the infamous techno institution that is berghain. the change in season seems to have brought a debaucherous twinkle to peoples eyes, and talk of the nefarious goings-on in that old power station only serves to fuel that fire. so too does the excellent mix series that the club has been releasing sporadically for six years.

resident marcel fengler manned the wheels for the most recent outing - the fifth in the series - and i have to say that i was definitely impressed by his effort. a weighty and downright dark collection of techno with minimal melody or frilly bits - the focus being an intense groove and drive supplied by subterranean bass and thumping drums.
one of my personal highlights on this mix was a track called "uv" by the mysterious vril. love the long, patient progression of this song.. when a song focuses on building the percussion for over three minutes, you know it has to be good. and the unrelenting piano lends an almost 90's feel to the track which is cool as well. very compelling:

Vril - UV

spice up your weekend. pick up marcel fengler's bergain 05 here.

in other incredible news, my first shipment of vinyls arrived this week... thats right! im starting to collect vinyl again (please don't get too excited). the lp that im probably most excited about in this order would have to be the mighty octave one's album "the living key" from '97. so many tight tunes on there, but one that i keep coming back to is "mid heaven".. a swirling, tribal rain dance of a track with so much awesome percussion that i sometimes get dizzy listening to it.

Octave One - Mid Heaven

pick up "the living key" here.

Neon Indian, Toro Y Moi

noreply@blogger.com (Omar) — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 12:20:00 +0000

Neon Indian and Toro Y Moi are bands I strongly associate. Partly because they came to indie prominence around the same time, in late 2009/early 2010. And partly because that's just how I happened to consume them.

Neon Indian frontman Alan Palomo is a talented guy - a bit douchey - and has surfed a wave of popularity he could easily have fallen off (drugs/high expectations/The Pirate Bay). But his second album, Era Extraña, ticks some massive box.

It has 80s synthlines, love-damaged lyrics, and three 'Heart' tracks which weave a little texture through.

Neon Indian - Suns Irrupt

Toro Y Moi has released two albums, Causers of This (2010) and Underneath the Pine (2011); both excellent albums. On the second album, Chazwick Bundick, the band's face, displays progression from the lo-fi gimmickry of his debut to a robust, mature sound.

The track below has been taken from Bundick's new EP Freaking Out. I can't tell if it's a set of off-cuts from Pine, or if he's refining his sound every six months. And by refined I mean he sounds like a wailing Bobby Brown still struggling to shave.

Toro Y Moi - Freaking Out

Velocity Of Your Love

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 19:02:00 +0000

thursday already! welcome to the ease into the weekend. going to try and make it as smooth as possible this week - no need to over tax ourselves..

blouses favourite russians d-pulse popped up again recently with a vinyl release of their single "velocity of your love".. good news! although the original is super (in a spaced out slow jam kind of way), it is the hot toddy mix that really got me really interested.
its intense, warm grooves and bright, flowing guitars are so damn nice.. perfect summer sounds - hope y'all in australia get to enjoy this with some hot weather soon. i sure as hell wont.

D-Pulse - Velocity of Your Love (Hot Toddy Remix)

grab the "velocity of your love" on wax here.. download it here.

and while we're on the smooth tip.. here is a gem from way back in 2009 that i stumbled across the other day. pure, melancholic, slow-bubbling funk from dfa masters still going. a great track that was perhaps overshadowed by its record-mate "spaghetti circus".

Still Going - Untitled Love

hmm.. they unfortunately dont seem to be "still going" with original productions these days - but they sure are racking up plenty of remix credits. looking forward to them getting back into the studio to make their own beats soon.
if you feel like doing some reminiscing, you can grab the spaghetti circus/untitled love ep here.