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Here we are! At last! The return of regular reviews on Electro Empire. We'll be reviewing old and new releases alike as and when we recieve them and then inputting them into the general EE database. Thanks to all the labels and artists who send wax for review and help fuel the EE Mothership

Tricky D "Take it to the max"

CHA.OS "Records, Turntables"

SOUNDCHASERS: BackIIBass / DADEaBASS split 12"

Javier Morillas "Take Me High" 12" + Competition!

Gab Gato Feat' Matteo Merlo & DJ ako "The Systematik Network Attack EP"

The Return of DEBONAIRE / MAGGOTRON + OMEGA II reviews

DMX KREW "Snow Cub"

Sir Real "Apocalyptica EP"

Silicon Scally "Bioroid" Album

Blotnik Brothers "Mizuage" Album

Umwelt "Galvanic Vestibular Stimulation" Album

Funkmaster Ozone "Westcoast Pioneers" EP

The MAGGOTRON transmission

TRICKY D
“Take It To The Max”
DEBONAIRE RECORDS 003

A great set of remixes of a classic Debonaire Records oldie from some serious electro and bass heavy weights. On duty this time round are HYDRAULIX, SCRATCH D, SUPREME JA and DEXORCIST. Originally released in 1988 (DEB 1124) , Tricky D’s smooth rhyme over a boomin Debonaire beat was an instant Miami Bass monster on the dance floors. Given due care and attention by these four producers, this classic is brought up to date here in 4 version transmitting true woofer pumping glory.

“Like dynamite before it blows, who gives a dam when the beats gooooes….”

First up, Side A, is HYDRAULIX remix. Kickin of with those classic 80’s synth string stabs and a sample taken from the hi pitched jitter riff of the jive trax “122bpm” track and claps before the beat arrives in funky form. “Get Movin” vocodes from the speakers and then BOOM! Serious BASS!!!!
This is building niiiicely! More samples ensue and the temperature is rising as we get more complex…breakdown! edit style / early sample influenced stutters and in comes an gritty slab of vocoder giving ode to the original and letting ya know it’s HYDRAULIX in session.
Never over busy and with lovely touches of rhymes delivered vocoder style as well as few samples of the original lyrics from Tricky D, this is an honourable ose to the original while imparting fresh production and remix skills.

Next up is DEXORCIST’s interpretation. Feeling a bit slower but bringin some heavy heavy bass action and sharp clap/snare combo, this version has some nice string pad chords and a stabby hook straight from an FM synth. This has a slightly more old school Hip Hop feel to it with it’s unhurried pace before an the ethereal vocoder lays down the lyrics. Samples abound in true Miami Bass fashion and I have to say DEXORCIST surprised me a little here in keeping things tame compared to his usual bass onslaughts. This has more of a breakers angle to the sound rather than Miami bass club floor, ass shakin action and is a nicely different slice alongside the other mixes.

Side B and it’s SCRATCH D’s rendition. Being an original collaborator with Debonaire back in the day I’m al ears for Dave’s remixes and he’s made me smile again. You know the guy is a bass legend and he’s got a little something up his sleeve here I wasn’t expecting…a 303 riff!!!
Using the a lot more of Tricky D’s lyrics, this version is more accomplished in my book and retains more of the original funk of the track. Even if most of today’s people are a little spun out with the lovely 303 riff. Which may make you think of acid trax, this works brilliantly here. The breakdown to a more stripped down part at the end makes the production quality very evident as the more subtle parts are given a chance to shine.

SUPREME JA brings up the rear with his version excursion. This one has a slightly funkier flow with the little rhythms SJ has thrown in there and the production is very tight. The sound is fullest on this mix, less space between sounds in the mix down. Evil sounding vocal samples lurk around in the background creating a spookier edge on this remix giving an over all darker mood.
With German vox throughout, this one has a flavour all it’s own with less elements of the original but those in use still retaining a bit of the originals taste within the over all feel.

It’s a shame the lyrics aren’t used more, I think it a shame they’ve been so easily passed over in all but Scratch D’s remix. Hydraulix bring it with their new vocoder licks and deliver the freshest, up to date mix but it is Scratch D’s that wins it for me as it jus rox better.
Each remix has a flavour all it’s own and everyone has done this classic justice (apart from the afformentioned lack of the original lyrics!). 8/10

This is a must for Miami Bass fans and Electro heads alike and another fine release from DEBONAIRE RECORDS Inc.

Available in Limited Edition purple vinyl and original black stuff as well as MP3 direct from Debonaire Records here:
www.debonairerecords.com

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CHA.OS
"RECORDS, TURNTABLES"
CUT IT UP DEF. CIUD2.0-0-003

The third release on the newly reborn CUT IT UP DEF label from Miami and this one’s on fire! One side being a Miami Bass / Electro Rap throw down to all the fakers and lame DJs while the B side is an Instrumental drum machine n samples mash up with some dark undertones.

"Records, Turntables"
Kicking off with the awesome bass line from Man Parrish's electro classic "Man Made" and a whole slue of "Are you ready..” type skits sliced in Tension builds and we're given the impression something big is about to happen. Building nicely with more cuts and scratches (The classic "Records, mixer, turntables, speakers" from "Surgery" being one) before hitting high with the chorus melody from “Man Made” giving a great lift before the vocals drop and we really get down to business.
Delivering lines with passion and intent, JOCK D brings the first verbal onslaught, energy levels set to maximum and a point to make, standing tall and tellin us all he's on a mission. "Are you ready to throw down?...I don't think so, ya breakbeat clowns!" hah haaaah! Tell em!!!
CHA.OS isn't a solo effort tho, it's a crew and Ace The Bass (Lon Alonzo) is in the place also. Adding a deeper voice and a totally different style of delivery that compliments and juxtaposes Jock's perfectly.
Continuing the mission of tellin it like it is and that true Miami Bass is back, fuck the breakbeat and booty shit!....it's time to party hardy.
There’s some good energy here, true to the history of this style of music and it’s impact on the kids of yesteryear while bringing it to the new school and telling em what’s what.
The Scratch Version / instrumental is a fine trip in itself. No lyrics, just beats and bass with those Man Parrish melodies shining thru. This is a great alternative to the vocal version and good DJ foder for mixing up the two versions for an extended mash up.

"PLANETARY DETERIORATION"
CHA.OS vs OZONE LAYER bringin us a smooth megamix track chock full o classic electro and bass skits over a deep boom of a kick that’s all been very well put together and mixed down. Not as frenetic as some megamixes, this one has something of a tune about it as it's not trying to bang in as many cuts as possible, jus use them to create a long, immersive track. There's space aplenty to appreciate the beats and bass line as well as the samples, as much a beat workout as a megamix actually. It has as a somewhat spooky feel with an underlying level of detuned vocals whispering beneath the track which gives it a bit of an edge. This is something for poppers and breakers with plenty of meat to get yer dancin teeth into as well as a sure fire hit with beat freaks.

Overall, a nice release for the real schoolers to appreciate and something to teach the new schoolers with. Passionate vocal delivery and intent on “Records, turntables” together with a well thought out and produced beat/sample track with OZONE LAYER.

Available in Limited Edition red vinyl as well as black. This gets a healthy 8/10.

www.myspace.com/cutitupdefrecordsv20

www.myspace.com/jokd

SOUND CHASERS. BACK II BOOM / DADEaBASS SPLIT 12"

Are these guys the hardest working pEEps in BASS ? They're certainly trying for the title !
Not sleeping on the success of their first 12" on CIUD (Novus Ordo), Sound Chasers ( DJs Jr Rock & Teknik ) are back with an even stronger release on thier own label / s.
They explained to me that BACK II BOOM is Bass with total acceptance of SAMPLERDELICA while DADEaBASS is purely musical and staying away from samples. I fine ethic of labels in brotherhood, both releasing BASStastic tunes but with a clear definition of their intent. Now, down to the tunes and the artists before we talk COMPETITION & FREE WAX !!!
Lets kick off with the first label scan, the BACK II BOOM side...
SOUND CHASERS "RECORDS TO WRECK" Feat' DJ DE LA.
From the get go these beats are lovely and crisp, understated bass kicks, subtle bottom end rather than over powering at first, then it lets rip and the boom shakes yer trousers. BAM ! samples galor and a scratch attack ! Using skits and samples we know but put together in a fresh style that makes them work it to the max.Slightly overcrowded at first but settlin down nicely to a classic Miami Bass DJ work out. DJ De La has been down with DADEaBASS since it's inception and is a quality DJ from Miami who deserves more time. Bringing true hip hop love to a scene that is all too overcooked in Rave-ism these days.Debonaire's mixdown is nice, everything in place and a place for everything. maybe the beat is a little TOO previlent and the cuts and samples coulda done with just a NUDGE more volume but that doesn't detract from the overall presentation...
another great DJ cut n paste with plenty of scratchin action ! Quite simply, there aint no one doing it better !
DYNAMIK BASS SYSTEM "WE ARE BINARY (but we have human needs)"
Starting off with Kraftwerkian voices and proper old school orchestral stabs, DBS deliver another slab of classic tunage here !
They program a tune in that old school style like few can. Clarity of sound and bass that just can't be ignored without actually over powering you. But wait....check the vocoder...AWESSSOME!
This is some of the clearest, well delivered & mixed vocoder i've heard from new schoolers! It sits PERFECTLY in the tune and Jnr ROCK's lyrics roll off DBS's tongue like he's been doing it since 1984 !
I asked Jnr how this track came about and he told me:
"Well, Thomas, who is the mastermind behind the DBS name, hit me up a while back and we clicked right away. I told him about my ideas on starting BACK II BOOM and he said he was down and he whipped up the track. I told him if he needed help or anything like that with vocals i would ghost em .. considering english is not his 1st language. I said yo no problem lets do it, he said ''think of girls having sex with 808's'' so i wrote it like the girl /machine thing is metaphorical, when we say ''i want to play with your digital display" =D ...well you get the idea, hahaha, it can go both ways, machine or woman."
They certainly brewed a storm with this number ! Great beats + synths straight outa time machine and rockin vocoders done by Thomas with Jnr Rocks lyrics = WINNER!
OK, time to flip the trip and take another hit...
DADEaBASS side and SOUND CHASERS "SONAR" sweeps into effect.
Awesome bass form the get go! Sharp attack on the mid range of the kick and lovely hum from the bottom. A very sparse and spooky track indeed. This is sci fi bass !!! Remember the ode of DADEaBASS is musical rather than smaple bassed and this is a splendid example. Well thought out, uncluttered, clear production and depth.
One for pure beat lovers, no gimmicks here, just BASS and spookyness galor. LOVE IT !
Taking up the batton and supplying remix pressure is SUPREME JA.
This mix sticks very closely to the original, non of that "It's a different freakin tune alltogether!" shit here. As Jnr ROCK said:
"Our original mix is street, it's old school, Miami style. SUPREME JA's is real clean and tight, sharper". He aint wrong ! this is a lesson in version excursion. Don't remake a track into something totally different, tweek it into something of your own and pay respect to what was handed to you. Thats exactly what SUPREME JA has done. Staying true to the original he has crafted a version that is more modern sounding with more control over the kick/bassline. Not as spooky as the original but deep in its own, subtle way.

All round a great 12" with some fine guest appearances. Miami Bass and nothing else. Pure! Great beats, wonderful vocoderism, deep bass, superb cuttin n scratchin, what more do you want ? GET IT !!!

SOUNDCHASERS
various Sound Chasers tunes and BACK II BASS trax here

DADEaBASS
You can hear snippets of the 12" here

As well as the 12" wax release there is a specific BACK II BOOM digital release available. Featuring the DYNAMIC BASS SYSTEM's "We are binary" & SOUND CHASERS "Records to wreck" from the 12" with the addition of SUPREME JA "Letters rebirth" & SUBSONIC DEVICE "Bass machine".
Get it from this link....

The official site of DBS
DYNAMIC BASS SYSTEM

The online home of
SUPREME JA

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JAVIER MORLILLAS
"TAKE ME HIGH EP"
Fresh Kingdom FKR.003
12" OF THE MONTH!!!

WOOP WOOP ! ELECTROFUNK ALERT !!!
Fresh Kingdom have jus dropped one of THE funkiest bombs I’ve heard in a loooong time. This is so funky, so true to the b boy / electrofunk soul yet with MASSIVE appeal ! I know for a FACT that when I drop this tune "Take Me High" (Electrofunk mix) the pEEps on the dance floor is gona sweat and groove like the sun just rose over the landscape of crappy electro imitators and shone its funky energy giving light deep into their souls and chased away all their music by numbers blues. A real breath of fresh (Kingdom) air. As much a B Girl pleaser as a B Boy breaker. If this tune got radio play it would be HUUUUGE. A sure-fire summer hit !
That’s not to say it's commercial, it's jus honestly freakin GOOD!
OK OK, lets break it down, track by brilliant track.

A1: "Like That"
"LadiEEs and gentleman...come on come on come on everybody lets all git down!"
Side A kicks off with a funky, get on down and bust a move, DJ droppin snippits, breakers dream.
Funky brass licks over a proper solid beat with plenty of bottom without boomin. "Hey, you, what’s that sound, everybody look what’s going down.....aaaaah yes, aint that FRESH! everybody get down like that".
If Jnr Rock's knee weren’t out of play I KNOW he'd be rockin the floor work to this sucka !
A perfect blend of breaks and electrofunk with vocal drops to drive the groove home. Short, sweet and to the point.

A2: "Take Me High (Electrofunk)"
Another tight beat funkin it up from the get go. Vocal stabs of "Takes me high" twist and warp then some great synth hooks start to nibble on yer ears and lick ya upside the face before full on kissin ya french style and causing emotions to stir and happy dancin feet to move. Before ya know it, the dance floor’s on FIRE!
The hook in this tune is supa infectious, fat, up beat and like something straight outa the original electrofunk days of the 80's, from which this tune takes its hook ( a certain Breakin2 film).
This is so well constructed with jus the right amount of vox twisted filtering before letting rip with a full on blast of soulful extollations on the beauty of the woman in mind. With breakdowns in all the right places and soaring synth notes on the build up to take yer head clean off before bringing in even more layers of synthesized funkiness to keep ya entertained and on the dance floor. Frickin awesome tune ! I defy you not to shake yo ass on hearing this !

A3: "Nautrybute"
Holy crap ! This 12" jus keeps going ! One of the (THE, in my book) best tunes / breaks EVER gets the electrofunky Javier treatment. Bob James "Nautilus". BOO YAH ! Tuff beats over this break are only the beginning! Fat squelchy bass synth, almost 303 but not in any way "Acid"....hey, electrofunk used it first anway (Newcleus anyone?). Simple, uncomplicated cut n paste of this classic break with jus the right amount of overlayed synth and another tight electrofunk beat. There are many reasons to buy this 12", buying TWO is a must to be able to extend these short trax into the dance floor rippers they should be !

A4: DJ TOOLS.
Yup, does exactly what it sez in the title. A nice collection of skits and noises for DJs to burn up ! (another reason to buy more then one =D ).

A5: "Bonus Funky Beat"
Starting off with a rising synth/white noise whoosh and droppin a lovely, insistent funky guitar lick together with the parliafunkadelic law "I promise the funk, the whole funk and nothing but the funk". "oooooOOO-HO !" BANG, the beat drops and this break aint taking any prisoners ! Congo's and rolling rhythms galore....time for more, fast paced floorwork and energy. Another short track, reason THREE to buy two copies! =D

B1: "Rock Yours"
Time to rock the girls on the dance floor again ( The breakers will get on this without thought) with another great electrofunk storm. A Vocodered slab of ass shakin monumentalness.....I need a piece of LINO !...wait, no, I'm jus gona watch the ladies shake it instead =D. Guitar licks, brass stabs, short synth tone melodies, DJ cuttin (Calagad13) and breakdowns to make you simmer, boil and start to yearn for the tune to let rip again !!! BOOM !!! "ROCK YOUR BODY". The statement of "It's hip hop, don't stop" is bang on. Hip Hop was always about more than some guy spitting down a mike over some obscure/overused break and it's truly inspiring to see the B Boy fraternity digging on the synthesizer more and taking back the Electro and making Electro funky again.

B2: "Take Me High (Housegroove)".
Dam, I still can't diss this version coz it sez "House"! Javier has replaced the beats in only a slightly more 4 x 4 fashion and tightened up the release on the synth tones for a more insistent, quick fire sound. Still infectious to the extreme jus because it's funky to the max and is worth 20 other, so called *spits* "Electro House" trax.
I played this to ma buddies who run an underground House night and they loved it, but found the original had all the funkiness required and didn't think they'd need to resort to the House version as it was so similar anyway! Maybe if Javier had really housed it up with a more stripped down, deep take, this version would stand out as a house track a little more.

B3: DJ TOOLS.
More skits n bits for DJs to rip shit up and burn

B4: Bonus Electro beat.
"Over?...Did you jus say it was over?!....NOTHING is over until WE decide it is!!" comes the sample that gives us reason FOUR to buy two copies..another wonderfully short electrofunk beat excursion. Using a classic Kraftwerk sample with Javier's by now patented FAT beats over the top and a lickle synth bass line. Brilliant !

The overall production on this 12" is astounding! Clarity ? forgeddaboudit ! Javier, at his "Homestudio" has set a bench mark others should try to reach. Ruff sounding "street" productions are all well and good, but nothing compares to a well mixed down and mastered work that cuts through the speakers on all frequencies and in no way masks one part with over emphasis from another (usually the 808 kick on most tunes). Well chosen samples, two sets of DJ Tools, uber optimistic and happy riffs, serious beat programming...there's absolutely NOTHING wrong with this 12"!!!
For me, this record gets 12 / 10 !!!!

Keep up to date with FRESH KINGDOM & listen to snippets here:
freshkingdom

Coming soon:
DRUM LOVE from FRESH KINGDOM supremo, DJ CALAGAD13 !!!
calagad13

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GAB GATO Feat' MATTEO MERLO & DJAKO
"THE SYSTEMATIK NETWORK ATTACK EP "
Villains Inc Recordings 001

It is truly a pleasure to introduce to the EE massive the new label from one of our own loooong time member. Villains Inc Recordings is the brainchild of Gab Gato and co-horts from italy. This first release is a great start by any standards. Deep, moody, tense and well made. Anologue gear and digital technology, side by side and being used with skill. All that and great artwork by SimonLoop on the label.
So, whats it sound like?
Text Side: "Systematik Network Attack"
Staring off with a great funky 808 beat, kick and snare and a hint of synth ssslllowly rising from the back before a whoosh brings in the hi hats and the main riff starts to fade up. This is edgy, dark gear. Great vocoder work and sitting very well in the mix and not muffled by the beat. The main riff is almost nightmarish with that twisted off note lilt. Bassline ? Grrrrrrr, it's got teeth and means to bight you..."MUNCH!" This is a blinding start for a new label, as stated before but it's jus been rammed home as everyone else left the office and i turned this sucker up loud! Great nob twisting/fader sliding action on the synthsthat morph and meld the tones and keep this shifting along nicely. These guys aint fuckin around and mean business.
"Systematik Network Attack - Acappela"
A very nice touch! Jus the vocoder and reverbed, atmospheric synth solo. Ya can realy hear the GRRR of the vocoder and all it's frequencies cutting thru. A great DJ tool for droppin before you mix in the main track or for cuttin n scratchin.

Label Side "VC10"
Comin in with a long, held moogy synth bassline and Vocoders from, well, yup, a VC10! This is the real deal vocoderism. Not overly EQed, pitched or filtered. The beat is a nice, simple kick, snarewith plenty of ooomff together with electro zipzaps and something that sounds like glass bottles been played . The breakdown is great, simmering bass note eexxxxxxtending away as the vocoder grabs your very soul before WHACK! The full beast returns for the final assault. Uncomplicated, sparse even, but definately the kinda Electro we need more of.
"VC10 Instrumental"
Immerse yourself in the dark tones and pulses of the synth and get hit upside the head by those drums. This tunes got real pressence in it's stripped down form and all the synth sounds cut through beautifully, if ya can call something that's quite menacing beautiful =D. This a very refreshing sound and vibe that I'm looking forward very much to playing out at the more serious Electro nights like Club Marguerita.

This is a corking 12" get online and find it !!! Gab is searching out Distro's across the planet as I write and this is a new label that deserves support. It has tons of depth and is original in style and delivery.
For me, it gets 9/10.

gabgato.com For all Villains Inc and Gab Gato art/Comics

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THE RETURN OF DEBONAIRE RECORDS AND MAGGOTRON

We had Debonaire droppin science on the last homepage and now the wax is out !!!
Gaining great acclaim planet wide for the return of original Miami Bass and bringing together the old school with the new.
These 12"s are instant classics and not to be slept on. Lets kick off with the first release and my personal fave:
MAGGOTRON "MISSION: ELECTRO"

"A long time ago, in a galaxy far far away"
I've got goose bumps !
This is it people ! THE classic of 2007 !!! You heard about it here first and I'm tellin ya now, this is fuckin classic MAGGOTRON !!! THEY'RE BACK !!!!!!!!!!!
Only the DXJ can do the vox like this. Multiple vocoder styles merge together and play with each other like we LOVE DXJ for !!! This shames all other vocoder work and usage, it's genius and the song itself is a lesson in electro song production all together !
From the first boom after the vocal intro and a little tom tom play reminiscent of Planet Patrol and Man Parrish. Space zipzaps pitter-patter around and a serious mood is set from the tone of the hi freq’ melody and the rising low synth. With playful infectious melodies alongside boomin Miami beats, nothing is left to chance, ya whole body is affected.
Vocoder tiiiiiiime....”Reactivate”….3 vocoder personalities play with each other and infect every brain cell in use, making muscles twitch from yer head to yer toes! Ya can't ignore this, it's jus soooo infectious !!! Aside from the old school sample scratch, the real deal razy scratchin is provided by non other than spanish beats/electrofunk supremo from FRESH KINGDOM, CALAGAD13 ! Whippin his wax back n forth and flippin a fader with super precision and adding yet another true, original school feel to the tune. YUSH !
"RE-ACTIVATE" drops next in a totally stripped down, sparse version excursion with more time spent on the beats in production. The snare in particuler has more effects and there's space enough to make more of the space zaps. Minimal Vocoder action but jus enough to keep ya smilin and let others know what yer listenin to. We have a great DJ opertunity at the end with a total strip down to just the vocoder intoning "MISSION: ELECTRO, ELECTRO MISSION"
DJ's, get multiple copies, it's worth it for the mixing between versions alone BUT that vocoder is goan get burnt but good !

"ANYMATE THE STYL".
Cut up, sampled stabbing vocoders intone "animate an animate. ani animate - mate animiate the style!"
My hairs are beginning to rise off my arms !!!
Then a synth sound like something straight out the 80's (Pretty Tony) yet deeper starts the rhythm ina stabby hook stylee. Lloyd, it's poppin time !
Brass hits and a synth growl + sweep and we're off ! Beats with that patented Debonaire bottom roll out alongside very crisp snares very nicely programmed for uber funkiness and just a hint of the masters, Kraftwerk appearing here and there ! I love the tricky lickle hi hat play going on here, there's knowledge in use here, not just instinct, the hats pattern is enough for any newby to struggle with producing without losing the funk of the rhythm. With long hi synth notes hinting of smooth flowing electrofunk body waves and a very kool bubblin, rollin weirdness of a synth pattern rising and falling sublimely in the background like some ancient machine workin hard, fueled by some electrofied liquid, ya know this is space music! The vocodered voice is limited in this track to one voice, justly delivering the intent, “ANIMATE THE STYL”
Yes, we're back in the 80's...or are we ?! From so far in the future, it's the past, forget all the imitators, this is the real deal from two true schoolers.

Debonaire & Dee X Jay @ work...or is it play ?

Bringing up the rear in New School Miami Bass style is SCRATCH D (Dynamix II). Giving that new clubbier feel and slightly darker for strobe infused madness. The sliding bass riff is proper infectious and the vocoderism is well evident throughout. A perfect blend of old and new without siding with one style over the other. Not as full as the original mix, being slightly stripped down for today’s kids this is never the less another great version excursion.

We’ve waited a long time for this return from MAGGOTRON and we could all be so easily disappointed when a master returns…alas WE ARE NOT ! This is bonafide Electro genius !
Inspired song construction alongside untouchable vocoderism, production of depth and nothing tweaked for radio play, just pure big sound system club mixdown. I can’t recommend this highly enough but there again, I don’t think I have to, it speaks for itself !
AN INSTANT CLASSIC !!! Welcome back DXJ, it's been too long....but worth the wait.


CLASSIC MAGGOTRON !

Hot on the heals of of that comes a split 12" of sorts:
OMEGAII "SONIC BOOM" / DEBONAIRE & EXZAKT "FINAL IGNITION"

A bonafide Miami Bass classic surrounded in mystery and intreague from it's first appearance back in the 80's right up to the 00's with the imergence of another version that caused even more confusion. The 'original' currently sells for around €400 a pop on Showroom. On this 12" we get both a rendition of the Original (Capsule Classic) and the remake - Re Boom.
The original Capsule Classic is a great taste of yesteryear and the reasons why we fell in love with Electro in the first place.
Timeless beat programing that makes breakers and poppers alike go crazy, hell, I could see the jazz steppas gettin off on this shizz when you marry those beats to the awesome melodies contained in this tune ! If ya don't already know lets set the record straight, this is Debonaire, not DynamixII or DXJ. Proud of that fact he should be too ! This is an awesome tune. The vocoders have that feel that we jus don't get anymore. Delivered with aplomb, optimism and excitement and almost innocent. You can feel the vibe of the time here. No massive ego driving the intent, no bullshit, jus a guy goin off good style on his vocoder tellin ya he's comin at you to make you move! Rising and falling in tone, up and down the musical scale. Speaking of music, this is so melodic it puts most Electro to shame. I'm not talking classical, complicated music, it's jus not over simplified and scared of being a little happy and uplifting. Sample wise we have crowd cheers and DJ wise we got some fine funky scratches....They jus DON'T make em like this anymore !!!
"SONIC Re BOOM" is an excellent ode to the original, bringing it bang up to date without taking anything away from it. Modern production, sharper, dialed in bass tones and re recorded vocoder. The spookier intro has got "DJ - SCRATCH ME" written all over it ! The way the vocovoice says "BOOM" over a diving bass tone is screamin to be cut the fuck up by any DJ worth his/her salt!
From the first orchestral stab the boom is deep and long. This version is, for better or worse,minus the DJ scratchin action (not many contempary tunes do have DJs in session) and rolls along a little smoother. The excited vibe behind the original vocoder is missing but this is from different era and come across well in its own right in its own style. A polished version excursion with oodles of extra bass and the groove is still there and able to rock any spot with big enough woofers. Both tracks compliment each other perfectly. This a testament to old school meets new school in mutual respect and with the same intent..."We are coming at you, we are here to make you boom"......"It's the sonic booooom!" 10 / 10 !

Grabbin the wax and spinnin it over brings us somehwere else entirely !
“Final Ignition” is another great example of Old School meeta new. Together with Exzakt, Debonaire has put together a tune that contains that pure Miami feel while utilising the knowledge he’s gained from years of studio engineering. From the get go we’re given insistent low-end synth rhythm over boomin precise beats. HAL intones, “I don’t think I’ve seen anything quite like this before” then we have a crazy, staccato melody that sounds like a computer gone array…fitting after listening to HAL’s voice. Complete with radio squelch and rocket boosters noises, this track pulls you along at pace without sounding hurried. Then it breaks down into a very nice hardcore synth section with overdriven noises that really bring this track above others. I could listen to that section over and over as it appeals to my grittier side.
”Ignition Full Thrust” is a slightly darker version. The snare has more balls with lovely reverb and the rising, long release synth tone is well nasty, in a good way.
There seems to be more power in this version and I can’t quite nail it as to why. “What’s the situation now? I don’t know”, ya got that right ! The subtle differences between the two is such that it’s hard to chose which is best ! I think this one gets my vote tho. With the beep and “oooh” to keep those synapses hinged in the past to remind us where we’re comin from and clearer, modern production this is a great ode to the old school.
Another fine release and Debonaire Records returns with a woosh and a boom. Not sitting back and watchin what happens, Debonaire has already got a slew of other trax re tweeked, re mixed and ready to roll ! Putting his money where his mouth is, this is one guy with self belief and strong catalogue of classics to bring back to life with the aid of producers around the globe. Debonaire has promised Electro Empire some fine exclusives over the coming months so keep your eyes and ears open.....I can already tell you the next 12" is gona be Tricky D's "Take It To The Max". Come back soon and find out more right here !!!

DEBONAIRE RECORDS Inc
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DMX KREW
"SNOW CUB"
Breakin Records BRK47

Yush! BREAKIN IS BACK!!!

DMX KREW return to the field of audio battle with a servo of five very different trax, all containing that unmistakable Ed funk. We'll be celebrating the return of Breakin next month with a full, indepth release by release breakdown of the label and interviews with head honcho Ed and some of the artists involved in this legendary label.
Back to this release tho, lets give it that Mossey breakdown treatment...
Side A:
"Snow Cub"
This one is a quite frenetic breakbeat/jungley number with spacey, jazz flavoured synths over a nice, wide bassline. Great rhythm programing with multiple snare sounds in varying effected spaces. Sounding like the soundtrack to an interstellar jog thru a weird landscape, Ed shows us some true musical mastery here, evoking visions of wide open spaces and strange, eerie plants undulating in an alien wind with the odd bizarrly coloured furry animal at play in it's natural surrounding...as viewed by you, the alien interloper. Bouncey in its overall flava with synth tones reminiscent of old Aphex Twin "Ambient works" Days. Great melodies, infact, beautiful melodies and beats that judder and kinda strumble at just the right interval for some seriouscomplicated jazz footwork expressions (where's me silk hancky?!). I was never a big fan of Jungle (we never used to let people listen to it in the shop. allways sending them i nto the listening booth) but I do like the more jazzy tinged, musical stuff as opposed to the bass driven, dark stuff. This reminds me of such stuff and would sit well in my mix of modern jazz dance numbers. *tokes his cigarette* "NIIICE"

"The Strom King"
Now we get to what EE fans want, Electro! Twisted 303/101 riff morphs and detunes in some cleverly and timely fashion over a very sharp, tight beat. Sci Fi, effected melody modulates around the high end before VOCALS arrive! Nicely low pitched vox delivers a verse of lyrics about The Storm King, being excited by thunder, lightning and rain and the vibe it brings. Is this a vailed referance to the real and original God of the Jews, Yahweh ? Sat on his heavenly throne..hmmm =D
peaked my occult interest there, Ed! =D That aside, the true wibble wobble of the main riff makes from some proper crazy shape throwing (well, it did me) and gives this track a real distinct sound over a nice bassline.
Love it! nice one Ed.

"Funk Cube"
Oh yeah! Electrofunk in the place! Funky funky beats and a groovey bassline with a playful, lighthearted melody rising and falling up and down the scale with a long oozing slow attack synth rising over a few beats before falling again with a quicker attack over one beat. This is something to burn some serious sneaker rubber on, Ed's synth work is once again proved to be some of the best in Electroland married with his great knack of the funky beat programing. Punchy, tight and making it impossible to stay still to.
There's no wonder the DMX KREW live set @ Bloc weekender was so rammed. Ya can't help but be happy and dance when Ed's playing. There's something so infectious and playful about what Ed does and he lays that vibe down on wax once again for us right here.

Side B:
"Emerging Technology remix"
Coming at us again in a more breaky fashion but without going too far and managing to maintain a jazz/funk electro vibe. No 606/808/909 drums, just a nice set of sampled drum sounds fueling another playful melody. Some superioir beat programing with snares falling away in verbs or stutter/ fast repeating/reversing to great effect. This has a very dubbed out vibe without wallowing in reverbs and delays or becoming too sparse. Quite powerful when it comes to getting the dancefloor on the go as the main riff is right there in the backbone. It weaves, dives and freaks out, constantly shifting and changing into other synth sounds without ever losing it's initial melodic pull. insistant to the core.

"Blimp Beats remix"
This gets my Second Best award on this 12" ("Funk Cube" holds first place). A great, powerful beat drives a crazy twisted, resonance... well, all knobs turned, faders flipped multi synth work out thats jus too funky to be true. Bordering on the insane and bringing a wide smile to my face while giving my leg muscles a good run for their money! There aren't many can stand next to Ed in my book coz he can bring it and bring it good in many styles of electronic music and he mostly does it with a good dolop of fun.

With high production values throughout, superb EQ and funk to the maximum, this is a superb return from DMX Krew and Breakin. Each track is infused with its own flavour and power coupled with luscious melodies, deep bass and superb beat programming. 10 / 10 !

Honorable mention to Ed's other release too, which is a 12" containing four trax of acid under his monicer, 101 FORCE. (brk48)
If ya dig the acid groove then this is for you! Quality production again and some brilliant 303 action with that old school acid feel throbbing through out. Uplifting, smiley trax and deeper, sparse, head down and dance yo ass off tunidge too. I know a few heads whpo are gona be droppin this 12" in their sets fo sure.

EDMX / BREAKIN RECORDS

www.myspace.com/edmx

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THE SATAMILE BIG UP !!!

Having jus joyfully being added to the SATAMILE promo list
I've got a bunch of goodies to review here.
We've got the fresh new 12" release from Brummy boy SIR REAL and
3 great albums to catch up on so,
LET'S AVE IT !

SIR REAL
"APOCALYPTICA EP"
Satamile SAT040

Having first met Neil SIR REAL waaaay back in the heady days of the first HOUSE OF GOD nights in Birmingham, it's been a joy to see him progress in both stature as an internationally recognised DJ and his vinyl output ( I LOVE [K]racktroni[K]'s output of genre twisted electronica). This slab 'o' black stuff is another fine example, on SATAMILE, of the depth of music that SIR REAL delivers. Three trax of hi octane, pacey modern Electro from his Broken Studios home base.

A1: "Scorched Earth"
Starting off with a pleasant synth melody and arppegiated pitter patters before letting rip with an uncomplicated beat and bringing in the main hook ina Tangerine Dreamy kinda vibe....don't be fooled tho !...that’s jus the intro...after a break down and a little synth filtering... BANG ! We then get to the nitty gritty and a nastier sounding synth and buckets of energy. The tone is a little more serious now with added building synth patterns and a beat that's tuff as nails. Not out and out dark but certainly not lightweight by any stretch of the imagination, it breaks down and comes back in again and goes further, deeper. After rising to the same crescendo it then foregoes any niceties and lets fly with more of the tough vibe to pull more sweat from your pores while making ya dance more frenetically.
I mentioned Tangerine Dream, this is like a classic T D track but recorded while they were hyped on a 3 day speed bender, this Dream is more Bitter Lemon then Tangerine. It has it's sweetness but is offset with the jaw twanging back of the mouth muscle spasming kick.
As a side note, this plays like a real nice dark, dubby slow burner at 33 rpm =D.

B1: "Ascension"
This one's more unthreatening than the previous tune. Not to say that it's wussy, just a little friendlier. With a fat, low 303-ish sounding synth workout driving the bottom end under lighter, stringy hi end synth line and a kinda alarm sound and single note noises and effects as part of the rhythm. The beat is well funky and using more breaky sounding drum tones rather than a typical 606 / 808 / 909 basis. I can almost see myself playing the next version of Wipe-out to this, racing at speed round some mental, twisty turny coarse and blowing other players up while my heart rate rises and a lean slightly from side to side as I fly round the bends.....I'd win if this was part of the soundtrack coz I'd zone right into the sucker. As for it's rightful place as part of a set and being danced on, yup, it works if slightly more breaky fare is your cup o tea.

B2: "Landscapes"
A slightly more leftfield start with effected, verby synths and some vox sample about sounds going thru your brain and BOOM! An energetic tune with a more Electro sounding drum set pulling along very insistent bass and mid freq synth hooks. This is a no nonsense, head down and dance number. It gets lifted nicely with a sweet little 5 note falling melody which is a nice touch. This has something of that classic English electronic dance music sound about it. By being immersed in the deep history this country has with dark rooms and strobe lights, music that doesn't take itself TOO seriously and is made with one intent, to entertain you on the dance floor, not disappear up it's own arse in overly clever programming or self reference or trying to sound like it's from Detroit. It is what it is, electronic funky music made to make you dance....and it does.

Another fine offering from Sir Real in that kinda attitude that those Brummies have...we make dance music..it might sound like Electro, You may think it comes off sounding Breaky, it might sound like Techno, whatever you think it is, it's just electronic dance music....with a twist. I'm NOT saying it isn't Electro, coz it is to me as I'm not so quick to dismiss New School sounds as being Nu Skool Breaks if it doesn't have 80's emulating synths and 808 drum sets. Classic sounding Electro it isn't, body moving New School Electro, it is. 8 / 10

www.myspace.com/djsirreal

www.sirreal.biz/

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SILICON SCALLY
"BIOROID"
Satamile SAT038

Now, I've been waiting a while to get my hands on this next sucka ! Another Englishman landing on planet Satamile and delivering first class Electro orientated audio manipulations of the highest order. Carl Finlow in his SILICON SCALLY guise has put together a monster of an LP in "BIOROID". Eight trax of semi industrial, powerful beats and expertly played melodies and basslines. Futuristic and original while recognisable as music made by a guy with a deep love of Electro and the uncluttered grooves of House. Sounding fresh and invigorating with mood aplenty, emotions both dark, serious and at some points foreboding while at others, melancholic and thoughtful. Mostly quick paced but with time enough to slow down a bit to bring the pulse down and give you a breather. His years in the game are qualification enough and his time spent in the studio is evident in the quality of audio held here in. SOME artists would struggle to EQ some of these tracks as they contain many sounds and layers, not Carl. Each channel sits perfectly and I struggle to find any note, blip or beat that is being masked or washed over by another. Punchy, in yer face relentlessness when it counts, subtle and uninvasive strokes when not. In a word, Masterful.
Lets break it down...
A1: "Thrusters"
No messing ! pulling no punches and giving us a rump shaker from the get go. Sci Fi tastic sounds and machine rhythms from lift off. It builds...and it builds. This could so easily fall over itself in complexity, there's that much going on, but each sound compliments the next. Invoking visions of some sort of robot work force mine and ancient, clunky machinery relentlessly turning and processing whatever it is the robots are mining, all in perfect binary driven timing, each part completing it's function in order that another machine may do its allotted task. This IS machine music ! Brilliant.
A2: "Population III"
A little starker and stripped down than our first trip, "Population III" is a shape thrower. Ya know, the type of tune that when on the dance floor you find yourself dialling into different musical parts and moving different parts of your body and, well, throwing shapes! Building steadily in complexity with more synth lines before breaking down to the driving bassline and a lickle twist of something a little 303-y. Swooshes and wooshes abound leading into the metallic snares while the uncomplicated kick drum pattern keeps those feet lifting again and again. This is a relentless tune that's gona make yer clothes wet with sweat.

B1: "Nucleon"
We've calmed down a bit now and slowed the pace a little. The feel this time is gentle insinuation and enticement. Nothing jumping out into yer face or 'clothes lining' you with robot arms. With more space and less sounds and a bassline that almost sounds like a real bass guitar married with lots of single hit sounds rather than melodies and riffs, this is a rhythmic work out of a gentler persuasion. Very pleasant with room for extreme