Marcel Dettmann – Dettmann Remixed EP review

Artist: Marcel Dettmann
Title: Dettmann Remixed
Label: Ostgut Ton
Genre: Techno
Format: 12″, Digital
Buy From: Juno Records, Juno Download

Marcel Dettmann, resident DJ at current world mecca of techno clubs, Berlin’s Berghain produces no-nonsense, deep thumping proper techno.  His remixes in the past for Fever Ray, Modeselektor, and Scuba have elevated the originals with a vital sense of tech edginess.

Dettmann Remixed is a prelude to his forthcoming debut album on Ostgut Ton, Berghain’s in house imprint which has recently released phenomenal tracks by techno luminaries Ben Klock, Basic Soul Unit, and Levon Vincent. These four remixes of original non-album tracks by his close friends Norman Nodge and Wincent Kunth are very personal and individual interpretations of the music Marcel Dettmann has turned into the sound of Berghain.

Nodge’s mix of “Shift” is a straight-up tech workout with repetitive crackling vinyl sounds to lure you in as they become a mantric part of the percussion.  “Unrest” is wicked throwback to the grainy minimal techno reminiscent of Surgeon and Regis- you know, before minimal got so clicky and clean. Throw this track on to school anyone new or seasoned on the way to create a no-gimmicks, techno-induced dancefloor.

Kunth’s two remixes veer more to the abstract side, but never lose sight of its 4:00am dancefloor intentions.  “Wound Up” is a killer track with dubby wash sounds that your feet will know what to do with once your mind catches up and processes it.  Choice cut!  Dettmann Remixed is a recommended tasty appetizer for the main album which drops in April.

Review: Steve Phillips