Frank and Bill, Ma0x [Merck – MERCK FB, 2003]

The duo is adding to their release list with this second release, the first ever was naturally “Viva Fab!” as FAB on our very own Electronic Desert Recordings. They also appear on the newly released (Feb 2003) compilation CD Sand Waves Sector One also on Electronic Desert Recordings. Solid beats, nicely played bassline and a… Continue reading Frank and Bill, Ma0x [Merck – MERCK FB, 2003]

Proem, Standard Naming Convention [n5MD – MD110, 2003]

Lovely see-through 7-inch from n5MD featuring Proem on one side and Lackluster’s remix effort on the other. “Standard Naming Convention” is a warm beat-filled atmospheric track with some really nice drum programming and choice of sounds. The track is house influenced without falling in to the obvious traps and reminiscent of L’Usine’s take on things.… Continue reading Proem, Standard Naming Convention [n5MD – MD110, 2003]

Various Artists, ON 002 Compilation [ON Records – ON002EP, 2002]

The second release from yet another Dutch label and this time around it’s ON records’ responsibility. A four-track compilation with three familiar artists and one less known, but I’m sure he soon will be: Adam Johnson. The rest of the artists are household names: Quench, Autophonic and Mr Projectile. “Bungy” by Adam Johnson starts of… Continue reading Various Artists, ON 002 Compilation [ON Records – ON002EP, 2002]

Various Artists, jip [Jiprecords!/Eat This Records – JIP02/ETR7.1, 2002]

Excellent six-track EP listed as Jip02 and Etr7.1, where Etr would stand for Eat This Records, the profilic Dutch label that already brought us goodies such as the equally excellent Kaihosha vinyl series. Apparently Jip01 is a now long-time deleted 100 issues CD consisting of lullabies made for a newly born in the etr camp.… Continue reading Various Artists, jip [Jiprecords!/Eat This Records – JIP02/ETR7.1, 2002]

EOG, Part 3 [DUB Recordings – DUB 27, 2002]

Tracks made up by relentless beats being at the same time, complex and minimal, complex because of the irregularities and minimal because they practically consist entirely of percussive elements. The first track is quite amazing apart from a short intro the beats are majestically in charge of the sonic picture apart from haunting soundscapes drowning… Continue reading EOG, Part 3 [DUB Recordings – DUB 27, 2002]

Various Artists, Kaihoisa pt3 [Eat This Records – ETR6C/D, 2002]

The third and last part in Eat This brilliant “Kaihoisa” series is a four-track 12-inch. The two previous releases were a 7-inch single and a 10-inch single and apparently all of the tracks are supposed to be interpretations of the word “Kaihoisa”. L’Usine’s “upcgriqr” was one of last year’s best tracks with nice intro and… Continue reading Various Artists, Kaihoisa pt3 [Eat This Records – ETR6C/D, 2002]

Mitchell Akiyama, Meridial [Eat This Records – ETR10, 2002]

This three track 12-inch from Eat This Records starts off with “Meridial” a fully-fledged dubbed out glitch extravaganza. It is followed by “Spiral Jetty” considerably more sinister and somewhat disturbing track. The flip side’s “Wardenclyfte” is a track that stretches for miles and it isn’t made for the ones in a hurry… down-tempo to say… Continue reading Mitchell Akiyama, Meridial [Eat This Records – ETR10, 2002]

Funckarma vs. Boom Operators, Focus [DUB Recordings – DUB 26, 2002]

Making a good hip hop track is not as easy as it may seem as this DUB release demonstrates. A good hip hop track is more than beats and lyrics, you also need a capable lyricist, however Funckarma makes the best of the situation on this 12-inch which is structured in a classical manner: original-,… Continue reading Funckarma vs. Boom Operators, Focus [DUB Recordings – DUB 26, 2002]

Vessel, Dreaming in Pairs [Expanding Records – ECD10:02, 2003]

If you got a copy of last year’s expanding compilation “The Condition of Muzak” and you enjoyed the track entitled “Tiny” then you’ve probably been waiting for this album! “Dreaming in Pairs” is the debut album for “vessel” who’s first ever released expanding track was none other than the above-mentioned “Tiny”.This beautifully packaged album is… Continue reading Vessel, Dreaming in Pairs [Expanding Records – ECD10:02, 2003]