Moonbeam - When Tears Are Dropping From the Sky

The Russian duo Moonbeam composed by Pavel Khvaleyev and Vitaliy Khvaleyev are back to Traum, after almost a year to release a quite good Ep. Their sounds are quite unmistakable and are marked by some progressive beats always going under outstanding basslines while a few melodies float on the air. And this is, again, what they came to show at Traum Schallplatten. The first tune “When Tears Are Dropping From The Sky” is the most proggy one, reminding me some psychedelic tunes that I listened a few years ago… this really is a track for all of you to close your eyes and feel it… i bet this will gain an extra dimension on open air partys. Next comes “Chirpy” engaging into a more disturbed path, more suitable to minimal techno horizons. It’s another monster one already charted by many Traum djs and my favorite of the Ep. To finalize this terrific work comes “Otaria Ursina” with some gentle melodies to be appreciated in a sunny morning party. Traum releases usually are above the average and this one proves it.

a1 - When Tears Are Dropping From The Sky
b1 - Chirpy
b2 - Otaria Ursina

TRAUM#V111
Rls DatE: 05.04.2009

Berghain 03 - Part II

Following the huge success of Marcel Dettmann, OstGut Ton brings you ‘Berghain 03′ by Len Faki at the end of april 2009. Before the CD hits the shop, the label releases two 12″s featuring the exclusive material of Len’s mix, which, of course, is too good to keep it from DJs all over. In Detail, ‘Berghain 03 - Part I (o-ton 22) contains tracks by Tony Lionni and Radio Slave, ‘Berghain 03 - Part II’ (o-ton 23) contains tracks by Edit-Select and Len Faki himself.

Edit-Select is both label and music project of Scottish DJ Tony Scott, who might also be known for his releases as Percy X on Soma since the mid 90s. Two years ago, he spectacularly managed to reinvent himself as Edit-Select. Nearly all of his new minimal techno tracks have been played and charted by respected Djs such as Luciano, Ben Klock and Richie Hawtin. His exclusive contribution ‘Bauer’ to ‘Berghain 03′ features a stoic rhythm, sparse, but very effective sci-fi tricks and a stretched, standing pad turning the track into a hypnotic monster tool for the wee hours.

Of course Len Faki himself would not miss the chance to contribute an exclusive track to his own mix CD. ‘BX 3′ is one of those typical Faki productions, which, after a tension building prelude, draws on an abundance of resources: alarm sirens, white noise, a massive kick drum. One can literally feel Faki’s awe-inspiring, baroque joy of exploiting what’s possible.

Minimaland Feedback: Massive Techno Anthems with Two Real Gems

A: Edit-Select - Bauer

B: Len Faki - Nx3

O-Ton#023
Release Date: 20.04.2009

Read more about Len’s Faki mix here

Reboot - Ronson Ep

Frank Heinrich aka Reboot is a producer that Minimaland has never mentioned till this date. Despite that fact he is one of the most promissing producers in the tech house scene having previously released some Ep’s on famous labels like Cadenza Records and now, for the second time, he shows up on Cocoon Recordings new edition to deliver a brilliant piece of genuine dance music. This limited edition starts, in the A side, with “Mirasierra”, a long length track that is being charted by Luciano, Nick Curly and many others. I really like this one, it’s a great construction that goes around mnml tech tribal rhythms. In the B side appears “Ronson” with more powerful roots among a step by step pattern, a massive techno beat and a huge bassline… this is something to order the dancefloors to go mad, it’s the most valid tool of the Ep and the most valid reason of this post. A Blue limited edition that all music appreciators should have in their collections

a1 - Mirasierra
b1 - Ronson

samples here

COR#086
Rls Date: 01.04.2009

Nick Höppner - Makeover / Foundling

Nick Höppner, influent part in My My trio, releases this solo “Makeover/Foundling” after the last “Who Needs Action” on berghain, now on another division, Ostgut Tontraeger, the visible echoed part. Ostgut was considered one of the best (and the best by a few) labels of the year, so these two names simply seemed to make a great bond.

Needle down on the vinyl, appears “Makeover”, a stripped down, detailed track more sided to the static rythm and some additional increases on the melody to a introspective progressive construction. Fliping back, on the b side, Foundling takes the control into a more ethereal vibe, as it transmits a great sense of order and detail. Will not put your emotion or thrill up on the peak, however, as listened carefully, denotes great quality, reminding us of older times and good memories with a fresh sense. Ostgut starting, since the last ep on february, to appear again this new year betting on stability and quality. (written by Flow)

a1 - Makeover

b1 - Founding

Release Date:23/03/2009 | Cat: OSTGUTTON#21

Touane - Salty Peanuts

“It may sound like a cliché, but for once it’s true: in a scene scattered with soundalike artists,Touane sounds like no other. On his many records for Persona, Dumb-Unit, liebe*detail, MiniSketch and Resopal, the Italian producer has continually challenged assumptions about “club music,” turning out rich, surprising tunes that sacrifice neither intellect nor emotion in their pursuit of the groove—making him a perfect fit for Berlin’s Lan Muzic, of course.
Touane’s last release for the label was 2007’s Eiertanz EP; now he returns with two strong new tracks rounded out by a quietly bonkers remix by Lan’s resident mad scientist, Jacopo Carreras. Dark, dirty and mischievous, “Salty Peanuts” finds Touane in full-throttle mode, propelled forward by a deep, muscular bass line and dry, scratchy percussion that vibrates like sandpaper against hardwood. For all its restraint, there’s no forgetting the funk, and as the track builds, adding layer after layer of muted percussion and coolly jewel-toned synthesizers, the track only becomes more urgent and irresistible.

“BBQ” slinks into earshot as if it had a guilty conscience, with churning bass cloaked in shadow and oblique percussion providing cover. But like a blush comes to the cheeks, the track gradually emerges into the light, as bright synthesizer lines build in intensity and the drums start throwing sparks; its long, extended climax is an unexpected fusion of dub techno, percussive house and deepest space disco, and it slays.

Jacopo Carreras’ remix of “Salty Peanuts” is, if anything, even saltier than the original. Staying true to its sense of funk, he leans into the bass, sharpens up the hi-hats and adds a delirious little acid burble, with jittery digital edits crushing beats to bone dust and a gelatinous mass of bass and keys bubbling up and splashing all over the rhythm’s clean lines. It’s one of the most focused things Carreras has done yet, and a guaranteed after-hours secret weapon.”

Minimaland Feedback: Amazing BBQ, Lan Muzik equals Quality

1. Touane - Salty Peanuts

2. Touane - Salty Peanuts (Jacopo Carreras remix)

3. Touane - BBQ

LAN#019

Release Date: 20.04.2009

samples here