Rob Warner's House & Techno updates

DJ-Idol contest for laughs

2012-01-31T02:55:00.000+13:00

The whole non-DJing world could learn a fair bit about the art of DJing via Simon Cowell's latest idea that is basically the DJs version of Idol. DJ-Idol.

Well, that's the idea at least. Any DJ worth their salt can take one look at the early names associated with the judging side of the event have a hearty laugh at who is involved.

Steve Aoki, OK - I'll give the guy some credit as an entertainer. Not my kind of DJ and, who knows, maybe he's got a great eye for picking talent. I haven't heard so much but you can't rule it out.

Paul Oakenfold. No.. wait...the man who some say invented trance and mixing perfectly while holding his arms out horizontally to show that he can do it without even touching the equipment? Yep, him. It's a DJing industry inside joke that Oakey often plays pre-mixed CDs during his sets. Sometimes when he's off his dial though he forgets to pretend to do the fading/EQing. Whatever he may have been once upon a time in the prog and trance scene, he got lost a long time ago.

Khloe Kardashian. I didn't even know she was but a quick google shows well,.. nothing.

Jamie Jones, now he is a quality DJ. How on earth he has become involved with this show is beyond me. I'll be stoked to discover he was offered some obscene amount of coin to be involved.

Not at all sure how the show will be arranged but in an on-stage TV format basically only battle style Djing would be practical so it'd not result in the next Guetta. Maybe they'll have other tasks... like making a fibre-glass performance helmet which portrays a rodent. Or an military style race to see who can strip down a SL1200 and put it back together in less than 90 seconds. Maybe they could even ask superstar Dj Niki Belucci to give some hands-on lessons on how to get gigs (see pic). I can't wait.

For a more amusing take of the ins and outs of this ten years late idea for a show check out Bedmo Disco's blog.

January Ibiza Voice reviews

2012-01-30T02:24:00.000+13:00

Head over to Ibiza Voice for my latest reviews.

Reviews (including audio previews):
- Moti Brothers - Miami EP (Itom Records)
- Rubberlips - Jersey Blue EP (NightChild Recs)
- Nicc Johnson & Beatmaster G - Tell Me Something EP (Seamless Deep Recs)
- Rebel - Grass Roots EP (Digital Delight)
- Ivan Garci - Chords in my Head (DeepClass Records)
- Pointbender - Remote Locations EP (530Techno)

Holiday Season Pick'n'Mix chart

2012-01-05T01:57:00.000+13:00

Something for the holiday season... a collection of new and old house and techno tracks which have caught my ear as of late. It includes new material from Dosem, Carl Taylor, Diego Moreno, a classic courtesy of Todd Terry and a remix is co-produced on Canadian label Ready Mix Records.

Rob's Holiday Season Pick'n'Mix chart

Compilation release on Ready Mix Recs

2011-12-12T23:23:00.002+13:00

Normally I'm on the music fan/reviewer side of the fence but just for today I am on the artist side. I have a new compilation out on Canadian label Ready Mix Records which has been home to some superb artists over the past decade including Tone Depth, Stan Kolev, Quicksound, Lemon Popsicle etc.

The mix is volume two in the Already Mixed series and covers the more New York/East Cost side of the label's sound. The artists mentioned above are included as are some special edits and co-productions I worked on which are exclusive to the mix.

The mix is available in mixed and unmixed versions at Beatport but you can check out a 20 minute teaser of the mix in the player below!

Various Artists - Already Mixed Vol.2 (Compiled & Mixed by Rob Warner) [192K Clip] by Ready Mix Records

Beatport for tunes and full mix: Already Mixed Vol 2, mixed by Rob Warner

Head on over to www.facebook.com/robwarnerdj for more info and music.

Now on Ibiza-Voice.com

2011-11-25T15:18:00.001+13:00

Head on over to Ibiza Voice and check out my latest additions to their review section.

Latest reviews (including audio previews):

- Detroit Grand Pubahs - Sandwiches (Ben Sims remixes) on Engineroom
- Chriss Ronson - Maconka on Ready Mix records
- Steve Froggatt - Secrets and Sounds EP on NightChild Records
- Kyle Geiger & Bobby Dowell - Memory To Control EP on Driving Forces Recs

More on their way. Check out updates on my Facebook artist page.

Rob's Top 10 Chart November

2011-11-05T13:42:00.001+13:00

Dubby influences are getting their fingers into more and more corners to my enjoyment. Some wicked, quirky releases out there this month from Carl Taylor, Diego Moreno and more.

Rob Warner's Top 10 - November 11

1. Diego Moreno - Quiet Despair (Original Mix) (Sultry Vibes)
2. Carl Taylor - Only U (Luis Martinez Remix) (EPM Music)
3. Alex Deep - Still Gone (Pure Substance Digital)
4. Chriss Ronson - Maconka (Moti Brothers Remix) (Ready Mix Records)
5. Kyle Geiger & Bobby Dowell - Just A Memory (Jerome Sydenham Remix) (Driving Forces)
6. Sound Conversions - Distant dub (EevoNext Recordings)
7. Mattia Matricardi - Real One (NightChild Records)
8. Michael Lovatt (Elekrodouche) - The Flow (Dublin Xpress Recordings)
9. F3 - Dis.Co (Ilya Santana abrasive mix) (Undertones Gang Records)
10. Mario Piu - I'm Here (GgDex Remix) (Fahrenheit Music)

Classic Pick: Scotti Deep - Brooklyn Beats (Henry Street, 1996) A big-room belter from the 90s that featured in a Demi Moore film, 'The Juror' > on Youtube

Dance albums you should own #5

2011-10-06T01:17:00.000+13:00

In part 5 of dance albums you should own we swerve to another iconic rave act and visit a French house legend in its early days.

I:Cube - Picnic Attack (1997)

I:Cube may be a big name in quirky, understated house nowadays but it's been over 15 years since the first I:Cube outing. It is one of French producer Nicholas Chaix's alter ego's in addition to his Château Flight moniker. He rose to fame initially after Daft Punk's amazing remix of Disco Cubism, which features on this album. The album rides a fine line between the dance floor style of Daft Punk and the more random, jazzy style of Pepe Bradock etc. Stand-out tracks outside of 'Disco Cubism' include the massive title track 'Picnic Attack', the spacey breaks of 'Strange Wax', the before-its-time minimal prog '11 Novembre' and 'Mighty Atom-Sub Aqua' which is a more jazz bar style jammy groove.

Key moments on Youtube: 'Picnic Attack' / Disco Cubism' (Daft Punk Mix)

Altern 8 - Full On.. Mask Hysteria (1992)

A few years earlier over in the UK two artists known as Altern 8 were already making brilliant music and jumping about in boiler-suits wearing filter masks. From the first track, 'Move Me Body', it's pretty clear this is a manic album. Through 'Infiltrate 202', 'Hypnotic St8', 'Activ 8' and more this is vintage rave of the highest quality. Many of Altern 8's records were global hits and in the UK they attracted plenty of media attention for their unofficial parties during the period when the Criminal Justice Bill was being drafted to prevent such gatherings.

No surprises though, this album is one of the benchmarks for old school breaks, cheeky sampling and funky hardcore music (even if some of it sounds rather cartoon-ish nowdays)

Key moments on Youtube: 'Infiltrate 202' / 'Hypnotic St8'

Rob's September House / Tech Chart

2011-09-17T17:55:00.002+12:00

Kicking tunes aplenty this time of year (actually, when are there not?) including a huge Detroit style number from Itokim, a superbly quirky and jazzy number by David Ortiz and veteran Robert Hood back under his Floorplan guise with a variation on his trademark loopy techno.

Rob Warner's September house / tech chart
1. Itokim - Waiting For Changes (Electronical Reeds)
2. David Ortiz - Jazztonic (Drum Mode)
3. Elextra feat Chicaiza - Instead of One, Two (Lee Webster Paradise Mix) (Anusual)
4. Sukotto - Everyday (Pure Substance Records)
5. Floorplan - Basic Principle (M-Plant)
6. Scuola Furano - Buenos Aires (Original Mix) (Undertones Gang Rec)
7. Stelios Vassiloudis & Sasse - The Z (Steve Bug Remix) (Bedrock Digital)
8. Estroe - Fablalta (Snejl Recordings)
9. Toob - Chromaphon (Radioactive Man's Black And White Remix) (Process Recs)

Classic Pick: Etienne De Crecy - Prix Choc (Super Disctount, 1996) The pinnacle of classy French deep house in the 90s and played in cafes across the globe > on Youtube

A night at Pontoon club, Phnom Penh

2011-09-16T02:39:00.002+12:00

It's not often you discover a new club or bar which really impresses but Pontoon in Cambodia's capital city Phnom Penh did just that in the first week of September.

It was my first visit to Phnom Penh and I sort of wasn't expecting to discover such a healthy nightlife scene. There are bars galore playing dance music and a few playing what sounded like top quality sounds.

Pontoon is the epicentre of quality clubbing in Phnom Penh and hosts all manner of music - from commercial-slanted funky house to breaks, drum'n'bass and tech-house events. It has a great layout, sound system, lighting rig, a Dj booth which puts most others to shame and a great crew.

The night I played started with a local crew of Djs Rob Little and Paul Adair laying down some deeper house and disco sounds after which I had the helm for the next four hours covering a lot of territory, ending the night with an hour of house and disco classics. It was an excellent night in all. The patrons at Pontoon seem to dig variety and it's heartening to know that there are clubs which still put so much effort in still.

http://www.facebook.com/Pontoon

Pics by Kampuchea Party Republic

Rob's August House / Tech / Chart

2011-08-04T01:07:00.003+12:00

The eternally progressive Pure Substance label hits out with one of it's best releases to date, a wicked jammy house number from Alex Deep. M.in shows no signs of producer fatigue and keeps his output top notch in his new collaboration with Jonas Fahz.. And to top it off, the first time I've ever had two, let alone three productions by kiwis - even if one is my own.

House / Tech / Chart / August 2011
1. Alex Deep - Nothing More (Pure Substance Digital)
2. M.in & Jonas Fahz ft Peter Eilmes & Nick Maurer - Welcome To My House (Trapez Ltd)
3. Filterwolf - Never Ever (Daniel Heidt Remix) (Filigran Records)
4. Dave Nash - Keep it Up (Flaming Soul Deep Remix) (Ready Mix)
5. Future Mode - New World Order (Shaveer & Rob Warner NYC Dub) (Ready Mix)
6. Rob Salmon - Middle Blues (Faucet Records)
7. Chuck Cogan - Intensity (Original Mix) (Ooze Recordings)
8. Carl Taylor - Perplexer (EPM Music)
9. Dilby - Party Starter (Joel Armstrong & Skai BeatsNBass Dub) (Dot Dot)
10. Luka - African Nights (Charles Moui Remix) (Drum Mode)

Classic Pick: Blaze - Wishing You Were Here (A Vision For Jane Mix) (Slip'n'Slide, 1999) 20:20 Vision crew turning soulful garage into hypnotic tech house with ease > on Youtube

Classic deep house with Boo Williams

2011-07-30T00:26:00.002+12:00

Boo Williams was one of deep house's go-to guys from the mid 90s onwards. This is an old favourite under the Moon Man moniker on Daisy Records, a rare offshoot of Cajual Records.

It has a wicked groove and shades of deepest Detroit as well.

Classic House - Meccano EP vol 1

2011-07-20T15:13:00.005+12:00

I was reminiscing recently about tunes from my early DJing days and stumbled across this gem. I had to share it. Is was a bootleg remix of Tonja Dantzler "In And Out Of My Life" which came out in 94-95. It was massive to say the least, especially at The Box nightclub in Auckland - busted out by DJ Rob Salmon on many great nights I had there.

Meccano Vol 1 At Discogs.com

Rob's house and techno top 10 - July 2011

2011-07-03T23:18:00.005+12:00

Tom Middleton's latest 'One Clap Wonder' is nearing vintage Middleton in style and French deep house legend Jef K pops up on a floaty and hypnotic. Bedrock continues with a loopier, techier patch with Christian Smith 'Cabecudas' and David Phillips serves up yet another jacking drum-track with his usual quirky flare.

Rob's July 2011 house and techno top 10
1. Maxime Iko - Beau Rivage (Le Vie En Rose)
2. Tom Middleton - One Clap Wonder (Dave Storm Mix) (Dark Energy)
3. Kimouts - Sequenced (Jef K & Gwen Maze Remix) (Only Records)
4. Christian Smith - Cabecudas (Bedrock)
5. David Phillips - 6YGR (Global Ritmico)
6. Uno Mas - Grompet (H2 Remix) (Weplayminimal)
7. Recast - Consensual (Third Ear)
8. Herz - In My Mind (Main Mix) (Atom Record Industries)
9. Delano Smith - Wires (Sushitech)
10. Manny Ward - NYC Take A Bow (Slanted Black)

Classic Pick: Janet Jackson - The Pleasure Principle (Legendary Club Mix) (AM:PM, 1996) Danny Tenaglia in what some consider his finest ever remix turning Janet Jackson into a bottom heavy big-room anthem > on Youtube

Dance albums you really should own #4

2011-06-22T23:54:00.001+12:00

Part 4 of dance albums you really should own. One direct from New York at the height of the tribal house era and the other from a few years earlier in the rave capital of Manchester, UK.

K-Scope - From The Deep (1995)

New York producer Eric Kupper's alter ego K-Scope achieved plenty of fame with this LP. It starts out with the sublime melding of deep and dark house of 'K-Scope Theme' which featured on Junior Vasquez's 'Live at the Sound Factory' mix showcasing Kupper's knack for rhythm and jazz influences. The big room monster 'Katerpillar' was a favourite of DJs globally with a grinding acid bassline that made your teeth tingle and well placed drop outs which highlighted the badness of this tune. Hearing this loud was something special. Funky vibes make a showing with 'Purple Daizies' and 'Stonk' while 'Organism' was probably the most famous track on the album - a sublime piece of chilled house complete with jazzy keyboard riffs and a soulfulness which would still easily hold its own in a modern deep house setting.

Key moments on Youtube: 'Katerpillar' / 'Organism'

N-Joi - Live In Manchester (1992)

What K-Scope had in subtlety N-Joi 'Live in Manchester' had in bash-you-over-the-head fun. This is a two-part sequence of their live act covering most of their big tunes and live MCing included. It really captured the rave sound of the time and, although probably an attempt to sound live rather than actually being live, it is a great, nostalgic listen. It includes crowd noise and horns in the segues between N-Joi's biggest tunes, 'Mindflux', 'Malfunction', 'Adrenalin' etc and it is possibly the first time the classic MC line "bass in the goddam place" was ever used on a commercial release. Maybe not, but it made it a lot more famous. It's almost hard to believe this is almost 20 years old.

Key moments on Youtube: 'Part 1'

June in tech-house #1

2011-06-16T22:50:00.003+12:00

Maxime Iko - Beau Rivages (La Vie En Rose)

La Vie En Rose release dropped into my inbox and caught my ear immediately. Maxime Iko's 'Beau Rivage' is a brilliant old-school inspired house number in the sort of sleazy funkiness only the French know how to do. With quirky 80s style synth stabs, stark percussion and a cool vocal sample this is sure to be a big hit in many floors. 'Alice' is the deeper number with a deep bassline, haunting chords and wicked vocal sample yet again... A bonus addition to the release is the Alice remix of U.S.H. 'Labrador'. This sort of rock music sampling effort has been done to death so badly so many times so it is an eye-opener to hear the mind-blowing quality of this. It's sort of Daft Punk meets Moodymann in style - quirky, slightly cheesy but overall a peak time weapon. La Vie En Rose website

Deetron - Starblazer E.P. (Rejected)

Deetron is hardly an artist who needs any introduction and he joins Joris Voorn & Edwin Oosterwal's Rejected label for this release. 'Starblazer' is a loopy tech-house track in a similar vein to stuff Technasia has done in recent times. Adding in a big piano riff give this a bit more party-appeal than Deetron usually serves up but it keeps the quality there enough that it doesn't cross-over too much. 'Solar Surge' is more of an old school dubby tech-house track with stabbed keys and the odd vocal surge. As far as Deetron goes this is probably his most punter-friendly release as of late. Solid stuff. Deetron on Facebook

Rob's Tech House Top 10 - June 2011

2011-06-02T15:33:00.006+12:00

June has got a lot in store by way of great music. Deetron returns with a superb piano-led house classic Detroit number and Abe Duque pops up on an unlikely remix pairing with John Digweed and Nick Muir. He delivers with his usual raw business.

Rob's June 2011 top 10 tech and house chart

1. Deetron - Starblazer (Rejected)
2. Malik Alston - Dance Jazz (Soiree Records)
3. John Digweed & Nick Muir - 30 Northeast (Abe Duque Remix) (Bedrock)
4. Bassline - Deepness (Pure Substance Digital)
5. Philthy Phonics - Sticks & Stones (Pazul & Deepling Remix) (Ready Mix)
6. Octave One - I Need Release (Alexander Kowalski Remix) (430 West)
7. Darren Gregory - Shadow play (Orginal Mix) (Aenaria Chill)
8. Kevin Malandrone - Les Reves Electroniques (La Vie en Rose Records)
9. Franz Kirmann - Spinner (Catalepsia Rework) (Days Of Being Wild)
10. David Phillips - Keep Moving (Global Ritmico)

Classic Pick: Francois K - Mindspeak (Hard & Soul Mix) (Wave Music, 1996) Danny Tenaglia in his prime giving Francois K a hypnotic bottom heavy treatment. 'Mindspeak' on Youtube

Gunther & Stamina 'B018 Series Vol.001' Review

2011-05-18T00:15:00.008+12:00

Dance music is an interesting thing - there are tiny enclaves globally which have done it their own way and become influential to a much wider audience. Catering to a loyal audience and sticking to your guns has resulted in some of house music's memorable locations such as Sound Factory, Zouk, The Egg etc. Beirut, Lebanon seems an unlikely location for such an achievement but B 018, which opened its doors in 1998, has achieved just that. It shines as an example of what happens when a good party concept becomes a great club. With its prize-winning architecture and a collective of talented DJs conducting the music B 018 has grown to become one of the most highly regarded clubs anywhere.

Now, longtime B 018 resident DJs Gunther & Stamina have compiled a collection of forward thinking house and progressive tunes and seamlessly mixed them into B 018 series Vol.001.

Starting out with the low-down, chuggy groove of Tundra's 'Organs of Youth' the scene is set for a hypnotic mix. Pepo 'The Dark Side Calling' hammers a gothic disco groove of the highest quality, a marching beat under a sparse soundscape of quirky stabs and a bottom heavy roll. This groove continues with Innate 'Parabolic Curve' (Beat Factory remix) before taking a sideways turn into the peppy and percussive sounds of Soul Collective 'Shy' remixed by The Suppliers.

D-Nox and Beckers hit the mark shortly after with their remix of Voltaxx & Lissat's 'Sunrise Over Mali', one of the highlights of the mix with funky piano stabs and ethnic tinges. The ever consistent Stan Kolev makes a showing alongside DJ Lion before Dom Kane's 'Don't Talk' kicks things up a notch with a buzzing synth-line and tweaking peaks. The mix finishes with the acidic madness of Cid Inc 'Craving', a track any techy/proggylover should seek out as a peak-time weapon.

As with Gunther & Stamina, many of the artists here are new to me. Realising there are like-minded people all around the world is one of the coolest things about clubs and artists who have stuck at it for the love of quality music. B 018 Vol.001 delivers the goods here and shows that the Middle East can serve it up just as good as anywhere else when it comes to quality house music.

Out now on Ready Mix Records as mixed CD or DJ-friendly unmixed at Junodownload.

Club > B018 Beirut on facebook
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Dance albums you really should own #3

2011-05-06T02:53:00.005+12:00

Part 3 of dance albums you really should own. One direct from Manchester and the other a world away from New York's iconic Sound Factory nightclub at the peak of its popularity.

M People - Northern Soul (1991)

Though M-People's cool was tarnished somewhat by their more poptastic material on the albums which followed this one, they started out with the best intentions and struck gold with some quality music. It was mostly a meshing of live-element funk/soul inspired music and club grooves created under the direction of Mike Pickering (the "M"). Famous for being resident DJ at the Haçienda nightclub in Manchester and A&R guy at Deconstruction Recs (responsible for signing Black Box) he hit gold almost immediately with the epic 'How Can I Love You More?'. It featured the vocals of Heather Small who soon became the centrepiece of M-People. 'Someday' and 'Colour My Life' were also popular singles from the album and which were given the big-name DJ remix treatment which earned them tons of club play. At the other end of the spectrum was 'Kiss it Better', a standout track from the album - a melding of peppy guitars, a slow 4/4 groove and Small's amazing vocals which resulted in a summer vibe which still sounds great 20 years on.

Key moments > Youtube: How Can I Love You More (live on TOTP, 1991) and 'Someday' (Sasha's Master Mix) - A feelgood remix of the era.

Junior Vasquez - This Is The Sound Of Tribal UK - Live at the Sound Factory (1994)

Straight up, this is the mix that sealed my fate as a tribal house lover! To me it is one of the finest mix CDs of all time and evidence of the brilliance of Junior Vasquez in the mid 90s when he was probably the most revered DJ on the planet. Released during his legendary residency at the Sound Factory, NYC it covers the ethnic side of house (tribal doh!) from the darkest to the most camp - all of which were on the Tribal America/UK label. The greatness of the mix is down to the dozens of amazing records which came out on the label and Vasquez's skilled use of fades, delays and juxtaposition. Danny Tenaglia's 'Bottom Heavy' and the Fire Island remix of Junior's own global gay anthem 'Get Your Hands Off My Man' were on show for the first time anywhere on this mix, making the limited edition vinyl pack extremely sought-after. Also making a showing was The Daou with Vanessa Daou's infamous haunting vocals, Eric Kupper as K-Scope, Pato Banton remixed by The Orb and Roger Sanchez and more. When someone mentions "tribal house" this is the benchmark.

Key moments > Youtube: The Daou 'Are You Satisfied' - the unmistakable vocals of Vanessa Daou made this a dance floor bomb. Kiwi Dreams 'Y?' - hilariously camp and quirky.

Rob Warner's May 2011 Chart

2011-05-05T01:50:00.002+12:00

Two killer albums drop this month courtesy of Dosem and Pitto, each serving up a host of quality club tracks.

Rob Warner's Deep-Tech Chart, May 2011
1. Dosem - Parallel Fate (Sino)
2. DeSantaRosa - ESL (Original Mix) (NightChild)
3. Pitto feat. Lilian Hak - Ceiling In Paris (Green)
4. Fer Ferrari - A Piece of Me (Original Mix) (DeepClass Records)
5. Lee J Malcolm - OneStar-Applicant (James Ruskin Rework) (EPM Music)
6. Etapp Kyle - Inception (Indeks)
7. Boom Merchant - Gorilla (BM's Twilight Dub) (Process Recordings)
8. Roman S - It's Midnight Now (Tripmastaz dub) (Asymmetric Recordings)
9. Muovo - Green Granada (040 Recordings)
10. Glass Figure - Whales Tears (707 edit) (Satellite of Love)

Classic Pick: Armando - Welcome II The Warehouse (Radikal Fear, 1996) Armando was cut from the same cloth as early Moodymann and was a shining star in the 90s until his passing in 1996. His album One World One Future was full of funk/disco sampling gems which are still an inspiration for many to this day. Youtube link

Nick Warren 'Balance 018' Review

2011-05-01T00:45:00.005+12:00

Nick Warren is progressive house royalty having been at the pointy end of the genre for a generation. As much as I normally steer clear of stuff labelled 'prog' I've seen Nick DJ many times and, without fail, he always impresses. His sets are a vast contrast to most out there - full of interesting and original tracks and put together in the silky manner Warren is know for. The Balance compilation series is the perfect stage for Warren to showcase the underground end of progressive house they've obliged with their latest mix.

Disc 1 of the mix kicks off with moody, druggy grooves from Spiel, Underset and into the percussive and twisted 'The Tribe Has Spoken' by Flord which signals the beginning of business time. Paul Hazendock's and Eelke Kliejn follow with typically sinister synth-led prog before Jamie Anderson and Owain K's 'Without Sound' strips things back to a sparser, hypnotic groove. The Terry Lee Brown makes a showing with his housey remix of Warren's own 'Buenos Aires' and Nomad in the Dark twists cut-up vocals into a sinister, ethnic moment with 'Drones (Take Me)', the highlight of the first mix. Giorgos Gatzigristos signals the end of the first mix with the dub techno-meets-prog 'Tickless'.

Disc 2 of the mix is surprisingly housey kicking off with the wickedly funky 90s throwback style 'Collider' by Tripswitch and remixed by Warren. Risings tech/prog talents Beat Factory hit the mix with their low-key, buzzing 'Let’s Take a Walk' before Lank unleashes the king-hit of the mix, his bottom heavy and gurning 'Ain't No Problem'. Warren leads you through the kitch 80s style synths of 'Aragorn' by Solee, the bubbly '80D Test' by Steve Libby before his own OMD-ish 'Flowers' remixed by Solee into a weird glitch-filled groove before the mix ends with the melodic and sultry 'Bread' by Pablo Acenso.

What Warren does so well on this Balance mix is his hooking you into a dark groove which frames the melodic peaks so much better than dropping one epic number after another. If you love prog this will really float your boat and if prog isn't usually your thing, then this will go a long way to changing your mind. Wicked listening. 5/5

Nick Warren - Balance 018 is out now on Balance Music

Balance Music, Nick Warren on Facebook

Dosem 'Parallel' Review

2011-04-25T00:05:00.005+12:00

Fresh from collaborating with Technasia on last year's album rising Spanish production star Dosem announces the release of his first artist album, Parallel.

The best description of Parallel is that's it's a modern take on classic electronica with twists of house, techno and Balearic added in. Some of it is peak-time dance floor music while other parts are perfect for a Sunday chill.

With a sizeable 37 tracks split over two discs the first sets the mood straight away with the beachy 'Silent Drop', and 'Databasics' - the first hint of Dosem's dance-floor rocking skills - and 'Diagonal', which shows his skill at creating synthy big-room tracks which sit somewhere between classic techno and progressive house.

Those who enjoyed 'Movement', his collaboration with Technasia in 2010, wont be disappointed as he hits a similar mark again, first with 'Esnite', a grinding loopy techno track, and 'Same Process', a high energy slammer reminiscent of vintage big-room Carl Cox styles. 'Parallel Fate' is yet another slant of Dosem's skills - creating a loopy and dark DJ tool which is probably the most useful anytime track on the album.

The album has a pop-friendly moment also in 'True Elements' featuring Louder Boys. It sits only a few degrees away from having mainstream appeal but is quality enough that it'd stand out in most (good) club nights as one of the records to track down.

The second disc, 'Sendo', is where Dosem showcases some ultra-cool ambient electronica which you rarely hear anymore. It has hallmarks of French electronic legend Jean-Michelle Jarre but also that of the more chilled out tracks by English artist Bent.

Dosem's inspiration from classic sci-fi films is on show here with 'Distant Playgrounds' and 'Your Skin' both having Blade Runner soundtrack sort of qualites. Synth-led 'theme' music is probably the most apt description. 'Children of Yesterday' is similarly enjoyable and along an early Leftfield tip. Breakbeat style chillout even makes a showing in 'Six Hours' and 'Questions'. 4/4 isn't ignored on this disc either with some dubby, pitched-down house grooves by way of 'Changes' and the sublimely groovy 'Maulenia'.

There's ample to love about this album. It covers the chill-out, the synthy, the retro and Dosem's undeniable skill for conjuring up dance floor weapons. Die hard techno fans might have hoped for an entire release of that ilk but, like Technasia and Renato Cohen before him, Dosem writes the book his own way. Mission accomplished. 5/5 stars.

Album pics: 'Esnite' and 'Parallel Fate' (disc 1), 'Maulenia' (disc 2)

Dosem 'Parallel' is available as a standalone artist album or as a DJ-friendly 'separates' album in both physical or digital format.

Release date: 6 June 2011 worldwide via quality music outlets everywhere.

Dosem on Facebook, Sino Records at Junodownload

Industry leader Zouk club turns 20

2011-04-15T22:11:00.010+12:00

Few nightclubs in the world have been in business for 20 years, let alone being an industry leader the entire time. Located on a little side-street in Singapore however is such a place: Zouk Singapore.

I've visited tons of clubs over the years but the place I rate above all others is Zouk. It's not that the place is glammed-up or even has my favourite DJs whenever I visit - it's that they really understand what great clubbing is all about. The vibe you get it part concert, part house party, part festival but never business as usual. And they've stuck to this idea since the early 90s - before Daft Punk, Sasha or most of today's big artists were even remotely on the map. Back then the likes of Tony Humphries, Frankie Knuckles and a few other mostly American DJs were leading the way. It's quite impressive to think that much of the music likely played back then - cutting edge at the time - would now be considered retro! Zouk hasn't just lasted a generation, it's lasted two whole generations of clubbing!

Visiting Zouk is one thing which resets my clubbing 'compass'. It lets me know that clubbing hasn't all spiralled into tacky commercialism as it has in so many other places. I make a point of stopping over in Singapore anytime I'm in Asia just to go there. I've seen Danny Tenaglia, Satoshi Tomiie, Valentino Kanzyani, Danny Howells and others rock Zouk in ways which have made me wonder: why don't they DJ like that all the time? You almost get a sense that even the top DJs realise what a special place it is and put in an extra effort.

With one of the best sound systems you'll ever experience in your life (custom-made by New York's Gary Stewart Audio), a maize of textured hallways joining the three main rooms - Zouk, Velvet Underground and Phuture, viewing platforms, dark corners to chill-out in and a family of staff who seem to care about clubbing and the great resident DJs - not to mention a core of party-goers who cement the party vibe - you should not pass up an opportunity to visit Zouk if you're in Singapore. You'll have a mystical and memorable night even if you spent some of it outside chilling, people-watching and enjoying one of the famous Zouk hot-dogs.

To mark their 20 year celebration Zouk hosted a series of events this April called 20/20 featuring some of the biggest guns in the business: Danny Tenaglia, Armin van Buuren and more.

Happy birthday Zouk. Back there soon!

Zouk: website, facebook page, location

Photo: Def Mix 20th Anniversary Event at Zouk, November 2007 with Satoshi Tomiie and Hector Romero

April in tech-house - #1

2011-04-15T12:43:00.022+12:00

Some tunes baking my noodle this April - Part 1.

Omid 16B - At Night EP (Alola Records)

Following from the Sounds Like Alola compilation Omid 16B drops this sublime EP to get the ball rolling again. 'At Night' sits in the sort of experimental vs club category of house – rolling enough for the dance floor but quirky in a mid-90s Pullen/Transmat sort of way – a warm bassline, funky segues and a great intro earn this to marks. ‘Evo Lustation’ is more in the vein of Omid’s releases in recent years - a melodic and hypnotic groove with his trademark intricate percussion giving it heaps of appeal for both tech-house and prog lovers. at Beatport (out 17 April)

Kelly Sylvia - Musae EP (S*mplified Recordings)

Deep tech-house is the tip here with 'Musae' being the bouncy main attraction. It fits in the sort of Jeff Bennett/Djinxx vibe – moody and low-key but still with enough going on to make it a dance floor winner. ‘Entre Nous’ is the hypnotic groover of the release with a Kerri Chandler-esque roll but down the futuristic/ethereal end of tech house. Subtle keys and stabs pad out the track and things morph to a nice, almost progressive, vibe once the main melody enters the arrangement. If deep tech is what you’re into you'll enjoy this. at Traxsource (out 20 April)

Dance albums you really should own #2

2011-04-08T00:51:00.004+12:00

Following from March's dance albums you really should own post here are two more gems which make for truly great listening. One at the cocktail party end of things and the other a bona fide early rave classic (don't let that put you off - it rocks).

Dimitri From Paris - De-Luxe House of Funk (1997)

Everyone has heard of Dimitri From Paris' Playboy Mansion compilations but THIS is where he hit the big time in his style of house. None of his other mixes really come close to the soul and funk contained here. It's full of gems like his exclusive remixes of Brand New Heavies and Bjork plus early classics from Bob Sinclar before he was a superstar, Ray Mang, Teddy G and Morning Kids (Daniel Wang) - all arranged in a sleazy groove which is still my benchmark for cocktail party house.

Key moment: Dimitri's mix of Bjork 'Isobel' - regarded by some as the best ever remix of a Bjork track. Youtube: Isobel (Dim's Enchanted Forest)

Eon - Void Dweller (1992)

You couldn't get more different to Dimitri than Eon. The brainchild of Ian Loveday & J Saul Kane (aka Depth Charge) this was brilliant early rave with a spacey and often dark twist. A few of the tracks famously sample David Lynch's cult sci-fi film Dune, 'Spice' being the most obvious and 'Fear: The Mindkiller' joining it as two iconic pieces of rave history. The album also had its deeper moments too with the hypnotic 'Infinity' and 'A Kind Of Living'. Eon can be forgiven for the quite cheesy 'Basket Case' here because overall the album is a classic and also one of the first ever to be signed to a major record label - opening a lot of doors for others later on.

Key moments: 'Fear: The Mindkiller' - a defining moment of the rave era. Youtube Fear: The Mindkiller

Rob Warner's Top 10 Chart - April 2011

2011-04-03T18:59:00.009+12:00

Gritty darkness is the name of the game with Kramnik's Kramnik 1.0 EP which sounds half 90s tribal and half modern dubby techno. Canada's BiG AL drops the sublimely deep 'Date In the Sky' and New Jersey's Frankie Pep goes for a similar moody with 'Jammed'.

Rob Warner's Deep/Tech Chart, April 2011
1. Kramnik - Viclone (Cue Play Records)
2. BiG AL - Date in The Sky (DeepSoundExpress Remix) (Extremly House Music)
3. Alex Deep - History Repeating (Pure Substance Digital)
4. Frankie Pep - Jammed (Boss Mix) (NightChild Records)

5. Kelly Sylvia - Entre Nous (Simplified Recordings)
6. Paul Lyman - Witchcraft (Veryverywrongindeed Recordings)
7. Android Cartel - The Jazz (Mija Recordings)
8. Broombeck - Tik Tik Tak (Andy Slate remix)
9. Antoine Caesar & Timur Valiev - Whisper of Mars (Etapp Kyle Remix) (Indeks)
10. 2nd Act - Karmen (Really Really Big Records)

Classic Pick: Coco Da Silva - Lost (Kismet Records, 2000) One of Rui Da Silva's least hyped but dopest releases. It's a dark and dubby roller based around a sample of Sister Sledge's disco classic 'Lost In Music'.

A chill out mix for a quiet Sunday afternoon

2011-04-01T17:58:00.020+13:00

My latest mix for your listening pleasure.

It's the result of a rainy Sunday afternoon session and has music which is quirky, familiar, fresh, ancient and sometimes random - but all with the sole aim: to chill.

It follows from last year's 'The Way You Groove Me' - this time it's 'The Way You Chill Me'.

It spans artists from completely different backgrounds including: Octave One, Vanessa Daou, Nuyorican Soul, Neneh Cherry, Asad Rizvi, Bjork, Idjut Boys, Erykah Badhu, Dimitri From Paris and M-People (I know you secretly love them).

Link to listen or direct download: http://soundcloud.com/rob-w/rob-w-the-way-you-chill-me

Rob Warner - The Way You Chill Me (2011) by Rob W

The passing of a singing legend

2011-03-22T22:14:00.001+13:00

Singing legend Loleatta Holloway passed away on 21 March, aged 64, marking the end of an era for one of dance music's finest.

From Chicago, Illinois and hailing from a gospel singing family - almost a prerequisite for the best known disco singers - Holloway's mark was made on disco hits on Gold Mine, a sub-label of New York's legendary Salsoul Records. Her songs 'Love Sensation' and 'Hit and Run' are bona fide dance music classics and her contribution to other artist's works, notably Dan Hartman's 'Re-light My Fire', were many.

With a singing career spanned from the 1970s to the modern day Holloway's songs are still routinely heard in clubs, found on compilations, remixed, bootlegged and sampled. Famously sampled by Black Box in 'Ride On Time' and Marky Mark & The Funky Bunch 'Good Vibrations' her classy singing was recognised by many as a benchmark for soulful vocals.

Old school Holloway lovers may not rate this release but her vocals here on Fire Island's 'Shout To The Top' from 1998 are one of my favourites.

Loleatta Holloway - R.I.P.
5 November 1946 - 21 March 2011

March in Tech House (Part 1)

2011-03-22T02:34:00.004+13:00

Dope records. There be lots of them these days.

Andy Slate - Nevertheless (Soul Mate)

Tribal shmibal this is not. With so many faux ethnic music about which lack any real x-factor this is quite an interesting alternative. Made with a sort of Detroit techno/Renato Cohen sort of approach but with an added tribal loop and chant this stands out as a track which would seriously kick ass in heaps of situations. The chant is sort of kooky but works well without being too obvious/Pete Tong. The release comes with a more synthy variation and a drum tool/beats version so one of them will be right whatever you needs. at Junodownload

Android Cartel - Dreams of NYC EP (Mija Recordings)

While this doesn't exactly make me think of NYC it's a quality listen nonetheless. 'Taking Flight' is a deeper, big-room drum track with narcotic synth pads and pretty uncluttered arrangement. 'Release' is a more percussive, peppy tribal number with some crafty vocal treatments and edits which give it a peak-time vibe without being overly big. 'The Jazz' ends the EP in a jammy, jazz-influenced manner which the likes of Joe Claussell, Jerome Sydenham would be proud of - not to mention having cheekily Fela Kuti-inspired melody and vocals. at Junodownload

Justin Berkovi - Flight (EevoNext)

Berkovi has been making quality music for ages and his latest EP isn't any different. The title track is a skippy, techy groove with his usual understated keys, little rides, crashes etc. 'From within the cosmos' is a ethereal spacy number bordering on the whale-farting vibe but dark enough for a reprise moment. 'Dawn brings hope' is the real gem here - another minimal groove but with a cleverly disguised vocal as a background loop until finally coming to the fore in the middle of the track adding an epic deep techno atmosphere. Well worth the 2 bucks. at Junodownload

Dance albums you really should own #1

2011-03-17T12:34:00.016+13:00

I got a "list 10 albums you love" invite on Facebook recently and it made me think how many amazing albums and compilations I've loved over the years. I thought I'd share a couple with you every month.

Nuyorican Soul - Nuyorican Soul (1996)
The number of people into funky/vocal house who don't know this album is astounding considering it could make an argument to be in the top 10 electronic albums since 1990. Masters At Work aka 'Little' Louie Vega and Kenny Dope brought live elements on-board and some A-league contributors for this Nuyorican Soul album - Jocelyn Brown, India, Roy Ayers and George Benson. It is a masterpiece, one which MAW haven't been able to top since.

Key moments: 'I Am The Black Gold Of The Sun', 'It's Alright, I Feel It'

Youtube: It's Alright, I Feel It

Jeff Mills - Live At The Liquid Room, Tokyo (1996)

At the opposite end of the spectrum is this - one of the nastiest, grittiest mixes you'll ever hear. It represents exactly what Detroit techno legend Jeff Mills is like live - because it was recorded live. It may be a little sloppy by the perfect protools mix standards of today but the energy which comes out of this mix is beyond compare. Crowd noises are audible in the segues as Mills doubles-up on tracks, flanging and crossfading them to raise the tension about as high as it can go. Covering a massive 38 tracks in 67 minutes and for much of the time playing on three decks Mills' mix was the mix which introduced many people to the Detroit style of DJing. Features: The Advent, DJ Funk, Surgeon, Claude Young etc.

Put simply, this should be required listening for all DJs before they're allowed to set foot in a club booth.

Key Moments: The whole thing.

Youtube: Live At The Liquid Room (Part 1)

Sounds Like: Alola Records. They're back!

2011-03-11T01:01:00.117+13:00

17 years is a long, long time in the business of cutting-edge music but English label Alola Records is celebrating just that. Sounds Like Alola is two separate mixes of the label's back-catalogue - either remastered or completely remixed or edited for 2011 - combined with a few new tracks - all of which will be available at the usual digi-download stores.

Volume 1 is mixed by label boss Omid 16b, a veteran producer of futuristic music who's 1998 album 'Sounds From Another Room' and the more recent 'Like 3 Ears and 1 Eye' showcase his ample skills for genre-bending classiness. This mix is chock full of his own house - tech-house productions comprising mostly his own productions including the stand-out gem 'Re-Arranged' and the pokey 'Who Are You?'

Volume 2 was put together by a true DJ's DJ, Demi, who makes use of the more off-kilter material from Alola's past and comes up with a mix you'd expect to hear if Dimitri From Paris went on a futuristic buzz. It's a cluster of downbeat, afro-jazz and house productions with quirky as the overwhelming theme. With material from rising guns Marco Da Mata & Matthew, veterans Vince Watson and House of 909 and a few sneaky edits by Demi thrown in this has the on repeat thing going on big time.

Key moments: 'It Doesn't Have To End' - lifted from his 1998 album, remixed for the comp on Volume 1, and Vince Watson's 'Mystical Rhythm' on Volume 2.

Alola has long had a fanbase which includes some of the best known taste-makers in underground music and Sounds Like Alola will hit the spot with most open-minded listeners and earn the label plenty of new fans.

5/5 stars! With music this good, the idiots might not win for a change!

Listen/buy Sounds Like Alola at Beatport.com

Rob Warner's Top Ten - March 2011

2011-03-04T01:52:00.010+13:00

Estroe drops another Detroit inspired number continuing her impeccably high standards while Kevin Saunderson re-releases Resse & Santonio's late 80's classic to show he can still teach the new-school a thing or two. And if there was an insane techy moment of the year so far it must be Mitch Davis' 'The God Particle'. Played at the right moment it would be the highlight of any night.

Rob Warner's Tech-Soul Chart, March 2011
1. Estroe - Quirky Detroit (EevoNext)
2. Reese & Santonio - The Sound (Brandon DeCarlo Re-work) (KMS)
3. Mitch Davis - The God Particle (Black Sheep Trax)
4. Nenad Todic - Twisted (NightChild)
5. Cesare vs Disorder - My Bag Lost In Berlin (Dumb-Unit)
6. DJ Mourad - Anne Aimee (Nice & Nasty)
7. Steve Stoll - FBP (Original Mixx) (ASRX Detroit)
8. Drive D & Goshva - Nana (Mucky Pups aka M.in & Jonas Remix) (Weplayminimal)
9. Agoria feat Kid A - Heart Beating (Argy Tension mix) (Infine Music)
10. Levitium & Elias Alcivar - Indian Spirit (Original Mix) (unsigned)

Classic Pic: Apollo 440 - Krupa (Alcatraz remix) (Stealth Sonic, 1996) Dubby, dark and driving underground house from the heyday of Alcatraz' aka 1990s Deep Dish engineer Victor Imbres and Jean-Phillippe Aviance. Apollo 440 were on a roll with this remix.

Kevin Saunderson says 'no' to sampling his music

2011-02-22T23:38:00.044+13:00

Interesting news for the month sees Detroit legend Kevin Saunderson taking issue with people sampling his older works.

Back in December Carl Craig took issue with some enthusiastic sampling of one of his iconic productions by Italian duo Alex Kenji & Federico Scavo on 'Gimmie Five' and posted about it on twitter etc. This time it's gone one step further with Saunderson offering the offending track as a HQ download on his soundcloud page in an attempt to deny them earnings and no doubt to bait them into legal action they can't win. The artists in mention, Italian duo Supernova, sampled Saunderson's 1987 classic Reece & Santonio 'The Sound' - the main hook at least - and turned it into the basis for their track.

To see pretty much the same thing happen again, to an even more blatant level, should be a surprise. Or should it?

Even moreso than in the Carl Craig example, attempting to put out a sample-based record which has such a tiny original composition component to it is really just asking for trouble when you're dealing with dance music old-schoolers. Whereas many younger producers consider their output a way to get famous, laid and some DJing gigs out of it, producers like Saunderson come from an era and mindset which regards their music as a lifetime labour of love. 'The Sound' literally was one of Saunderson's early masterpieces and no surprises he hasn't taken kindly to such liberal borrowing of his work.

Some say Saunderson is just miffed his idea has been made relevant to a new generation by someone else (who will earn the credit), but sampling of this sort is on the rise and it is hard to see it stopping any time soon. Which 20 year old is going to care that an artist/label is threatening to sue them from the other side of the world? Raising the issue usually just helps their profile and it'll generally just result in making them famous. This is evidenced by New Zealand's Mt Eden Dubstep who forged a global fanbase from often doing little more than rearranging an old classic and adding a few effect or loops. They're superstars in some circles but mocked by others who bother to, and have the skills to, make music from scratch.

The again, do details like this matter anymore in dance music? The 1987 Kevin Saunderson might even be appalled at the 2011 version of himself using software which makes production so easy. Is this really a case of trying to stop the wind with your hands? It's not going to stop anytime soon. Should we just accept it?

As it stands Saunderson's free spoiler download has almost reached 2000 downloads and 12,000 listens - in only one week. His efforts have given Supernova more free promo than they could ever get from a label or myspace page. So, is he in the right? For sure. Is it worthwhile getting annoyed about it? Nowdays, probably not. Unless it escalates to an old school beat-down they should probably be writing him a thank-you note for all the gigs they will be getting from this.

Agoria 'Impermanence' Review

2011-02-14T01:47:00.013+13:00

As one of techno’s consistent performers over the past decade Agoria had a lot to live up to with his latest album, Impermanence.

The past few years have seen his style wander a little from the more techy dance floor numbers of 2003’s ‘Blossom’ but it hasn’t been bad at all and it’s refreshing to hear an artist who doesn’t stick to the same thing over and over but can still come up with the goods too. This is all the more reason to check out Impermanence - it’s something special in itself and has a clutch of interesting tracks which will groove, soothe or amp you.

It kicks off with the piano ballad ‘Kiss My Soul’ featuring the sublime vocals of Kid A followed by one of the straight-up club numbers, ‘Souless Dreamer’ which features Seth Troxler on vocals overtop a sparse house groove. Right away you get the picture here.

Detroit’s Carl Craig appears on ‘Speechless’, contributing the sleazy, spoken vocals in a track which has already done the rounds on limited 12” since late last year. It’s well cool and has the classic Carl Craig stamp of ‘crazy’ on it. At the other end of the spectrum ‘Grande Torino’ is a bouncy key-led groove with orchestral elements – the sort of Âme ‘Rej’ moment of the album which is infectious and hypnotic.

The standout moment of the album is surely ‘Heart Beating’ which also features the vocals of Kid A. It’s superbly written and with a perfectly subtle orchestral and percussion arrangement which never overpowers the song, setting the stage for Agoria to earn plenty of new fans in the mainstream – and without selling out one bit.

Overall you might be disappointed if you were expecting stuff like ‘Sky Is Clear’ or ‘La Onzième Marche’ all over again but this is definitely a quality listen. It shows Agoria has the touch for creating great music without feeling the need to aim for the dance floor at all times

Agoria 'Impermanence' is out from 14 February on Infine Music.

Check out the Impermanence 7 minute teaser mix at Agoria's soundcloud page.

Rob Warners house/techno chart - February 2011

2011-02-12T02:38:00.001+13:00

Classic sounds seem to be the current pic with releases like Psycatron's newest offering on Tresor and Shur-i-kan & Milton Jackson's remix of MANIK on their own Dark Energy label.

This month also sees the release a compilation of edits/mixes of some of house music's most famous tracks from the 80s from the seminal Trax Records. Trax Re-Edited: The Original Chicago House Label Reborn is out via the DJHistory website and the good folk at Harmless Records.

Rob Warner's Tech/House Gems - February 2011

1. Psycatron - People In Glass Houses (Psycatron's Lateral Thinker mix) (Tresor)
2. MANIK - White Motif (Shur-i-kan vs Milton Jackson Mix) (Dark Energy)
3. Marco Da Mata & Matthew - Cargo (Ready Mix)
4. Festina Lente - Give it to Me (NightChild Records)
5. Vadim Lankov feat Barto - Berlin (Original Mix) (Inboks/Indeks)
6. O/V/R - Post Traumatic Son (DVS1 Pessimist Mix) (Blueprint)
7. Adonis - Rockin' Down The House (Hardway v Tobias) (Harmless/DJHistory)
8. Latecomer - The Magic Carpet (Original Mix) (Trendy Mullet)
9. Sasha Wins & Igor Shep - Dissecting A Fog (Andrei Fiber Remix) (Semantica)
10. Hypertic - 16 Channels (Mija)

Classic Pic: Lectroluv - Dream Drums (All Over Sound Factory Mix) (Eightball Records, 1994) Nothing says big-room tribal like a Sound Factory remix. This is Junior Vasquez in his heyday (before he went awol) and one of the most epic late-night tracks of the era - one which would show the new school a thing or two about using ethnic rhythms.

January 2011 in Tech House (Part 1)

2011-01-22T02:07:00.006+13:00

Octave One – Revisited Series II (430 West)

It goes without saying that remixing the likes of Octave One ‘I Believe’ is a risky business considering its hallowed position in techno folklore. The Revisited Series attempts that, offering new remixes of Octave One gems from the 1990s. ‘I Believe’ gets the do-over by Sandwell District who keep the same minimal dubby eeriness that was central to the original. The vocals are treated well, keeping them in the same sound-track sort of vibe they were originally used. Aril Brikha handles ‘Daystar Rising’ with equal respect, coming up with a surprisingly housey and dance floor friendly remix with a cool synth line, subtle pads and no-frills groove. As much as classic usually deserve to be left untouched Octave One have thought these releases out nicely. Up next in the series are Vince Watson, Los Hermanos, Ken Ishii, Luke Slater and more. Can’t wait!

O/V/R - Post Traumatic Son (Blueprint Records)

Robert Hood kicks off the remixes of Post Traumatic Son with his usual sparse delivery of solid minimal groove, haunting mashing and looping of the vocals and some twisted acid keys which gurn in and out of the mix for much of the 10 minute ride. Top notch delivery but not for the faint hearted. DVS1 contributes two remixes the first of which, The DVS1 Pessimist mix, fits somewhere in the Taho sort of realm of loopy, atmospheric techno with lush pads and laidback vibe. The DVS1 Optimist mix strips away the pads and hits a more a peppy drum groove. In all the release hails back to the classic Surgeon/Mills era sound which is growing in appeal again in the techno world.

Rob Warner techno & house chart - January 2011

2011-01-06T17:17:00.014+13:00

Revisiting classics is usually sacrilege but Octave One have embarked on a series of EPs of remixes of their classics, the first of which is a brilliant Aril Brikha remix of 1998s "Daystar Rising". Djax-Up-Beats era techno veteran Terrace also drops a new album, "Face Infinity", which has some magical moments including the ultra quirky "Combustion".

Rob Warner January 2011 chart
1. Octave One - Daystar Rising (Aril Brikha Remix) (430 West Recordings)
2. Vince Watson - Flux (Tresor)
3. Terrace - Combustion (EevoNext)
4. Antoine Caesar & Egor Boss - What's Your Name (Indeks Music)
5. D. Carbone - Space Addiction (Donor Remix) (Prosthetic Pressings)
6. Julien Fuentes & Soulscum - Comfort Me (Strangelove Records)
7. Dario Zenker - Just Sayin (Harry Klein Records)
8. Tony Cannon - Chicago City Skyline (Lee Waxman Remix) (Electric Sheep Recordings)
9. Raph Dumas - She Drinks Champagne (Enjoy Recordings)
10. Unluck - First Pill (Original Mix) (DLA Records)

Classic Pic: Blaze - Wishing You Were Here (A Vision For Jane mix) (Slip 'n' Slide, 1999)
Take an already great jammy track and let the 20:20 Vision crew remix it and you get this: hypnotic tech-house badness.

My favourite 15 house/tech tracks for 2010

2010-12-29T01:49:00.021+13:00

Without spending days sorting through tunes here's a quick collection of tracks, my top 15 for 2010. Most featured in my monthly charts throughout 2010. Some still sound awesome and other had a few too many rotations and have lost a little shine. A few I didn't chart make the grade now too. (In rough order of dope-as-shit-ness!)

The 2010 Chart of all charts!

*(Note: track names link to preview clips)*

1. Raph Dumas - Afraid of Change (Enjoy Recordings)
2. Technasia feat Dosem - Movement (Technasia Records)
3. DJ Mourad - Mujave Desert (Lace Recordings)
4. Office Gossip - Var. II (Dark Energy)
5. Edmund - You Got The Love (DeepClass Records)
6. Vince Watson - Love in F Minor (Club Mix) (Everysoul Records)
7. Ray Mang - Look Into My Eyes (DFA Records)
8. Alex Santer - Sweet Tones (Mecha Recordings)
9. Pezzner - Find Me (Feat Larissa Kapp) (Freerange)
10. After Disco - Rhythm Technician (Scene 1.1) (BDivision)
11. Gabe - Tudo Vem (Komm-mit Musik)
12. Nasty Bobby - So Long Lost (Mark O'Sullivan Winter Meltdown Miix) (Nice & Nasty)
13. Milton Jackson - Beautiful Liars (Dark Energy)
14. Magda - Doom Disco(M_Nus)
15. Diego Ro-k - Fank My (DLA Records)

Can't go by without a couple of wildcards - other gems which found a regular spot in my sets.

Dubby dark deepness

- Nenad Todic - No Good Man (NightChild Recordings)
- Ramiro Lopez - Brunch in Guadalmar (Mucky Pups Mellow Version) (Mintgum)
- Viana & Miguel Garji - The Black Mountain (Original) (Seamless Recordings)

Big-room progtastic styles!

- Korablove - Lanterns Lights (Alan Prosser Remix) (KGBeats)
- Norton White & Select - Home Sweet Home (Thomas Sari Remix) (03 Records)

Alex Kenji release removed from Beatport for sampling Carl Craig?

2010-12-20T12:27:00.020+13:00

Should we be worried about the state of music when the number one track on Beatport a few days ago was heavily based on another track - in this case a sample of Carl Craig's early 90s classic Paperclip People 'Throw'?

'Throw' is firmly part of electronic music folklore so it's no surprise to see some pretty harsh criticism pop up on various websites of Federico Scavo & Alex Kenji "Gimme Five" which owes a large part, maybe most, of its appeal to the main groove from 'Throw'.

On twitter Alex Kenji defends the release saying he sampled the original 1970s Loleatta Holloway release (which Carl Craig also sampled). The difference to me is: Craig used half a second of it and added his own drums (kick, snares, hat) and filter - creating something completely new which most people wouldn't recognise even if they listened to the original. Scavo/Kenjo on the other hand didn't - a point not missed by Craig himself who tweets about it. "...a track that rather liberally samples Paperclip People's 'Throw.'..."

It would be easy to dismiss "Gimme Five" as throwaway party house and say sampling is fine, which it generally is in my books - dance music wouldn't be anywhere without it. The points here for me are: how obvious is too obvious - especially when potentially a lot of money is involved? And: why bother denying it? If you make obviously sample-based music - as Kenji has done a number of times - own it.

Personally, I think it's a bit lame that overt sampling has become so common amongst many McHouse producers. Interestingly, it seems Beatport agree and have now removed the track from the top releases chart.

Note: I'd post a link to the Scavo/Kenji release but don't want to show support to McHouse. The sheer number of comments removed from the Youtube video of the Scavo/Kenji release clearly show more than a few people side with Carl Craig here.

December in Tech House (Part 1)

2010-12-06T01:26:00.007+13:00

Robert Babicz - Pink Trees (Bedrock)

‘Pink Trees’ hits the new-school prog vibe to perfection with the dubby darkness Babicz is known for and some ethereal synth work straight out of a Vangelis-style soundtrack. Will go down well with Pappa/Digweed/Warren fans. The alt track, ‘Percofonik’, is actually the ticket here, a more housey percussive idea with borderline classic Reece style synth action and a grinding low end. It’s not Babicz’ absolute best but definitely smack bang in the middle of where modern prog is at. Buy 'Pink Trees/Percofonik'

Various Artists - Selected Works For Winter (03 Records)

03 Records dishes out a selection of remixed and unreleased tracks by DkA, Ecco, Secret Groovers etc which doesn’t disappoint. DkA ‘Verticalité’ remixed by Ecco is a dubby groove with stark percussion and morphed vocal samples while the Andras Bader remix of Caldyn ‘Combination 001’ goes for an similarly dow-key approach – also using morphed vocals over a sparse groove and some well arranged stabby synths. Norton White & Select’s ‘Home Sweet Home’ is turned into a dope prog number by Thomas Sari who takes it weird with cool used of an old school bass sound and big-room synth. Listen/Buy 'Selected Works for Winter'

Denis A - Remixes Vol 3 (DAR)

Moscow based label and artist Denis A drop the 3rd remix pack with a stunning cameo from longtime progsters Spooky. They take a quite housey angle with their remix of ‘Beholder’, adding pulsing delay effects on the main samples. The base track is quirky and the overall result is a really quirky groove which works really effortlessly. The ‘Heroin’ remix by Scotty.A is also dope. His long-term love of the prog vibe is apparent - you can see why in 2009 he won the Global Underground ‘bedroom producer’ competition and turned a few heads with his entry. This is solid stuff worthy of any self respecting prog DJ’s collection. Listen/Buy DAR releases

December Tech & House Top 10

2010-12-02T01:17:00.006+13:00

Something is in the air with the resurgence of progressive sounds. Spooky, the original prog legends from the early 1990s return with a dope remix of rising Russian talent Denis A on his own DAR imprint. Agoria is set to drop his new album early next year and 'Speechless', a collaboration with Carl Craig, sounds like an A-class listen already. On a more manic percussive tip is the Rissa Garcia remix of Freddy Parisi & Marco Soave.

Rob's December House and Techno (via Wikileaks)
1. Denis A - Beholder (Spooky Remix) (DAR)
2. Agoria ft Carl Craig - Speechless (InFiné Records)
3. Estroe - Re-Chord (Ludovic Vendi Remix) (Snejl Recordings)
4. Freddy Parisi & Marco Soave - Don't You Moving (Rissa Garcia Movin Dub Mix) (NightChild)
5. Disco Deciders - Secret System (Lemon Popsicle FSOB Remix) (Ready Mix Records)
6. Viana & Miguel Garji - The Black Mountain (Original Mix) (Seamless)
7. DkA - Verticalité (Ecco Remix) (03 Records)
8. Norton White & Select - Home Sweet Home (Thomas Sari Remix) (03 Records)
9. Berny & Guru - Will You Be Mine (Open Bar)
10. Ryan Van Blanken - Untitled Render (Saytek Remix) (Elektek Recordings)

Classic Pic: Watergate - Lonely Winter (Deep Dish Records, 1994)
Super early Deep Dish making jammy, jazz-inspired house. Sharam's Blue Dub is one of the coolest moments in Deep Dish's long history.

House & Techno Top 10 - November 2010

2010-11-04T01:39:00.003+13:00

Some funk-inspired madness here as well as some hypnotic grooves to save your ears from Black Eyed Peas McMusic. There's too much good music out there to listen to fodder. Don't let the idiots win!

House & Techno Top 10 - November 2010
1. Raph Dumas - Afraid of Change (Enjoy Recordings)
2. Examine - Essential Reconstruction (Snejl)
3. Alec Carlsson - 22 (NialaKil Remix) (Elektek Recordings)
4. Ramiro Lopez - Brunch in Guadalmar (Mucky Pups Mellow Version) (Mingtum)
5. Nicole Moudaber - Feel That (iVAV Recordings)
6. Antoine Caesar & Timur Valiev - Le Mag (Hans Bouffmyhre Remix) (Indeks)
7. Berny & Guru - Will You Be Mine (Open Bar Music)
8. Magda - Doom Disco (Minus)
9. Niko Rivera - Santa Fé (Nico Cano Remix) (Leventium Recordings)
10. Arno E. Mathieu - Lamb of Sun (Dub Version) (Clima)

Classic Pic: Corrina Joseph - Live Your Life With Me (Atlantic Jaxx, 1996)
Brilliant vocals over a live-element house track. One of the Basement Jaxx crew's best ever efforts and remixes to perfection by Roger Sanchez who could almost do no wrong in that era.

October in Tribal House (Part 2)

2010-10-28T22:46:00.066+13:00

Raph Dumas - The Best Funk Of Your Life (Enjoy Recordings)

Straight from one of the most original producers in electronic music is an album by talented Frenchman Raph Dumas. TBFOYL is a complete breath of fresh air - showing how to give sample-based music soul to boot use live-elements to perfection. Played across 19 tracks ranging from jammy Chicago style house to chillout jams Dumas showcases his funk/soul/jazz-inspired attitude to DJing and live performing with his band La Colba Mil.Lenaria. 'O'Spell' is a funk/jazz dancehall effort which pays heavy tribute to American gospel music while 'Umbalahh' hits the big-beat groove reminiscent of early Fatboy Slim with the cheese turned down a notch. The absolutely standout 'Afraid Of Changes' is Dimitri From Paris meets Brand New Heavies in a saxophone-led dance floor destroyer which is packed full of elements but skilfully avoids getting cluttered. At the other end of the spectrum is 'She Drinks Champagne', a downtempo house groove with a cut-up vocal sample and an old-school Chicago sort of cheekiness to it. Raph Dumas' album is A-class from start to finish and recommended listening no matter what you're into. Listen to/Buy 'The Best Funk Of Your Life'

Antoine Caesar & Timur Valiev - Le Mag / Immunity (Indéks Music)

The usual techy madness from Indeks begins with the massive Hans Bouffmyhre remix of 'Le Mag' (listen) which is as dark as tech-house gets these days rolling with a dubby drum-line, a sinister sub bass and some expertly placed and delayed samples. 'Immunity' (listen) ramps up the madness even more adding a vocal and distorted drums and glitch samples. Quality stuff all round. Indeks Music at Juno Download

October in Tech House (Part 1)

2010-10-10T00:36:00.108+13:00

Corrugated Tunnel - Threadbare (Process Recordings)
Taken straight from his recent 'Minor Obsessions' LP this single gets the superstar remix treatment by way of Orlando Voorn. That alone should be enough info to check this out but this definitely is something special - a percussive groove which Voorn teases over five minutes before unleashing the madness. It's available in both vocal and instrumental but vocalist Martin McCann's efforts gel so well with the groove it wouldn't be quite the same without them. Norman Nodge, resident DJ at Berlin's Berghain, adds his own remix, a more low key treatment which still delivers the goods. With support from Derrick May, Samuel L Sessions, Agoria and more this is the business. Check out the 'Threadbare' page.

Pat King - A Glimpse of Reality E.P. (NightChild Records)

Trippy is the vibe of Pat King's dope 'A Glimpse of Reality' EP on New York's dope NightChild Records. The title track sounds like Theo Parrish sampling typewriter noises into a percussive deep number. 'Another Late Night' hits the dub techno groove to perfection, rolling along in subtly with some pretty nicely placed samples and delays. A must for fans of the Deep Chord/ Robert Hood vibe. 'A Glimpse of Reality' at Juno Download

Alvina Red & Manuel Perez - Vineyard Boogie E.P. (Lace Recordings)

This crew can hardly put a foot wrong these days and the latest EP is yet another gem for forward-thinking dance floors which love techy stuff but also dig the deep stuff and interesting influences. That's exactly what you get here with the main track 'Vinestock Boogie'. It's a mid-tempo track with lush keys, a mellow synth line and tons of groove appeal. 'Bucket Express' is more 'classic' techy - with stabbed Detroit-style keys and a peak-time sort of quality. 'Vineyard Boogie' at Juno Download

Rob's House & Tech-Disco Top 10 - October 2010

2010-09-30T02:03:00.005+13:00

Some left-handed house and techno for October including Justin Harris' latest manic grinder and Future Beat Alliance's Giorgio Moroder-ish train grooved 'Discordant'.

Rob's House and Tech-Disco Top 10 - October 2010
1. Justin Harris - This Place Is (Original Mix) (Pack Up And Dance)
2. Alvina Red & Manuel Perez - Vinestock Boogie (Original) (Lace)
3. Future Beat Alliance - Discordant (Tresor)
4. Nasty Bobby - So Long Lost (Original Mix) (Nice & Nasty)
5. Nenad Todic - No Good Man (NightChild Records)
6. Tenientetuko - 39 (DLA)
7. Sascha Wallus & Igor the Koi - After All (Yippiee)
8. Zoux - Sweet Nightmare (Aenaria Chill)
9. Alemo - Crash House (Justin Berkovi Nightrax remix) (EevoNext)
10. Patrick Mark - Granju (Original Mix) (Catesse)

Classic Pic: The Deep - Dom Dom Jump (Basenotic Records, 1997)
For a long time a sought-after druggy house track which consisted of a drum track and the vocal 'bassline' which was both hypnotic and quirky. One of Julien Jabre's (aka Africanism) earliest productions.

Corrugated Tunnel 'Minor Obsessions' Review

2010-09-20T23:54:00.006+12:00

Corrugated Tunnel drops his third studio album, Minor Obsessions, in October and it is a showcase of his diverse sounds which cross between house, techno and other styles of electronica. It's set out somewhat in a true 'artist album' manner – i.e. not being a collection of singles but more a showcase listen in itself – and is a really nicely crafted and quirky listen.

Starting with the acid influenced tech-house of 'Festival' and the techy breaks of 'Fade Away' it's quickly apparent this LP has as one foot in the 1992 Altern-8 camp and the other in the modern house. Contrasting that, 'Keep The Change' and 'Cabin Fever' are the eclectic moments of the album, reminding me in some ways of parts of the Blade Runner soundtrack – melancholy and retro-futuristic.

The use of vocals on this album is also quite classy and a departure from the usually average efforts heard in dance music - right from the full-on classic house vocals in 'The Rejection' to 'Shine On' with its Vanessa Daou-style poetry - it all works well.

'Remedy For My Soul' also appears here after a release earlier in the year with remixes from Rennie Foster, Jay Riordan etc. It might be the poppy moment of the CD, but does it with enough quirk and class to stand well above most efforts at this sort of vibe.

Corrugated Tunnel has been called Dublin's answer to Röyksopp and Trentemøller. I'd add Télépopmuzik to that list too after hearing this. Maybe it's some weird affinity to artists who have symbols on/above their vowels or that there is a fast growing stable of quality Irish artists like Chymera, Mark O'Sullivan etc helping to raise the whole game. Whatever it is, it sounds great.

'Minor Obsessions' is out on 11 October on Process Recordings.

Corrugated Tunnel's website

Tech & House Picks - September

2010-09-08T23:51:00.005+12:00

Various Artists - Tunis Diaspora Three E.P. (Lace Recordings)

DJ Mourad kicks off with ‘Mujave Desert’ which is hard to describe the awesomeness of. It’s got the dubby groove of classic Mood II Swing and the bouncy off-kilter synth line of a 1980s Chicago house number. Add in modern production quality and you’ve got one hell of a record. DJ Nabil follows with ‘Nouba’, a synthy deep house number in the sort of Milton Jackson vibe – deep with hints of techno. It’s superbly arranged with a few interesting change-ups for good effect. DJ Dali’s ‘Introdaction’ is a cool round-out of the EP along a more Chicago tip with a sax line and boompty action. In all a very cool EP. 4/5
Tunis Diaspora Three EP at Junodownload

Aid To The Soulless ft Jon Pierce - I’ll Do Remixes (United Music)

This is right in the US soulful house tip with classic 90s vibe. Jason B’s mix is a shuffly low key affair with the vocal being the main focus. It’s arranged really nicely with an infectious feel. Rob Salmon’s remix has a more 90s gospel house feel and oozes class, making use of an uplifting piano vibe paired with Salmon’s usual deep bassline style and funky percussion elements. This will probably go over the heads of straight-up party house lovers but would be an epic moment in the set of a soulful house DJ. Cool New York vibes. 3/5
Aid To The Soulless - I'll Do at Traxsource

Timo Maas - Balance 017 Review

2010-09-07T23:32:00.004+12:00

It’s a case of long-time-no-hear from Timo ‘Dooms Night’ Maas who steps into the Balance series following some brilliant efforts by Joris Voorn, SOS and more. Maas is known for his hot DJing so it’s no surprise this has an x-factor so sorely missing from most compilations.

Balance 017 kicks off in super low-key fashion you’re soon hooked into the dubby house grooves of Nicolas Jaar ‘Time For Us’ and Dana Bergquist & Peder G ‘Acapulco’ followed by more melodic and eclectic sounds from Vector Lovers, DJ Koze, Tody Tobias and Deetron who put this well into the Sunday groove category and with strict quality control – no flash in the pan or obvious tunes in sight. Adding a few classics like Danny Tenaglia ‘Elements’ gives the immediate impression this will still sound great in a couple of year’s time – often a failing point of most compilations.

The second CD follows on with a chunky vibe, rolling percussion and a large number of tracks exclusive to this mix which quickly develop into a pretty menacing dance floor act. Kenny Larkin, Sante, Mutant Clan and many more make showings before the unmistakable acid line of the historic Hardfloor ‘Acperience’ drops in home stretch. Maas makes a number of showings himself with a number of exclusives and remixes which show he’s never lost his ear for quality. His DJing touch is as good as ever and this mix certainly shows up many ‘big name’ mixes from recent times.

Release date for Timo Maas - Balance 017 is 18 October 2010.
A Balance 017 EP of tracks exclusive to this mix will follow.

Rob's Tech House Top 10 - September 2010

2010-08-28T02:23:00.014+12:00

Great techno and oddball house for September.

Rob's Tech House Top 10 - September 2010
1. Diarmaid O'Meara - Disco Murderer (Nice & Nasty's Death b4 Disko Dub) (Gobsmacked)
2. Milton Jackson - Beautiful Liars (Dark Energy)
3. DJ Mourad - Mujave Desert (Lace Recordings)

4. Aid To The Soulless ft Jon Pierce - I'll Do (Rob Salmon Remix) (United Music)
5. John Digweed & Nick Muir - Satellite (Maetrik Heavy Mix) (Bedrock)
6. Sonic vs Taste T. - Che Guevara (Jacuzzi Boys Remix) (Amused)
7. Berny - I Guess You Know (Dance) (Kruse & Nuernberg Mix) (Seamless)
8. Cee Cee Cox - Dancing With Phantom (True Original Mix) (Aenaria Music)
9. Sonic L - Geee (Strangelove)
10. Flawler & Nick Borsato - Age of Bricks (Audio Injection Remix) (Impact Mechanics)

Classic Pic: Soulboy - Harmonica Track 97 (Minimal Records, 1997)
Danny Tenaglia under another name making the horrible thought of a harmonica in a dark, bottom heavy house track actually sound pretty darn awesome.

August Lazy Tune Reviews 2

2010-08-23T02:02:00.059+12:00

Milton Jackson - Beautiful Liars E.P. (Dark Energy)

With a passing nod to the classic Maurizio vibe Milton Jackson returns with 'Beautiful Liars'. With a hypnotic groove from the get-go and a slowly twisting and morphing arrangement you get the impression this could be his best production ever. This track was a done deal even before the sublime keys started half way through and it still grabs me instantly after a pile of listens like a classic you've known for years. 'Beat Talk' takes a different tack, using an out of tune sample and a superbly recreated mid-90s style vibe in a sort of pokey part disco - part drum track. 5/5

Beautiful Liars E.P. at Beatport

John Digweed & Nick Muir - Satellite Remixes (Bedrock Records)

Recent release 'Satellite' gets two quality makeovers from Christian Smith and Maetrik. Smith does the sparse and hypnotic big-room tech vibe which he does so well - retaining the acid bass from the original but bumping up with synth line and big-room rises and reverbs. Maetrik goes in almost the opposite direction taking it more housey and funky. As he's shown many times recently he's got mad skills at creating infectious dubby grooves with heaps of appeal and zero cheese factor. He keeps it dark but adds heaps of swing and his usual quirky interludes and samples. 4/5
Satellite Remixes at Beatport

Detlef - Sonim (Material Records)

One of my favourite drum programmers, straight out of Greece, drops yet another gem. 'Sonim' is little more than a hooky drum groove on first listen but has a saxophone sample cunningly morphed in and out of the arrangement which adds just enough extra x-factor to make the track stand out. 'Em Ti' is more of the same although more ethnic is vibe - on similar ground to what M.in and Basti Grub have become famous for. It's a solid drum groove with stabbed samples and morphed background vocals used as rhythm fills. Nice stuff. 3/5
Detlef at Beatport

Mid August Lazy Tune Reviews

2010-08-21T01:45:00.014+12:00

A lazy August for me on the posting front but a couple of reviews of cracking releases worth checking out.

Sian - Dreams Are Maps (Bedrock Digital)

Bedrock continues to impress with Sian 'Dreams Are Maps'. The original is a sort of Moroder-ish incessant synth groove with retro vibes all over it and which featured on John Digweed's recent Structures mix. Remixes on this come from Paul Woolford who is as solid as always. Woolford's Waxed Out Dub is a more stripped back take with some nice segues and some slightly off-putting at first but nicely used vinyl crackles. Dope stuff. 3/5

'Dreams Are Maps' at Beatport

Various Artists - World EP Vol 1 (Aenaria Tribal)

Aenaria Tribal's latest is the V/A - World EP Vol. 1 - a collection of tribal numbers some of which are sublime. Davide Marchesiello 'Africa' is the pick of the bunch, a simple minimal tribal groove with a really nicely sculptured vibe which adds some pads, ethnic flutes (in the manner it should be but so rarely is), Deep Forrest-esque vocals etc making for a pretty awesome trip. Macrotech 'Indian Shaman' is a jammy and bouncy vibe, more of a DJ tool, but still well worth checking out and Mike Kings 'Saudade' is the Tenaglia moment of the E.P., a menacing big-room track full of dark stabs, heavy bass and acid elements. 4/5
Aenaria Tribal at Beatport

Top 10 Tech-House & Space Disco Jams, August 2010

2010-08-01T01:13:00.044+12:00

Quality galore this month as always and with some appearances from the old-school in the form of old school raver Gavin Hardkiss and Detroit wonder-kid Stacey Pullen.

Top 10 Tech-House & Space Disco Jams - August 2010

1. Office Gossip - Var. II (Dark Energy)
      - Hallmarks of Underground Resistance styles in this future jazz tech track.
2. Hardy Heller - Give Them A Haus (Alex Connors Mix) (Ohral)
      - bouncy track with some distinct Kerri Chandler 'Bar A Tym' nods.
3. Nick Robson - Pranaloop03 (Pure Substance)
     - Sparse, bleepy groove with hooky backing vocal and that burning vibe.
4. FT Mode - Berlin Calling (NightChild)
     - A superb dubby tech groove that'll fry a few people's brains at 5am.
5. Jamie Anderson feat Mr K-Alexi - Cyclone (Stacey Pullen Remix) (Mija)
- The original was wicked now Stacey Pullen adds his hi-tek soul magic.
6. Berny & Guru - Protect Yourself (Spiritchaser Remix) (Seamless Black)
      - Subtle swingy groover with a great remix from the deep tech dons Spiritchaser.
7. Georg Levin - Late Discovery (Shahrokh Dini No Chant Mix) (BBE)
     - A classy, synth-led take on one of the best tracks from Levin's recent album.
8. Gavin Hardkiss - Cocoboom (Drunken Monkey Remix) (Noice)
      - Old raver returns in fine style with quirky mixes including a gem from Drunken Monkey.
9. Shomzee - Rent A House (DeepClass)
     - Bouncy deep house from one of the most reliable labels out there in this style.
10. Ishome - Al Capone (Indeks Music)
     - Dubby, off-kilter druggy tech-house.

Classic Pic: Kerri Chandler - The Old Office (The Thing For Linda EP, 1998)
One of the oddest Chandler releases and hands-down one of the best too. An amazing deep groove which oozes class.

Some Tech-House Gems for Your Ears

2010-07-26T01:45:00.030+12:00

Office Gossip - Imperfect Variations (Dark Energy)

If there's one thing there isn't enough of anymore it's really quirky, jazz-inspired house/techno. Office Gossip have made plenty of dope tunes but 'Var. II' on this EP has got an Underground Resistance sort of epic quality. 5/5

Dark Energy at Traxsource

Hardy Heller - C/o op E.P. (Ohral)

The Alex Connors mix of 'Give Them A Haus' will have you thinking you're listening to a remake of Kerri Chandler's 'Bar A Thym'. With similar styled keys and chunky groove this is a secret weapon for the near future for me. Hardy teams also teams up with Alex Connors on 'Fred, The Pink Elephant' which has an great remix in the name of the C-Rock Wild Pitch Mix. Wild Pitch it is with a wicked 90s DJ Pierre throwback vibe. 4/5

Ohral at Beatport

Jamie Anderson feat Mr K-Alexi - Cyclone Remixes (Mija)

Following the original earlier this year Cyclone returns with Stacey Pullen, Fish Go Deep and Coyu on the mix. Stacey Pullen does his hi-tek soul percussive house thing to perfection with great use of the vocals. Fish Go Deep take things more hypnotic with a slow-burning groove which is undeniably classy and dance floor friendly, with both a vocal and dub on offer. 4/5

Cyclone Remixes at Junodownload

Nick Robson - Pranaloop E.P. (Pure Substance Digital)

Pure Substance seem to find lots of interesting acts, usually a bit proggy, who have a knack for originality. Nick Robson's new 4-track release gets top marks, especially for 'Pranaloop03', a sparse bleepy groove with a sort of proggy vibe but also a Robert Hood minimalist groove. Hard to explain but something which would fit alongside heaps of styles well. 4/5

Pure Substance at Beatport

John Digweed & Nick Muir - Satellite / Meteor (Bedrock)

It's not often Bedrock would pop up here but as of late they've impressed me with some Chymera-ish slow burners. This latest release has got me thinking how long it's taken for this sound to come full circle. 'Meteor' is nothing too flashy but a slow building/peaking groove based around a simple synth and with Digweed/Muir's signature percussion vibes. Think Pryda but less obvious. 3/5

Bedrock at Junodownload

Luca Ricci presents Aenaria Tech Sonar 2010 - Review

2010-07-11T23:10:00.026+12:00

I don't check out very many compilations as they rarely seem to be my bag - either the music or the piecing-together - but reckon this comp is one worth checking out. It's by Italian DJ/producer Luca Ricci who's been a purveyor of quality underground music for as long as I can remember. He also runs one of the most underrated labels out there: Aenaria.

This comp is a showcase of the Aenaria Tech label sound for Sonar 2010. It's the sort of deep, dubby tech house which has staying power, no circuit DJ styles or obvious filler, just a pile of gems which are quality enough to rock a dance floor but deep enough to not get thrashed by every Sheep-port top ten DJ.

Some stand-out tunes on here are Macrotech "Circle", a brilliant Blade Runner style number which sounds straight out of Stacey Pullen's crate; F.Sonic "Grand Bright" in a superb loopy, jazzy number which is pretty housey by his standards but still very cool; and David Vice "Som Tam", a train sampling deep tech roller with a classy 90s vibe. In all a pleasant listen and some cracking new tunes for playing out if you get the unmixed version!

Soundcloud preview: Luca Ricci presents Aenaria Tech Sonar 2010

Unmixed comp at Traxsource: Aenaria Tech Sonar 2010

House & Techno Top 10 Chart - July 2010

2010-07-08T01:14:00.029+12:00

Let's face it, the northern summer is a good time to release tunes. There are squillions of awesome tunes out there. Here are two hand-fulls which I reckon kick a bit of arse.

Rob's Top 10 House & Techno jams - July 2010

1. Claudio Mate & Frankie Granato - Music Is A Love Thing (Snejl)

- a dub-techno styled groove with hook!

2. Koen - Tolle (Aenaria Music)

3. Brotherly - Breathe (Shur-I-Kan Dub) (Dark Energy)

4. Mark O'Sullivan - Viva Voodoo (Nachklangmusik remix) (Nice & Nasty)

- dope, the way techno should be more often!

5. Uninvited Partners - Day Of The Shogun (Lace Recordings)

- heavenly strings with a sort of Strings of Life quality.

6. Justin Berkovi - Day Pass Nights Creep In (EevoNext Recordings)

- not sure my speakers can go low enough to hear all the bass on this. Darkness!

7. Manny Ward & Joi Cardwell - All Night (Danny Buddah Morales Remix) (Slanted Black)

- Danny Morales turning good into great. He still has the skills.

8. DJ Gomor - Rablajoie (Lace Recordings)

- like a bit of 90s sounding acid badness? Then this is for you?

9. Björn Wilke - Mendrum (Original Mix) (Kaato Music)

- a solid 'Women Beat Their Men'-sampling drum groove

10. Jose Diaz - Luz Del Sol (Ovidi Adlert Remix) (Molacacho Records)

Classic Pic: Katcha - Touched By God (Peace Division Mix) 1999

Where tech-house meets disco and prog with wicked results. An infectious vocal and hypnotic groove!

Rob's House and Techno Reviews #2 - June 2010

2010-06-29T16:08:00.010+12:00

Faut Pas Deconner - 24 Hour Party Pool EP (Jesus Loved You)

A two tracker from Valentino Kanzyani's imprint which starts out like a late 90s French house track cut up and edited into a modern tech-house track. 'Stay Together' hits the mark superbly with a Daft Punk-esque edits and vibe paired with the label's typical crisp and uncluttered production style. 'Springfield Surprise' takes the cake though for being an awesome 12 minute ride through the funkiest drum groove you'll hear in ages, matched with beautifully with some spacey elements and the usually Jesus Loved You odd-ball background guitar and vocal filler elements. A top, top notch release. 5/5

DJ Earthian - Te-Nos E.P. (Living Records)
This release will be useful to any tech-house DJ worth his/her salt. DJ Earthian brings the same production level from previous releases on Treibstoff and Resopal and turns it up a notch. 'Te-Nos' is a dubby groove layered sparsely with percussive and atmospheric snippets built overtop a throbbing bassline. 'Skrower' is the gem here – starting as a bare-bones drum track and ending up as spacey monster with morphed vocal samples and head-nodding groove. Out loud these both kick ass! 4/5
Te-Nos EP at Junodownload

Jairus Miller - Life On Microchip (Redflux Cinnabar)
Sitting in the space between tech house and prog Jairus Miller's latest is an example of modern prog done well! The main event here is '19 Point 7' which has buzz and synth action but also a groove and dubbiness which keeps it low-key enough to appeal to many tech-house fans as well. The arrangement has you hypnotized early on and keeps you there without overdoing anything or getting too intense/epic. 'Life On Microchip', is a little more prog-tastic without venturing into anything too overt. It's twisted with some nicely thought out synth stabs and sci-fi movie soundtrack sort of appeal. 3/5
Life On Microchip at Beatport

Rob's House and Techno Reviews - June 2010

2010-06-23T21:16:00.025+12:00

Antoine Caesar, Timur Valiev - Whisper of Mars (Indéks Music)

Indeks hits its 16th release with one of the best yet. ‘Whisper of Mars’ has a dubby, peppy groove reminiscent of some 1990s Plink Plonk releases – oozing with hypnotic elements. Everything seems to fit flawlessly here until the main groove dips out and the whispered vocals fade out to eerie horns displacing the main groove just long enough before dropping back in. The flip-side ‘Dica‘ is a groove along similar lines although more peak time in vibe. The tonky percussion gives it a roll which is quite infectious and would rock many a dance floor. This release is one for Stacey Pullen-style techno lovers. 4/5
Whisper of Mars at Beatport

Edmund - Deep Deluxe EP (DeepClass Records)

Edmund delivers another really moving EP of deep house in a style which is really starting to take hold. In a sort of Kerri Chandler meets Milton Jackson way ‘You Got The Love’ rolls out a sparse percussion arrangement, superbly placed keys and hooky sampled vocals in a way which is eye-closing groovy. Dance floors will love this vibe even if it might be more warm-up material for many. ‘World Of Fantasies’ hits a more bouncy, spacey groove with a stuttering bassline beneath another really understated vocal. Edmund’s almost trademark stabbed keys appear here again and complete the track to perfection. 4/5
Deep Deluxe EP at Junodownload

Yuki - Unizen (Jason Phats Digital)

Fitting somewhere between the party and big-room house categories is this belter on Jason Phats Digital. It might ring too many bells to be an underground stormer but the original of Unizen has a dope groove, nicely arranged keys and infectious vibe. The alternative Jonas Hayes mix of Unizen will hit the mark for more DJs with a deeper, darker vibe which adds a few interesting percussion elements and is a little less epic. Dope stuff! 3/5
Unizen at Junodownload

Recommended SoundCloud Group - Edits

2010-06-13T01:13:00.026+12:00

I've thought for some time to post cool artists or groups I find on SoundCloud and I'm going to start right now with a great group simply called Edits.

It's basically a place to upload your own edits for others to listen and, if you choose, make available for download. Edits is big enough now that you could find literally dozens, if not hundreds, of quality edits to download in 320kbs quality.

The theme seems to be slanted mostly towards edits of old disco, funk etc but there are others there too. If you're familiar with reknown edit-makers like Leftside Wobble or Hawk then they're two of the moderators of the group so you know it's going to be mostly quality stuff.

http://soundcloud.com/groups/edits/

Technasia 'Central' album review

2010-06-06T18:38:00.037+12:00

Every now and then you think times have changed and someone new is doing the damage and then Technasia decide it's time for another album.

Technasia, aka Charles Siegling, drops Central at a time when even revered artists like Joris Voorn feel a little bit routine and shows that he's lost none of the skills shown on 2006's brilliant Popsoda LP. Central is full of straight-up dance floor material along with a few slow burning gems which may con you into thinking they're filler at first but could end up in your crate for ages.

The skill here is in funky rhythm-tracks on par with the best by the likes of classic Masters at Work meshed with Detroit-esque swirling synths/basslines which result in music which is edgy, hypnotic and 'hooky' without ever being obvious. Very few producers manage such quality once let alone track after track as here.

Like all great artist albums the appeal here isn't just the concepts but also in the execution, the intricate nuances and soul which shine through here in spades. As an album this is a rare treat - it's both highly artistic with varied influences/moods, and yet almost the entire album is still club playable.

Central shows again why Technasia is one of the biggest talents in modern electronic music. Expect this to end up in most best-of lists for 2010.

Technasia 'Central' moments:

'Movement' (co-produced by Dosem) is pretty much a benchmark for the right balance between being forward-thinking and having dance floor appeal. Taking a superb rhythm and a hint of early Inner City style synth vibes makes it sound all so simple. You feel like you've heard this track hundreds of times before.

'Again' has the loopy, bouncy deep bassline groove you need to hear on an album like this. It has a sort of techno version of Pete Heller 'Big Love' kind of quality - simple, hooky and with an instantly classic feel.

'Voyager Eternals' is probably my favourite moment on the album - not because it's the biggest but because it is one of those understated hypnotic grooves which get overlooked by so many but will screw with people's sanity at 5am in a dark club.

'No Fear' could have be called French Kiss 2010 - it's a dubby, hypnotic loop morphed and tweaked over the length of the track. No flash in the pan ideas, just a raw groove.

Technasia found the time to remember the jazz influence in techno with 'Music To Watch The City Lights Late At Night' - a laid-back space jam which wouldn't be out of place in a nu-disco set.

Out now on Technasia Records.

The Technasia - Central homepage

Buy it at Junodownload

George FM Guest Show - 3 June

2010-06-04T01:07:00.029+12:00

George FM Thursday Night Show, 3 June 2010 10pm-12am
Guest DJ Rob Warner
Tracklist

Tony Anderson - Roots & Shoots, After Disco - Rhythm Technician 1.1, + Big Black Boot - Vibrate (Rob's acapella loop), LHT - Mujan (Rob Warner Re-edit), MidiDropMusic - Underneath The Abyss (Lemon Popsicle Remix), Art Bleek - Sky Harbour, Masse Memoire - My Precious Steam, John Ciafone - Junocha, + Motorcitysoul feat Onejiru - Mbali (Acappella), Rentao Cohen - Cosmic Man

--ads--

Filterwolf - Nocturne (Partikel Remix), Mike Doc - Night Moves (Original Mix), Technasia feat. Dosem - Movement (Long mix), Carlo - Gluck Strasse (Mihai Popoviciu Remix), + MAW Pres a Tribute to Fela - MAW Expensive (Acapella), Alex S - Keep Under (Rentao Cohen Remix)

--ads--

Katcha - Touched By God (Peace Division Remix), Karnak vs Unknown - White Rain/In The Mix, Pierre J & Petter B - Nice Meeting You Mr Tenaglia, Nagano Kitchen - GSXR 810, Technasia feat. Bension - Aries, Hideo Kobayashi - Cosmogony (Original Mix)

--ads--

Leif - Remember (Azuni Remix), Edmund - You Got The Love, Ian Pooley - What's Your Number (Jazzanova Renumber)

Stream: georgefm.co.nz

Top 10 Deep House & Techno jams - June 2010

2010-06-02T01:04:00.023+12:00

Some gems this month including more blade-runner house remixes from Mark O'Sullivan, a sultry deep space disco gem from Edmund and the release of Technasia's new album Central - packed full of wicked grooves. Surely a contender for best electronic album of 2010.

Rob's Top 10 Deep House & Techno jams - June 2010

1. Alvina Red & Manuel Perez - Celica (Mark O'Sullivan remix) (Nice & Nasty)

2. Technasia - Voyager Eternals (Long mix) (Technasia)
3. MidiDropMusic - Underneath The Abyss (Lemon Popsicle Remix) (Ready Mix)

4. Manuel Perez - Paradise Already (Mark O'Sullivan Remix) (Enjoy)

5. Antoine Caesar & Timur Valiev - Whisper of Mars (Indeks Music)
6. Hideo Kobayashi - Cosmogony (Original Mix) (Fatsouls)

7. Edmund - You Got The Love (DeepClass Records)

8. Urban Collective - Blue Night (Franco Martinelli Mix) (NightChild)

9. Marcel Best - Ego (Global Ritmico Records)

10. Aux 88 - Space Satellites (Black Tokyo Aux 88 remix) (Echoism)

Classic Pic: Chiapet - Westworld (Yoshitoshi, 1999)

Wanna know how to take a kick drum, a snare, bugger all else and make a devastating track? Then copy this. It's near perfection from John Ciafone (aka Mood II swing)

Dimitri From Paris gets down with the Philly Sound

2010-05-29T19:06:00.021+12:00

As far as music revivals go we're in an interesting era right now. The Nu-Disco style has fast become popular with new artists rising alongside always there maestros like Ray Mang and Daniel Wang - but why now though? Why the massive injection of soulful funky vibes into house music which has been dominated by commercially slanted soulless rubbish in recent years?

Alongside Nu-Disco is a parallel revival of original disco. We've had Salsoul era stuff re-released, Dimitri From Paris' Nightdubbin compilation from last year and a swag of dope disco edits by the likes of Todd Terje etc.

So, surprise surprise to see Dimitri From Paris' latest effort, 'Get Down with the Philly Sound', is hitting the big time with a collection of original Philadelphia International Records releases from the 1970s - a label which accounted for some of the most influential pieces of music which paved the way for house music.

A mate of mine who is much more knowledgeable on this era said "why does Dimitri have to fuck with these classics?" which could be the case to purists; and to be fair the re-release business has got a bit out of hand recently. Interestingly here though is they've done one CD of originals and a separate CD containing five remixes and four re-edits by Dimitri using the source tapes made available for the first time ever by the owners. Dimitri's remixes/edits are generally fantastic updates perfect for playing out again. In all it is a seriously great listen full of moments of great nostalgia, new discoveries and rhythms, vibes and vocals which have been sampled in so many well known records it's hard to overstate the influence this crew had on house music.

'Get Down with the Philly Sound' includes tracks from Teddy Pendergrass, The Jacksons, Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes, Jon Davis, The Trammps, Eddie Kendricks and more.

The sleeve notes contain a brilliant set of photos and stories including Dimitri's early loathing of disco: "...in my teenage years in the late 70s I clearly remember how the disco I could hear in my Paris hometown generally sucked, and big time too.... that byproduct of white boys in sequined suits from the radio? No way."

Yes way. Out now courtesy of the nice people at BBE Records.

Rob Warner's mixes and edits page

2010-05-18T23:17:00.005+12:00

I've finally added a static page here to host links to my mixes and edits on SoundCloud etc.

It's got my latest mix, The Way You Groove Me, as well as my Chicago classic house mix and more.

(the idea is to keep it updated but you know how these things slide....)

Page here: Mixes and Edits

Future House Gems - May 2010

2010-05-06T00:14:00.013+12:00

Some futuristic house gems for your May playlist.

Orlando Voorn - Angles (Remixes Part 3) (Nice & Nasty)
This record was fantastic the first time it came out, and the 2nd, and now on its 3rd with the best remixes yet. Japanese techno mainstay Itokim does two mixes, both of which hit the spot in a more housey groove than usual from him but still with superb musicality and funk which befits the almost Spanish vibe of the keys. The Itokim Stripped Down mix in particular is badass. Canada’s Tomas Jirku turns in one of the most bad-shit insane 10 minutes of house you’ll hear all year – full of his trademark editing, cut-up snippets and distorted clips which is as twisted as you like. Not for the faint hearted or circuit DJs. Orlando Voorn at Junodowload

Nicole Moudaber - Dirty Secret E.P. (Rawthentic Music)
Nicole Moudaber is on a string of quality releases along the dark, techy tip. The original of ‘Dirty Secret’ tops it with a late-night rolling groove which has a sort of old-school Peace Division vibe to it. M.in & Patrick Lindsey’s remix is the killer here. It’s a solid, dark production which is bass heavy dance and sure to rock. Some quirky drum-loops and drop-outs keep it in the nu-tribal groove they’re known for. If darkness is your thing then this is a track for you.

Rudolph Palladino - Hotel E.P. (Indeks Music)
When you are dancing to track with a slutty female vocal talking about handcuffs then you’ll know it’s this release by French artist Rudolph Palladino. ‘Love Hotel’ has a pretty basic minimal groove but makes up for it in the vocal arrangement which is a cut up array of bondage and sex related filth. It is amusing without being overdone and would stand out in any set. The two other tracks on the EP, ‘Spanish Bazar’ and ‘Terminal Stop’ roll out similarly minimal grooves with Japanese spoken vocal loops which do the job nicely. Rudolph Palladino at Junodownload

Top 10 House and Tribal Gems - May 2010

2010-05-01T16:27:00.010+12:00

Shades of Grey step up this month with 'Concord Jazz', a snappy groove with the most subtle use ever of a C & C Music Factory sample. Art Bleek's newest album has some total gems with 'Man On Wire' taking the cake for a top notch layered dubbiness while Taho proves his talent yet again with a heavenly ambient version of Themis 'Beautiful Child'.

Top 10 House and Tribal Gems - May 2010

1. Art Bleek - Man On Wire (EevoNext Recordings)

2. Shades of Gray - Concord Jazz (Dark Energy Recs)

3. Themis - Beautiful Child (Taho Ambient Version) (Eona Records)

4. After Disco - Rhythm Technician (Scene 1.1) (CDS)
5. Ariel 'Lights' Figueroa - Baba Zulu (NightChild Records)
6. Slok - Say You Love Me (Original Mix) (Circledigital)
7. Detlef - Trucks (Raw Trax)

8. Carlo - Gluck Strasse (Mihai Popoviciu Remix) (Mija Recordings)

9. Alex Piccini - Soul Food (M.in Remix) (Kosmophono)

10. Torquhil Anderson - Bumpin (Siena)

Classic Pic: Alëem - Filtri Organi (Concrete Records, 1995)

French house doesn't get much better than this. Lighter on the disco loops and filters than most French house of this era this was a bottom-heavy big-room monster.

Filterwolf 'Music From Tomorrow' album review

2010-04-22T12:29:00.015+12:00

Filterwolf's debut EP on Process Recs last year raised a few eyebrows with his quirky take on tech-house, a theme which holds here across his new album of post-minimal excellence.

Bosnian born but raised in Germany, Filterwolf is influenced by the minimal sound of recent years but adds to it a 1980s-vibe twist. Music From Tomorrow is straight-forward in concept but has an x-factor and unique funk which helps it stand out as quite distinct to most releases you’ll hear.

Starting out with ‘Sofia’, an ethnic music-inspired groove with an analog synth bouncing throughout, you immediately have an idea of the sound here. ‘Acrobat’ and ‘Terra Tech’ follow similar lines, making great use of eerie vocals intermingled with bouncing synths.

The standout track is ‘Nocturne‘, a simply brilliant piece of tech-house which will be rocking dance floors for a long time to come. On first listen it has an obviousness which could be mistaken for so much other rubbish out there but here the quality holds so well - from the vocal elements to the Kraftwerk-style futuristic cheekiness of the main synth.

‘Viva’ and ‘Hedonistica’ take a more pacey, dance floor vibe, still keeping with the theme of oddball haunting vocals, stabbed keys and an 80s-inspired quirk which you’d be hard pressed to find in such consistent quality outside of Carl Craig and other classic techno-slanted artists. Although this is a collection of singles more than a conventional artist album it is a great showcase of Filterwolf’s signature knack for producing quirky and original productions.

Free Music! As an album promo Process Recordings are giving away an album track as a free 320kb/s MP3 download. Right-click and 'save-as' > Filterwolf - Nocturne

Release: 10 May 2010 online. Junodownload release page

Mix Featured on WorkOut Radio/Podcast in France

2010-04-19T02:05:00.007+12:00

My latest 'The Way You Groove Me' mix has just aired on Jay U's WorkOut podcast/radio show in France.

Jay U's weekly shows are a mix of everything house related: deep, soulful, tech, progressive, and some old school jams. Recent guest mixes on the show include Louie Vega, Greg Wilson, Victor Simonelli, Rasmus Faber. WorkOut #040 starts with 48 or so minutes of Jay U playing some quality house before my mix enters.

Check it: Jay U presents WorkOut #040

France

NoizeConcept Radio: www.noizeconcept-radio.fr

Wheres The Culture radio: www.wtchouseradio.com

MadZone Generation: madzonegeneration.com

Face The Bass: www.facethebass.com/live.php

Italy on Mad Zone Generation: madzonegeneration.com

Greece on ViaSound Radio: viasound.gr

Argentina on WheresTheCulture Radio: www.wtchouseradio.com

Or download WorkOut at iTunes

George FM Guest Radio - 5 April 2010

2010-04-05T21:27:00.020+12:00

George FM Easter Monday Guest Show with Rob Warner - 2-4pm

Tracklist

Pepe Bradock - 18 Carats, The Blue Boy - Sandman (Original mix), ADNY - Mi Gente --Ads-- Jesus Loves You - Bow Down Mister (Nayana Banana Govinda Goulash Mix), A Hundred Birds - Batonga (Instrumental), Nuyorican Soul - Runaway (12" mix), Bjork - Isobel (Dimitri's Enchanted Forest Mix) --Ads-- Walter Jones - I Am Loved, Yofunk - Marmot, Shur-i-kan - Joes Joint, Untitled/Luciano - Nin, Rudolph Palladino - Love Hotel, Tony Allen - Kilode (Carl Craig remix) --Ads-- Fancisco Allendes - Espiritu (Alexi Delano remix), Aufgang - Barock (Robert Hood remix), Nicole Moudaber - Dirty Secret (M.in & Patrick Lindsey Remix), Filterwolf - Nocturne (Corrugated Tunnel Remix), Timos - Move On, Lusine - Twilight (Elliptical mix)

Stream: georgefm.co.nz

Top 10 Tech House Stormers - April 2010

2010-04-02T14:36:00.028+13:00

Bomb alert for Filterwolf 'Nocturne' - a chugging, 80s inspired tech-house burner - and that's just the original mix. The release also includes the Corrugated Tunnel remix which is about as good as it gets in twisted dance floor burners.

Rob's Top Ten Tech House Stormers - April 2010

1. Filterwolf - Nocturne (Corrugated Tunnel Remix) (Process)

2. Yofunk - Marmot (Dark Energy)
3. Andy Slate - Stuck On You (ARA Soundsystem Mix) (Soulmate)

4. Kirill Kirik - Macabre (Semantica)

5. The Quasar ft. Yvel & Tristan - Funkytown (Original) (Ready Mix)

6. Renato Cohen - Bentobird (Tanzbar Musik)

7. Shlavens & D-Lav - Ready To Go Now (Slanted House)

8. M.in & David Keno - Can't Feel (Sonido)

9. Aufgang - Barock (Robert Hood remix) (Discograph France)

10. Ozgur Can - Mr. Winslow (Niklas Paus Remix) (My Disco Preset)

Filterwolf/Process Recordings: Public preview page

Classic Pic: Minimal Man - Consexual (Guerilla Records, 1993) - A loopy, dreamy early prog-era gem from genius Ian Loveday (r.i.p.) who was also known for his productions as Eon and Tan-Ru etc.

George FM Guest Show, 30 March 2010

2010-03-31T00:21:00.020+13:00

I filled in on George FM on 30 March for Maya Vanya's Chaga Time radio show.

Tracklist

Bjork - Isobel (Dimitri's Enchanted Forest Mix), M.in & De la Maso - Skinny Wendy (Patrick Kunkel Remix), Steffi - Kill Me, Shlavens & D-Lav - Ready To Go Now, Da Boo - Spark That, Buzzin Cuzzins - Let Me Show You Love (Hiro Re-Edit), DJ Q - Glasgow's Jazz, Alex Santer - Sweet Tones, E-N - What's A Girl To Do? --ADS-- Abe Duque - Trying To Stay Underground (Rob Warner re-edit), Maetrik - Purr Baby, Ray Okpara feat Nikki - Brainows, Marco Solforetti - Buenos Aires (Funk Mix), **Classic Pic** Sound 5 - The Hacienda Must Be ReBuilt (Soul Mekanik Re-edit) --ADS-- Vince Watson - Come With Me, Arno E Mathieu - Heritage (Mash-up of Visions 1 & 3), Josh Wink - Don't Laugh-apella, Renato Cohen - Bentobird, Kid Culture - Wappie Campers, Luciano Pizzella - Duplicate --ADS-- The Quasar ft. Yvel & Tristan - Funkytown (Sezer Uysal Remix), Orlando Voorn - Angles (Tomas Jirku Remix)

A DJ Mix by Rob - March 2010

2010-03-25T01:14:00.019+13:00

Here is a new mix by me. It's got a wide variety of music on it, from new to very old and a few never-to-be-released gems, with one theme in common: groove. If you like what you see elsewhere on this blog then that's pretty much the vibe.

Link: The Way You Groove Me (March 2010)

If you were hoping for the next 'massif in Ibiza' or Pete Tong sort of thing then this definitely wont bake your noodle. If you live for Robin S remixes then you should ask yourself how you even landed here. Maybe a friend who is way cooler than you is trying to do your a favour? Perhaps you Googled 'bitchin house music' thinking you'd find a link to that Lady Gaga remake you heard in the supermarket?

Anyway, you made it this far you may as well check it out. Next time you’re getting ready to go clubbing put it on and then text your mates letting them know you’ll be 71 minutes late.

Contains music by Quicksound, Abe Duque, Alex Santer, Milton Jackson, Itokim, Danell Dixon, Marco Solforetti, Renato Cohen, Masse Memoire, Vangellis and more.

Rob's Future Garage Chart - March 2010

2010-03-16T00:28:00.015+13:00

As always funky techno and oddball house rule the game but there's more to it than that. Tomas Jirku's remix of Orlando Voorn 'Angles' is 10 minutes of utter glitchy, cut-up techno madness and for a piece of summery piano house with a distinct 90s groove to it check out Rob Salmon's 'Bon Voyage'.

1. Mark O'Sullivan - Feel and Burn (Jobb remix) (Famillee Electro Records)

2. Orlando Voorn - Angles (Tomas Jirku Remix) (Nice & Nasty)

3. Marco Solforetti - Buenos Aires (Samba Mix) (Deeperfect Records)

4. Rob Salmon - Bon Voyage (Open Bar Music NYC)

5. Evren Ulusoy - Bachelor Party (Kruse and Nuernberg Remix) (Ready Mix)

6. Vince Watson - Love in F Minor (Club Mix) (Everysoul Records)

7. Nicole Moudaber & Smokin Jo - Home Sweet Home (Yellow Tail Records)

8. Andy White - Blue (Impact Mechanics)

9. Antix - Hoard (Tim Richards remix) (Iboga Records)

10. Shane - Continental Fusion (Relaunch Remix) (Jetlag Digital)

Classic Pic: Sound Patrol Orchestra - Tripping Among The Stars (Dub at Idful) (Organico, 1997). A brilliant and rare early Derrick Carter production full of live jazz elements meshed with a Chicago groove.

My 'Future Garage' chart on Junodownload

2010-03-10T02:18:00.038+13:00

ome recommended listening to get you through March from the Junodownload store. From deep house to disc-infused techno. New tracks from DFA, Rabid Romancer, Estroe, Amy James, Alex Santer and more.

1. The Crystal Ark - The City Never Sleeps (DFA)

2. Alex Santer - Sweet Tones (Mecha)

3. Rabid Romancer - Clown Tears For Mia (Nice & Nasty)

4. Itokim - Sunlight (Seventh Sign)

5. Estroe - Ketter (Snejl)

6. Arno E Mathieu - Heritage ( (Clima Germany)

7. Ray Okpara - Brainows (Soweso Germany)

8. Amy James - Crunch (Pure Substance)

9. Timos - Move On (Sonido)

10. Mototone - Mercy Dub (Lost In House)

Check out the chart at Junodownload

March House and Deep Techno Gems

2010-03-08T21:54:00.011+13:00

Some tunes to get you through the week. From deep house to disco-infused tech-house your week will be better for it.

Vince Watson - Love In F Minor (Everysoul Records)

Deep house with a real space jazz vibe. It's subtle as anything with lush rhodes keyboards and orchestral elements but also a dance floor knock-out at the same time. Vince Watson is all class and this has support from Laurent Garnier, Josh Wink, Ashley Beedle etc so you know it's quality. It also kicks of Watson's new Everysoul label.

Arno E Mathieu - Heritage (Clima Germany)

In a similar vein to Greg Gow's 'The Bridge' on Transmat Recs this is a sparse, synthy number with Detroit techno influences. No bells and whistles or silly wooshes, just solid, quality dance music. Epic without being crass. Heritage E.P. on Junodownload

The Crystal Ark - The City Never Sleeps (DFA Recs)

DFA at the pointy edge of the arrow here with a disco infused grinding track that's half vocal house and half mid 90s Detroit techno. Sick groove and massive peaktime potential - anywhere. The Crystal Ark on Junodownload

Itokim / Ben Businovski - Permanence E.P. (Itinerant Records)

A 4-track EP of melodic Detroit style house. Itokim's 'When The Lights Go Out In The Village' is the kicker here - deeper than usual for him but a sparse, warm groover with spacey keys and synth action going on. Ben Businovski's 'Assurance' is a piano-led number with a twisted synth thing bubbling beneath. Itinerant on Junodownload

Steffi feat Elif Bicer - Kill Me (Ostgut Ton)

Outstanding understated vocal house on the slower disco/tech tip (albeit with some pretty off-kilter lyrics). Most DJs will enjoy the dub but the vocal version has the sort of crossover appeal potential to rock dance floors of all sorts. Steffi 'Kill Me' on Junodownload

Ray Mang - Look Into My Eyes (DFA Records)

This is prime example of Ray Mang's decade-and-a-half long knack for making dubbed-out disco of the highest quality. This sound has come full circle to popularity again and he's right at the top of the pecking order with stuff like this.

Top 10 Chart - February 2010

2010-02-02T21:13:00.025+13:00

Some soulful house gems for Feb alongside some dubbed-out tech. Japan's live house geniuses A Hundred Birds return with the summery Permament Vacation style 'Batonga'. At the other end of the spectrum Taho remixes Luciano Pizzella in sheer high tech soul madness as well as dropping his own Underground Resistance-style 'Atlantess' E.P.

1. A Hundred Birds - Batonga (Main Instrumental) (Wave Music US)

2. Alex Santer - Sweet Tones (Mecha Recordings)
3. Taho - Crossing The Photonic Belt (Lumina)

4. Luciano Pizzella - Duplicate (Taho Remix) (Snejl)

5. Beauville - Living Easy (Rob Salmon Remix) (Ospina Digital)

6. Hakan Lidbo feat Emma - What Is Love (Manuel Perez remix) (Lace Records)

7. Javier Algarra - Liverpool's Chatterbox (Mihai Popoviciu remix) (Mintgum)

8. MES (Satoshi Tomiie) - Back To Basics (SAW Recordings)

9. Maetrik - Paradigm House (Maetrik's dub edit) (Treibstoff)

10. Shoxy - Hit The Floor (Jesus Loved You Limited)

Rob's Future House Reviews #2 - January 2010

2010-01-29T00:59:00.008+13:00

Beauville Feat. Jenny Halberg - Living Easy (Ospina Digital)

The groove on this Damien Carter produced release fits well in the soulful house vibe but that would be underselling it a bit compared to much of the junk passed off as soulful these days. ‘Living Easy’ oozes soul and has the sort of silky vocals which hail back to the best of this style in the 90s. Fisher Fiebak takes his remix on a more techy tip with a stabbed synth and big-room vibe while Rob Salmon creates a bass-driven deep house jam which rolls effortlessly with intricate percussion elements and nicely arranged keys. In another decade this would be classic Masters At Work and it’s good to hear the sound is still alive in some corners. Ospina Digital at Beatport

Amy James - Crunch EP (Pure Substance Digital)
It’s a little hard to categorise this release. On one hand it’s deep house and the other it’s futuristic prog-house. Title track ‘UV’ is a soulful house vibe the likes of which Louie Vega or Danny Krivit would be at home playing. It’s a laid-back, jazzy house groove with muted keys and straight-forward arrangement. No bells and whistles – just solid and funky. ‘Later’ is completely different with a futuristic prog-breaks arrangement. ‘Crunch’, however, is the peak-time addition to the release, a superb techno-inspired progressive track with a fantastic energy which avoids being at all obvious or banging. Some really nice synth lines and well-paced arrangement make this a good score for times when you want to bridge the gap between progressive and techno. Crunch EP at Junodownload

Timos - Smile & Move On (Sonido)

The main even really here is the original of ‘Move On’. It is a superb early-90s MURK inspired track with an obvious x-factor which keeps you hooked and interested with the bare bones: a hooky vocal which loops over and over, chunky beats and a deep dubby bassline. Very solid. 'Smile’ does a more minimal tech-house groove with understated synth action, light percussion and sparse arrangement which drops and hangs-ten a few times to nice effect. The M.in & Alex Piccini remix goes for a more straight-forward loopy track which is pretty effective as a tool. Sonida on Junodownload

Rob's Future House Reviews - January 2010

2010-01-26T01:04:00.003+13:00

Alex Santer - Sweet Tones (Mecha Recordings)

Santer’s debut release on Mecha proves his talent for creating devastating hypnotic grooves without resorting to the obvious. The template for ‘Sweet Tones’ is a chuggy, dubbed out drum-track, a super low bassline and cheeky cut-up vocal morphed and stuttered to perfection. This is pure New York big-room house straight out of Greece and one of Santer’s best efforts yet. ‘Toobee’ is a little more laid back in intensity but makes up for it in quality. Again, nothing is overdone, just a sparse chugging groove paired with a looped vocal backing. Santer has been a low-key creator of quality music for ages and this proves again why. Mecha Recordings

Itokim - Long Way Down (Organica Music Labworks)

Japan’s Itokim makes music which you’d expect if you got Technasia and Deep Chord in the sack together - techno with a soulful, silky vibe which he's shown over a dozen or so quality tracks in the past 18 months. His debut on Organica Music Labworks is no different and hits the sublime almost from the get-go. Pairing sparse, percussive keys with a deep groove gives ‘Long Way Down’ a floaty vibe without sacrificing dance floor appeal. In short, this is the shit. Label owner Tony Blunt’s remix goes for a more linear tech-house groove while keeping the percussion and lower key elements quite close to the original. The final track, ‘Things She Said’, is more abstract blade-runner type tech-house. Organica on Junodownload

Pawel Kobak - 99/66 EP (Lace Music)

Pawel Kobak drops just the sort of acid inspired tech-house which would kick most dance floors into high gear. ‘Nine Tee Nine’ is the opener here and it doesn’t disappoint with a chuggy old-school bassline and incremental levels of madness as the acid line is tweaked and added to. Imagine a stadium anthem slowed down with the cheese removed and you’ll get the general idea. The flipside, ‘Six Tee Six’, is also a solid track along similar lines but more of a 4am basement track bridging prog, electro and acid. A solid release with a monster groove from one of Sweden’s most reliable producers. Lace Music on junodownload

George FM Guest Show, 15 Jan 2010

2010-01-15T18:17:00.021+13:00

Hosted the 2-4pm show on George FM on 15 January... made for a sunny Friday avo in Auckland.

Heaps of oldies played including a tribute to singer/songwriter Teddy Pendergrass who passed away this week in his hometown of Philadelphia. Probably his most well-known contribution in clubland times was DJ Sneak's 'You Can't Hide From Your Bud' in 1997 which sampled an early song of his.

George FM Tracklist:

Bjork - Isobel (Dimitri From Paris' Enchanted Forest Mix)

Ladina Whitfield - Time Out For Love

Kings Of Tomorrow - Fade II Black (Original)

Naomi Daniel - Feel The Fire (Nature Boy Dubwiezer Dub)

Kaori - Good Life (Good Vocal mix)

Soho - Give It Up (Passion Mix)

+ MAW Pres a Tribute to Fela - MAW Expensive (Acapella Pt 1)

Kenny Dope - The Big Hit

Tribute to Teddy Pendergrass:
Eastwest Connection - The More I Get (Teddy's House Groove)

--ads--

Kate Bush - Running Up That Hill (Ashley Beedle Re-edit)

Timos - Move On

Thomas Krome - The Real Jazz (Rob W's Re-edited Jazz)

Beat Factory - New World Order (Aki Bergen Remix)

Dualton - Kinshasa

+ MAW Pres a Tribute to Fela - MAW Expensive (Acapella Pt 4)

Hambone - Wow! (The Y & T Mix)

Salt City Orchestra - Storm (Hard Times Club Mix)

Greg Gow - The Bridge

Petersky - Watch My Finger Lona (Rob W's Re-edit)

Orlando Voorn - The Truth/Matador (Rob's Mash-up)

John Ciafone - Junocha

+ Jephté Guillaume - The Prayer (Akapele)

Coral Way Chiefs - Release Myself (Rob W Re-edit)

Top 10 Chart - Jan 2010

2010-01-12T22:37:00.020+13:00

My top ten 'Future Garage' chart for January 2010 kicks off with one of techno's rising stars, Japanese artist Itokim who's released a string of spacey tech-inspired gems over the past year or so. Milton Jackson and Tom Shur-I-Kan's Dark Energy goes deeeeeeep with Pablo Fierro's 'Get Up Away' and Timos's 'Move On' is a groovy, drum-led number with vocals reminiscent a few classic 1990s Murk productions.

1. Itokim - Long Way Down (Organica Music LabWorks)

2. Pablo Fierro - Get Up Away (Shur-I-Kan Remix) (Dark Energy)

3. Timos - Move On (Sonido)

4. DCNT - Clocked (Sonata)

5. Shoxy - Hit The Floor (Jesus Loved You)

6. Marco Da Mata & Satine Collectif - Mundo Estatico (Original Mix) (Ready Mix)

7. Python - Long Way Home (Original Mix) (Pure Subtance Digital)

8. Orchun K - Confessions Of A Shiftless Prayer (Mecha Recordings)

9. Ozgur Can - Fall In The (Weplayminimal)

10. Hrdvsion - Oh, It's Mastered (Living Records)

Classic revisited: Elegia - Basic (Laurent 'Laboratoire' Garnier Mix) (F Communications, 1999)

George FM Show Tracklist, 30 Dec 2009

2009-12-30T18:33:00.015+13:00

Filling in on the 10am-midday for Bevan Keys on the 2nd to last day of the year... A bit of new and old to fill in a cracking summer morning in Auckland.

Tracklist

Isloee - Beau Mot Plage (Freeform Reform Part 1)
Beat Factory - New World Order (Aki Bergen Remix)
Tony Allen - Kilode (Carl Craig remix)
Norma Jean Bell - I'm the Baddest Bitch (Motorbass Mix)

Ashley Beedle - Revolutions in Dub (Sharam's Akiko Dub)

Marcelo Tag - The Broken Harted (Gabriel Boni Remix)

Renato Cohen - Sunrise
Greg Gow - The Bridge

Miamik - Insatiable (Original Studio Long mix)

Kenlou - What A Sensation

Ray Mang - Number One

Imagination - Changes (Dimitri From Paris is Nightdubbin' Remix)
Asad Rizvi - Slipper Heights

Permanent Vacation - Zucker Hut

Dr Tang - Dooope (Rob W Re-edit)

Homm & Popoviciu - Wire (Oliver Koletzki remix)

Abe Duque - What Happened? (Unreleased mix)

Inner City - Big Fun (Original Mix)

Rob's Top 10 Chart December 2009

2009-12-03T01:27:00.010+13:00

Another month, another bunch of quality tunes. Mark O'Sullivan drop yet another quality groover while Future Mode (aka Stan Kolev) takes things more ethnic and deep. Gotta love the drums!

1. Mark O'Sullivan - Relapse (Process Recordings)
2. Future Mode - New World Order (Aki Bergen Remix) (Ready Mix)
3. M.in - It's Just Because (Micro.fon)
4. Max Cooper - InhaleExhale (Tim Sheridan's Breathe In Mix) (Veryverywrongindeed Recordings)
5. David Phillips - Paranoid Boy (Global Ritmico)
6. Daniel Meteo - In The Mood (Abe Duque remix) (Shitkatapult)
7. Jaimy & Alan T - Look Mama, We Are Still Twisted (Rulers Of The Deep Remix) (Fatal Music)
8. Walter Jones - I Am Loved (Permanent Vacation)
9. Alexi Delano & Cari Lekebusch - Channel 0 (Hybrid Productions)
10. Taho - Amarylis (Lumina)

Or check out my latest chart at Junodownload

Highlife New Years Eve Experience, Matakana: Event

2009-11-23T15:13:00.011+13:00

The Highlife NYE Experience 2009 event is happening again at Matakana Country Park. It's located in a region which is a haven of boutique vineyards and also close to some awesome beaches. It's also just a handy drive from Auckland city (only 45 mins). Last year's Highlife new years event was sold out with over 7000 people rocking out in style across a multi-stage outdoor/indoor event. For anyone in (or planning to be) Auckland this New Years this is a happening party worth checking out.

The Highlife NYE event has 8 zones of varying styles and sizes - starting with the mainstage featuring Sneaky Sound System, DJ Scratch, Vandalism, The Opensouls and more; and other arenas catering to tech-house, deep house, R'n'B, retro, drum n bass, breaks and more. VIP zones and an R24 area also cater to the oldies who need a quick rest.

Local DJs also playing on Highlife NYE include Bevan Keys, Sam Hill, Karn Hall, Philippa, Manuel Bundy, Cuffy, Mark Emerson, Rob Warner (yes, me!) and dozens of others - over 50 in total - covering a wide range of styles.

Nuff said, this is the New Years Eve event to check out if you're anywhere within driving distance of Matakana. You can even catch a helicopter if you're that way inclined.

Edit: 2010/11 Highlife NYE 2010 is being held once again at Stonyridge Vineyard on Waiheke Island.

Rob's Reviews - Nov 2009 (take 2)

2009-11-20T02:10:00.004+13:00

More gems which are keeping the groove going for November.

Marcelo Tag - The Broken Harted (Prosthetic Pressings)
Italian Marcelo Tag’s latest release is his best to date for dance floor effectiveness. The original of ‘The Broken Harted’ is loopy drum-laden tech-house which rolls along solidly before ducking into a section of freaky guitar action which adds just enough to lighten the tone without being too big or obvious. Gabriel Boni’s remix is the winner of the package though, taking on a Chicago-esque groove initially but adding more and more off-kilter elements and effects which result in a totally wacky piece of tech-house which would work on any forward thinking dance floor. It’s a rare track with enough of a soulful groove to please house-lovers but also twisted enough for the tech-house crew.

DJ Leandre - Tripping Out (Parker Musicworks)
Parisian DJ Leandre steps into Terrence Parker’s label with a funk/disco sampling gem which would be at home in Chicago in 1996. It follows from the label’s last release by Matt Veloce which set a very high standard. The main event on the release is ‘Tripping Out’, a chunky house track affair with a big funk sample and massive chunky swing to alongside some supreme percussion which sounds like it’s straight out of Dimitri From Paris’ record box. ‘Love 4 Sale’ is a more disco vibe affair with a sleazy groove and fantastic piano riff straight out of the 80s. If Ray Mang, Moodymann or quality disco-inspired house is your thing then you’ll enjoy this a ton!

Rob's Reviews - Nov 2009

2009-11-17T01:32:00.006+13:00

A few gems which have kept in the front pages of my CD wallet the past weeks. Dubby, loopy house and disco/funk sampling party music is back in style it seems.

Hannah Holland - What You Feel (Playtime Records)
Bottom heavy tech house is the way to describe the original of ‘What You Feel’ which is dominated by low-key rhythm percs and dubby elements. James Braun’s remix takes a very similar line but adding more dropouts and eerie pads into the arrangement. Rising Australian talent Nick Verwey steps it up a notch with his remix which, again, retains the dubby vibe but takes things far more twisted adding in plenty of edits and freaky effects. Playtime Records are on a roll and this release caps it off their year in style.

Edmund - Best Night Ever E.P. (DeepClass Recs)
Spanish artist Edmund’s new EP starts out as a quite low key affair with ‘Roots Of Evil’, a hypnotic deep groove which bubbles along nicely save for some nicely placed synth stabs and vocals. The main event of the release surely is ‘Don’t Know Why’, a sublime deep house number with a hint of techiness – and paced to perfection. It has nice, understated vocal samples and sultry keys placed throughout the trip. ‘Gimmie What You Got’ is the closer here, another deep trip using just enough vocal to hook you in but not overdoing it one bit. Like the other tracks it’s got a hint of tech in it - super deep and a 6am head-nodding ride. Rocking stuff.

Stan Kolev 'Emotional Content Remixed' : Review

2009-11-14T19:18:00.000+13:00

'Emotional Content Remixed' is primarily a collection of the single release remixes from Stan Kolev’s 2007 album with a few new remixes added in for good measure. The opening remixes of the LP intro ‘Routts‘ are done by Faces who takes things synthy in the progressive style Ready Mix are known for. Beat Factory’s remix of the same track is a more big-room affair with a techy slant and cut up vocal snippets used to great effect. ‘Inner Sense’, a total gem in its original form, is remixed by Dutch duo Edwin & Ferdy who impress with their trademark, a laid back and low key vibe remix. Christos Fourkis remixes the same track taking a more groovy, hypnotic vibe while UK’s K-Bana takes on two remixes ‘Inner Sense’ and ‘Get There’ with a bouncy, crisp groove for both. Eelke Kleijn’s remix of ‘Flashback‘ is also included - a grinding gem which would rock any late night jam with ease. Daniel Kyo, Marrakech, The Quasar, Add2Basket, Human8 and more contribute solid mixes making, in all, 15 remixes with more than enough quality to set up any lover of progressive or tribal infused house with a hour of quality listening.

@Beatport: Emotional Content Remixes

Review : DJ Hell feat Bryan Ferry 'U Can Dance'

2009-11-08T15:14:00.006+13:00

It's not usual a single release warrants its own review here but DJ Hell 'U Can Dance' is one that does.

DJ Hell has teamed up with Roxy Music’s Bryan Ferry and Peter Kruder to produce a killer take on an unreleased Ferry song from yesteryear. It first featured on Hell’s album Teufelswerk but comes into its own now with remixes courtesy of Carl Craig, Simian Mobile Disco and DFA's Tim Goldsworthy.

The fanfare of the previous album single, ‘The DJ’ featuring P. Diddy, would normally be hard to trump but nothing is impossible when Carl Craig is on remix duties and over two blinding remixes he delivers gold. Both adopt Craig’s usual creative genius and madness with one mix taking on a more stabbed and bouncy groove, holding the vocal at the forefront while the other is more stripped back and pushes a darker groove with perfectly timed trippy synth tweaks and refrains. Craig’s first mix in particular is nothing short of genius - one of his best recent remixes - and is one of those records which has elements you didn't even notice at first come to life when played on a decent sound system.

Tim Goldsworthy's 11 minute mix is an interesting take - quite laid back initially but taking lots of twists and turns along the ride - adding in live percussion elements, detuned keys and drum solos to give an almost live band feel for large sections. It's one to give a couple of listens because it will grow on you. Simian Mobile Disco deliver a slow-burning and stripped back remix which chugs along in their usual understated style until kicking into top gear around 6 minutes in. It’s solid but not quite the main event in this case. Carl Craig’s two mixes show yet again why he’s almost untouchable amongst dance music's edgier remixers.

DJ Hell feat Bryan Ferry 'U Can Dance' is set for release in January 2010 on International Deejay Gigolo Records as MP3 download and 12" vinyl.

Rob's Top 10 Chart, November 2009

2009-11-06T17:02:00.007+13:00

This month is a mixed bag of Detroit, deep, dubby, disco and tribal tracks. Carl Craig once again delivers with his remixes of DJ Hell's 'U Can Dance'. Angel Alanis shows he's still got the good with his tracky remix of rising Bulgarian artist Inert. Slam also return with a bottom heavy chugger on their own new label Paragraph.

1. DJ Hell feat Bryan Ferry - U Can Dance (Carl Craig Remix V.1) (International Deejay Gigolo Records)
2. Inert - It Depends (Angel Alanis Remix) (A-Squared Muzik)

3. m0h feat. Graciella - Disrupted (M.in & Patrick Kunkel Remix) (Ground Factory Recs)
4. Edmund - Dont Know Why (DeepClass Records)

5. Kris Wadsworth - Deep Inside (Dark Energy)

6. YNK feat. De La Maso - Flatuare (Micro.fon Digital)
7. Slam - We Doin This Again? (Paragraph)

8. 7. Samuel L Session - Tight Stack (Be As One Imprint)

9. 2 Human - Burn The Witch (Mak.Tub Music)

10. M.in, Ynk & Ben Anders - Do You Speak House (Emerson Remix) (Weplayminimal)

Classic pic: Soho - Give It Up (Passion mix). From the same producer as Earth People 'Dance' and released around the same period 'Give It Up' is a sparse, groovy, deep house classic.

The Return of Prog House Dons Plastica Records

2009-10-27T00:21:00.004+13:00

Although progressive house never really went away the limelight has definitely been off it the past couple of years. Maybe it was the rise of electro house or minimal, but maybe it was that prog had ventured so far up its own nether region it well.... too often just sucked. Much of it in any case. Thankfully the tide against McElectro-hou5 seems to be waning and prog is reviving itself somewhat.

One label I enjoyed in the early 00s and then drifted away from was Plastic Fantastic. They've revived their Plastica sub-label in serious style in 2009 with what I'd rate as some of the coolest prog I've heard in ages.

Dan Cat (aka half of Cheshire Catz) had a superb release with 'Outa Bongolia' - taking the cake for coolness and the absolutely brilliant Q-Burns remixes of Kicksy & Alif Groove "Out Of Nowhere" make for one of the best feel-good records I've heard in ages.

Check out:

Dan Cat - Outa Bongolia / That Was Hot (one of the most orignal prog tunes you'll hear in ages!)

Corrugated Tunnel - Bulfin
Kicksy & Alif Groove - Out Of Nowhere (Q-Burns Abstract Message Remix)

Bentley & Ben Gomori - Out Comes Fabianski (with a great dub by Fabregas - release 23 Nov)

Plastica Recordings website

Quality disco from Parker Musicworks

2009-10-22T16:32:00.014+13:00

Terrence Parker has been around for literally decades - longer than I recall at least. I recently noticed his label, Parker Musicworks, generally an outlet for his own works, has started dropping some seriously dope stuff by other artists.

A few worth a mention have been on the disco-sampling tip which, by usual standards, would be a sign they're probably rubbish. Too many artists fail badly when sampling old disco tunes - the results are usually just plain soul-less rubbish. Parker however has found a really good bunch of artists doing really solid stuff. It makes a nice change from the harder styles which seem to dominate most scenes.

Matt Veloce 'Let's Get Some Love' and the lower-key Chic-sampling 'Come On' have wicked grooves reminiscent of mid-90s Cricco Castelli releases. Understated and funky as hell. Support coming from taste-makers Luke Solomon, Tedd Patterson, Anthony Shakir and more.

Another, by Parisian DJ Leandre, is a more chunky affair with Funk/Jazz/Disco influences but made with a modern house approach. 'Tripping Out' in particular is a sleazy, infectious gem - the sort of record you'd expect Dimitri From Paris to bust out. Solid stuff.

Matt Veloce - Let's Get Some Love at Junodownload

Parker Musicworks label page on Traxsource

Future House Top 10 Chart - Rob Warner, Oct 2009

2009-10-12T11:20:00.012+13:00

The year is hotting up with tons of labels and artists saving their best till the home stretch. Milton Jackson's latest, 'Falling', is a great return to a more hypnotic sound for him, and U&K's 'Elastic Exit' is a mad, futuristic Detroit-inspired gem worth checking out. If you're after a warm, summery prog vibe the Q-Burns remix of Kicksy & Alif Groove 'Out Of Nowhere' is your ticket!

Derrick May's Transmat Records also relaunches in style with Greg Gow's 'The Bridge' which ought to be this years Blackwater/Jaguar - take your pick.

1. Milton Jackson - Falling (Deep Mix) (Dark Energy)

2. Greg Gow - The Bridge (Late Night Grand River Mix) (Transmat)

3. Tim Sheridan - Bionic Language (House Mix) (Veryverywrongindeed Recordings)

4. U&K - Elastic Exit (Redflux Cinnabar)

5. Mark O'Sullivan - Within You (Secret Groovers Remix) (Nice & Nasty)

6. Elef.ant - Mudma (Weplayminimal)

7. Gary Caos - Madre Terra (John Lagora Dub) (Frequenza)

8. Kicksy & Alif Groove - Out Of Nowhere (Q-Burns Abstract Message Remix) (Plastic Fantastic)

9. Nima Nas & Nikko - Poser (Original) (Slanted Black)

10. F-Sonik - Experiencia (Aenaria Tribal)

Rob's Music Reviews - September 2009

2009-09-19T16:55:00.011+12:00

A few gems which made it into the Our House Magazine review section. Techno is on fire this year as is a quiet resurgence of deep, dubby prog.

Orlando Voorn – Angles (Nice & Nasty)

‘Angles’ is the next in line for Irish techno label who've turned to some locals for remixes. The original is magic - as you'd expect from Voorn - a morphing of house and techno with raw rhythms and a hypnotic synth which hooks you in without resorting to any bells or whistles. Dave Ellesmere’s remix retains much of the soul but goes for an almost pounding tribal rhythm which will definitely work on the dance floor while Manuel Perez takes the cake with a deeper version which morphs and twists through a distorted synth and a stark piano line. It all fits together so so well. Simplicity has always been the magic of Voorn’s releases and this is no different. More remixes by Itokim, Fran Hartnett and Jamie Behan due shortly. Angles @ Junodownload

Markus Wesen – Kindergarten EP (Ohral Recordings)

Kindergarten sampling minimal house is the name of the game here. The original is a bouncy sparse groovy with various cut up samples of children talking and singing. It’s actually not as odd as it sounds and makes for a quite infectious groove. The killer here is the M.in remix which is no surprise at all – 2009 has been a breakthrough year for the German. In his usual hooky, percussive style he builds a great vibe using subtle delays and thumping deep bassline. When the vocals finally feed into the mix half way through they add that extra hook to seal the deal. Very quirky. Kindergarten EP @ Beatport

Serial Smokers – Talk = Cheap (Fatal Music)

The label which lives and breathes tribal rhythms returns with a stormer. The meshing of Spanish tribal sounds into more modern minimal style of tribal house makes this record bouncy, funky and very infectious. Nicely cut up vocals complete the hook and a well-paced arrangement make the ride a good one. Jaimy's remix serves up an even more current sound which has the sort of bite which is so lacking in most so-called tribal records. His mix adds plenty of twists and turns to make it a sure winner on any open minded dance floor. Talk = Cheap @ Beatport

Daniel Kyo – Synecdoque (Ready Mix Records)

Daniel Kyo has hit the mark a couple of times with his remixes so it’s good to hear his debut on Ready Mix. Synecdoque is sort of futuristic deep house in a similar vein to Stan Kolev. It has summery vibes and sits at the deep and progressive crossover point with good results. It floats and morphs with subtle changes rather than big drops and grooves along nicely. Da Fun's remix takes the idea and twists it into a steppy electro-tech version with a more peak-time vibe. Edwin & Ferdy’s remix is almost a reprise with the focus taken off the kick/snare. It oozes the vibe of a day by a pool chilling and grooving with subtle keys, claps and vocal snippets. Nice! Synecdoque @ Beatport

Check out my Junodownload Future Garage chart for September.

Rob Warner's Future Garage Top 10, Sept 09

2009-09-09T20:07:00.018+12:00

A major month for great music with both Japan and the Netherlands pumping out Detroit-esque futuristic sounds courtesy of Itokim and Orlando Voorn, two of the most talented producers out there as of late. Tribal rhythms also have a foot in the door with Serial Smokers "Talk is Cheap" and Rissidium "Midnight to Twilight".

Future Garage Top Ten
1. Itokim - Colourless (Itinerant Records)
2. Orlando Voorn - Angles (Itokim Praise mix) (Nice & Nasty)
3. Ascion & D.Carbone - Bad Bass (Alexi Delano Remix) (Smallroom)
4. Daniel Kyo - Synecdoque (Edwin & Ferdy Remix) (Ready Mix)
5. Serial Smokers - Talk is Cheap (Jaimy Remix) (Fatal Music)

6. Rissidium - Midnight to Twilight (NightChild Records)
7. Jackie Misfit - Kundi La Mapendo (Nima Gorji remix) (Jesus Loved You)
8. Fer Ferrari - In the Way (DeepClass Records)
9. Sick Fuck - Where Is The Kitchen? (Twisted)
10. Duomek - Bahrat (original mix) (Mintgum)

Classic Pic: Gerd - Arkest's Blaze (Music Man)
A 1995 backwards beat intro techno monster. Made famous on Stacey Pullen's DJ Kicks mix. Gerd records as Literon and Amplified Orchestra these days.

Classic Chicago mix & Sick Disco @ Cassette 9

2009-08-22T14:06:00.016+12:00

I was jamming with some oldies in preparation for an old-school house gig coming up at Cassette 9 and was inspired to make a mini-mix of Chicago house classics....

Spanning the mid-80s and some of my favourites from the mid 90s is this 36 minute mix - perfect for when stuck in traffic or for your aerobic Oz-style session.

It includes music from Farley 'Jackmaster' Funk, Adonis, Armando, Lil Louis, Fingers Inc, Ralphie Rosario, Frankie Knuckles, Glenn Underground, DJ Sneak.

Download Chicago Classics - A mini-mix by Rob Warner at Soundcloud.

"History Of Dance - Chicago" is at Cassette 9 in Auckland on 29 August. The theme is Warehouse and Chicago house classics with DJs Philippa, Soane, Dan McGlashan and myself.

Sick Disco at Cassette Nine

Rob Warner's Top 10, August 09

2009-08-02T22:44:00.014+12:00

I'm not normally a fan of progressive house in the UK prog sort of vibe but there have been piles of releases about recently which strike me as almost making prog cool again. I'm not sure they'd have me raving in a stadium but they're showing some quality meshing the best of early 00s darker prog and current tech-house styles etc. Office Gossip is back in fine style with 'Sirius A' which also comes with a rocking remix from Kruse & Nuernberg.

And as is often a relative newcomer impresses with an original number in the form of 'Horn Rash' by Nick Verwey. Fantastic track!

Rob's August 09 Top Ten

1. Office Gossip - Sirius A (Dark Energy Records)
2. Nick Verwey - Horn Rash (Playtime Records)

3. The Quasar & The Pressure - Take Me Over (Eelke Kleijn Remix) (Ready Mix Records)

4. Danny Howells - Long Hot Summer (Dig Deeper)

5. King Roc - Beautiful But Weird (Sasse Remix) (Process Recordings)

6. M.in - Bap da Pap (WePlayMinimal)

7. Ariel lights Figueroa - The Cup (NightChild Records)

8. Moti Brothers - Fire Magician (Pure Substance)

9. Ducer - Heavy Cloud (Andy Slate Deep tech Mix) (Redflux)

10. Frunk29 - Chicken Daughter (E-teb rmx) (Indéks Music)

Classic Pick: Bjork - Isobel (Dim's Enchanted Forest Mix - 1995) - Dimitri From Paris at his soulful best.