Confetti Bomb – MDMemily review

by Juno Daily on 23.02.2010 at 10:20am.
Last edited: 23.02.2010 at 10:20am.

Artist: Confetti Bomb
Title: MDMemily
Label: Autoreply
Genre: Techno, Minimal House/Tech House
Format: 12″, Digital
Buy From: Juno Records, Juno Download

London-based deep techno producer Confetti Bomb drops this three track EP on his own Autoreply imprint. The fledgling label has already released material from some heavy house/techno artillery – Baby Ford, Jerome Sydenham and Ed Davenport to name a few.

We’re not sure if title track “MDMemily” is more suited to a peak time floor or an after hours hide-out – which probably means it will do just fine at both. It’s dark and spooky, with a metallic thud that commands your attention. This is followed by “Fladdermus”, which some light internet sleuthing revealed is Swedish for ‘bat’. Coming in with a slightly more subdued beat than “MDMemily”, this fits snugly into the category marked ‘slow burner’. And just went you’ve been lulled into submission, in comes a cavernous, echoing drop.

“Panic in Room 2”, we are reliably informed, is written with the sound system of a certain London clubbing institution in mind. It’s deep, brooding, dark and clunky – in other words, exactly what one wants to hear at stupid o’clock in Farringdon.

Review: Aaron Coultate

Juno Podcast: Minimal 31

by Juno Daily on 19.02.2010 at 11:48am.
Last edited: 18.08.2011 at 15:28pm.

This week’s Juno Download minimal podcast features deep, dub and tribal grooves from the likes of Osborne, Mr C, Butch and Retrac.

Featured DJ Chart: Damian Lazarus

by Juno Daily on 17.02.2010 at 10:11am.
Last edited: 01.03.2010 at 13:04pm.

Our latest featured chart comes from Crosstown Rebels big cheese and acclaimed DJ/producer Damian Lazarus. The East End lad (he was born in Whitechapel) started his music career as a scribe for Dazed & Confused, interviewing everyone from Wyclef Jean to Gonzo from the Muppets. His debut album, Smoke The Monster Out, was released last year and rapturously received by critics, DJs and punters alike. The album’s third single “Diamond In The Dark“ is out now via Juno Records, with sterling remixes by Parisian trio dOP and Lazarus himself.

Ewan Pearson – We Are Proud Of Our Choices review

by Juno Daily on 17.02.2010 at 09:27am.
Last edited: 17.02.2010 at 09:27am.

Artist: Ewan Pearson/Various
Title: We Are Proud Of Our Choices
Label: Kompakt
Genre: Minimal/Tech House
Format: CD
Buy From: Juno Records

Still buzzing from his much acclaimed fabric mix from a few years back, Ewan Pearson returns with a new compilation for Kompakt entitled “We Are Proud Of Our Choices”. Pearson has been DJing and producing music for over a decade and with his new mix he shows us his fondness for warm and melodic tech-house. Following in the tradition of earlier Kompakt mixes like “Smallville” from Tobias Thomas and DJ Koze’s “All People Is My Friends”, Pearson starts off with a lush pop sensibility – building slowly but deliberately with tracks by Gold Panda, A Ldric, and RMNVN, before he really starts to hit his stride with “Cirrus” by Lusine, and then he begins to up the tempo exponentially as the mix goes on.

After “Cirrus” has limbered everyone up for the dance floor, two great dark house tracks from obscure producers Wah Chu Ku and Yukihiro Fukotomi will no doubt fill the floor with shaking bodies. Other artists of note that’ll keep your booty shaking are Neville Watson, Gregor Tresher, Chris Fortier, and B.D.I. who all offer solid tracks, before Pearson begins to pull the 4/4 beat out of the equation for a cool down period at the end. The last two tracks are sexy, warm, and poppy, featuring female vocals, that suggest the party doesn’t have to end yet. An edit by Pearson of “Fortune” by emerging stars Little Dragon is the mix’s penultimate track, before closing with the Lali Punaesque “Blue Steel” by Bot’Ox.

Pearson seems uninterested in the trends of the moment and sticks proudly to his tech-house roots with “We Are Proud Of Our Choices” – and it proves a solid mix of dance friendly and warm beats, featuring unsung artists you’ll want to know more about after you’ve had a listen. Check it.

Review: Matt Leslie

Josh Wink – When A Banana Was Just A Banana Remixed & Peeled review

by Juno Daily on 15.02.2010 at 10:04am.
Last edited: 15.02.2010 at 10:04am.

Artist: Josh Wink
Title: When a Banana Was a Banana Remixed and Peeled
Label: Ovum US
Genre: Minimal House/Tech House
Format: CD, Digital
Buy From: Juno Records, Juno Download

Josh Wink’s fourth artist album, “When A Banana Was Just A Banana” was one of dance music’s most acclaimed albums of last year. This year, the same label, Wink’s own Ovum imprint, are releasing a remix album that includes work from a selection of the most highly respected producers around today.

Such was the popularity of the album that the Philadelphia acid don started being asked about the potential for remixing certain tracks. By the time several of his high profile producer friends had picked out the individual tracks they wanted to rework, Wink realised that this could make its own release. He then enlisted the remix services of other DJ /producers that he respected himself to take on other tracks from his album.

The resulting selection of tracks, which includes edits from Radioslave, Slam, Nic Fanciulli, Jimpster, Chateau Flight, Matthias Tanzmann and Martin Buttrich showcases a variation of styles but makes a complete album when put together. Each of the top notch producers on this album has given their chosen track their own interpretation, making this collection as enthralling as it is impressive.

With impressive artwork designed by Parker Jacobs, this is the complete package. The limited edition vinyl even connect together to mark the fifteen years that Ovum has been around for. The release will also tie in with tour that celebrates the same milestone. More than just that though, this collection of remixes is so rounded and comprehensive that it is able to stand and shine as an album in itself, just like Wink’s original album.

Review: Tom Jones

M.A.N.D.Y vs Booka Shade – Donut review

by Juno Daily on 12.02.2010 at 15:12pm.
Last edited: 13.02.2010 at 15:17pm.

Artist: M.A.N.D.Y vs Booka Shade
Title: Donut
Label: Living The Dream
Genre: Minimal House/Tech House
Format: 12″, Digital
Buy From: Juno Records, Juno Download ** Get the Gui Boratto remix FREE here**

After the incredible success of Body Language and other hook-up’s in the past, German duo Booka Shade once again team up with labelmates M.A.N.D.Y on “Donut”, and include a slew of ace and diverse remixes to whet your appetite.

The original keeps their winning combination of deep tech sounds with slightly funkier beats, and it’s clear that Donut is going to get a lot of play over the coming months. On the remix front, Southampton born prodigy James Talk takes the original’s distinctive lead sound and bends it into a whole new set of ways while adding some expansive textures and extra percussion.

Brazilian producer Gui Boratto keeps things driving and minimal, whilst also adding some classic keyboard flourishes that add to the funkiness of the track. Upcoming remixer Ben Hoo also delivers a strong mix, that holds the main signature riff back and drops it in the most perfect way.

Mad Decent signing Boy 8-Bit as always does some serious damage, remaking the track in his own hypnotic and intense way by taking a tiny fragment and delaying it into something Steve Reich would be proud of. Meanwhile, in a different genre altogether, Logistics cranks up the bpm’s for a D&B mix. The man responsible for the slamming Jungle Music on Hospital turns in a banger as expected. A great range of mixes overall for what’s bound to be another big tune.

Review: Oliver Keens

Featured DJ Chart: Marino Berardi

by Juno Daily on 09.02.2010 at 11:43am.
Last edited: 13.02.2010 at 16:25pm.

Our latest featured chart comes from Marino Berardi, whose new release on Room With A View is nothing short of epic – an 11 minute track which is a must hear for fans of dub techno and inventive deep house. Having previously had releases on Francois Kevorkian’s Wave label and Josh Wink’s Ovum, as well as steady collaborations with Phil Dairmount over 2009, Marino has gone it alone with devastating effect. We collared him for a few words on his top tunes for the month…

Various – Mobilee Back To Back Vol. 4 review

by Juno Daily on 09.02.2010 at 11:06am.
Last edited: 09.02.2010 at 11:26am.

Artist: Compiled and recomposed by And.id
Title: Mobilee Back To Back Vol. 4
Label: Mobilee
Genre: Tech-House, Jazz
Format: CD and Digital
Buy From: Juno Records, Juno Download

Ever since Mobilee Records burst onto the scene in 2005, it quickly entrenched itself as the solid benchmark label for deep, driving, hypnotic tech grooves. Similar to how techno fans for the last decade anxiously await the annual Kompakt Total compilations, Mobilee’s Back to Back compilations and DJ-mix series have already attained such status and anticipation with its consistency and mind-busting originality.

Musical phenom and jazz aficionado, And.id (Andreas Dimitriadis) compiled and recomposed Back to Back’s fourth installment. Disc 1 contains choice cuts from the Mobilee class of 2009 including label stalwarts Anja Schneider (co-founder of Mobilee), and GummiHz, along with seasoned producer but Mobilee newbie, Dan Curtin. Newcomer to watch, Hector’s thumping groover “Got Fringe” is here as well as Pan-Pot’s eerie “Confronted” – quite possibly the tech track of 2009.

The real kicker is disc 2, a mind trip of its own, consisting of jazz interpretations of classic Mobilee tracks as arranged and performed by And.id and B.A.N.D- a group of studio musicians and graduates from the renowned Berklee College of Music. And.id manages to creatively push the envelope by re-inventing early anthems such Sebo K’s “Horizons”, and Anja Schneider and Sebo K’s “Rancho Relaxo”. One of the highlights has to be And.id’s remaking of his own track, “First Talk” with its opening pounding kick drum that punctuates into an all-out percussive affair as the piano, bass and brass jump in and out of your ear.

If that weren’t enough, the original versions of the “jazzified” tracks are also included on disc 2 to remind us how far the techno mould has been reshaped. Also included is a free digital download code for an exclusive live mix produced by And.id featuring unreleased tracks and edits. Next year’s Back to Back vol.5 has its work cut out now that the bar has been raised a couple of (jazz) octaves higher by this release.

Review: Steve Phillips

Various – Soma Compilation 2010 review

by Juno Daily on 04.02.2010 at 14:58pm.
Last edited: 04.02.2010 at 17:31pm.

Artist: Various
Title: Soma Compilation 2010
Label: Soma
Genre: Techno, Minimal House/Tech House
Format: CD, Digital
Buy From: Juno Records, Juno Download

Glaswegian techno imprint Soma had a stomping 2009. In addition to The Black Dog’s critically acclaimed album and the success of both Slam and Silicone Soul, Soma also had contributions on the label from Joris Voorn, Samuel L. Session and Itamar Sagi. Judging by the wealth of talent on this compilation, 2010 looks set to be a continuation of their superb work.

Established in 1991, Soma has been instrumental in Scotland’s techno scene, pushing the likes of Slam, Funk D’Void and Silicone Soul on their way to the international stars that they have become. Still today, they manage to remain ahead of the game and their 2010 compilation showcases this in emphatic style.

This edition of their annual label compilation both looks back at their last year and then also on into the future. Joris Voorn and D’Julz are both on remixing duty for Slam tracks. Voorn takes on the label bosses’ “Ghost Song” whereas D’Julz’s dub of the classic “Positive Education” finds its way into the middle of the mix. Other established artists come in the form of Christian Prommer, The Black Dog and Funk D’Void. In keeping with their ethos of pushing up and coming talent, the highly touted Gary Beck and Harvey McKay both make an appearance before the compilation is closed by a remix courtesy of Warp’s Autechre.

Soma has always released well selected, relevant and forward thinking compilations. Their 2010 bumper edition is no different. It not only celebrates their superb 2009, but also goes some way to showing us what we can expect for the forthcoming year. Dancefloor here we come!

Review: Tom Jones

Juno Podcast: Minimal 30

by Juno Daily on 01.02.2010 at 10:42am.
Last edited: 18.08.2011 at 15:27pm.

The Juno minimal podcast celebrates its 30^th – and to mark the occasion we’ve enlisted the help of our friend Markus Homm to mix this edition.

Exercise One – Several Things At Once review

by Juno Daily on 28.01.2010 at 14:21pm.
Last edited: 02.02.2010 at 15:46pm.

Artist: Exercise One
Title: Several Things At Once
Label: Wagon Repair
Genre: Minimal/Tech House
Format: 12″, Digital
Buy From: Juno Records, Juno Download

Named after a Joy Division song, Berlin duo Exercise One have honed their sound over the years, to the appreciation of minimal fans and followers of the more sophisticated end of techno. Marco Freivogel and Ingo Gansera released their first album, In Cars We Rust, on Anja Schneider’s Mobilee label, and it came as a fresh and distinctive treat. Those skills thankfully spill over onto this new EP, out on Canadian label Wagon Repair.

The title track is definitely pacey, with trademark tight kicks and splashy hats getting overtaken by a slow-release synthline that becomes addictive after a while. It’s definitely bouncy and big enough to work in DJ sets of a lot of differing styles, not just those on a Richie Hawtin tip.

“Breeze” offers a nice change of style though, reminiscent of the band that gave them their name with a solemn, stuttering vibe driven with chiming ride cymbals. “Colony” also has an engaging and slightly haunting mood, breaking down to a hypnotic sea of filtered-down keys at one point. “Prowl” is just as interesting, an ambient sidestep away from simple 4/4 beats. “Twin” is a more pulsing, driving techno tune with an absorbing bassline and some heart-stopping filter crescendos to boot.

Review: Oliver Keens

Various – Document Part 1 review

by Juno Daily on 27.01.2010 at 14:27pm.
Last edited: 02.02.2010 at 15:47pm.

Artist: Seth Troxler, Matthew Dear, Lee Curtiss and Ryan Crosson
Title: Document Part 1
Label: Spectral Sound
Genre: Minimal/Tech House
Format: 12″
Buy From: Juno Records

From Spectral (Ghostly International’s arguably more interesting and definitely more danceable sub-label) comes the first part in a series of ‘Document’ releases consisting of their most infamous stars Seth Troxler, Matthew Dear, Lee Curtiss and Ryan Crosson.

Being the imprint’s all-round charmers and most well-loved American producers, charismatic duo Troxler and Dear had released the much lauded single “Hurt” back in 2009 to a receptive crowd having featured in Konrad Black’s Watergate mix and DJ charts all over.

Martinez’s remix of it is no surprise, but adding rhythmic hi-hats and cheery beats to the shuffles and eerie lyrics for most will be a treat compared to his previous downplayed ‘Dark Soul dub’ of the track.

However, equally dark and subdued is “Life Lessons” by Detroit’s Curtiss, with lows featuring a rumbling kick and bassline and highs built with claps and wandering vocals. Ryan Crosson, who made his name on Wagon Repair and M-nus, brings a whirring builder of energetic percs and a groove-heavy bassline on his “Don’t Look Further”.

Review: Flora Wong

Telefon Tel Aviv – Immolate Yourself (remixes)

by Juno Daily on 26.01.2010 at 16:21pm.
Last edited: 02.02.2010 at 15:48pm.

Artist: Telefon Tel Aviv
Title: Immolate Yourself
Label: BPitch Control
Genre: Minimal/Tech House
Format: 12″, Digital
Buy From: Juno Records, Juno Download

Primarily releasing on Hefty Records and BPitch Control, Chicago-based Telefon Tel Aviv also had a track in the first Ghostly compilation which probably indicates a bit about what he sounds like.

Blending electronica with almost Mars Volta-esque experimental elements and emotive vocal points in a past catalogue of three albums (and one remix album), Joshua Eustis has, since the tragic death of one half of the production team in 2009, been working alone.

“Immolate Yourself” from Telefon’s third full-length album via BPitch has undergone a series of remixes from Berlin’s best. Ben Klock shapes the track into a mechanic techno beast with swirling pads and an almost slow-soca rhythm before BPitch’s Sascha Funke moves the vocals to create a subtle and eerily romantic piece with delicate synthy layers.

Thomas Muller’s heavy guitar riffs and rumbling sub-bass gives the track a darker turn and Miss Fitz aka Maayan Nidam on Raum and Freak n’ Chic, offers a slice of demure ethnic-tinged techno (also featured on Wolf + Lamb podcasts), breaking up the drums with an off-beat rhythm and layering the vocals to round off the package.

Review: Flora Wong

Superpitcher’s sophomore album

by Juno Daily on 25.01.2010 at 16:18pm.
Last edited: 26.01.2010 at 11:27am.

Aksel Schaufler – aka German producer Superpitcher – will release his sophomore studio album on May 17, via Kompakt Records.

Plus 8 mix winner speaks

by Juno Daily on 22.01.2010 at 13:51pm.
Last edited: 22.01.2010 at 15:43pm.

Back in December, Plus 8 and Juno teamed up to ask fans to create a DJ mix of their favorite Plus 8 classic tracks to celebrate the label’s milestone 100th release.

Read more

Nicolas Jaar – A Time For Us review

by Juno Daily on 22.01.2010 at 10:50am.
Last edited: 02.02.2010 at 15:49pm.

Artist: Nicolas Jaar
Title: A Time For Us
Label: Wolf + Lamb
Genre: Deep House, Minimal/Tech House
Format: 12″, Digital
Buy From: Juno Records, Juno Download

Finally the tracks as heard in Nicolas Jaar’s Get the Curse podcast are to be released in his second EP from Wolf + Lamb.

Born in New York only 19 years ago, Jaar has not failed to impress since with a gaggle of stunning tracks from his own label Clown and Sunset, self-described as ‘rhythmic melancholy’.

An elegant slice of deep house, both sides of the new release are soulful, dark, and oozing with Jaar’s signature reflectiveness and romanticism.

His sound is particularly distinct given his unusual manipulation of traditional principles in techno juxtaposed with the soft vocals and piano pieces as heard in songs as like “The Student” and “John the Revelator”.

The a-side “A Time For Us” features slowly shifting tempos and sultry vocals whilst the groovier “Mi Mujer” brings a Chilean flavour to the tech-house rhythm with delicate pianos and instrumental samples.

Review: Flora Wong

Label Podcast: Autoreply

by Juno Daily on 20.01.2010 at 14:05pm.
Last edited: 18.08.2011 at 15:26pm.

London imprint Autoreply has launched its own podcast, with the first instalment mixed by Australia’s number one techno ambassador, Jug.

Featured DJ Chart: Reggie Dokes

by Juno Daily on 20.01.2010 at 11:52am.
Last edited: 02.02.2010 at 16:10pm.

Featured DJ Chart: Reggie Dokes (January 2010)

Detroit producer Reggie Dokes puts together his hottest tracks of January in our first featured chart for 2010. In what is arguably the most varied Juno Plus chart so far, Reggie takes us on a fascinating stroll through his world of music, with some classic John Coltrane jazz nestled alongside Jus Ed’s stripped down house and the latest R&B club anthems.

Dirtybird’s 5th birthday compilation

by Juno Daily on 19.01.2010 at 18:10pm.
Last edited: 20.01.2010 at 12:47pm.

Claude Von Stroke’s Dirtybird imprint will celebrate five years with a monster 3xCD package, to be released in April.

Juno Podcast: Minimal 29

by Juno Daily on 19.01.2010 at 15:52pm.
Last edited: 21.01.2020 at 13:54pm.

The second minimal podcast of 2010 has an emphasis on the deeper side of the genre, but still maintains the head nodding energy you’ve all come to expect from the Juno Download minimal series…