Various Artists, MD2 [Merck – MD2, 2002]

Five tracks by as many artists on Merck originally released on n5MD as a part of the MD2 compilation. Featured artists are: Proem, L’usine ICL, Jvox, Tim Koch and Spark “Laid back off” by Proem features his cut-up treatment and some interesting choices in sounds, creating a dubby feeling to this track and beats are… Continue reading Various Artists, MD2 [Merck – MD2, 2002]

Proem, 2 = 1 [Merck – PM, 2002]

2 = 1 features six tracks by Proem and is released on Merck. Two of the songs are taken form his full-length albums “Negative”, two other are taken from his n5md release “Among Others” and two are new. “Binary+bored” is besides being cleverly named a beatless intro and a track with haunting sounds and plenty… Continue reading Proem, 2 = 1 [Merck – PM, 2002]

Lowfish, Maintain the Tension [Suction Records – SUCTION014, 2002]

A six track EP of that trademarked quirky, electronic sound that is: Lowfish. Undiluted drum machine patterns and an acute sense of melody in combination with simplicity create enjoyable collection of tracks. There’s one track in particular that craves attention it’s “flakmot” by far the best track with the playful bassline, dry dynamic beat programming… Continue reading Lowfish, Maintain the Tension [Suction Records – SUCTION014, 2002]

Lusine ICL, Iron City [Hymen / Mad Monkey Records – ¥721/MMR08, 2002]

A blinding full-length by L’usine ICL, apparently in great form, with releases to the left and right. Last reviewed here for his contribution to the excellent delikatessen imprint, but also for his contribution to the Hymen compilation “Masonic”. And not (just yet) reviewed 12″ releases on Hymen, Isophlux and Eat This. This time it is… Continue reading Lusine ICL, Iron City [Hymen / Mad Monkey Records – ¥721/MMR08, 2002]

Various Singles, The Condition of Muzak [Expanding Records – EVSC1:01, 2002]

“The Condition of Muzak” is a compilation based around Expanding’s evs 7-inch series. The series comprised of nine singles released in 2001 and each single was limited to 400 copies on coloured vinyl and in custom packaging and all contain exclusive tracks, featuring works of UK-based as well as International artists. Needless to say, most… Continue reading Various Singles, The Condition of Muzak [Expanding Records – EVSC1:01, 2002]

Esem, Enveloped [Defocus – FOC364CD, 2002]

After the delightful “Ikae” 12-inch release on Defocus in 2001, Esem returns with this full-length album entitled “Enveloped”. The 13 tracks contained on the CD version all contain brilliant beats programming, bass and beautiful melodies. The compositions are all strikingly well balanced. That is, Esem’s music isn’t at all to be categorized as minimal, but… Continue reading Esem, Enveloped [Defocus – FOC364CD, 2002]

Murcof, Martes [Leaf – BAY23V, 2002]

A very impressive album debut by Murcof released in May 2002 on the Leaf label, it’s a double pack 12″ and it contains 10 personal and equally beautiful tracks. Most noteworthy is naturally the use of elements such as various string and other musical instruments usually associated with classic music and not forgetting the live… Continue reading Murcof, Martes [Leaf – BAY23V, 2002]

Quench, EP [Aim Records – AIM07, 2001]

What, another Quench release from they year 2001? Yes, it’s true these two men seem pretty unstoppable! The Funcken brothers got me cornered and there just isn’t anyone outthere coming close to them, when it comes to putting crunchy beats together with mind altering melodies, melancholy and sheer beauty. This particular Aim release isn’t an… Continue reading Quench, EP [Aim Records – AIM07, 2001]

Ten and Tracer, Keylemon Reports [Inc.Us – INC.US006, 2001]

A very nice release from Ten and Tracer on Inc.Us, the vinyl section of the Belgian U-cover label. This six track 12″ contains a selection of warm and slightly melancholic compositions. You could quite easily come up with an association, music wise, but in all honesty that would be unfair to the artist and this… Continue reading Ten and Tracer, Keylemon Reports [Inc.Us – INC.US006, 2001]

Various Artists, Masonic [Hymen – ¥719, 2002]

Hymen is celebrating the fifth year of record label activities and what better way of celebrating than releasing a double CD? The “Masonic” contains all imaginable music from the electronic music field, exactly in the same manner as this versatile label has evolved during these years. You get it all, from the melancholic to the… Continue reading Various Artists, Masonic [Hymen – ¥719, 2002]