Elektrabel - Elektrabel (6277 / Test)      (Axis)

This lucky reviewer managed to somehow find in his possession a copy (as yet unreleased) of the latest project to emerge from the legendary Axis camp. Historically, the music never fails to impress and inspire, and this release is absolutely no exception. 4 cuts on offer here. A1 is a trippy off-kilter track, in a similar style to “Apollo”; very atmospheric, heavily focused on frequencies yet ever changing and mostly very subtle. As well as appealing to the techno heads, this may well find itself in the boxes of the more experimental electro DJ’s. A2 is a denser affair, with heavily looping drums, yet still retaining the groove and subtlety to create an atmospheric and thought provoking dancefloor track. It’s quite hard overall, and will no doubt leave listeners wanting more. B1- the reviewers’ favourite- is simply stunning. Stunning in its simplicity and stunning in terms of pure energy. A nagging analogue riff raises and lowers itself in the mix, with the percussion ever changing. Excellent drum patterns and superb (brief) breakdowns help this fire along to awesome effect. This will feature heavily in any self-respecting techno DJ’s sets. Finally, B2 is an ambient/abstract soundscape that explores tonal rhythm. Actually paced at about 130 bpm, it ebbs and flows out of the speakers without any drums to help it along. A beautiful piece, and a very fitting end to an absolutely brilliant release from one of the worlds premier techno stables.

Reviewed by: Ryan Blackman

Score: 5/5

Go to the Axis website.