Turbo Canada Vinyl & CDs

Review: At the time when Azari & III released their self titled album, dance music was in the midst of yet another nu-disco revival. Vocals were back in a big way after the austere minimal years and clubs weren't afraid of big synths, high energy sounds. This group epitomised all that with this expansive and expressive collection of club tunes that also make for good listening in a wider range of contexts. There's the jittery mechanics of 'Tunnel Vision,' the hands in the air anthem of 'Into the Night' and of course the timeless 'Hungry For The Power' all present and correct here.

Review: The hype around Toronto house outfit Azari & III has been steadily building since the release of "Reckless (With Your Love)" and "Hungry For The Power" in 2009. On this debut full-length, presented on double gatefold vinyl, it's easy to see why. Blending infectious vocals and retro-futurist riffage with snappy jack tracks, incessant analogue rhythms and bold pianos, they offer a deliciously contemporary take on the classic house and techno sounds of Chicago, New York and Detroit. At times parallels can be drawn with acts like Inner City and Ten City, at others with innovators such as Virgo Four, Larry Heard and DJ Pierre. Yet Azari & III are no imitators - for all the classic house reference points, they have a fresh, floor-friendly sound all of their own.

Review: Plastikman is in the glory years of his career, and the recognition of this of late has come in the form of various reissues and deluxe editions. One move we didn't expect Mr. Hawtin to take, however, was approving an entire 'semi-classical' reimagining of his original album 'Consumed', first released in 1998. 'Consumed In Key' is a new collaborative version made between Hawtin and pianist/producer Chilly Gonzales; every track found on the original 'Consumed' now has piano flourishings and other instruments peppered over each moody techno jam, fleshing out the pangs we could only previously imagine on first listen.

Review: Plastikman is in the glory years of his career, and the recognition of this of late has come in the form of various reissues and deluxe editions. One move we didn't expect Mr. Hawtin to take, however, was approving an entire 'semi-classical' reimagining of his original album 'Consumed', first released in 1998. 'Consumed In Key' is a new collaborative version made between Hawtin and pianist/producer Chilly Gonzales; every track found on the original 'Consumed' now features piano flourishings and other instruments peppered over each moody techno jam, fleshing out the pangs we could only previously imagine on first listen.