PREVIEWS:
soundcloud.com/deanoknowledge/various-artists-va-20-k-i010-previews
This second Various Artists release on the label once again brings together some talented artists from around the globe. With a focus on strong, timeless sounds, there is a common thread flowing through the productions of the five artists being showcased.
French artist Blenk opens the package with ‘Spell’, a pounding offbeat piece that is guaranteed to stand out in any techno set. With precise sound design, a devastating low-end and uncanny vocal-like stabs, it is both unique and functional. The Blenk sound is carving a path of its own! Following this is William Arist’s ‘Like Everybody Wants Now’. The Uruguayan artist has been in the game for some time, and his production experience is on full display here. Much like the A1, this track is focussed with its sound design, but equally functional for DJ sets. Taking things back to four-to-the-floor, this A2 is an essential for the peak-time dance-floor given its driving energy and heavy beats.
The B-Side opens with ‘Mantis’, a loopy DJ tool by UK producer Yant. It combines hypnotic elements with classic drum rhythms in an arrangement that carefully ebbs and flows - making it suitable both as a standalone piece or layered within a mix. The B2 takes things in a slightly different direction as American artist Ari Atai showcases his Detroit-influenced cut ‘Signal Phase’. With a foundation of analog drums and bleepy synths, the track builds with careful sound manipulations and closes out the release perfectly with its moody feel.
The digital bonus comes by way of India’s Dotdat. ‘Polyslave’ is a full force production that was made with one clear purpose: to do damage on the dancefloor. With minimal elements, it’s some powerful drum programming that carries the arrangement whilst subtle synth parts add a bit of extra spice to the production.