ALBUM REVIEW: V/A WATERGATE X OUT 9 NOVEMBER

OMG 10 years. Where did the time go? This comp has been boiling for a decade and is showing no signs of slowing down yet. This is a 2 disc unmixed CD which was a little disappointing as I would have liked a bonus mixed disc too but the collectors box does come with a bonus DVD about Watergate including interviews history, a photo album and a triple vinyl set and a poster and guest list admission card. Check out the stream below for a taste. 

4/5 

CTZN V41N

ALBUM REVIEW: Lone 'Galaxy Garden' out 7 May on R&S Records

Been a while since a I posted a review. I'd love to say that it's because I've been listening to piles of shit records and nothing has been worth writing about but it's simply not the case. There is tons of great music out there right now and the new album from Lone is another fine example of what is turning out to be a great year for new creativity.

Galaxy Garden is an appropriate title for what is a very other-worldy highly electronic experience. There are tough basslines aplenty here, as well as a hark back to the old skool techno classics. I'm referring to the stupendous 'Crystal Caverns 1991' one of the stand out tracks on a predominantly instrumental album. The keyboard riffs on this are insane and really hark back to some sweaty field in the countryside or an abandoned warehouse somewhere filled with kids off their nuts on ecstasy and god knows what else. Those kids will be in their late 30's and 40's now, if they made it that far. I wonder what they would make of it?

This is not an time machine or rave emulator. There is plenty of freshness on here. For something a bit more chilled and a tasty vocal check out the last track 'Spirals'. Expect songs on here to feature in TV commercials or film productions sometime soon. This is high level shit.

4/5

CTZN V41N

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NEW: Sleigh Bells Reign Of Terror new album available to stream now

The NY Times are streaming the new Sleigh Bells Album 'Reign Of TERROR' RIGHT NOW - stop reading and follow THIS LINK now. The album is out next week and it's off the chain people. Oh and there's a music video for 'Comeback Kid' now too; wot u cn lk @ blo'.

Damn 'Born To Lose' is hot (am only 3 tracks in but not disappointed yet).

Get More: Sleigh Bells, Comeback Kid, Music, More Music Videos

ALBUM REVIEW: V/A 'The Wurst Music Ever' out now on Wurst

Upfront modern underground house and disco does not get too much better than Wurst right now. This 10 track compilation is real showcase of some of their best talent right now. I love 'Ur Oskinni' by Name In Lights. I think I'm right in naming the xylophone as the key instrument used in this one. It's an unusual choice that works well. My favourite track has to be the sublime 'That's The Thing (To Do)' by Great Weekend. The vocal hook and riff is a killer. Reminds me a little bit of Moodyman twisted with an early piano house vibe but not cheesy at all. A serious hypnotic groove.

This might be a little too underground (see Peanuts not Working) for the casual consumer and it's not mixed either. I think this one is more for the heads and the aspiring DJ. If you are of those then seriously dude/ette get a hold of this now. Environ, Metro Area, Wang heads will love this there are some serious gems on this (See Tase The Wizard).

7/10

CTZN V41N

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ALBUM REVIEW: Jazzanova 'Remixes' out 30 Jan on Sonar Kollektiv

There is a time and a place for remixes. This isn't one of them. 'Remixes' sounded half like a GCSE music technology coursework and half like the backing music from the pause menu on a generic racing game.

For tracks that are supposed, and indeed are individual interpretations they all sound creepily similar. Nu-Jazz is precarious at the best of times but these have been remixed to the point where it offers nothing new, which is the very point of doing a remix in the first place; to create something that sounds new. Getting down to it, the Motor City Drum Ensemble Remix was the only one that was passably listenable, while the remaining 9 tracks descended into clunky mismatched blippy synth horrors. It's an album which very nearly makes me sound damnation on Kraftwerk for playing about with their keyboards. Very. Nearly.

4/10

Eriin Dhesi

ALBUM REVIEW: V/A 'Watergate 10 Marco Resmann' out 20 February on Watergate

I confess that I'd never heard of Marco Resmann before. Didn't know what to expect but had a feeling as this was the 10th instalment of the Watergate compilations series and a mini milestone then it would be good. Did it live up to my expectations. That and more! It's nice to listen to a well constricted mix by a true DJ who understands the craft, history and above all class that it takes to pull off a minimal mix that isn't well, boring. Not everyone has succeeded in this in the past. Even Tiefschwarz didn't manage to do as good a job as Resmann has here.

There are loads of his own productions on here. I'll definitely be looking out for this artist in the future. If you are into soulful minimal house and techno with a soft rounded edge vibe then this will be right up your street.

7/10

CTZN V41N

ALBUM REVIEW: V/A Kitsune Parisien II (2) out February 13 on Kitsune

Yes yes yes, another Kitsune compilation comes along and everyone's panties drop and the orgasms are heard all over the world about just how great they are. 'More more more' we cry, 'Oh yes baby give it to me again'. Useful? Well that's not for me to decide for you right now. Is this compilation enough to get you hard / wet - both? Maybe not quite but it might get you laid if you subtly press play with the right girl or guy or both in the room.

I tested this theory out and it almost worked, at least it might have if my cat hadn't decided to vomit up my missing earplugs all over the parquet. Have not got that stain out. Thanks for that.

The compilation starts with the sexy 'So Long My Love' by tomorrows world. This is a smart contemporary track that oozes sex and is great fucking material. The new Juveniles track follows. Its not as good as 'We Are Young' - whatever, never could be. Make out background noise it certainly is. More of the same with some sultry female vocals on Free by 'Owlle' follows. She has a vivacious voice that excites me.

I didn't enjoy every track on this. About the Girls effort 'Tiger Evolution' was tame, thankfully it was followed by the awesome 'Angelina' by Nameless.

Look, this is 90% throwaway electro indie pop but who cares? If you want now music then go get it. Theres bound to be some new bands on here you haven't heard of and it's good to keep up with what's hot, or going to be in the next few months. Kitsune are good at that and always have been.

7/10

CTZN V41N

ALBUM REVIEW: Cloud Nothings 'Attack On Memory' out 23 January On Carpark / Wichita

Weasely vocals aside I truly love CN's sophomore album. Despite the opener and uber grunge homage 'No Future No Past' which is still my favourite song, if you are expecting a grunge fest take your buck and go elsewhere. Lead singer Dylan Baldi really needs to work on his vocals. They sound stretched to the limit and are unpleasant at times to listen to, especially on an otherwise flawless indie song 'Wasted Days'. There are other examples but I don't want to be overly harsh. Dylan is very young and I'm sure his voice will develop with time. I truly hope it does. He should see a vocal coach.

This is great Indie music. The album was produced by Steve Albini and it shows. It's also very well programmed. Another favourite is the superb Maximo Park- esque 'Separation'. Whilst I love this album with my heart, my Head says that this effort is nothing special - rather slightly above average well put together mid card indie, with a touch of Over hype. Talented musician with a promising future. My heart sings with joy as I listen and get caught up in the moment to the aptly named 'Fall In' that exudes thrashy, exciting, young raw energy from a special, gifted historically aware band. Heart or Head? For me it's all about the love baby.

7/10

CTZN V41N

ALBUM REVIEW: Fred Falke 'PART IV' out 5 December on Work It Baby

Surely one of the biggest travesties in house music was the lack of an album by Fred Falke. This heinous act will soon be put to bed and the balance of all things house rightfully redressed when one of the kings of French house music, Fred Falke releases his debut album.

11 years have passed sine Falke and Braxe released the game changing classic 'Intro' and in the past decade I've been waiting, and waiting, and waiting for FF to finally drop an album. Thankfully we've hardly been starved of FF material with a flurry of remixes and some dope reworks of Florrie and imo most notably that Whitest Boy Alive Rework and recently there has been plenty to keep us in the groove but you know it's nice to have an album on record and this is not just a best of either.

Yes there are a few tracks we've already heard like '808pm at the Beach' and the stupendous 'Last Wave' but hey if it ain't broke don't fix it right? That seems to be FF's mantra here and you know what it still Falke-ing works too. The newness is just as tight. If you are looking for fresh meat, head for 'Bare Knuckle', Aurora' and 'Memories'. This album has been well thought out and well programmed. It flows well, the groove is constant and it's a dance music fans wet dream come true. Fred Falke is Back To Stay, again.

5/5

CTZN V41N

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Fred Falke - 808pm At The Beach by Fred Falke

ALBUM REVIEW: Dillon This Silence Kills' out 14 November on Bpitch Control

Comparisons (Bjork, Camille etc etc etc) aside. Dillon has hit the nail on the head with this delightfully different debut album. What's not to like? It's covered with her astounding voice for starters and the production also happens to be top notch. It has a wintry vibe going on in the best way, no more so than 'You Are My Winter'. I defy you not to have your heart melted when she cries 'Alexander'. This is the stand out song on what is a pleasant listening experience.

However I don't think Dillon has reached her peak just yet. I think she has more in the tank and am already eagerly awaiting her next studio album to see just what she has got in store for us in the future.

3.5/5

CTZN V41N

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ALBUM REVIEW: Justice 'Audio, Video, Disco' out now on Ed Banger / Because

The old days. No internet meant that exposure to music was based on being able to afford it, then sharing illegal taped copies with your pals, followed by CD's then minidisc. Result = choice of music was more stringent. You thought more about your purchases and more often than not they belonged to a certain genre.

The Albums would be played over and over again. Now. Internet saturation means that not only do you not have to pay for albums any more but you can legally listen to them as artists are regularly offering them up as free streams or on spotify, official.fm etc. So the chances of even finishing listening to said album before the compulsion gets too great to find something better elsewhere on the WWW? Low. I'm talking about myself btw.

So the new Justice album comes along and it feels like I'm 16 again standing in front if my vestax's and cdj 500 not even mixing but literally weeping whilst I head nod along and put the needle back to the start of the album. Daft Punk, Alan Braxe most of the stuff on Roule and Crydamoure used to sometimes have this effect but now it takes something a little bit more cultured. This album is refined; like the 70% Lindt Cocoa Bar it's just better. But it's not pretentious and is accessible to all. Hell 'AVD' is better as it costs the same as a piece of manufactured processed Cadbury like Guetta garbage.

And here's the crux; the first Justice album '†' was great but 2nd album syndrome has not affected Justice. They have simply elevated themselves even higher musically speaking. If they carry on like this they are going to be around for decades to come. Yes there are those who say that AVD is simply copying Prog Rock. For me it's about how music makes me feel. This stuff actually made me cry tears of joy and it is still releasing endorphins in large quantities every time I listen to it, which at the moment is 3 times a day since it was released last week. If I don't hear 'Civilisation' at lest that many times I get withdrawal symptoms and have to do sit ups which is convenient as this is great workout music too. Oh and it makes a great accompaniment to anyone wanting to make bolognese sauce from start to finish too.

Seriously though after hearing this on the preview below I actually went and bought it on Vinyl - it came with the CD too - nice little package from HMV for £15 right now - and it's the first thing I've got on that medium for a long, long time. This is a serious album of the year contender and I can't wait for 2012 to see their new live show.

5/5

CTZN V41N

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ALBUM REVIEW: Tycho 'Dive' out 14 November on Ghostly International

If you like Future Loop Foundation, or you're partial to a sort of chill-wave then Dive is no hard sell. It's simply a sublime set of instrumental tracks that made me yearn to be sitting on a beach watching the sunset - not more so than 'Hours' with a nice cool drink and some well presented, tasty amuse-bouche.

Indeed in a way this album is an amuse-bouche of sorts. It sets the tone and is clearly designed to be listened to before you go out, or at a social gathering of some description where music may not be the main focus of the event but part of a balanced harmony that includes good times, conversation, relaxation and the more than occasional head-nod.

It's not hard to hear why Tycho aka Scott Hansen says that nostalgia is a common thread in his work as I detected a whiff of it whilst listening to 'Daydream', but don't be mislead. This is not retro. It's a thoroughly modern work of art and a perfect accompaniment as the sun sets on another year in paradise.

4/5

CTZN V41N

LISTEN: Tycho - Hours [Dive LP - Nov. 2011] by Tycho

ALBUM REVIEW: V/A 'The Jam Files Past Present Future' out now on Peppermint Jam

This label started off when I was still a kid and was massive during the house years in the 90's with hits from artists like Moloko, Byron Stingly, Mousse T and Spiller. Disc 1 features a selection of some of these hits from the past and you know what, some of them are still relevant today. Happy memories were brought back, at least what was left of them, of caning it in the clubs listening to Moloko's 'Sing It Back'

That's not all though - there is a disc full of remixes including a phat piece of action from Henrik Schwrarz who gets things going on his rework of Omar 'Feeling You'. Also making an appearance are Radioslave and Christian Prommer on remix duties among others.

Disc 3 features some brand new material from Mousse T., Autodeep, Triad and a few more from the current PJ stable. Whilst this release is certainly nothing to get too excited about it packs a punch and is a must have for any DJ's out there looking to bolster their arsenal for the coming months.

3/5

CTZN V41N

ALBUM REVIEW: The Beekeepers 'Apiculture' out now on Jalapeno

Those of you who were at Glastonbury last year may have been lucky enough to catch the Beekepers debut their 4 deck DJ set. I for one can't wait to catch them live after hearing their stunning debut album.

The Bristol production duo have hit the breaks / chill wave / dubstep nail on the head with an accomplished sound collection that features sublime classical strings and vocals (So Long) juxtaposed with meatier breaks and beats - the Title track 'Apiculture' hiding right at the end of the album is a good example of this.

There are plenty of artists similar in style to The Beekeepers for example Digitonal spring instantaneously to mind but with Apiculture their original style and diverse tastes in all good musical things shines through - check out the build up, and breakdowns in 'Spring Forward' - to leave you awe inspired and, personally somewhat jealous of both their tastes and production talents. To nitpick, personal taste had me skipping through the tracks with the rapping (Queen Bee, Long Way Down) on as I thought the bloke doing the rapping (Mystro) was far from the best in the UK and they could have done better, mentioning no names.

If you like Unkle, DJ Yoda, Digitonal, Chali 2Na, Smith and Mighty, Massive Attack and Jon Hopkins then seriously get this and if you don't like it I'll give you your money back (that's a joke people), but seriously though, what you waiting for? Procure this now!

5/5

CTZN V41N

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ALBUM REVIEW: Blood Orange 'Coastal Grooves' out now on Domino

Forgetting all the why's hows and layers and layers of hype and transgender issues why this project came about is of no interest to me in this instance. Why? Well because the music shines through. The originality and creativity of the songs (see 'Can We Go Inside Now?) surpasses any creative motive or word that can be spoken or written about this project. Rarely does an album come about that you just want to listen to from beginning to end and Devonté Hynes has produced a lot of music (Testicicles, Lightspeed Champion, Basement Jaxx, Florence & The Machine, Theophilus London, Solange Knowles) and I have wanted to do the same with a lot of it too and Blood Orange is no different which is why I'm giving it top marks; JUST LISTEN!

5/5

CTZN V41N

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ALBUM REVIEW: Agnes Pres. Cavalier 'A Million Horses' out 29 August on Drumpost Community

A deep deep house start on this 19 track artist album. Always a good start to proceedings. Was reminded a little bit of the old Kerri Chandler sound. The track I'm referring to has the strange name of 'Kabardin'. In fact all the tracks have fairly weird names but with the title 'A Million Horses' one can only guess that the songs are named after some of those supposed beasts?

One thing is for certain if you like your beats (that's beats not beasts people) wholesome and intelligent and you like your house intelligent yet minimal then this is for you. 'Uzunylaa' (I told you those names were weird) made me think of an extremely modern white club or gallery space. This is where I would imagine this track being played and it works with it's low key coolness and aesthetic vibe going off in a classy deep into the vibe of house way. Perfect warm up material DeeJays! There is deepness aplenty on this album and I'd make it a must have particularly if you are playing late or ealry on or need a bit of atmosphere to get things going.

5/5

CTZN V41N

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ALBUM REVIEW: V/A Berghain 05 'Marcel Fengler' out 29 August 2011 on Ostgutton

Well programmed, good track selection and superbly mixed, this instalment is another notch on the bedpost for the Berghain series. The mix builds well and comes to a stunning peak-time, piano led climax mid-way through with Claude Young and Nakajima's 'Think Twice'. There's also some sick joints by Seiji, Gerd and 20:20 vision amongst the 19 choice cuts.

I would air on the side of caution if you are new to the series. Maybe start with one of the earlier mixes before getting into this one. I felt it was a little bit on the advanced side with a plethora of previously unreleased upfront cuts that might not be to everyone's taste, especially those with an undeveloped palette.

4/5

CTZN V41N

ALBUM REVIEW: V/A 'Soma Records - 20 Years' out 19 September on Soma

If you buy one dance album next month then make sure you hold fire until the 19th and get this one. Not only is it an outstanding achievement to still be going for 20 years but to keep churning out high grade dance tunes across genres should be shouted from the rooftops. Soma are quite rightly doing so with this ambitious double decade celebration spanning 3 discs.

Disc one is an 11 track selection of some of their finest anthemic classic moments including the masterpiece from the late 90's Scott Grooves (feat Parliament / Funkadelic) 'Mothership Reconnection' (Daft Punk Remix). This was part of the soundtrack of my life in clubs, cafes, cars and on compilations released at the time. I even had a copy on vinyl - remember that?

Discs 2 and 3 are DJ mixes from Slam and Silicone Soul. Enough said, end of review really. But, in case you are new to all this and haven't the foggiest who they or Soma are, look them up on discogs. Both mixes are epic, spanning 36 tracks between them going through all the classics and more with some nice new remixes and reworks thrown in to boot. But you can't beat the classics can you? Rejuvination's 'Requiem' make a piano-tastic appearance on Silicone Souls mix who then seamlessly drops Slam 'Positive Education' right after. Enough to whet the appetite? No, well right after that drops 'This World' (Wignomy Bros. & Robag Wruhme dub) / vocal [Silicone Soul - The Snake Charmer Edit] - a massive hands in the air moment - the pigeons on my balcony are wondering what the fuck I'm doing right now and my cats have slinked of to hide under the bed in embarrassment.

The Slam mix is equally as epic but I shan't spoil that one for you, you just have to go and get yourselves a copy - only 1 month 17 days to wait!

5/5

Ryu Rozinante

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ALBUM REVIEW: Scumbag Philosopher 'It Means Nothing So It Means Nothing' out now on Words On Music

I'm not sure if it's the way it's been mixed with the levels of the vocal being too loud or if it's just that I'm not too enamoured with the lead singers vocal abilities or lack thereof but something was really grating with me. It wasn't sitting right after the first two songs 'Tickbox Excercise' and 'I Like Sums' because SP's musical sound is actually tres chic.
I think vocalist Grant Madden was going for something along the lines of the kind of stuff Blaine L. Reininger from Tuxedomoon used to belt out like the legendary 'Desire'. I hope that was not what he was going for because it was a miserable attempt if it was. Whatever he is trying to achieve vocally misses the mark and just sounds flat and dare I say rather pretentious. The songs didn't get any better with 'Your Heroes At Home.'

It's a shame because the music is really good. Bassist Adam Green clearly had bucket-loads of talent and the backing vocals of Anne Reekie were tight too. I'd actually like to hear the band give her a shot at lead vocals. That and some tighter lyrics and SP have got a bright future ahead of them, they just need to sort out those lead vocals.

3/5

Gines De Passamonte

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ALBUM REVIEW: Austra 'Feel It Break' out now on Domino

Lead singer Katie Stelmanis sounds to me like a female version of Anthony Hegarty from Anthony And The Johnsons. There is no hint of mimic. I just instantaneously thought of them when I started to listen to the new album and specifically track 2 'Lose It'. Austra have got some weird and wonderful dark synth tinged pop madness going on along the lines of the Knife but once again there is no plagiarism or copying involved in this. The new wave influences are ever present, resting nicely in the background so as not to overpower what is a thoroughly modern production.

I adore the break-beat spangly synth of 'The Future' and the macabre wonderfulness that is the opening song 'Darken Her Horse'. The programming is superb and the compendium really feels like a whole entity, something that all great albums really must have. The best thing about Austra has to be Katie's voice. She had a classical operatic upbringing and it really shows in her ability to lift the words almost mid air and twist the sound any way she sees fit. Gorgeous.

5/5

CTZN V41N

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