Net-Label Review

Connection issues

2009-03-31T00:16:00.003+11:00

Hello everyone...

Will you please let me know if you cannot access the new site? (www.netlabelindex.com) I have been trying to pinpoint a problem with the new server and it seems to work for some and not for others.

If you cannot connect, please send me an email or just drop in a comment.

I just want to get an idea of how big this problem is!

Beta? is up

2009-03-28T16:35:00.004+11:00

The site is up!!! It is still in a beta phase and there is still some major changes on the way. There might be some outages whilst we sort out some of the enhancements. (Just so you know its in a Beta testing phase)

But we thought we would let you know you can visit http://www.netlabelindex.com

If you are a netlabel and wish to have your details listed, please send your request to netlabelreview@dodo.com.au . You can have any level of detail listed so let us know

Levels:

Only your label information,
Label + Artists
Label + artists + albums
Optionally song information.

The site is still undergoing a lot of changes, so if something is "broken" let me know but any feedback is also appreciated.

To all the netlabels that have already signed up who is not on the listing yet... Please bare with us, there is a mountain of data to add! Keep your eyes on the listing, it should be there soon.

(Did I mention the site is still in testing phase??)

Calling all Netlabels!!

2009-02-24T20:47:00.003+11:00

Hey guys & girls!

As you might have noticed the site does seem to lack updates in the past few months. I have been busy on a side project and its finally starting to take shape... Well enough shape to be released in the not too distant future.

At this point it is still under wraps and I cant give out any details. The site is still under development too and A hope to have a first version out within the next few months ...

I am now at the stage where I need input from Netlabels out there. The project's success will hinge on the cooperation between myself and netlabels, but this should not be a problem!

So to all netlabels out there who read this, PLEASE email me if you want more information and if you are interested in working with me...

To all Artists who are signed with a netlabel PLEASE get your label to contact me for further information.

I hope this project will create more awareness of the good music out there and make it more accessible for everyone looking for alternative and legal ways of getting amazing music.

My email is netlabelreview@dodo.com.au

Regards,
Afristralian

Quick Mentions

2009-02-16T20:42:00.003+11:00

Hey, thanks for all your suggestions to my previous posting. I have downloaded some of the albums and will listen to them soon.

Thought I would use a new format today. Here are some highlights that I am currently enjoying.

[GMIX30] Domovoy - Summer in Soul (download)
Label: www.deepindub.org
Genre: Tech-house, Minimal House, Minimal Techno
Comment: Nice mix with some seriously funky free tunes. Its highly recommended.

[RAR33] Waveform - Atmospheric Trip EP (download)
Label: www.randomaccessrecordings.com
Genre: Ambient Tehno, Ambient House
Comment: Some good chill or "come-down" music. Seriously spaced out stuff, but good non the less.

More on the way

2009-02-12T22:30:00.001+11:00

Hey guys ...

Hopefully will have some more reviews up soon. Just cannot get back into the swing of things lately.

Do you guys have any recomendations perhaps? What are your favorite free albums current and past?

Send them along, i am very interested in hearing from you!

Ciao
Afri

DML & Holger Leger - Tropical Split EP [gft net 004]

2009-01-29T23:29:00.004+11:00

Album: Tropical Split EP
Artist: DML & Holger Leger
Label: http://gruenfeld-label.net/blog
Genre: Techno / Minimal / Tech-house
Download

Review:

Just sat down tonight to go through the past couple of days downloads and I was pleasantly surprised to find this album in the masses of zip files.

This release is a good solid almost laid back techno album. Back in the old days we would have branded it as "ambient techno" (techno with a more trippy edge). I love the delayed bongo's and the background sounds that fill the tracks. All these sounds are backed up by deep kick drums that keeps you on your toes (so to speak).

Something about the tracks on this album reminds me of opening sets on a cold winters night. Or even the opening tracks to a new DJ's set, building up to something, slowly but still funky enough to keep you moving while you wait for the payout. Its a sort of lazy-funky ... this is what ambient techno should be, mellow, pulsating and trippy.

I'm really enjoying listening to it and its going into my "to keep" folder. Its 3 tracks that are worth downloading.

Highly recommended

LeftKicks - Seidensha Funk [vrb040]

2009-01-28T00:03:00.003+11:00

Album: Seidensha Funk
Artist: LeftKicks
Label: http://www.vorbic.com/
Genre: Downtempo / Chill / Acid Jazz
Release Date: 25 Jan 2009
Download

Review:

Its been a while since i have reviewed anything from Vorbic. They started off with a bang a few years ago and seems to have gotten better with age. This release from LeftKicks is a solid downtempo album with nice breakbeats and chilled out tones. Perfect for a lazy afternoon. Funky foot tapping rhythms, Lazy e-piano and deep rolling basslines just make it a pleasure to listen to.

yip, this is a recomended release by every sense of the word...

Download, enjoy and share!

Geschwister Schumann - Your Way [sm016]

2009-01-24T11:49:00.003+11:00

Album: Your Way
Artist: Geschwister Schumann
Label: www.symbiont-music.com
Genre: Minimalist, Electro, tech-house
Download

Review:

This is only a 2 track EP, but I thought I would highlight it purely from the fact that it sounds a little like Booka Shade ... And I like it!!

Minimalist tech-house, dirty synth basslines and well constructed beats make this worth a recommendation. To top it off the well placed female vocals in the track just adds the X-factor it needs. The sound is funky, harsh, melancholic and engaging, it comes recommended.

Nienvox -Sign [foot090]

2009-01-22T21:33:00.002+11:00

Album: Sign
Artist: Nienvox
Label: www.bumpfoot.net
Genre: Jazz, Downtempo, chill
Release Date: 18-Jan-2008
Download

Review:

a Great blend of downtempo and trippy beats flow throughout this album. Smooth flowing ambient sounds, pads and sweeps start you off and is contrasted by Jazz piano, deep bass, downtempo beats and even a few bleeps and blips here and there. Some of the tracks have a real Ninja-tune-acid-jazz-trippy-style very much in the same line as Funki Porcini. But overall the mood ranges from somber to very busy and almost improvisational jazz, where beatiful piano is juxaposed on fast drums and guitaring.

All I can say is that I really enjoyed listening to it ... If you like Jazz give this one a spin.

Our Ceasing Voice - Steadied Stars In The Morphium Sky (EP)

2009-01-21T21:24:00.006+11:00

Album: Steadied Stars In The Morphium Sky (EP)
Artist: Our Ceasing Voice
Web address: http://postrockcommunity.blogspot.com
Purchase: http://ourceasingvoice.bigcartel.com
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/ourceasingvoice
Genre: Experimental / Ambient
Download
Archive Password: postrockcommunity.blogspot.com

Review:

I downloaded this album and have given it a good few listens. I am very impressed with the quality of the work. The music is very down, slow moving and in the true spirit of ambient music makes the mind wonder when you listen to it. It slowly fills the void of silence with sound effects like reverberant guitars and echo's, generally building up to rhythms and melodies and at times breaks into intense rock grooves (Emotionally moving stuff) . Its definitely something you can listen to when you have some time alone to reflect, concentrate on work or do something artistically (or maybe need a good cry). The bottom line is that its really beautiful music.

The album was recorded in a home studio by the 3 band members and was mastered professionally. It is an intense album that invokes memories of Brian Eno's music for airports and similar works and i can definitely recommend it to ambient lovers.

a Very limited amount of these (50 copies) are available for purchase from http://ourceasingvoice.bigcartel.com. Apparently you will receive a hand made package in the shape of a 5.25" floppy disc, complete with liners, photos ,CD and more. From what I understand the packaging on its own is worth the price and it might just become a collectors item one day. So even if the music is free under creative commons, its still well worth supporting these artists (and others) with a financial donation.

The rar archive might be password protected, so please use the above password if you need to extract it.

Deef - Lebensbegleitende Musik [rec72 - 013]

2008-12-18T19:29:00.002+11:00

Album: Lebensbegleitende Musik
Artist: Deef
Label: http://rec72.net
Genre: IDM, Glitch, Downtempo, Chill
Release Date: October 2008
Download

Review:

Yip its been a long time since i have updated the blog. Indeed i have just been too busy to keep up with all the music. I am quite sad as i am sure i have missed a lot of good stuff this year. I keep all the submissions that you guys make and try and keep up as much as i can. So please keep sending them in ... I doubt i will be able to get to all of your requests, so hopefully there are no hard feelings. I hope to get back into it in the new year, so if this is my last post for the year, i just want to give all of you my best wishes for the time ahead.

I received a request for review this morning and for some reason i decided to give it a listen. I think the music just caught my mood perfectly and i found it quite moving in a sense. I cant help but get a feeling that i have missed out on soo much music.

Well, lets give this album a review shall we??

As I mentioned I was thoroughly surprised by this album. (Might be because my life is just so hectic at the moment). The smoothness and blissful ambient electronica fused with glitch, IDM and classic instruments (piano, and other orchestral sounds) has a almost serene feel to it.

This is a soulful album with a lot of heart in it. Albeit sometimes a little "out there" in composition but the rich textured sound really makes up for anything that might not be "perfect".

It might just be my mood as I mentioned, but I really think this is a superb album and well worth the download to any IDM, Chill, Trip-hop or downtempo fans.

Mark.Nine - In Memories EP [io034]

2008-04-13T09:17:00.003+10:00

Album: In Memories EP
Artist Name: Mark.Nine
Label: I/O Netlabel
Genre: Downtempo, Chillout
Release Date: 4/2008
Download
Reviewer: Ryan

Marcus Gutierrez is a talented man. He runs his own netlabel, produces a heavy output of music, and does some very nice web design and visual arts, too. All of this and he's still in high school.

As Mark.Nine, Marcus has released hours of music since 2006 on his own I/O Netlabel. Some of you may have enjoyed his last release, Artificial Horizon (April, 2007). His newest creation, In Memories, is an EP of a very similar style. The lo-fi drums, reverb-laden synths, bright, swirling chimes, and pleasantly unusual basslines are all back again for another showing - only this time, better.

>From the moment I started the opening title-track I knew I was going to have a pleasant half-hour of listening. This EP is the epitome of Mark.Nine. I could spend much more of your time discussing the minute details of this EP that astound me, but I digress. Rather, download it and see for yourself.

If you like melodic, downtempo electronica, this is for you. My only complaint is that there's not more of it!

Afristralian:
I Fully agree with Ryan's assessment, this album is (once again) a standout performance from Mark.Nine. It's VERY laid back and sometimes you lose track of the music almost like having a moment of sonic unconsciousness.

The music is really good and its recommended to all lounge and downtempo lovers.

Freezan - Sune EP [FPR018]

2008-04-06T13:00:00.002+10:00

Album: Sune EP
Artist: Freezan
Label: http://www.fresh-poulp.net/
Genre: Downtempo, IDM
Release Date: 3/27/2008
Reviewer: Ryan
Download:

Every now and then I sit down to play an album, almost without thinking about it. Only after I hear how good the music is do I really get excited about it. That was the case with Freezan's latest offering on France's Fresh Poulp Records.
The album opens up with "Sometime", an exceptionally diverse song featuring metallic drones, tinny sampled voices, and harmonic basslines, all blended with glitched beats. The next track, "Untitled" grows from a single piano part to a complex plethora of layers, all coming together to very good effect. This track has an almost psuedo-dub feel; imagine if you could take lounge music and make it grimy, yet polished.
This four-track EP is finished out with "No Name" and "Ending", two tracks which are both soothing and unsettling, because of the calming melodies and warped, scratchy sound, respectively.
I was very impressed with Freezan's EP as a whole. This young Kazakhstan native proves himself to be quite skilled in creating his relaxing brand of piano-based electronica. This EP is a must for anyone looking for a way to unwind.

New Team Member

2008-04-06T12:55:00.002+10:00

Greetings everyone!

Its been a while since the last review. We have been hunting for some more people to help out with the workload and we are very pleased to introduce Ryan to all of you. Ryan is a released netlabel artist (who's music we have reviewed too!).

His first review will follow shortly, so keep you eyes open for more!

Valek Kambala - Underground Protection

2008-01-19T16:47:00.000+11:00

Album: Underground Protection
Artist: Valek Kambala
Label: http://www.pharmacom-productions.de
Genre: Electro / breakbeat
Release Date: Jan 2008
Download

Review:
This is a two track release with the first track "keys and passwords" being a standout track. a Bit wild and noisy, but funky in other ways!

More on the way

2008-01-17T23:14:00.000+11:00

Just downloading masses of free music at the moment, but if you leave your name and number...

More reviews on the way soon! watch this space

Vate - Volt [V10]

2008-01-16T17:17:00.000+11:00

Album: Volt
Artist: Vate
Label: http://www.vate.com.mx
Genre: Electronica / IDM
Release Date: 2007
Download
Or
Torrent Via Jamendo

Review:
Aaah, the first review this year and its of an album released last year. I have a large number of recommended albums in my mailbox from last year and i will do my best to get to all of them. I will have to balance reviewing 2008 and these recommended titles from 2007.

But back to the review...

This release from Vate is really top notch stuff. I dont know if its just cause i have been out of contact for a while, but this really just hit the right note with me. The first track ("Turismo") is just really trippy and really reminds me of the "trancy" stuff from the early 90's with a 2007 overhaul. The second track ("Orient Stress"), which is also featured on the previous release from Vate, has a pulsating tribal rhythm with growling basslines set to a slamming breakbeat. Almost industrial in some aspects. These billowing basslines continue through to the next track which is also a standout track.

"Hertz" drops into a more minimal-IDM style and it slowly progresses into more distorted IDM sounds from here onward.

Overall the album is fantastic and its highly recommended. Even if its just for the first few tracks as not all of them will appeal to everyone.

Starting up

2008-01-14T20:40:00.000+11:00

Hi all,

Thanks for all the great wishes over xmas! I really appreciate it.

The blog has been quiet for a number of months and i need to catch up with all the great tunes that i have missed. I have just over 100 review requests in my mailbox and hopefully i can get to some of them soon.

I am looking to expand the writers for NLR and I am currently "recruiting" some co-writers to help with the sheer volume of the releases. Its hard for me to keep up with it all and still have time for my own music and family life.

But enough whinging for one day, Keep your eyes open there should be some reviews up soon.

All the best,
Afristralian

Interspacial - The Befores [VRB013]

2007-09-20T19:05:00.000+10:00

Album: The Befores
Artist: Interspacial
Label: www.vorbic.com
Genre: Downtempo / Chillout
Release Date: Sept 2007
Download

Review:

I was quite impressed with the album. The music is good to chill to and its good iPod food for the mornings, traveling into work. The sort of music that starts off somewhere and leaves you somewhere else. My favorite tracks are 1 & 2 ... both of them have a cohesive sense of randomness? ((a Paradox I know ... but even in the most intense chaos there is always order if you look long enough ;) ))

The style of this release is hard to put my finger on. It reminds me of something I heard many years ago, but i cannot put my finger on it. Believe it or not, i think it was something on a compilation called "Detroit Techno" from the early 90s ... Not the entire album, but just one of the tracks. Ill look it up and let you know if i find it.

But enough with the nostalgia ...

K.D. Expression - Anachromantic [es31]

2007-09-11T22:24:00.000+10:00

Album: Anachromantic
Artist: K.D. Expression
Label: http://www.electrosound.ru
Genre: Electronica / Ambient Dub / IDM
Release Date: August 2007
Download

Review:

Electrosound have been releasing some amazing albums lately and this latest one lives up to all the others. Mainly Ambient dub, but with a good blend of bleeps and blips to keep the foot almost tapping. The album varies a bit and its hard to strictly put it into a single genre. One of the tracks even touches on the land of psytrance where others hardly break the ambient barrier.

This is a fantastic album... Its got a lot of emotion and depth to it, that you don't always find in the mass of music available today. Its highly recommended to downtempo and ambient fans and is also recomeneded for those who dare to keep an open mind to musical possibilities too :)

VA - Aesthetik Label Showcase

2007-09-09T16:32:00.000+10:00

Album: Aesthetik Label Showcase
Artist: Various Artists
Label: www.aesthetik-records.com
Genre: Techno / Minimal
Release Date: 13th August 2007
Download

Review:
a fantastic release covering various forms of techno. From ambient techno, minimal and almost banging techno. The majority being in the ambient techno genre and includes one or two standout tracks from that genre. The album ends off with an ambient IDM track ... interesting stuff and a good way to end an album.

None of the tracks are weak or out of place. Its definitely a great compilation and seeing its a showcase, this netlabel must be good. This is the first review of them on netlabel review and hopefully there will be more pretty soon.

Dreza - End or Fin [kreislauf 024]

2007-09-09T16:07:00.000+10:00

Album: End or Fin
Artist: Dreza
Label: kreislauf.org
Genre: Downtempo / IDM / Ambient
Release Date: August 2007
Download

Review:

This release from Kreislauf is pretty good and was composed by Dreza (Zoltán Deák). The album is a mixture between mainly ambient but also downtempo and IDM. (I guess that would make it IDM but who knows a true definition of IDM in anycase?).

The ambient portions remind me of Pete Namlook & Clive Schultz 's Dark side of the Moog series but then swaps over into bleeps and blips of IDM (with great success i might add). The one track (metonin-met) drops into a really funky downtempo break beat.

The album goes into a IDM groove from there on with loads of electronic sounds backed up by a D&B rhythm without a kick drum beat to fill it up. Its really interesting and i recommend it to IDM fans specifically or the ambient-eers with a taste for variation.

Interview with Phasen

2007-09-04T22:06:00.000+10:00

Tonight we have a full interview with Phasen, one of the artists currently signed under the I/O Netlabel. I hope you enjoy the interview.

For the reviews and download locations of his albums, follow these links:
Phasen - Urban Nomad [io026]
Phasen - Yesterday Was Tomorrow (EP) [io023]
Phasen - On Your Way Out [io021]

Afri: Tell us a bit about yourself where are you from?

Phasen: I was born in Orlando, Florida USA in 1989.

Afri: (chuckles) Wow! Now i feel like an old fart!

Afri: I see on your bio you're a student. What and where are you studying?

Phasen: I'm currently a student at the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida. Although I obviously have a passion for music, I am majoring in Journalism, and I plan on being a foreign news correspondent someday.

Afri: When did you start making music and where does your interest stem from?

Phasen: As a child I messed around on the piano in my home. Then, when I was 11 I started taking lessons for trumpet and eventually switched to baritone. At 14 I taught myself how to play the guitar, and as shown in my music, my drive has remained with that instrument since. After a few years playing alone I took lessons from Jack Stirling of the Legendary JC's. During high school I decided to start making my own music, more so out of curiosity than ambition. I immediately embraced the process of creating my own music, and being able to listen to something I made on my own later.

Afri: So, out of your own albums, which one is your personal favorite?

Phasen: My favorite album I've personally produced is my Yesterday Was Tomorrow EP. Although it's only 15 minutes, I love the sound of the album.

Afri: Thats the album you recorded in "record time" isn't it?

Phasen: Yes, I recorded those tracks in only two weeks and as a result it reflects that specific time in my life. Listening to that album takes me back to a very special segment of my life.

Afri: Name some of your Favorite artists and what have you currently got playing on your iPod?

Phasen: Three of my favorite aritsts are Boards of Canada, Aphex Twin, and Black Moth Super Rainbow. I have a rather eclectic taste however, and Lil' Wayne is currently playing on my iPod.

Afri: Yeah, it always good to keep an open mind with music... So do you have any highly regarded "net audio" artists?

Phasen: As far as the net audio scene goes, I love Mark.Nine, Orange Crush, and Austech. Those fellows are a big influence on my music. I often listen to such artists, hear something I like, and then try to recreate it. Every time I inevitably fail, but the result is then something original. A lot of my music is trying to recreate something, and messing up, causing something else I really like.

Afri: What is your opinion on Netlabels and where do you see it going in future?

Phasen: I think netlabels are a great way for people to discover new artists and genres that would otherwise go unnoticed. The fact that a large majority of netlabel music is free also encourages people to take a listen.

Afri: Was there any benefit to releasing under a Netlabel, as opposed to releasing independent?

Phasen: Being associated with I/O Netlabel garnered not only attention and exposure, but a plethora of downloads and opportunities. Just knowing that people listen to my music and enjoy it, relax to it, and share it with friends’ blows my mind. It puts a smile on my face to think that I can make at least one person's day a little more enjoyable every now and then. That's why I make music.

Afri: So now to the lame questions ...

Afri: If you could meet one person who would it be and why?

Phasen: I'm going to have to cheat on this question. I'd like to meet two people at once-Marcus and Michael Sandison-the sibling duo that is Boards of Canada. They are the two people who initially sparked my interest in electronic and experimental music. Their music never gets old to me; each new listen reveals something new I didn't notice before. It's that balance of simplicity and complexity that I strive to form when I make music. I feel they are pioneers of a new genre, and are responsible for influencing a multitude of artists - including myself - a great deal.

Afri: If there was one thing you could change about the world, what would it be?

Phasen: (laughs) Well I suppose that's not a very realistic question?

Afri: True but it might tell us a little more about you …

Phasen: I guess it wouldn't hurt to have all humans be more open-minded, more accepting, and more respectful of others. Things we don't understand scare us. I feel as though a lot of the world's problems would be solved if humans of different backgrounds took some time to put each other in other's shoes. See the world in the eye of our neighbour, without being too quick to judge.

Afri: Phasen thanks for your time. I wish you all the best and hopefully we will see another release from you in the not too distant future!

Phasen: Thanks to you as well and I can assure you a new release is very close.

Singing Crane - The Rising

2007-09-04T21:25:00.000+10:00

Album: The Rising
Artist: Singing Crane
Label: Singing Crane Productions
Genre: Electronica
Release Date:
Download

Review:

This album contains a fantastic blend of ambient, trip hop and other styles. Its really well produced and has some very interesting moments throughout. Some of the tracks make me think of names like DJ Shadow & Amon Tobin (although a bit lighter than Tobin).

Its really a gorgeous final result when the mood swings from ambient to trip-hop / breakbeat and back again. The 3rd track "Threatened", gets a distorted edge to it which creates a paradox with the rest of the track's mellow instruments. The 4th track "Steady Climb", has a EMB style synth-line that gives the track a much more "Edged" feel (think Covenant / VNV Nation - [with no vocals]).

Overall the album gets two thumbs up from me and is getting stored in my "to keep" folder for general enjoyment whenever I need some beautiful music. The blending of styles make it hard to classify into a single genre, so file this under "E" for Electronica.

Note: This is an album that is released independently by Singing Crane Studios. So its not strictly published under the same copyrights as most of our other reviews [[see the included readme.txt file for details]].

The guys are happy to share this music with you, so if you like it ... drop them an email and let them know what you think.

Ambient Selection

2007-09-03T21:34:00.000+10:00

Tonight I've assembled a grouping of some of my favorite Ambient & Chill tracks that I've had the privilege to review on the blog.

Shouts go out to these artists and labels.

Juno 6 - 100 (from the album Queue on 1-Bit Wonder)
Juno 6 - Seecond (from the album Queue on 1-Bit Wonder)
Juno 6 - Kind 14 (from the album Lipsia on Hippocamp)
Loafeye - Drinking Rosewater (From the album drinking rosewater on Archaic Horizon Records)
Endorphin - Reset (From the album Red EP on Bumpfoot)
Aquarell - Reminder (From the album lateral position on Kreislauf)
Modul - Sum.Yellow: Complete (From the album Cutting Edge on Electrosound)
Modul - Win.Blue: Tea 22 (From the album Cutting Edge on Electrosound)
SM - Ekaterinburg : EM (From the album A Place to Live on Electrosound)
Modul - Krasnodar: Aurora (From the album A Place to Live on Electrosound)

I really have a lot of respect for all these and other artists out there who publish their music on a free to share license. I really wish them all the best and hope that they all achieve their individual goals. It must be difficult to work so hard on an album just to give it away.

These are just a small group of my favorite's and if i had more time i would mention about 10 times as much. Ill see if i can set up a list every so often, just to highlight some of the best tracks out there ... well, in my opinion in any case.

To all the artists and labels out there ... thanks for all your hard work and efforts.

You guys rock.

I've updated this ... all the links are in place now :)

PinoCchio - Hoffnung EP [KPMP3-006]

2007-09-01T23:27:00.000+10:00

--------------------------------------
Album: Hoffnung EP
Artist: PinoCchio
Label: www.konsum-productions.com
Genre: Drum n Bass/ Downtempo /
Release Date: Aug 2007
Download

Review:

First review from me for Konsum Productions and its looks like its going to be a pleasant review too. The first track starts off mellow, but soon the ambiance is replaced by fast paced DnB drums. Its not a bad track and its a quite good DnB track.

I was expecting some good things to come from the other three tracks and it caught me off guard. I was expecting more of the same "pumping" DnB, but instead was (pleasantly) surprised to find it to be more laid back DnB? By the third track the album slipped into a very mellow Downtempo style track. This is midnight on a Saturday, so it just hit the right vibe i think! What a track ... just the stuff the Doctor ordered. The fourth track just topped it off with pure bliss ...

Really a top notch recommendation for this one from me. My only moan is (once again) that its a damn EP and its not enough to satisfy my insatiable appetite. Oh well, off to the next album i suppose.

Phasen - Urban Nomad [io026]

2007-08-29T23:37:00.000+10:00

Album: Urban Nomad
Artist: Phasen
Label: www.ionetlabel.com
Genre: Ambient / downtempo
Download

Review:
This will be my third review of a Phasen album. He gives us a good combination of guitar and slow paced beats and rhythms. It reminds me of some of some of the more old-school ambient by some of the pioneers of the genre. (Bill Laswell comes to mind) The album is hard to categorize into a specific genre creating a bit of s niche sound at times.

Personally i liked the track Comfortable (sort of drifting into the abyss stuff) , the other track Insomnia sounds like it was recorded during a rainy day. All with good effect.

I recommend this to ambietn fans or those who appreciate experimental guitar playing ...

Mkd - Delivering Different Sounds [io027]

2007-08-27T23:53:00.000+10:00

Album: Delivering Different Sounds
Artist: Mkd
Label: www.ionetlabel.com
Genre: Downtempo
Download

Review:

Mkd (formerly known as Miko9999) swings back with his first release since March and its somewhat of a mixed bag with this one. There are a couple of real keepers in this release and also one or two that might not appeal to all out there.

Mkd fuses together some fantastic elements to create this album. Ranging from ambient to downtempo lo-fi (all my favs) and he does create a somewhat cohesive album that starts you somewhere and puts you down somewhere else. Using melodies, placed over smooth sweeping pads and the downtempo (LO FI) beats underneath, he creates a melancholic experience thats makes this album worth the download.

*rubs hands together* ... I want some more please :)

Dimomib - Groove Chillium ep [did005]

2007-08-27T23:21:00.000+10:00

Album: Groove Chillium ep
Artist: Dimomib
Label: http://www.deepindub.org/
Genre: Dub /Ambient Dub /Downtempo
Release Date: August 2007
Download

Review:

an Ambient dub masterpiece and thats just the first impression when you listen to the first track.

I was listening to this today while programming and it really had a fantastic effect on my concentration. Trance-inducing-dub that will make your hair stand on end. My ONLY complaint is that its only 3 tracks, and the 3rd track is just a remix of the second track. I know, i know ... its an EP ... but i wanted more. I really enjoyed it and a person can only listen to two tracks so many times.

As with any ambient / Dub ... listen to it from start to end before you make up your mind. Its something that evolves and skipping evolution makes you miss out on the good bits.

Tek - Modular Family [pntg017]

2007-08-27T23:04:00.000+10:00

Album: Modular Family
Artist: Tek
Label: http://www.pentagonik.de/
Genre: Minimal Techno
Release Date: 31-July-2007
Download

Review:

If you like slow progressing, repetitive, pulsing beats and minimal techno this should hit the sweet spot for you. Its another album that builds tension & energy through slow movements in sonic elements.

It's nothing that will make you fall out of your seat, but it should get your feet tapping at least. Definitely recommended for minimalists and ambient techno fans.
Should make a good opener for a techno set...

New reviews on the way

2007-08-27T18:18:00.000+10:00

Hi everyone...

Well, after a lot of consideration and a couple of nice emails from some of you, i decided to make time for some reviews. If tonight runs smoothly i will be posting at least one review, hopefully more.

Do i try and catch up with all the releases that i missed? or do i just skip over the past 3 weeks worth of potentially lovely music?

What do you think?

Statedlife - Future Dream [AH014]

2007-08-14T12:32:00.000+10:00

Album: Future Dream
Artist: Statedlife
Label: www.archaichorizon.com
Genre: Ambient
Release Date: July 2007
Download

Review:

Another release from Archaic Horizon that oozes quality. This is by far one of the best Netlabels out there today with every release being consistent in quality.

Future Dream overflows with lush sonic soundscapes that fills one with emotion. It somehow feels as if it was modelled on "BT - This Binary Universe" (one of my favorite albums btw) and suceeds (in a sense) to create a simular deep emotional connection with the listener.

This is Ambient music as it should be and as such should be downloaded and shared with everyone you know. If you need to study, or have some serious thinking time ahead this music will help the mood. If you are suicidal ... uhmmm ... maybe give this one a miss

ManMadeMan - Free To Listen

2007-07-29T23:12:00.000+10:00

Album: Free To Listen
Artist: ManMadeMan
Label: http://www.ektoplazm.com
Genre: Psytrance
Release Date: 17 July 2007
Download

Review:

ManMadeMan brings us a Psytrance mix set thats really top shelf stuff. Its a fantastic selection of dancefloor burning tracks that will get all Goa / Psytrance fanatics going nuts. They've apparently been published by a couple of labels (including Flying Rhino and Turbo Trance) and this album is a testament of their awesome talent.

Its a solid mix set packed with a lot of solid beats and this is one of those "why is this free?" albums that i would gladly pay money for.

Somewhere out there is a unmixed version of the album with all the source tracks. I was unable to locate it for the review, but its out there!

Christoph Schindling - One of these Days [kreislauf021]

2007-07-29T23:00:00.000+10:00

Album: One of these Days
Artist: Christoph Schindling
Label: http://kreislauf.org
Genre: Minimal/Ambient Techno
Release Date: July 2007
Download

Review:

Great 5 track album from Kreislauf, and its of the same quality from all their previously albums.
The tracks on the album are all pretty laid back, dance floor opening sort of stuff. Its great to listen to on a Sunday evening after a busy weekend and its got a great vibe to it. As with most techno the vibe is created through repetition, but this one really has some great ambient elements in it.

If you want some really mellow, trippy techno with a small bit of funkiness in it, download this one.

Mr. Moods – In Love We Trust... And We Hate [DBR004]

2007-07-18T23:34:00.000+10:00

Album: In Love We Trust... And We Hate
Artist: Mr. Moods
Label: dirtybirdrexx
Genre: Acid Jazz / Downtempo / Soundtrack
Release Date: Jul 2007
Download

Review:
Ok, here we have some intense, dark and melancholic downtempo. Something akin to some of the tracks on the "Ninja Tune" record label. Very slow, extremely atmospheric, horns, scratches and a lot of thick textures all over the place.

Great jazz percussion, fat jazz chords and gorgeous soundscapes flow from one track to the next and its an absolute masterpiece in terms of style! Its brilliant stuff if Acid jazz / turntablism is your thing (I love the stuff)

If you are into Ninja Tune, this is a must download, you wont be disappointed!!

Think Amon Tobin, DJ Food, Nightmares on Wax and Coldcut! (a blend of all of them)

(I'm keeping it)

Hiroshi Oki vs Dessben - Puente Aereo [Antiritmo020]

2007-07-18T23:06:00.000+10:00

Album: Puente Aereo
Artist: Hiroshi Oki vs Dessben
Label: www.antiritmo.com
Genre: Techno / Ambient Techno
Release Date: Jul 2007
Download

Review:

Some stunning Techno from Spain this time. The guys at Antiritmo have a knack for releasing full bodied dance floor friendly dance music with an abstract edge to it. This release is one of their best this year and I really enjoyed listening to it.

Its definitely aimed at the dance floor and has some serious "bang" in it that wont disappoint you if thats what you desire. Its only 4 tracks, but packs a serious amount of energy into it. It literally makes me want to dance. The slow variations in sound keep on building from start to finish and when the track ends you are left waiting for the next one to carry on! It does not disappoint in that respect at all.

So DJ's take note, you got some seriously banging techno tracks that will set your dance floor alight (or at least your CD players if your a bedroom DJ). And if you are just a iPod'der that enjoys some energetic techno ... you know the drill. (Get it)

Phasen - Yesterday Was Tomorrow (EP) [io023]

2007-07-18T22:37:00.000+10:00

Album: Yesterday Was Tomorrow EP
Artist: Phasen
Label: www.ionetlabel.com/
Genre: Ambient / Downtempo / Trip hop / Lo-fi
Release Date: Jul 2007
Download

Review:

Phasen released an album just over a month ago. It was his Debut album and I was rather impressed with his skills and the overall quality of the album. (Full review here)

This release reminds me of some of the work from Bill Laswell, Ambient with a deep rooted guitar / stringed instrument influence. Sometimes i (once again) find my head in the clouds almost as if I was listening to Boards of Canada. Its very laid back and a bit funky but maybe not quite as weird as BoC.

The album gets two thumbs up from me and it goes down really well with a good quality headset.I hope Phasen can keep on producing tunes like these. Its a pleasure to listen to.

Glander - Vate [1bit 026]

2007-07-17T22:51:00.000+10:00

Album: Vate
Artist: Glander
Label: http://www.1bit-wonder.com/
Genre: Minimal / Ambient Techno
Release Date: Jul 2007
Download

Review:

Its been a while since ive reviewed anything by 1Bit-wonder and this album seems to have an element that struck a chord with me. (no pun intended)

Its definite minimal techno but with a spaced out ambiance to it. It does get a little monotonous but i suppose it adds to the overall effect of the music. The music really does stretch out a lot at times and it wont be a liked album by all. So be sure you want something along the lines of "repetitive sounds that swirl on forever and after 4 minutes it gets a beat and rhythm ..."

If you have a love for ambient techno you might like this but if you are not one for intensity by repition, you should give this one a miss.

Think of "Eno" meets "Jeff Mills" ...

General Fuzz - Cool Aberrations

2007-07-16T20:52:00.000+10:00

Album: Cool Aberrations
Artist: General Fuzz
Label: http://www.generalfuzz.net
Genre: Easy listening / Acoustic
Release Date:
Download

Review:

With me being out of touch with the netlabel scene for a few weeks I was contacted by many people about releases they came across. I have so much music to go through and sometimes appreciate the guidance. Especially when i stumble across albums like this one.

This album is the work of James Kirsch, every song on the album is a collaboration with a different artist. This album took a while to create and it is obvious in the quality and versatility that the time and effort spent on assembling it has been a great success.

The album contains mainly "real" instruments. Piano, flute, organ, guitar, voice and a whole whack of others.

On the website you will find an in depth review of the artists and efforts that went into every single track. (See the making of cool Aberrations). The amount of heart and soul that has gone into this album is nothing short of phenomenal and deserves a listen by all music lovers.

If you can, read through the description of the track while you listen to the release. It gives it context and it will make you realize the depth of expression of the album.

Really top of the range music.

FeldFunker - Beyond The Moon [Kreislauf 020]

2007-07-16T20:28:00.000+10:00

Album: Beyond The Moon
Artist: FeldFunker
Label: http://kreislauf.org
Genre: IDM / Minimal / Electro / Minimal / Ambient Techno
Release Date: 1 July 2007
Download (155Mb)

Review:

a Serious synthesizer based composition containing a lot of quality tracks. The range is from mellow, almost ambient, tracks to a some more dance oriented tracks. The dance tracks all tend to keep an element of ambient creating some trance inducing dance music. Arpeggios fill some of the tracks creating flowing and cascading audio landscapes. The track Venus Rising is a prime example of this.

The album does venture into the more dance floor DJ friendly area with some of the tracks, but still manages to keep some chill / psy / trance-inducing structures. Hell, some of the tracks (silhouette) even travels into the so called "electro house" style.

This is really a stand out album covering a range of genre's and keeping that in mind the artist still maintains a cohesive structure to the album.

It's well worth the download.

a Single Track

2007-07-08T19:39:00.000+10:00

This just came up at the right moment ... mellow and still sort of funky.

m.telemann - mars (florian kunze rmx)

I hope to have more reviews up soon...

DJ Kirill Sergeew - Joke Or Not, But Here Is The Best Of

2007-07-01T22:38:00.000+10:00

Album: Joke Or Not, But Here Is The Best Of
Artist: DJ Kirill Sergeew
Label: www.bumpfoot.net
Genre: Downtempo /Jazz / Lounge / Lo-fi
Release Date: 17 Jun 2007
Download

Review:

Im trying to catch up with all that i have missed and I found this album to be fresh and entertaining. I am a piano man and listening to lazy beats with nice piano melodies just gives me a smile. That sort of chillin out on a Sunday afternoon vibe. The first track oozes disco! (where is my afro?) Its pretty cool though, so give that a listen.

Some of the tracks had a very dark feel to it which i quite enjoyed. Overall its very jazz influenced and i only found one or two of the tracks a little too jazz for my taste. It should appeal to Jazz fans though, so give it a listen if you are in the mood for a chillin experience.

Pierlo - Saturday Night Sleeper [upfree19]

2007-06-22T19:54:00.000+10:00

Album: Saturday Night Sleeper
Artist: Pierlo
Label: http://www.upitup.com
Genre: Electro / IDM
Release Date: June 2007
Download

Review:

This album is all over the show. Its fast and slow, mellow and up-beat, chilled and funky. Its a diverse array of elements from a multitude of genre's but is still consistent enough to be the work of a single artist ;)

One thing that is common between all the tracks is a lot of synthesizer usage. Be it basslines or the lead, this album is filled from 1st to last track with synthesizer madness.

Look, its good stuff. Maybe a bit off center at times, but still good. Give it a try if you like the more alternative styles of electronica or feel like something new.

Im soooo far behind ...

2007-06-22T19:43:00.000+10:00

Some of you will have noticed i haven't been updating the blog as much over the past 2 months. Life has caught up with me. I've been too busy with other projects to give my undivided attention to Netlabel-review.

I am planning on submitting some of my own music to a Netlabel soon (doubt it will get signed though!). But at least now you know what has been keeping me busy the last few months.

I have missed out on so much good music. Believe me im still listening to all your stuff. I just stumbled upon "Pierlo - Saturday Night Sleeper [upfree19]" and its definiately worth a listen. Keep your eyes open, it should be the next album to be reviewed.

Thanks for all the supportive emails from everyone.

Phasen - On Your Way Out [io021]

2007-06-16T12:38:00.000+10:00

Album: On Your Way Out
Artist: Phasen
Label: www.ionetlabel.com
Genre: Downtempo / Breakbeat /Lounge
Release Date: June 2007
Download

Review:

IO Netlabel presents an album filled with lo-fi, downtempo goodness. This is the debut album from Phasen and what a pleasurable debut it is. The album resonates with funky breakbeats and a lot of guitar work, creating very interesting settings for the listener (and it spans 2CD's too ;)

I found the music to be very enjoyable and artistically superb. The music has an element of quality to it that is always present throughout all the tracks. Some of the tracks have a strange quirkiness that adds some extra flavor to the album.

Overall this is really a great release and its recommended to all downtempo fans and lofi enthusiasts.

Violent Public Disorderaz - Sadness In Square [lokw-008]

2007-06-13T23:08:00.000+10:00

Album: Sadness In Square
Artist: Violent Public Disorderaz
Label: http://lo-kiwi.org
Genre: Downtempo / Lofi
Release Date: June 2007
Download

Review:

Stoned out Lo-fi, downtempo beats and rhythms fill this album from wall to wall, its all good from start to end. Slow moving soundscapes intertwined with nice funky beats create a slow moving experience that makes this album worth every byte of download.

It reminds me of some of Nightmares on wax's, Cinematic Orchestra or David Holmes' music. Funky lo-fi beats, slow, deep basslines with a dash of jazz just to top it all of.

Sarin Sunday - Light Fragments

2007-06-10T21:19:00.000+10:00

Album: Light Fragments
Artist: Sarin Sunday
Label: www.archaichorizon.com
Genre: Ambient
Release Date: 2 June 2007
Download

Review:

Many times before the artists published by Archaic Horizon have a sound very similar to Boards of Canada; who happens to be one of my favorite artists. Once again they have pulled the rabbit from the hat with this release and proven themselves to be one of the top netlabels out there today.

Sarin Sunday creates a Vintage 70z, retro sound using synthesizers to induce a sense of nostalgia. Whenever I listen to this i get overwhelmed with a almost euphoric sense of times past. It is absolutely the same feeling i get when listening to BoC.

I cannot stress it enough that this is a must have album for any fan of Boards of Canada or any Ambient/downtempo. Hell if you need anything to relax to this is worth every byte of download.

And if you dont know what im talking about, what im trying to say is ... DOWNLOAD IT!

Retroflexus - Graft EP [bump035]

2007-06-10T20:58:00.000+10:00

Album: Graft EP
Artist: Retroflexus
Label: www.bumpfoot.net
Genre: Minimal / Techno
Release Date: 3 June 2007
Download

Review:

This debut release from Retroflexus, an artist from Hungary is also bumpfoot's 80th release.

The music is interesting and will slide down well with all minimal fans. The music tends to be a little quirky at stages but its still funky throughout all 4 tracks.

I found the third track had the most appeal to me, steady solid beat and some nice techno elements just made it worth the download. Give it a download if you are into techno, tech house, minimal ...

Younnat - Wheel Experience Video

2007-06-04T17:34:00.000+10:00

Younnat - Wheel Experience

For those who can remember the Younat release on bumpfoot this is a music video of one of his live performances.

Peculiar, interesting and like most of his music it's got a dash of funky.

Enjoy

Vate - Motor

2007-05-31T23:29:00.000+10:00

Album: Motor
Artist: Vate
Label: Independent (http://www.jamendo.com/en/)
Genre: Electronica / Chillout
Download Torrent (its the only way)

Review:

Ok, hats off to this guy(s) His music is bloody fantastic. I am seriously impressed with this album. Its hard to categorize it into a specific genre but we will try... i can best describe it as ambient-electronica, Ambient house or downtempo electronica ... but its a lot more.

This is not a new release by a long shot, and i suppose im a little late to rant and rave about this one, but if you have any love for chill out or something akin to Orb this will be one of your favorite albums i promise you. This album rivals a lot of current commercial albums and owns most of them too!

This is a keeper album ;) Turn up the volume on your headphones and Let me know what you think

VA - netBloc Vol. 5: The threat at Goliath's feet...

2007-05-29T22:45:00.000+10:00

Album: netBloc Vol. 5: The threat at Goliath's feet...
Artist: Various Artists
Label: http://blocsonic.com/
Genre: Various
Release Date: May 2007
Download @ 320kbs
Download @ 192Kbs
Download FLAC (200MB)

Review:

Let me start off by saying that this is a fantastic release. This is a various artists album containing music from all over earth. It contains almost everything from Rock to Portishead style trip hop. Some (funny) Punk, funky hip-hop and Jazz. However it doesn't contain anything that is too obscure or "way out". Its a well selected compilation that will satisfy most contemporary music lovers.

netBloc have gathered up some of the best music the netlabel community have to offer and created a various artists compilation that covers a lot of genres. The album is a well presented package, giving you all the CD covers and CD artwork (on their website). They even provide you with a 35-page booklet filled with info.

This album does indeed hold the power to illustrate that free music does not imply bad music.

It comes very highly recommended ... 10 kudos to you guys@Blocsonic ;)

Floating Mind - SOS [MonoKraK 6]

2007-05-19T17:54:00.000+10:00

Album: SOS
Artist: Floating Mind
Label: http://www.monokrak.net
Genre: Ambient
Release Date: May 2007
Download

Review:

Its been a while since i have heard such "pure" ambient. The kind of ambient where you really need to turn up the volume before you actually hear "all" of it. Melodies are replaced with rhythmic pulses of sound reminiscent of the likes of Steve Roach and Biosphere. Audio waves sweep into your ears and fill your head with images of water, space, air, and well ... all the images that ambient should stir up. The last two tracks are a little more experimental in a sense, using white noise and drones to cover the majority of the track, but faintly filling in the spaces with traces of melodies and harmonies.

If you are an Brian Eno, Biosphere or Steve Roach fan definitely download this and let me know if you agree? Maybe its just me.

This is ambient of very high standard, I know i label a lot of the net-releases as such, but really ... Its hard to imagine that this is free music. The music is good for times of concentration. Reading, relaxing, painting or possibly even sleeping should fit in perfectly with this.

So next time you head out to the record store for an ambient release. Get this first!

Sublinear - Pinned Beneath the Boiling Sky [plague009]

2007-05-18T21:20:00.000+10:00

Album: Pinned Beneath the Boiling Sky
Artist: Sublinear
Label: N/A (?)
Genre: Trip Hop / Downtempo
Release Date: 9 May 2007
Download

Review:

Some funky downtempo trip-hop beats, loads of heavy pads and strings and more atmosphere than you can shake a stick at! Thats all included in this one release from Sublinear.

The album reminds me of some Cinematic Orchestra style tracks with trip-hop beats filling in the missing bits. Its really a fantastic album. It might be a little slow for some but if you are into your Trip-hop, downtempo or (slow but funky) break beats, we have a winner!

The use of orchestral themes and instruments really set the stage for a stunning album rivaling some of the best commercial released music today. Its once again a audio painting painted on a canvas of sine waves ;)

Get it and share it with all!

Yet again ...

2007-05-17T17:25:00.000+10:00

Hey everyone,

Its been a while since i have posted anything on here. Believe me its not that the music has been bad, its just that i havent had time to listen to anything and even if i have, i just havent had time to write about it.

I'm still looking for anyone who is willing to help out with writing the reviews. I have had a few emails, but we were unable to come to an agreement on accessing the blog. So anyone that is interested please email me ...

I have been listening to some non free music and currently i am blown away by BT's This Binary Universe. I think its a mind blowing album. You can download some of the music video's and a BT interview at the stage6 website. Remember that BT is NOT a "free to share" artists and I hope that if you get your hands on a copy of the album and you enjoy it, that you actually go out and buy the album. You will get a DVD with all the music videos on it and the album was produced in 5.1 surround sound. Its extraordinary and worth every part of the $17.95 that it will cost you...

But thats it from me for today ... hopefully i will update this space soon, so keep your eyes open ;)

Humdrum - Frutti di Mare [onmp063]

2007-05-08T23:01:00.000+10:00

Album: Frutti di Mare
Artist: Humdrum
Label: http://www.on-mix.com
Genre: Acid Jazz / Dub / Downtempo / Lounge
Release Date: May 2007
Download

Review:
Another album with a smashing first track, but will this one live up to the first impression? I am happy to say that indeed it does live up to its initial promise and in some cases even exceed those expectations by bringing us funky and very entertaining music.

the album covers a couple of emotions and feelings but always retain a sense of direction, never letting you fall asleep. Its a damn interesting album thats staying in my "keep" folder (all the others get backed up onto DVD and archived).

Artists like Four tet, nightmares on wax and even a bit of kruder & Dorfmeister come to mind when i listen to this, so if either of those are your cup of tea this is a must download album.

Humdrum's usage of Brazilian rhythms and downtempo acid jazz vibes create an essential lounge album thats a must have for all lounge and chillout fans out there.

Tom Larson - Dancing in the Night [Kreislauf 014]

2007-05-02T20:52:00.000+10:00

Album: Dancing in the Night
Artist: Tom Larson
Label: http://kreislauf.org/
Genre: Ambient Techno / Minimalist
Release Date: 1 May 2007 (Mayday)
Download

Review:
A blissful mixture of ambient, minimal & techno. Really something that you can enjoy on your day off or a lazy afternoon where you don't want something that will put you to sleep, but still be very mellow.

Its a great mix of Detroit style minimal techno and ambient techno.

At the 25 minute mark the mix just becomes magical, a fantastic concoction of melancholy and relaxed vibes. To top things off, the album does pick up pace at the end giving you a more dance floor friendly mix. Overall it is a dance floor friendly mix, perfect for warming up those summer night outdoor dance floors.

This is a superb selection of tracks and overall definitely worth the download. If you are into dance music with a mellow edge ... need I say more?

There is a track list on the website, I am sure you'll want it.

2007-05-01T21:43:00.000+10:00

Album: Acroplane Vol 1
Artist: Various Artists
Label: www.acroplane.org
Genre: Acid Jazz / IDM / Ambient / Downtempo / Various
Release Date: N/A
Download CD1
Download CD2

Review:

First of all let me say that this is a fantastic album. Seldom do you get an album with such a high quality of music and I mean both audio and artistic quality.

The main line of the music is break beats, sometimes with an Acid Jazz flavor and sometimes a little more abstract (ala IDM) sound. The majority of the tracks are laid back and chilled with only a few tracks that have harsh sounds and have a more moderately paced tempo. I must admit i did find one or two of them out of place, but this is a showcase album after all and variety should be expected.

The track "class of '98: old, fat, broken" is haunting with a super thick ambience that will almost drive you to tears with emotion. It really hit a note with me, so to speak.

The second CD can be a little abstract if you are not in the right frame of mind. But i urge you to download and listen to the first CD at least. Let me know what you think of the Ken & Ryu track ;)

And remember ... Share the good music with everyone you know.

Mr. Roy - Outsourced [debun09]

2007-04-26T23:37:00.000+10:00

Album: Outsourced
Artist: Mr. Roy
Label: http://www.debun.de/
Genre: Techno / Electro
Release Date: April 2007
Download

Review:

OK, so today its officially techno, electro, tech house, minimal and anything with a funky beat.

This album contains some thundering basslines ... this is some serious damn music! I don't know how this would go down on a dancefloor, it might cause everyone on the floor to ignite or freak out and explode. Its seriously intense music! (ok, I'm exaggerating about the exploding and combustion and stuff, but not by much)

To give you some perspective, take EBM and remove the vocals, add hard'n'Funky techno beats. If machines got angry and they could talk, this is what it would sound like. (I dont know if its just me that is over worked).

I can only handle the first two tracks on the 4 track EP. The other 2 are not bad, but just too complex for my head at the moment, so maybe it will sound different tomorrow. The fourth track is just plain insane ...

The track straight inconsequence is a killer ... put up the volume on this one.

This is definitely for hard techno fans and no one else

Walther lp - Stand by [NUT014]

2007-04-26T23:12:00.000+10:00

Album: Stand by
Artist: Walther lp
Label: http://nuten-rec.com/
Genre: Techno / IDM / WTF???
Release Date: April 2007
Download (Ogg Format)

Review:

This is my first review of a release by the nuten-rec.com netlabel. The first rack opens up with a very dramatic piano piece and due to my soft spot for the piano i just couldn't resist listening to it. I was half way through the first track when these synthlines just came blasting out in perfect paradox to the organic sounds of the piano. Its really a moving and dramatic piece of music and yes, thats just the first track.

The second track opens up with a straight 4 beat and some interesting sounds used for rhythms. But at 1:40 when the bassline rips through, thats when you would go ballistic on a dancefloor. This is some serious mix fodder that will fit in anywhere in the mix (take note DJ's :). I really like the running arpeggio synths shifting up and down, it just adds that melancholic mood that i like.

The third track is where things run a little sideways! Its HARD AS HELL and never lets up. This is the stuff that would kill you on a dance floor. Its just a little too heavy for my taste (I'm a little past it) But if you are into some seriously hard, moderately fast slamming and banging techno ... you get the point?

The fourth track is suitably named after my home continent, Africa. Its got african rhythms but with this killer bass oozing out all over. Its hard and a little too raw, but its still damn funky.

Overall this is a pretty good album. If you are into laid back stuff, try the first track but skip the rest. If you are into hard and funky stuff GET THIS ALBUM!!!!

(PS: Listen to it LOUD)

Endorphin - Red EP [foot041]

2007-04-23T20:35:00.000+10:00

Album: Red EP
Artist: Endorphin
Label: www.bumpfoot.net
Genre: Ambient / Chill / Downtempo
Release Date: 14 April 2007
Download (27Mb)

Review:

Bumpfoot always seem to have something up their sleeves. Some days its retro, other times its funky and today its just beautiful.

This release, produced by a Russian duet and apparently one other contributing artist is another one that stands out above the rest. It's a mixture of ambient and lofi downtempo beats. It contains some piano pieces which are haunting and sets an almost uneasy vibe ... spooky in a sense.

Personally i liked the first track Reset the most and its staying in my collection. Its got a nice tribal rhythm in it which reminds me of a starry night at home.

Its recommended download for all ambient heads out there.

Niteffect - Fragments [kreislauf 013]

2007-04-21T16:34:00.000+10:00

Album: Fragments
Artist: Niteffect
Label: http://kreislauf.org/
Genre: Downtempo / Breaks / Lo-Fi
Release Date: April 2007
Download

Review:

What an enjoyable album. Every single track is outstanding and superbly created with a lot of funk and amazing rhythms. Its funky, lo-fi break-beats with loads of ambiance to keep you interested all the way through. Its another album that just flies past you without you realizing that its over. It might have something to do with the fact that all the tracks are exactly 2:08 long (Yip ALL of them).

The album is really outstanding and all the tracks are very entertaining. If you like Break beats / acid jazz / vinalystics or any genre in between, this album is right up your alley.

I dont know if this is just a sampler album? I really hope to hear more from Niteffect and want him to add an additional 1 or 2 mins onto his next batch of tracks. Please?

Mark.Nine - Artificial Horizon [io018]

2007-04-17T22:47:00.000+10:00

Album: Artificial Horizon
Artist: Mark.Nine
Label: www.ionetlabel.com
Genre: Downtempo /Ambient / Chillout
Release Date: April 2007
Download

Review:

Mark.Nine is another one of my favorite artists. His previous release in October last year was an outstanding piece of audio art and its with a great big smile that I review his next work.

The album contains a lot of vintage analogue synthesizer sounds, and it really brings an eerie sense of nostalgia with it. Artificial Horizon is a combination of a few contemporary "chilled out" genre's (Chilled out in the broad sense). It contains downtempo, Lo-fi, ambient, IDM and other elements beautifully blended to create a cohesive and well executed album that once again raises the bar to a new level for Mark.Nine and for other net-Artists out there.

Enjoy

If you enjoy his album, please visit his website http://www.marknine.com and make a donation to him via paypal. In return he will ship you an album of your choice. You can contact him too, he generally responds within a few days and he is really a great guy to boot.

Anyone interested?

2007-04-16T23:35:00.000+10:00

Its been 4 days again since i have updated the blog. I just dont have the time at the moment to listen to all the music. To be honest, im not sure where i got the time for all my previous posts!!

Well the time has come and i am now looking for someone to help out with writing reviews and updating the blog.

If you are interested, please send me an email about yourself and include things like your age, your musical tastes and also let me know what you feel you can add to the blog?

Keep in mind that we are always trying to highlight the better releases out there and that they cover a VERY WIDE range of genres. So if you've only been listening to the latest Gabriel & Dresden remix for the past two weeks, please dont bother!

Also keep in mind that you will need to download a lot of music to find, so broadband is a requirement.

Please email me at netlabelreview@dodo.com.au

QX#55 - 6+6=12 [foot037]

2007-04-12T20:39:00.000+10:00

Album: QX#55
Artist: 6+6=12
Label: www.bumpfoot.net
Genre: Ambient / IDM
Release Date: 2 April 2007
Download

Review:

Beautiful melodies move the air around you when you listen to this album. What a pleasure it is. Pure ambient ... soft, relaxing, quiet, soothing all come to mind when listening to 6+6=12.

There are a few very quiet tracks which i didn't really catch. Sort of missed my eardrums almost, but every now and then a beautiful melody slips in and you cant help but smile. Its like Boards of Canada on rohypnol. Almost childlike at times. Later on in the release QX#55 moves away from the pure ambient and the album gets a little more rhythm with varying success. a Lot of Drum and Bass elements which lean towards IDM. There are a few tracks which i didn't enjoy too much, and only two or three which i didn't appreciate ... (might just be the mood im in though)

Rob Hunter - Rob Hunter EP [12Rec038]

2007-04-12T20:19:00.000+10:00

Album: Rob Hunter EP
Artist: Rob Hunter
Label: http://www.12rec.net
Genre: Easy Listening / Lounge / Chillout / Acoustic / IDM
Release Date: March 2007
Download

Review:

Some lounge vibes mixed up with funky IDM beats and rhythms, some acoustic guitars and you have an extremely pleasant listening experience.

The overall vibe might be chilled out but the music really contains some quirky yet funky elements. Its all fun and very easy to listen to. This is a sunday morning vibe at its best and sometimes gives me the same feeling of DNTel (anyone know his work?)

Personally i think this is a stand out album blending elements which is not commonly found in netlabel electronica.

Its highly recommended to any fan of chilled out vibes.

Endorphin - Reset [io017]

2007-04-11T18:41:00.000+10:00

Album: Reset
Artist: Endorphin
Label: http://www.ionetlabel.com
Genre: ambient/ experimental / breaks
Release Date: April 2007
Download

Review:
Warm ambient electronica thats well worth the download and has a few good moments in it. I found the music to be enjoyable, funky and at times a little obscure (i like weird too). The stranger parts might not appeal to everyone in the general population, but its a good listed overall.

Another great release from IO.

BronZe - Dreamer EP [GCAF007]

2007-04-06T16:33:00.000+10:00

Album: Dreamer EP
Artist: BronZe
Label: http://www.groovecaffe.com
Genre: Tech house / Techno
Release Date: March 2007
Download

Review:

This 3 song EP is not bad at all. It is quite mellow, especially the first 2 songs. The music is very easy to listen to, it will also be great background music but still keep the blood flowing. It will also work on a dance floor or in a dance mix too. I find that there are some parts that are a little to stretched, but nothing so bad that it damages the overall feel of the music. The third song has more energy than the first two and the songs form a good combination for an album.

Its a good release and worth the download.

(Thanks Nova)

Tails - Drugs Prescriptions [kreislauf012]

2007-04-06T11:48:00.000+10:00

Album: Drugs Prescriptions
Artist: Tails
Label: http://kreislauf.org
Genre: Techno / Minimal / Techhouse
Release Date: April 2007
Download

Review:

We are back! and to catch up the first thing we are going to do its review something worth downloading! Kreislauf have sent all of us who appreciate the more toned down style of dance (ala Minimal) a heavenly album. Drugs Prescriptions by Tales is a very funky and extrmemely enjoyable piece of audio. Its got all the elements of a top of the range minimal techno and enough energy to rival some house albums out there. Fast the halfway mark the album moves more into the purist techno realm, but its all good ... Enjoy!

And there's the bell for round 2

2007-04-04T10:12:00.000+10:00

Im sure you noticed that I havent updated the blog in a while. The end of march just ended up killing all my time and energy. I can tell you all about it but im sure your not interested in hearing about my work, that my dogs have been taking up all my time or that I've had the flu for a few days.

But I'm all better now and I will try to catch up over the long weekend.

Once again, send me your details (netlabelreview@dodo.com.au) if you want me to give you a review!

Ciao
Afri

Dalt Wisney - Lifetime Psychedelic Dance Lessons

2007-04-01T17:02:00.000+10:00

Album: Lifetime Psychedelic Dance Lessons
Artist: Dalt Wisney
Label: www.mooshymoo.com
Genre: Breakbeat / Acid Jazz
Release Date: March 2007
Download

Review:

This is Mooshy Moo's debut release as a netlabel and I hope this is a sign of things to come. Its a solid release and you might just like it too ...

You like some really zany music? Seriously off center stuff? This album is made for you! Its fun and pretty damn interesting to listen to. Mr Dalt Wisney (?) created a very interesting fusion of Jazz, break beats and loads of samples. All blended together is pretty funky and personally i found it enjoyable to listen to.

Once again we have a release which leans towards the Ninja Tune style of samples and beats. If your someone that doesn't enjoy drinking from the mainstream, this is a must have album. It comes highly recommended.

Old Strikes New - Arcade Awake [snd04]

2007-03-31T15:31:00.000+10:00

Album: Arcade Awake
Artist: Old Strikes New
Label: www.somethingnondescript.co.uk
Genre: ImprovJazzHopTronica (?!?) / Acid Jazz
Release Date: March 2007
Download
Music Video

Review:

At first this release did not appeal to me. The first track just never seemed to get anywhere and all the (orb like) talking in the track really just distracted me from actually enjoying it. When I got to the second track "Far Below Zero" I was suitably impressed! Dark and expressive beats, electronic bleeps and plenty of texture made the track stand out from the others.

All the tracks that follow have a deep Jazz influence and their all dark and (very) funky. Sharp production techniques really keep you on the edge of your seat with this one.

If you are into "Amon Tobin" or "Fout tet" (more Amon Tobin) this should really be a thoroughly enjoyable release. If your just a fan of electronica with a Jazz influence the same goes for you.

Its deep, dark, funky, electronic, jazz and really PHAT! It comes highly recommended too.

Renu - Hello How are You [AH007]

2007-03-30T07:42:00.000+10:00

Album: Hello How are You
Artist: Renu
Label: www.archaichorizon.com
Genre: Chill / Downtempo / Trip Hop
Release Date: March 2007
Download

Review:

Its been a hectic week and this seems to be the perfect soundtrack to winding down before the weekend. Renu creates a very enjoyable and listenable blend of downtempo chilled beats and some funky Boards of Canada style retro synth lines. The overall feel of the album is almost if you blend Jean Michel Jarre with BoC and throw in a dash of Alex Patterson.

Its ambient, chilled and very relaxing and I think its worth a download.

Younnat - The Duct [foot035]

2007-03-25T18:03:00.000+10:00

Album: The Duct
Artist: Younnat
Label: www.bumpfoot.net
Genre: Chill / Easy listening / Electronica
Release Date: 24-March-2007
Download (click it!)

Review:

Younat and bumpfoot send us some pleasant melodies, thick funky beats and some interesting synth lines. its hard to classigy this one again as its got a "easy listening" feel, but yet is not the general cheese that you would expect from that genre.

Instead its a vey mature and funky combination of easy listening with some other elements, I dare say electronica as its just too hard to select one or two genres. As the album progresses the sound becomes more intense, funky and hard. There is a track call "Yesss!" which i found to be very good ... Its house more than anything else and damn funky if you ask me. If you intend to download one track and you like the funky stuff ... get "Yesss!" (its very good)

I found the release very enjoyable and entertaining, one of the tracks didn't do it for me.But you cant please everybody all the time. Who knows, you might even enjoy it.

I really think you should download this album, if you are a fan of most electronic genre's .. .from chill to house, there is something on here for all of us, the last track even contains some flamenco!

Its a must have!

(Side note: Ill try and make up this week for all the album's i missed, remember to mail me if i missed you. I just needed a weekend of relaxation so tomorrow its back to work again!)

Kudu - Photophobia [swm018]

2007-03-23T21:30:00.000+11:00

Album: Photophobia
Artist: Kudu
Label: http://www.sonicwalker.com/
Genre: minimal, dub, techno
Release Date: 21 March 2007
Download (click it!)

Review:

Kudu mixes a stunning set of some really mellow minimalist ambient techno. This compilation is really fantastic and its a perfect selection of music if you want some "laid back" vibes. a Lot of the tracks feature IDM elements, glitches, squeaks, bleeps, blips and dub basslines! Its a interesting combination and once again with some good results.

The selection of artists and remixes is really one of the best i have seen in a compilation. It even includes a remix from Juno6 and if you have been following this blog, you know i like this guys work.

If you like ambient techno, ambient house, minimal, techno, or even just chillout with a bit of beat this is a winner!

Its a highly recommended download, you must give it a listen ...

Note: I haven't included the track listing. Its available from the release page. While your there please send these guys an email and tell them what you think. They need your support and appreciate it too. 9/10 times they even reply back to you!

Its gonna be one of those again!

2007-03-21T22:16:00.000+11:00

Greetings all!

Well, its been a really rough week so far! i havent had time to even listen to any of the new releases. One of my co-workers is on leave for two weeks and in effect we all need to take over his work load for two weeks.

So enough with all the excuses.

Anyone heard any good releases of late that i missed? Please let me know (my addy is on the page)

I hope to have some more reviews up soon, please leave comments i love hearing from you guys! Also if you want me to reply, leave your email address (i wont publish the comment).

I have been hacking away at my own music for the past few weeks and finally got around to sorting out my studio over the weekend too. (Oooh damn I hate cables)

I hope to hear from you all ...

Iñaki Villasante - Accelerates your heart EP [ANTIRITMO 015]

2007-03-19T20:49:00.000+11:00

Album: Accelerates your heart EP
Artist: Iñaki Villasante
Label: www.antiritmo.com
Genre: Techno / minimal (?)
Release Date: March 2007
Download

Review:

Banging techno ... Moderate to fast paced deep, dark and sinister synth grooves and seriously pumping beats ... all the main ingredients are here to give some fantastic food for any technohead. The album's pace never lets down , not even for a second and only seem to get more intense as it moves along. If you ever need to lose a couple of Kg's put this album on repeat and try to keep to the beat.

Overall the album really packs a wallop and sometimes comes across almost evil!! If harder edgy stuff is for you ... this will feed your dark side. (Remember we all need to feed it sometime >:)

2007-03-19T20:25:00.000+11:00

Album: Pimp my Llama
Artist: Dirtybird
Label: www.italobusiness.com/content/netlabel/index.html
Genre: TechHouse / Electro
Release Date: 14 March 2007
Download

Review:
This is a very straight forward EP with some reasonable tunes on it. Once again it might be more mix fodder than iPod food, but it is still good enough to get a mention...

Hardmate - Früher, ganz ganz früher [rest034]

2007-03-18T12:04:00.000+11:00

Album: Früher, ganz ganz früher
Artist: Hardmate
Label: http://www.rest-label.net
Genre: Tech-House
Release Date: March 2007
Download

Review:
If you want some more dancefloor friendly music, either to use in a mix or to listen to, this album will have something on it for you. Its tech-house all the way from start to end.

The album is good, but i cannot say that it will have a lot of replay value on your iPod / player. It will however work very well in a mix. It just does not have the X factor required to make you go "Whooo hooo!". I think some of you might disagree though, dont get me wrong its not bad by a long shot...

There is one stand out track on the album, "Planet Chaos (Sanomat Remix)". Its tends to be more hard trance and it is a track that will make you go "Whoo hoo!".

Metafame - Sooner EP [kreislauf011]

2007-03-17T22:53:00.000+11:00

Album: Sooner EP
Artist: Metafame
Label: http://kreislauf.org/
Genre: Electronica / IDM
Release Date: March 2007
Download

Review:

Kreislauf is proud to give us Metafame's Sooner EP. Its a twisted ride winding through some dark (and insane?) places! Metafame uses dark, low elements, adds ambient texture and sometimes a crooked melody. This creates a pseudo minimalist style with ambient qualities and some remarkable results.

The album might be a little complicated for some to enjoy, but if you have a sense of adventure and an open mind, this album should slide down pretty well.

I'm very impressed with Kreislauf's artists, they seem to choose the artist they "sign" very well and in effect creating a style true to their label. (kudos to you guys)

Bogart Shwadchuck - Vent A+B [FCM010]

2007-03-17T22:44:00.000+11:00

Album: Vent A+B
Artist: Bogart Shwadchuck
Label: http://www.fullcodemedia.com
Genre: House
Release Date: March 2007
Download

Review:

Vent A and Vent B? I must be honest and say that the track names are not very inventive, but i suppose its better than "Untitled1" and "Untitled2"? But if you look past the names of the tracks, you will find some top of the line house music. Both tracks are very funky and extremely dancefloor and DJ friendly.

Bumping Kicks, Stinging Hatz, Funky basslines all the main ingredients are here to make a solid set of house music. The album does deliver and will get the party moving. If house or dance is your thing, you have to queue this one for a download. Its good stuff ...

Roborobika - It's Rainy Outside [io016]

2007-03-17T22:17:00.000+11:00

Album: It's Rainy Outside
Artist: Roborobika
Label: www.ionetlabel.com
Genre: Breakbeat / IDM / DnB
Release Date: 17-March-2007
Download

Review:

This album features a Good mix of IDM and Drum and Bass. The music is good and overall is listenable and enjoyable. The Album lends itself more to the darker side of Drum and Bass and its not the light jazzy style of DnB mentioned in some of the other releases. Keeping this in mind, the album is very funky at times and also energetic.

Sometimes the tracks lack something ... I have listened to the release 3 times already and im still not able to hum a tune :) The music is also DJ friendly and would make for some good mix fills. Maybe after round 4 ill find something that hooks me more ...

Tony Guinness - Almost

2007-03-17T19:37:00.001+11:00

Album: Almost
Artist: Tony Guinness
Label: http://after-dinner.net/
Genre: Tech-House / Minimal
Release Date: 14-March-2007
Download

Review:
Tony Guinness presents to us some pumping and rather funky Tech-House. Both the "Almost" tracks are pretty repetitive but does not get too monotonous or boring at all. I actually think they will both pump up a dancefloor quite well. Its just such a funky groove. The Mr Smith remix of Almost Pt2 is a very good remix and adds and funky bassline into the mix.

Fans of House , Techno , Tech-House and minimalist styles should find this release enjoyable. I can already hear some of these being played on a dancefloor soon.

Juno6 - Queue [1bit023]

2007-03-16T20:23:00.000+11:00

Album: Queue
Artist: Juno6
Label: www.1bit-wonder.com
Genre: Downtempo / IDM / Electronica
Release Date: March 2007
Download

Review:

Juno6 is one of my favorite artists currently conjuring up music for the Netlabel scene. With dark gloomy sounds, peculiar melodies and rhythmic elements he is able to stir emotion and create something that defines the term melancholic. It is haunting and melancholic in the true sense of the word. His use of rhythms and sweeping synths are phenomenal, creating a unique rich style that defines Juno6.

Juno6 is an inspiration to me personally, his music has something in it that I cannot describe (and only wish that I could create). This to me is a Must Have piece of music and like all his albums this one is a keeper.

Download it, enjoy it, share the music and spread the word ... "Music is free as it should be!"

Miko9999 - Helix [io015]

2007-03-15T23:11:00.000+11:00

Album: Helix
Artist: Miko9999
Label: www.ionetlabel.com
Genre: Break beat / Ambient / Downtempo / Electronica
Release Date: 11-March-2007
Download

Review:

This is seriously an album thats "out there". Its a blend between funky lo-fi beats and ambient melodic elements. This is a very interesting combination and Miko9999 pulls of this blend pretty well. Its hard to put this into a single genre as the elements tend to create a paradox which (in my mind at least) is almost unclassifiable ... pure "electronica" comes to mind *cough*.

The album does have a consistent element of funk throughout which really adds to the longevity of the music and i only found myself skipping past one or two of the tracks at the third listen.

If you have a taste for something laid back , but still funky ... you cant go past this one.

Highly recommended stuff :)

Paul Damixie - Love Feels So Good [micro001]

2007-03-15T21:03:00.000+11:00

Album: Love Feels So Good
Artist: Paul Damixie
Label: microme.audio-lab.org
Genre: Tech-House / Minimal
Release Date: 12 March 2007
Download

Review:

This release seems to be the debut of both Paul Damixie and the Netlabel "Microme". The release is dance oriented and blends minimal, techno and house elements to create good Tech-House. So whats the verdict?

The album contains a few groovy, gritty basslines and funky beats. Sometimes it steps well into the hard house arena but still manages to keep vague elements of techno / electro (See "Super Expensive"). The production is also good and is funky enough to appeal to fans of hard house and other dance genres.

To summarize: I enjoyed it.

Revolog - Revolog 1[VRB005]

2007-03-14T22:03:00.000+11:00

Album: Revolog 1
Artist: Revolog
Label: www.vorbic.com
Genre: Drum & Bass
Release Date: 14-March-2007
Download

Review:

Revlog is proud to present his album called "Revlog 1", and we are proud to review it too. Its a Drum and Bass album featuring rollin' beats and pumping sub-bass basslines.

All the tracks are very well laid out and I like the first and last tracks the most. In context though, all the tracks are good and have a very DnB vibe to them. It is this vibe that made me fall in love with Drum & Bass many years ago for that reason this one is staying in my collection.

So its pretty much everything you would expect and a little more too. The guys at Vorbic seem to have a nice arsenal of artists lining up to have their work published. They set quite a high standard for themselves with every release and i have yet to be disappointed in one of their releases.

ORG - Mechanized EP [PCR029]

2007-03-13T19:48:00.000+11:00

Album: Mechanized EP
Artist: ORG
Label: www.pharmacom-productions.de
Genre: Downtempo / Break beat / Chillout?
Release Date: March 2007
Download 192kbs
Download 320kbs

Review:

With a (somewhat) lo-fi sound on the first two tracks of this release catches you off guard, at first thinking its a low quality production, but as the tracks evolve you realize that it just adds more funk into groove.

The title track for me was the best of all ... swinging through with phat beats and funky guitar rhythm. If downtempo funk is your style then this should give you a smile (at least).

If the album continued onwards with more lo-fi-ness it might have spoiled it, but after tuning your ears to the noise the 3rd track drops in with an almost ambient spacey vibe. a Deep bassline rips the track up and fast paced drumming runs almost undiscovered in the track. The fourth track continues onward with this style, mixing up ambient synths with soft but still distinct beats.

The package is available in a number of formats including mp3, ogg and FLAC. I would suggest getting at least the 320Kbs mp3 or FLAC version, if you can handle the extra bandwidth requirements. It being a lo-fi style you need to get as much detail as hi-fi can give you ;)

Its good for me ... what do you think?

Droog - Alles ist Hermoso [norbu03]

2007-03-12T21:21:00.000+11:00

Album: Alles ist Hermoso
Artist: Droog
Label: www.norbumusic.com
Genre: Ambient Techno / Minimal / Techno
Release Date: 8 May 2007
Download

Review:

I'm impressed with this release especially the first track. Its got such a fantastic rhythm ... fantastic atmospheres, haunting melodies and its funky to boot! The second track is a little more devious with a more traditional techno sound building up from start to end. Its definitely something i can see come up in someone's mix pretty soon...

Its a shame its only two tracks though but well worth the small download. There is even a FLAC version for you audiophiles out there.

Tatsu - Wisteria Field [bump030]

2007-03-12T17:25:00.000+11:00

Album: Wisteria Field
Artist: Tatsu
Label: www.bumpfoot.net
Genre: Ambient Techno / Minimal / Tech House
Release Date: 11-March-2007
Download

Review:

Tatsu, the brains behind Bumpfoot, brings us some minimal ambient techno. The album contains 7 tracks all of which are superb pieces of music. The music is lush and laid back, slow and funky and gives you sound with enough pulse to put you in a trance like state. ;)

I can't help but feel a lounge sort of feel to all the tracks. Almost all the tracks would go down in a chill room, as background music after a long days work or even something to play during conversation with your friends after dinner. Its sort of dance-able and chill-able at the same time... a few of the tracks are a little louder and more beat driven than the rest and they might even work as opening tracks for a dancefloor.

All the tracks are enjoyable and the production is spot on. It comes as highly recommended and it's free, so you don't need to mortgage your house, take out a loan or even use your credit card!

All you need is some bandwidth and believe me its good value for your bandwidth (so download it ;)

Hek187 - Big Dawg EP [pp022md]

2007-03-11T10:52:00.000+11:00

Album: Big Dawg EP
Artist: Hek187
Label: www.plainaudio.com
Genre: Drum & Bass
Release Date: March 2007
Download

Review:
Drum and Bass comes from UK producer Hek187 in this release entitled "Big Dawg". Its got funky and well styled rollin' beats that keep your attention from start to end. The beats get a little more intense as the album progresses but never really move out of mellow land (in Drum and Bass terms!). Some of the basslines are sharp, Paht, deep (the kind that would "knock ya eahz uf ya hed")

The EP only contains 4 tracks so its a small download.

(i'm possibly dropping the "rating" system, i dont like it)

Natural Media - Anniversary Compilation [NM007]

2007-03-10T11:14:00.000+11:00

Album: Anniversary Compilation
Artist: Various Artists
Label: www.naturalmedia.com.ar
Genre: Ambient / IDM
Release Date: March-2007
Download

Review:
a Various Artist ambient compilation featuring some amazing ambient tracks. The album blends ambient soundscapes with elements from other genre's but never move too far away from its roots. None of the tracks contain harsh sounds at all, white & pink noise at most and the album progresses as if taking you on a journey. To me this is a requirement for any collected ambient works.

It's definitely headphone / iPod food but can also be consumed whilst lying in bed taking a nap or anywhere else ambient can be enjoyed. a Class-A compilation of some of the best ambient tracks i have heard in a while.

The download also contains a Quicktime movie file which is just a basic "music" video and this grows the download size a bit. But its worth every nibble of your bandwidth. (a nibble = "half a byte" for the non geeks)

4/5

John Lagora - Avian Flu [alquimia001]

2007-03-07T17:34:00.000+11:00

Album: Avian Flu
Artist: John Lagora
Label: www.alquimia-netlabel.com
Genre: Techno /Electro
Release Date: 5-March-2007
Download

Review:

John Lagora is featured as Alquimia Net Label's debut release and it is a very good release at that. Its hard to cast the release into one genre. John Lagora seems to blend the techno and electro genre's into his own unique sound creating a styled version of these. This is a good thing as it gives the artist identity.

The music is thumping and solid, dancefloor friendly and damn groovy. All the dance music enthusiasts who like the "New Electro House" genre must at least try out the track "Stay tune, boy". Its Solid beats, funky tribal rhythms and a KILLER bassline!! You wont be disappointed in this one.

This one get s a full and solid 4/5 :)

Mike Breitfeld - Sci-fi Scope EP [brq30]

2007-03-07T13:36:00.000+11:00

Album: Sci-fi Scope EP
Artist: Mike Breitfeld
Label: http://www.broque.de/
Genre: Electronica / Techno / Various
Album URL
Release Date: 1-March-2007
Download

Review:

a Collection of great sounds in many different styles. Mike Breitfeld has really impressed me with this release. All of the tracks are top of the line and some create an eerie paradox in sound. Combining constant rhythms to tunes which builds up a lot of energy as the music progresses. Be it slow or faster paced all the music seems to build up to something, be it energy or tension.

His usage of synthesis is also great creating deep dark sweeps and pure analogue phatness. He blends some basic techniques in his production with amazing success, 2 man orbit as an example uses some fantastic panning in the sound creating a virtual orbit of sound around you. (headphones help).

The album contains a array of styles from dance to chill out. I recommend it to all of our electronic music fans. There should be something in here for everyone.

a Solid 4.5/5 goes to this release!

Peter Gual - Crits D´Uralita EP [ANTIRITMO014]

2007-03-05T17:24:00.000+11:00

Album: Crits D´Uralita EP
Artist: Peter Gual
Label: www.antiritmo.com
Genre: Techno
Release Date: Feb 2007
Download

Review:

Banging techno tracks with tribal elements mixed in. Its WILD and chaotic at the best of times so beware if you are not into the wild stuff :). But if you are into the more hectic side of techno its a pretty good release. (With hectic, i don't mean harsh sounds that would make you go WTF?!?!). The tribal rhythmic elements do add to the "listenability" of the album giving it more depth and energy.

Its a nice release, good artwork and the production is also good. But I cannot recommend this to non techno fans. It might just be too much for someone who is not keen on fast paced and intense sounds.

This one gets a 2 :)

Oeler - Drum´n´Space [DCC4]

2007-03-04T22:54:00.000+11:00

Album: Drum´n´Space
Artist: Oeler
Label: http://www.directorscutcologne.de/
Genre: Ambient House / House / DnB
Artist URL
Album URL
Release Date: 3 March 2007
Download

Review:

Im not sure if this mix is all by one artist but from what i can make out it seems to be the case. The mix is a great selection of music and the artist is pretty damn talented if all of the music on this album is indeed his.

The progressive house sound is merged with some ambient sweeps and pads, funky basslines and weaves a very palatable sound that is hard not to enjoy. At track five the album dives into breakbeat and I think Moon Groove is one wicked ass track. From there on its drum and bass all the way to the last track which is more of a downtempo track than anything else.

I must say that i find the title of the album very well suited. All of the tracks do have some sort of a spacey sound and all of them really go off without a hitch. I could easilly listen to the entire album without skipping one of the tracks and ill definitely be listening to it again.

This one gets a full 5/5 from me :) If Ambient house or Drum and Bass is your game, this album is for you.

Boing & Peng! - The Unmasked Comedia [SSR026G]

2007-03-04T21:15:00.000+11:00

Album: The Unmasked Comedia
Artist: Boing & Peng!
Label: Super Six Records
Genre: Hard House / Tech House / Progressive House
Album URL
Release Date: 3-Mar-2007
Download 192Kbs
Download 320Kbs

Review:

Boing & Peng serves up some delicious dancefloor food feeding us house and hard house. Its deep and dark and sometimes pretty hard. Its all aimed at making you dance yourself to death while listening to it on a dancefloor.

But seriously. The release is definitely aimed at the dancefloor enthusiast with pulsing basslines and deep solid beats. The album does delve into a bit of techno every now and then giving off a almost Joe Beltram vibe. The progression in the tracks really build a lot of energy as the music moves along (as Progressive should). Its a really solid release from Boing & Peng and the people at Super Six Records. Kudo's to you all.

So uhm? what time is it again? its Party Time!

4/5

Ratings Version 1.0

2007-03-04T15:50:00.000+11:00

5 - This shouldn't be free?? Get it before they realize!
4 - Its fantastic
3 - Its above average
2 - Not bad if the genre is your thing.
1 - If you are a die hard fan of this genre, get it, else give it a miss.

Remember, we DON'T review music that is not worth the effort. We are not in the business of giving out bad reviews (and making enemies in the process). All the music mentioned on this site is hand picked out of the many releases every month. Its music that we find listen-able and sometimes music that we will keep with us forever.

So if you see your album on here got a 1/5 review, dont get upset! Believe me, we sift through a lot of music and only try to find the best.

I still however recommend that you make sure you download music that falls into your musical taste. Don't go downloading ambient if you want something to dance to?!?

Blurb follows-----
I'm trying to think of a better rating system. Should this be out of 10? should we do a worst of the month release? Should we start a chart maybe?
-----end Blurb

Let me know what you think.

Xyn - Blind Alleys - [XSN003]

2007-03-04T15:39:00.000+11:00

Album: Blind Alleys
Artist: Xyn
Label: www.xynthetic.com
Genre: Dub Techno / Ambient Techno
Album URL
Release Date: March 2007
Download (click it!)

Review:

This is a decent release from Xyn. a Couple of dance floor friendly tracks that would most probably melt your head if you had to hear it over a loud system. The tracks are all very well produced and if you are a techno fan this will be a really good release.

It pains me to say however that it just does not stand out from the rest. Even though its good all the way through, its just not something that i would find myself whistling one day on my way to work. It doesn't have a hook or at least any hook that i could find.

If ambient techno is your thing, get this ... what the heck, get it in anycase and leave me a comment to say if you agree or not.

Maybe im just tired after last week.

2.5/5 (remember thats still good!)

Userwave - The Down Pipe [XSN004 ]

2007-03-04T15:21:00.000+11:00

Album: The Down Pipe
Artist: Userwave
Label: http://www.xynthetic.com/
Genre: Electro /Techno
Album URL
Release Date: Mar-2007
Download (Click it!)

Review:

Some old school electro boogie comes to us in the form of The Down Pipe. 808 and 909 style beats with loads of synth lines, lazer zaps and other things straight from the Electro genre.

I sometimes wonder how these guys can still create original content in this style. Those instruments are relatiely limited in the sounds they can produce, but still some of the artists seem to pull it off. I suppose its the application of your musical talent that shows if you can still bring something original out of it.

This is a decent release but i would not recommend it to anyone who wants 4 beat style dance music, this is electro and if you think thats a new style of house music think again. But if you know your electro, this is all good.

3.5/5

Hybreed - Blossoms of a Neophyte [kpmp3-002]

2007-03-03T08:28:00.000+11:00

Album: Blossoms of a Neophyte
Artist: Hybreed
Label: www.Konsum-Productions.com
Genre: Easy Listening / Chillout
Album URL
Release Date: Feb-2007
Download

Review:
Hybreed presents us with some enjoyable tracks. The album ranges from chillout to something a little more funky, but mainly stays in the chill realm.

The album is well done and definitely worth the download if you want some good vibes to fill the air while entertaining people or just relaxing with others.

a Solid 4/5 from me for this one.

Note:
Sorry about the short reviews. I'm seriously stuffed after this week and it looks like next week will be the same all over again.