Minimal vibes from QLB regulars Optimal Chill State on their remix of Upper Regions - B Runner.
Upper Regions - B Runner (Optimal Chill State Remix) is out now on Spliced Vinyl [BUY]
Released as part of the Glauben Records compilation "Mepris", 4311 Convenient is a wonderful swirl of industrial noise and acidic bass lines by the mysterious Western Versions. It hits that sweet spot between dirty and melodic that I'm always looking for.
Western Versions - 4311 Convenient is out now on Glauben Records [BUY]
Italy's DJ Paul Rust drops this acid-tinged percussive track. Although some of the transitions are maybe a little abrupt to my ears, Acid On The Train has undoubtable charm and groove.
DJ Paul Rust - Acid On The Train is out now on Saxso Records [BUY]
For those times that new slow and dirty techno is hard to come by, I'm starting a new series "#tbt" where I rummage through the archives to find some older gems you may have forgotten about.
First up, from GrandPetrol boss Jan Driver is CS40M which was released in December 2010 on BNR. A high energy track with a subtle 303 pattern and punchy percussion, CS40M sounds just as fresh nearly 10 years later. DJs should watch out for that unmixable intro and abrupt outro, but this track slaps you in the face and leaves you wanting more.
Jan Driver - CS40M [BUY]
Van Czar's 2013 track Le Chic Beat resurfaced this week as part of the compilation Van Czar World Series Vol 19. Clattering almost old-school rave style percussion fills most of the sonic spectrum save for a scattering of broken synths. I love it - this one is going straight into my set list.
Van Czar - Le Chic Beat is out now on Van Czar Series [BUY]
I've been enjoying the new EP Trouble from Mexican artist Die Jungle and he was kind enough to sit down and answer a few of my questions ahead of the launch.
I'd love to learn more about the making of your upcoming EP Trouble. How did you come up with the concept and what was the recording and production process?
Trouble defines most of my life, not that it was terrible; actually, it's pure love.
I have a thing for Rock n Roll, and I mean, the whole lifestyle. Basically, that's what Trouble is. (Strong basses, Mean Guitars, Noises, and Mental grooves).
For the recording process, I always use Logic Pro as my DAW, and I tried to use the most analog and organic instruments I had. It was about two weeks for the whole production of this extended play.
With many techno producers and DJs seemingly pushing the tempo ever faster and faster, what drew you to explore the opposite direction and slow things down?
I’m just doing my thing. I’m not following any tendencies: I am showing my feelings with my music. I've been playing slow tempo since I was a kid with my guitar trying to play the blues. Personally, I enjoy feeling every single sound, and that's a possibility with a slower tempo. Everything starts with some simple jams, and they develop as tracks, like most of my releases.
What's currently your favorite piece of music gear?
At the moment I’m deeply in love with Analogue Keys by Elektron, but I’ve been working with Arturia Collection Plugins for a long time.
Who are some other artists or labels I should keep an eye/ear out for?
For me, it is important to support local talent. For the labels, I would recommend Calypso, La Volta Ros, Phisica, Duro, and Platino; and for the artists take some time to listen to Iñigo Vontier, Buena Tarde, Cabizbajo, Modulaire, and Illusive Man.
Die Jungle - Trouble is out now on Phisica [BUY]
Waffensupermarkt's 2015 track Freifahrt gets reissued as part of a deluxe edition of the album Technik. It is a wonderful abstract patchwork of muted bell tones and fizzy vintage string pads – which granted, sounds like it shouldn't work but it does.
Waffensupermarkt - Freifahrt is out now on Pink Dolphin Music [BUY]
Check out this industrial tech crossover track from Björn Ohler that balances an industrial drone atmosphere with kicks and square bass stabs.
Björn Ohler - Atmosphere is out now on Sound Kleckse [BUY]
Dirty as hell and with a little bit of bounce, Berlin's Auxzelot drops Right now. Warped toy synths swirling over a rolling bass line makes this an instant grab for me.
Auxzelot - Right Now is out, well, right now on Dead Groovy Music [BUY]
Acid synths abound in this latest cut from UK producer FNP and the surprising addition of some minor key string pads gives things a melancholic twist.
FNP - Breathe is out now on 116 Records [BUY]
Here's a collection of my favorite slow and dirty techno from July 2019.
Tracklist:
Die Jungle - Mambo [BUY]
Dim Key - Broken Piano [BUY]
Oblomov - Wonky Peace [BUY]
Joseeph - Xone (From Beyond Remix) [BUY]
Danja Uosh - Nothing & Everything (Waffensupermarkt Remix) [BUY]
Dohen (Gr) & St.M. - Breath By Mortals [BUY]
C.S.P.N. - ecnereveS [BUY]
Roe Deers - Arpa [BUY]
Azur - Pluie Acide [BUY]
A-Sim - Wonder Walk [BUY]
K.A.T.A - My House [BUY]
Keepsakes - Clobber [BUY]
Adam X - Tales of Mystery [BUY]
Here is an EBM-tinged cut of techno from Fertarium. The synth modulates over the relative minor chord pattern which is an smart way to vary the intensity of the track and keep things fresh without getting too repetitive.
Fertarium - Good Morning is out now on E-Kosareva Records [BUY]