In Vitro - Método Paranoico Crítico [bump025]

Album: Método Paranoico Crítico
Artist: In Vitro
Label: LABELURL
Genre: Progressive House / Electro / Techno
Artist URL
Album URL
Release Date: 27-Jan-2007
Download

1. Método Paranoico Crítico (6:29)
2. Método Paranoico Crítico (minimix) (5:23)
3. Retina Pupila (5:42)

Wanna know what time it is? ITS PARTY TIME!!!The guys at bumpfoot are bringing out the big guns! If you want something to shake your b-hind to, this is it! One of the most approachable dancefloor albums to date! Seriously thumping beats, PHat growling basslines, hot hatz and an amazing groove!

a Definite download for all dance music lovers out there ... (this is HOT!!)

Juno6 - Welcome to Heimat [kreislauf007]

Album: Welcome to Heimat
Artist: Juno6
Label: http://kreislauf.org/
Genre: Ambient Techno
Artist URL
Album URL
Release Date: 21-Jan-2006
Download

Ambient Techno vibes. Its got a good vibe sometimes reminding me of the electro-house scene from the early 1990z (808 style beats, with analogue basslines and sweeping pads). His style is very mature and it wont go down with all audiences. It really is Techno with a down tempo and a dash of ambient to make you melt in your seat.

The production is really good and the artist does stick to his genre throughout. Its funky in a retro kind of way, but nothing jumps out and makes you go WOW! So don't expect that!

I would give this one 3 stars for the average joe and if Ambient Techno is your thing, i would give this 4.5 stars.

Its damn good music with fantastic production, but it fills a niche genre and might be a little "laid back" for some out there.

The album is available in mp3, ogg and FLAC (lossless Audio) formats.

Mark.Nine - B-Sides and Rarities (2cd) [io012]

Album: B-Sides and Rarities
Artist: Mark.Nine
Label: I/O Netlabel
Genre: Downtempo / Ambient / Lounge
Album URL (visit it and give your feedback)
Release Date: 27 Jan 2007
Download

Review:

Aah today i have some free time and i hope to serve up some quality tracks for you. As you might have gathered i have a soft spot for chilled, ambient, lounge and downtempo stuff.

This is a double Album, 17 tracks in total. The large majority of them are 5 star pieces of music running from Ambient to Chilled, break-beat to lounge and some IDM mixed in here and there. This is another one of those "i would buy it" albums.

Overall its a downtempo "must have" and is one of the best albums so far. I know we have had a couple of "must haves" and "highly recommended" albums of late, but thats what this blog is about. Serving up quality music and this is just another amazing release. Track 14, "Right of Way" is my personal favorite, its just damn hypnotic ...

Kudos to I/O for giving us such good music.

Remember to visit the websites of the artists / labels and send the guys some e-mail. Most of the time they respond to your mail and they appreciate any feedback they get.

Mark.Nine - Where Are We Going (EP) [io008]

Album: Where Are We Going (EP)
Artist: Mark.Nine
Label: http://www.ionetlabel.com
Genre: Downtempo/Chill
Artist URL
Album URL
Release Date: 25-Dec-2006
Download

Review:

I could bore you with descriptions like "it makes you feel like your floating through an audio induced state of pure pleasure", But I steer away from those descriptions. To each his own interpretation I say!

This release is fantastic ... pure audio bliss from start to finish... I could call it funky, haunting, beautiful, ... but its hard to describe music when its this good. This is the kind of album you download, cut it on an Audio CD for your car, have it on your iPod and keep it in your collection forever.

It might be a little slow paced for some out there, but its a Definite must have!

(note: What is up with the Net Labels this year? Whatever your doing, dont stop!)

Ruby Jean and the Thoughtful Bees - Not About To [ocean001]

Album: Not About To (Single)
Artist: Ruby Jean and the Thoughtful Bees
Label: Ocean Audio
Genre: Lounge /Trip-Hop
Artist website /MySpace
Album URL
Release Date: 24-Jan-2007
Download

Review:

Another "WOW" release. This debut single from "Ruby Jean and the Thoughtful Bees" really smashes everything else out of the water. Seriously high quality music on par even with Thievery Corporation and other lounge artists.

Only shame is its only one track and one remix, but both are awe inspiring. Its hard to think why this has not been signed by any record companies out there???

This one is a must!!!
(thats better than Highly recommended if your not sure)

Universal Frontline - Vibrawinky EP [vbr001]

Album: Vibrawinky
Artist: Universal Frontline
Label: www.vorbic.com
Genre: Acid Jazz, Break beat, (Damn Funky)
Artist URL
Album URL
Release Date: 12 Jan 2007
Download (Complete Album)

Review:

File this under "FF" for F'n FUNKY! This is one of those albums that shows that free music can be brilliant music. If you're a fan of the Ninja Tune label, Acid Jazz, any Hip-hop/Trip-hop (or other kind of hop you can think of) this album will appeal to you. Its just plain funky as F#$% ... and thats just the first track.

Some of the tracks have a bit of a repetitiveness which does deduct from the overall quality and it might not appeal to those who don't like the Jazz style of electronica ...

but honestly if Funky was a Genre, this would be filed under it! Highly Recommended.

Various mixed by Tom Larson - Klänge der Nacht Vol.1 [Mixotic 067]

Album: Klänge der Nacht Vol.1
Artist: Various Mixed By Tom Larson
Label: http://www.mixotic.net
Genre: Ambient House / Minimal Techno / Tech House
Artist URL / www.tomlarson.de
Album URL
Release Date: 22 January 2007
Download (111Mb)

Review:

a Fantastic selection of music is used in this mix by Tom Larsen. All of the tracks are deep and relaxing, yet still groovey enough to enjoy. Its the perfect companion for those "comming down" times when you just want to fade out but not give up completely!

Herotyc - Chico Minimal [bump024]

Album: Chico Minimal
Artist: Herotyc
Label: http://www.bumpfoot.net
Genre: Minimal Electro / Techno
Album URL
Release Date: 21-Jan-2007
Download:

1. Hay Inquietudes (5:16)
2. Me Gustas (6:03)
3. Algo Sutil (6:57)
4. Esta Prohibido (6:04)

Our friends over at Bumpfoot have released another high quality album. The album "Chico Minimal" by and artist called "Herotyc" is really a fine example of minimal electro. Detroit style tech house with a chilled flavor.

This is a very good release and is recommended to anyone who likes the mentioned styles.

Heiko Mor - Positive Networks EP [

Album: Positive Networks EP
Artist: Heiko Mor
Label: Debun.de
Genre: Techno / Electro
Album URL
Release Date: 19-01-2007
Download

Review:

Some nice Electro / Techno tracks on this EP. All of them are decent enough to listen to and hot enough to shake your backside to as well.

Good stuff!

(sorry about not having too many updates of late, things are a little hectic over here will post some more reviews soon)

MCP - Lifehighforms/Soul [mstk003]

Album: Lifehighforms / Soul
Artist: MCP
Label: Mastik.org (thanks)
Genre: Drum n' Bass
Album URL
Download
1) Lifehighforms
2) Soul

an Amazing release by MCP. Beautiful atmospheric Drum and Bass tracks. Energetic beats overlay chilled out pads, create typical DnB. The track "Soul" is just gorgeous!

This is a fantastic release albeit its only two tracks. We want more! we want more!

The Smashin' Drumkits - The Smashin' Drumkits [RED002]

Album: The Smashin' Drumkits
Artist: The Smashin' Drumkits
Label: http://www.red-netlabel.net
Genre: Dub
Album URL
Download (complete Release)

Review:

Really phat beats , nice rhythms, nice basslines and more. a Fantastic album by The Smashin' Drumkits, blending reggae with breakbeat and creating some amazing dub tunes. a Talented artist, we hope to hear more from him soon.

Recommended to Dub fans and other Rastafarian people...

Paul Hossow - Smokedriver [LZ008]

Album: Smokedriver [Mix]
Artist: Paul Hossow mixing Various Artists
Label: www.loopzilla.org
Genre: Minimalist / Tech-house
Album URL
Release Date: 15-Jan-2007
Download (76Mb)


a Perfect selection of minimalist tracks moving onto a more tech-house vibe later in the mix really cooking it up. It does get a little long in the tooth in the beginning but makes up for it at the end... This wont be a problem if you are into minimalist techno though...

Here is the track listing from the loopzilla website. Please visit them for more details and other hot mixes!

01. TOBSUCHT FX - a to the nie
02. SVEN LAUX - florera
03. LUKAS LEHMANN - salz vs. pfeffer
04. CLICK BOX - woody pecker
05. LIEBE IST COOL - ok! (kane roth rmx)
06. SIC - digital
07. VADIM LANKOV - gloom & mood
08. BJOERN DE BAAL - documents of life part 1
09. TANZMUSIK - auf deutsch (rootsix rmx)
10. TOOLTECH - himalaya

mixed by paul hossow
54:41 min / 75 mb / 192 kb

Adrian Carter - Gangs [EMP026]

Album: Gangs
Artist: Adrian Carter
Label: Earth Monkey Productions
Genre: Ambient Techno
Album URL
Download

Techno style house tracks with a trance feel fill this album. Its definitely worth the download if you are a ambient electro fan. No commercial sounds here jut dark synths, rhythmic pulsing beats and everything else you might want. The first two tracks are dancy with the third one following up with some chilled downtempo electro.

Its a shame the album is only 4 tracks, but its really good (so get it!)

Corwin Trails - Corwin trails [AH003]

Album: Corwin Trails
Artist: Corwin Trails
Label: http://www.archaichorizon.com/
Genre: Downtempo / Chill
Artist URL on Myspace
Album URL
Release Date: Jan 2007
Download




Some good ambient , downtempo music. The album blurb on the Archaic Horizon boasts that the album has a narrative feel to it. Its correct in saying this!

This is truly something you can enjoy with the headphones on while sitting in a darkened room. If you need 30 minutes of downtime somewhere during the day and you can squeeze in a couple of moments with some headphones.

Its filled with strange samples, once again an almost Boards of Canada style. Really mature production techniques and good overall quality of sound.

Definitely worth the download!

Update Comming Soon...

I haven't forgotten about all you people out there. I am just busy moving into a new house and things are a little hectic on this side. I will try and post a few reviews over the weekend to make up for the lack this week.

So just keep your headphones on already!

Red Unit - Arrival EP

Album: Arrival
Artist: Red Unit
Label: Quiet Lounge
Genre: Electronica
Album URL
Release Date: 08 Jan 2007
Download
1 Arrival
2 Red Plum
3 Foggy Sun


An interesting release from Red Unit. Once again a genre crossing album covering more than one genre...

the first track is a mixture between lounge style instruments with a intensely funky beat. Mixed in with some traditional easter instruments and you have a definite Asian lounge feel to it. Really good.

The second track is the only negative track on the album for me. the Operatic voice tends to get on my nerves after a while. But overall its still good ...

Third tracks is decent, but not outstanding ... it just misses the X-factor required to make it stand out from the others.

Overall its not a bad release I'd give it 3.5 stars :)

Ihor Synenko - Zen (EP) [gargan008]

Album: Zen [EP]
Artist: Ihor Synenko
Label: http://www.garganrecords.com
Genre: Downtempo / Chill (?)
Artist URL
Album URL
Release Date: 18 Nov 2006
Download

Some interesting music from "Ihor Synenko". The tracks start off very relaxed, almost classical sounding but then fat break beats kick in an change the atmosphere to something a little more palatable. Piano, guitar and synth are combined to create some smooth but still funky sounds.

The second track was a little slow to start off and doesn't really stand out too much but yet it has some really sweet moments in it. The arpeggios, acoustic guitar and some nice strings give the song a good feel.

Unfortunately the third track uses a rather ancient trumpet patch which really spoils the track completely for me. It's got some fantastically phat beats, a Jazz feel and really sounds excellent ... until the trumpet comes into play ... it just spoils it.

The music is overall well constructed but some of the instruments used sound aged and over sampled (ie: it sounds like fake instruments) The artist shows potential, but falls short on his production.

Give it a spin if you have some time to kill & bandwidth to spare ... the first two tracks might work for you.

JMP Website Online.

JMP is a producer of some fantastic synthesizer based music. Producing dance to ambient and the whole spectrum in between...

If you have a look back at one of our first posts he was featured on the Chillmeister album. His track, "Together" is one of the best tracks on the album in my opinion.

I am happy to say that he has launched his own website @ http://www.jmp-music.co.uk/
He also has a CD available to purchase from his site...so give it a spin and send him an email ...

http://www.jmp-music.co.uk/

Various Artists - Arrivals and Departures [es23]

Album: Arrivals and Departures
Artist: Various Artists
Label: http://www.electrosound.ru
Genre: Various Electronic
Album URL
Release Date: 01 Jan 2007
Download
Download 2
Note: Individual Tracks are downloadable from the Album URL

A Compilation featuring various artists and the different genre's they each represent. Including IDM, Downtempo, Dub, Acid Jazz, Break Beat, House, Downtempo to name but a few flavors.

From the childlike IDM sound of "leaving home", the Funky Rhythms in "no more war"... The Dub&Bass (?) sound of "Night Adventure", The funky electro house sound of "Days in Litres", "H5FUL" delivers a mix between chill and Break beat, "Fragile Cell" has a beautiful Epic synth lines with an amazing piano piece ... This album covers a whole range of sounds. Funky to down right ambient ...

And now for the bad: It does fade off at the end into the land of the WeIrD. One or two of the tracks are bit too noisy for general listening. Actually two of the tracks were crap and they stopped me from giving this album a "Highly recommended" rating. It disappoints me a to have to say that, but hell thats what reviewers have to do sometime?

As you can see, in general i dont rant on and on about an album, but this one really covers a very wide range of electronica. If you skip past the one or two tracks which don't appeal to you, you are sure to find something you will like.

4 stars to this one!

Endlos - Das musste ja so kommen EP

Album: Das musste ja so kommen EP
Artist: Endlos
Label: 1Bit Wonder
Genre: Acid Jazz / IDM
Artist URL
Album URL
Release Date: 10 December 2006
Download (Complete Album)

Another amazing album for you today! Its hard to put this one into a single (or even two) genre. The album features fat beats and nice synth lines and all mixed up with a slight tinge of Jazz. Sometimes it sounds like IDM with bleeps and white noise. Other times it just oozes smooth acid jazz...

All the tracks are brilliantly produced, well mastered and really worth money! But lucky for us this one is still free!! Its Highly recommended to anyone who likes chill / Acid Jazz or IDM.

Remember to give the net labels some feedback if you appreciate their music. They like hearing from you guys...

Enjoy it!

Hiroshi Oki - Polar Circle EP [ANTIRITMO#011]

Album: Polar Circle EP
Artist: Hiroshi Oki
Label: http://www.antiritmo.com/
Genre: Techno
Release Date: December 2006
Download (Complete Release)

Straight off the bat this album starts pumping pure funky banging techno. No intros, no build, it just drops straight into thumping beats.

The first track reminded me of a lot of the dance music that was around in the early 1990's. The second and third tracks are like an unstoppable train, it just keeps on thumping you all the way to the end.

Aaah ... track 4 ... Personally its my favorite, its definitely not a massive dance floor track like the others but its just plain good and funky. Reminds me a lot of the Detroit style of techno / tech house I "grew up on" :)

The sound quality and production is good and overall a very good release from Hiroshi Oki.