Modeselektor/ Ramadanman/ Bok Bok – Modeselektion Vol 1 review

In case you haven’t heard, Berlin based duo Modeselektor, otherwise known as Gernot Bronsert and Sebastian Szary, recently announced the inception of a new compilation series entitled Modeselektions, compromising of an 18-track compilation plus 12” releases and a limited edition eight track LP which is due to drop in November. Well, here’s a taster of what is to come, as the pair bring us the first instalment of the series on their own Monkeytown imprint. Featuring the selectors themselves on the first track from the EP ‘VW Jetta’, a purposeful, bouncing, dancefloor-driven beat and glitched out rhythms mark a firm statement of intent right from the off. Refreshing and rebounding with life, the warm, warped sounds are coupled with hissing maraca-like effects and rich, lustrous textures which become more prominent as the tune develops into its energetic and enticing maturity.

Moving swiftly on into the next phase, Hessle Audio co-founder and man of the moment, Ramadanman follows up with the ‘Pitter’. A glorious exploration, which combines some high-pitched squeals with stretched out synthetic manipulations and rousing strings, plus copious dollops of murmuring bass. All the while the onomatopoeic pitter-patter beats build up and break down in a beautiful crescendoing wave of sound. Coming back into focus with more of a driving rhythmic pattern as we enter the final portion of the track, hissing percussion and soaring atmospherics come together to form a cohesive unit. Bringing part one of the EP to a climactic close, Bok Bok draws out a delectable finale. Breathy vocals rattle against cheeky, crackled sampled words in ‘Say Stupid Things’; a shimmering flurry of beats and gently rounded, jingling SFX rumble away with the distorted vocals injecting a short, sharp dose of humour. Sounds rebound off one another in a beautiful musical dialogue here and create an increasing sense of intrigue.

Belinda Rowse