| 9 Picks from 2014 Because Fuck 101) Ninos Du Brasil – Novos Misterios [April 28th 2014]
Start to finish – relentless percussive Batucada Techno – primal jungle spirit visions of Gaea, the Goddess and Mother Earth delivered sonically betwixt staccato punk vocal exhortations. Delicate and minimal yet simultaneously ferocious – Their deadly rhythm teleports me to another plane wherein I’m dressed in armor made of twigs, leaves, and adorning my face for battle with paint made from rare berries. Hospital Productions.
http://youtu.be/QFDmFmHyoBs
2) DJ Punisher (Delroy Edwards) – Untitled [July 8th 2014]
Three of the most violent and menacing dance floor destroyers I’ve heard in years. Overdriven and unforgiving: no quarter, none are safe. I never judge a record by its cover but even the art and aesthetic warn you that Delroy is out for blood. Slugs to the chest. Sixteen in the clip and one in the hole. A chainsaw – shredding its way through every bar stool and every avenue, pulsing defiantly. Either killing dance floors or infecting them, these beats don’t care. They exist for only one purpose – destruction. LA Club Resource.
http://youtu.be/ogRQL5V3MrQ
3) Andy Stott – Faith In Strangers [November 17th 2014]
Subliminal. Haunting drums, exceptional bass lines and an overall feeling of vulnerability – Alison Skidmore’s vocals are chilling. Easily Stott’s best work to date – in these compositions he’s found a way to create something not only dissonant and melancholy but also quite warm and nostalgic. Modern Love.
http://youtu.be/zJXT4fuiUjg?list=PLm1szpOehiwO5o2prpEiW6CP1cUom-d_g
4) Youth Code – A Place To Stand EP [September 23rd 2014]
A cacophony of sampled construction noises, analog synthesizers and raging, politically inspired vocals. Featuring four amazing remixes of previous tracks from heavy hitters Sanford Parker, clipping., God Module, and Silent Servant – “A Place To Stand” is more than just “shitty punk kids making industrial” (Ryan George / Sara Taylor); It’s a call to arms. Dais Records.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4h5uEPH5IFE
5) An-I – Kino-I EP [January 27th 2014]
The Kino-I EP is the first release of Douglas Lee under the alias An-i. A departure from Lee’s previous works which mostly centered on modern disco and house, Kino-I is a destructive experiment in techno, industrial, noise and ear shattering EBM. Arpeggiated and noisey, with modular electronics & pressed onto beautiful translucent yellow vinyl – this album is like a hand grenade on the dance floor. His follow up EP “Gutz” just out in November is an amazing follow up, but this is the starting point; crucial and devastatingly beautiful. Cititrax.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gryraT6Xh8g
6) SHXCXCHCXSH – Linear S Decoded [September 9th 2014]
Heavy, austere and incredibly sexy dark techno from anonymous Swedish duo with an aversion to vowels. “This Hmming Raverie” is reminiscent of early Crystal Castles without the annoying bites and squeals from Alice Glass. Meanwhile “The Repelling of the Quantitive Invasion” sounds like a chapter ripped from the pages of The Prodigy’s “Music for the Jilted Generation.” A sheer brilliant atmospheric yet floor stomping collection of gloomy rave music. Avian Records.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2HjC0eVRwo
7) Ital – Endgame [August 26th 2014]
DC Hardcore icon Daniel Martin-McCormick (Black Eyes) – Ital’s “Endgame” LP is a brooding, somber exploration in ambient electronics and Detroit style techno. “Whispers In The Dark” is chilling and corroded with a snare tone that cuts straight through to the bone. This Brooklyn based producer and classically trained musician challenges the conventional 4/4 timing of most electronic music and the results are fantastic. Planet Mu.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_vole8lEbNk
8) Damaskin – Unseen Warfare 12” [March 31st 2014]
Noisy, chugging industrial & techno in the vein of Prostitutes. “Unseen Warfare” delivers four oscillating and distorted, heavy jams. “Contra Theatra” unleashes triumphant and face melting bass lines with minimal yet incredibly driving percussion. Unknown Precept.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-k0HbCgVUiQ
9) Jealous God 04 – Broken English Club 12” [April 28th 2014]
Administered and curated by three legends James Ruskin, Juan Mendez and Karl O’Connor – the Jealous God label delivers icy post punk, no wave, industrial and techno bangers. The Broken English Club 12” is nothing short of phenomenal.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MTOc7lf1Aw |
