techno cola

CHARLES FENCKLER | Anklam
[Soma 388D]

1. Anklam
2. Block
3. Fabrik


Charles Andre aka Charles Fenckler is a young French producer and the latest in new talent to join the Soma roster. Passionate about electronic music from a young age, he has matured into a full fledged producer composing an interesting style of Techno gliding between deep and melodic dub infused Techno, integrating influences stretching between Detroit & Berlin drawing inspiration from icons as Juan Atkins, Derrick May and Shed. With such musical knowledge for someone so young, Charles Fenckler invites you to travel into his universe, filled with deep and powerful Techno.

Anklam comes straight out the block with a fast paced drum structure reminiscent of early Shed productions. The whole track is given a real Detroit feel with a perfectly designed synth stab that filters in an out perfectly as stylized 909 percussion gives this the drive of a top end modern techno production.

Block keeps the pace of the EP going as once again, Fenckler delivers a deep driving Techno track, designed for the floor. Energetic, synths with subtle delays are allowed to work this track while simple and effective percussion drop in and out making this a real groover with a late 90’s feel to it.

Fenckler ends the EP of a suitably deep note with Fabric. His rhythms are tight and another perfectly balanced synth hook keeps this track firmly rooted at the deeper end of Techno. Most certainly thought out with the dance floor in mind once again this could easily work its way into peak time or end of the night takedowns.

Fenckler shows that simplicity is the key with Techno and does so with great ease. A fantastic knowledge of rhythm and shows he is definitely one to watch in the future.

Charles Fenckler - Block (Soma 388d)

04LM | Tragicaller (inc James Ruskin Remix)
[SOMA390D]

1. Tragicaller
2. M Place (James Ruskin Remix)
3. M Place

Argentinian based DJ/Producer OSWLD joins Soma in 2014 and debuts Tragicaller under his new alias 04LM. With some storming releases under his belt on the fantastic Non Series, 04LM brings his more melodic & haunting sound to the Soma ranks. One of the UK’s biggest Techno exports and Blueprint Records label head, James Ruskin, joins 04LM for a bone crunching remix.

Title track Tragicaller growls in with dark, chugging percussion and one mean bass line. Slowly and surely the tracks evolves, eerie pads float atop brash hi hats and shakers and well defined sequences keep the track flowing, heavy atmospheres in the background rise higher keeping the temperature of this on high!

James Ruskin weighs in with his version of M Place. Hard hitting from the get go. A mighty kick drums bangs across the spectrum as 04LM’s main melody pulses in the background. Chopped up percussion slices through giving this track a fantastic groove. James takes his remix into heavier territories as an almighty bass binge rockets through the heart of his version.

The original version of 04LM’s M Place closes the EP. Hollowed out percussion seals a perfectly haunting melody that sweeps in balanced by slightly distorted atmospheres.

04LM creates a distinct sound with his originals while Techno pioneer Ruskin jacks up proceedings nicely. 

O4LM - M Place (James Ruskin Remix) (Soma 390)

SLAM | Pattern A3 (inc Jonas Kopp, Bleak & Charles Fenckler Remixes)
[SOMA412D]

1.	Slam – Pattern A3
2.	Slam - Pattern A3 (Jonas Kopp Remix)
3.	Slam - Pattern A3 (Bleak’s Modular Interpretation)
4.	Slam - Pattern A3 (Charles Fenckler Remix) 

The first single to be taken from Slam’s truly astounding upcoming album ‘Reverse Proceed’ sees the hypnotic Pattern A3 alongside some of Techno’s biggest and brightest new stars adding their own versions also.

Slam have chosen one of the major standout tracks from Reverse Proceed to set the tone prior to the album’s full release in late October. With the album built around the concept of varying sequences, it’s fitting that the first single be given such an apt name. Taken directly form the Cirklon sequencer pattern that helped design the track Pattern A3 features heavily modulating synths that seems to have a fully organic life of their own set against the typical backdrop of 909 drums. 

Following on from Slam’s original, Soma have enlisted the help of 3 of the label’s favourite contemporary Techno artists. Argentina’s Jonas Kopp is first up on remix duties and deliver an absolute pile-driver of a remix with his signature thudding drums and machine-gun like percussion firing rapidly against subtle and stripped synth elements.
 
Swedish based Bleak is a very welcome addition to this package as he offers his own ‘Modular Interpretation’. Heavy sub bass and intelligent drum work outs combine with yet more subtle hints of the original’s synth elements to give a more deep and introspective version. 

Rounding off the EP is latest Soma artist Charles Fenckler. The young French artist is making waves in Techno at the moment and has certainly delivered on this project, giving his version a much more minimalistic, stripped and ends up with a solid dance floor burner. 

*Mastered by Conor Dalton @ Glowcast Mastering

Slam - Pattern A3 Ep(inc Jonas Kopp, Bleak and Charles Fenckler remixes)

SLAM | Factory Music / Cirklon Bells
(Slam / Hans Bouffmyhre / Truncate / Edit Select Remixes)

[SOMA416D]

1. Slam – Factory Music [Slam 101 Interpretation]
2. Slam – Factory Music [Hans Bouffmyhre Remix]
3. Slam - Cirklon Bells [Truncate Remix]
4. Slam - Cirklon Bells [Edit Select Remix]

Slam unleash their 2nd, pre album single in the form of some heavyweight versions of tracks taken from the stellar 'Reverse Proceed' dropping this October. Alongside the boys themselves, Slam have enlisted fellow Glaswegian producers Hans Bouffmyhre & Edit Select as well as Truncate to bring their own unique takes to 'Factory Music' and 'Cirklon Bells'

Slam step up first to provide a reinterpretation of Factory Music that sees them almost completely revamp the original. Slam ramp up the tension in the track as driving percussion rides the tsunami provided by one hell of a synth line.

More recently popping up on Soma under his Secluded guise, Hans Bouffmyhre follows up from Slam with an energetic remix of Factory music. His signature, sub heavy Techno comes out in full force as he perfectly loops out the original and balances a solid drum workout smoothly in a groove ridden, peak hour track.

The always on form Truncate brings his jacked up funk to Cirklon Bells, one of the more ambient pieces from Reverse Proceed. The mind melting synths are merged with Truncate's stuttered, distorted percussion giving this a real Chicago flavour.

Tony Scott aka Edit Select rounds off the package on a deeper tip. More subtle drums are used, giving this remix the typical hypnotic mood found throughout his music. The ethereal atmospheres are effectively used in the backbone of the track bringing the usual Edit Select profoundness to the remix

*Mastered by Conor Dalton @ Glowcast Mastering

Slam - Factory Music / Cirklon Bells Ep (Soma 416d)

Charles Fenckler | District EP
[SOMA415D]

1.	District One
2.	District Two

French wonder producer Charles Fenckler returns with his his latest offering, the ‘District EP’. For someone so young, Charles’ productions are going from strength to strength with each release as he finely tunes his sound, leaning heavily on the Detroit/Berlin axis of techno

District One kick things off as Fenckler treats us to a real percussive workout from the start, quickly working in hypnotic synth elements. A real groove laden track, Fenckler lets the drums do the talking on this one as a solid tool 

With District Two, Fenckler goes to the roots and whips out classic 909 drum sounds as the basis for the flip side to the ep. Gradually working in each percussive element, the track builds quickly into a real powerhouse. 

Fenckler is quickly earning his stripes here at Soma as he builds his profile into one of our most profile artists.

*All tracks mastered by Conor Dalton @ Glowcast Mastering


District Two

Charles Fenckler - District Two - Soma 415d

Vinyl:
http://www.somarecords.com/shop/music/soma_420

Slam | Reverse Proceed Interpretations Part 2
Gary Beck, Clouds & Jeroen Search Remixes
[SOMA420]

1. Slam – Catacoustics (Gary Beck Remix)
2. Slam - Resolved (Clouds Remix)
3. Slam – Cirklon Bells (Jeroen Search Remix)

The second installment of re Interpretations form Slam’s latest, critically acclaimed album Reverse Proceed sees Soma look to yet more highly regarded Techno artists to provide their reimagining’s of their favourite tracks from Reverse Proceed. Long time Soma collaborator Gary Beck makes a welcome return to the label alongside fellow Scottish upstarts Clouds and finally Dutch Techno wizard, Jeroen Search. Each brings their inimitable style to the project.

Gary Beck steps up first with his take on Catacoustics. His fiery brand of looped out Techno take the already tough Catacoustics into another realm. Gary comes out, all guns blazing using the original hook to great effect as it trips out over his ferocious kicks, thundering percussion and powerful dance floor groove.

Not shy of a fierce remix, the Clouds twosome give Resolved a thorough going over. One of the more ambient tracks from Reverse Proceed, the beatless, breathtaking original is well and truly given a proper workout by the young Scottish producers. Filtered, shaking percussion leads us into the analogue warmth of the Resolved pads. This light start rapidly gives way to a full on assault of rhythmic destruction as Clouds turn in a serious weapons grade Techno track. 

The influential figure of Jeroen Search closes off this EP in fine form with his version of Cirklon Bells. Widely regarded as a true innovator in Techno, Jeroen shows off his skills with this remix as he powers in with a straight out 909 workout infused with hypnotic synth hooks. Given the live treatment, Jeroen is able to keep things exciting with the remix and easily pulls out a highly addictive remix.

*All tracks mastered by Conor Dalton @ Glowcast Mastering


Slam - Cirklon Bells (Jeroen Search Remix) - Soma 420

Absolute beast of a track edited by Juan Sanchez himself.
Ripped this out of his set at Amsterdam Open Air 2015.
All credits for this track go out to 3KZ and Mark Broom and Juan Sanchez.

3KZ - Bounder (Mark Broom Remix) (No Problem Juan Can't Fix Edit)

SLAM/@paragraph | Parallel Phase EP
[SOMA449D]

1. Parallel Phase
2. Shadow Art
3. Morass
4. Contour     

After the unprecedented success of the opening of the unique ‘Soma Track Series’, Stuart & Orde are back in business with pure, thundering Techno packed full of soul and a vision that sees them take Soma into 2016.

Title track ‘Parallel Phase’ wastes no time in crashing though the speakers as steam train drums and 
pulsing rhythmic tones serve as the back bone of this driving, dance floor orientated weapon. ‘Shadow Art’ combines perfectly held drones, evolving pads and subtly dubbed percussion against another solid groove as Slam really delve deep on this one. The duo brings out another heavy hitter in ‘Morass’ that utilises perfectly matched rhythms in the low end and synth hook creating tension with every build. Slam round of this storming EP with the gentle yet powerful ‘Contour’. A warping baseline fluctuates amongst swarms of glistening high end and straight up percussion creating an immersive, subterranean sound.

With a whole lot more in the pipeline, Slam make a bold start to the new year with this expertly crafted EP showing full control over all the Techno elements.

*All tracks mastered by Conor Dalton @ glowcast.co.uk

Parallel Phase EP

Parallel Phase

Slam - Parallel Phase (Soma 449d)

Slam/@paragraph | Significs EP
[SOMA459D]

1. Structure
2. Significs
3. Functional

Slam deliver yet another on point release for Soma as the duo drop the Signifies EP. Stuart and Orde have been on fire of late with not only their releases doing the damage but with a string of gigs across the continent and their own Pressure events in their hometown of Glasgow going from strength to strength, the pair seem unstoppable at the moment. This latest EP once again shows great depth in their production going from hard- hitting techno to stripped back and jacked up machine funk.

Structure kicks things off and Slam state their intent on this one as one mean sounding hook plays the main role alongside fairly punishing drums. Title track Signifies is up next with yet more intelligently made patterns used a little more subtly but with no less impact. Functional closes out the EP and takes things a little deeper with is simple yet effect and pumped percussion striding across a tweeked out vocal sample.
With this huge release, Slam once again maintain their claim as being one of the most innovative acts in electronic music right now.

Mastered by Conor Dalton @ Glowcast Mastering

Significs

Slam - Significs (Soma 459d)

Order vinyl=> http://bit.ly/Soma25Vinyl1

Envoy | Dark Manoeuvres Soma25 Remixes  - [SOMA474D] 

1.	Dark Manoeuvres (@Daxj Remix)
2.	Dark Manoeuvres (@norman-nodge Dub)
3.	Dark Manoeuvres (@shdw-music & @utobscure0010 Remix)
4.	Dark Manoeuvres (@Tensal Remix)

Soma proudly present the first in an exciting series of releases to celebrate 25 years at the top of electronic music as we turn to some of our favourite modern artists to reinvent some of the best from the back catalogue and up first is Envoy’s timeless classic, Dark Manoeuvres. Originally released as part of the “Coalition EP’ in 1996 (which also featured the classic Seawall), Hope Grant’s instantly recognisable hit is still found in nearly every Techno DJs record box and has continually served as a beacon of Soma since it’s release Four new versions are served up here as Dax J, Norman Nodge, Obscure Shape & SHDW plus Tensal all deliver fine interpretations of this Soma classic.

Dax’s furious style is the opener as he uses the original chords as they were intended but all the time firing his concussive drum patterns directly to the dance floor. Ostgut Ton’s Norman Nodge turns in a delectable dub version in only the way he can by keeping Envoy’s original muted and delivering a subtle, introverted version. The duo of Obscure Shape & SHDW are next up and delivery one epic take on Dark Manoeuvres. The pair build the tension early, teasing the strings then unleashing an onslaught, adding their own beautifully led, string section before hammering home. PoleGroup’s Tensal closes out our first Soma 25 releases, twisting and cutting the hook to suits his means as thunderous beats work away behind this solid tool.

With much more on the horizon, Soma has their gaze fixed firmly on the future of Techno

Mastered by Conor Dalton @ Glowcast Mastering

Dark Manoeuvres Soma25 Remixes

Dark Manoeuvres (Dax J Remix)

Envoy - Dark Manoeuvres (Dax J Remix) (Soma 474)

VINYL=> https://www.somarecords.com/shop/music/somats_3/

Slam/@paragraph | Soma Track Series Vol. 6 
[SOMA498D]

The Soma Track Series project hits Volume 6 with Slam dropping the acid Like This.

Mastered by Conor Dalton @ http://glowcast.co.uk

Soma Track Series Vol 6

Like This

Slam - Like This (Soma Track Series Vol 6)

Slam - Blue Dragon Ep - @Soma 520d

1. Mistral
2. Blue Dragon
3. Chimera
4. Process

Slam continue their assault on 2018 with this, already their 3rd release of 2018, the Blue Dragon EP. Drawing on various aspects of Techno, the duo once again deliver on quality with 4 tracks that seek to further develop their sound.

Mistral sets an almost industrial tone to the new EP, a short yet sweet EP opener, its broken beats and syncopated percussion prepare you for the onslaught to come. Title track Blue Dragon picks up the pace with Slam unleashing the acid at a furious tempo, held together with that clinical Slam style. Chimera keeps the intensity at boiling point as unrelenting drums surge forward - creating a powerful and forceful track. The more hypnotic Process closes out the EP but still has the pair firing on all cylinders as regimented and energetic percussive elements drive home a pulsating synth hook.

Mastered By Conor Dalton @ www.glowcast.co.uk

Chimera (Soma520d)

Blue Dragon (Soma520d)

Slam – Azure Remixes (Carl Craig & KiNK Mixes)
[Soma333D]

1.	Azure (Carl Craig C2 Remix)
2.	Azure (KiNK Remix)

Release date:- 14th May 2012

Slam’s huge 2007 track ‘Azure’ with its idiosyncratic patch and pumping rhythm seems the perfect material for some unique remixing. These efforts by Carl Craig and Kink certainly don’t disappoint bringing both ideological and musical reshaping of the track to create two very different and equally powerful tracks. 

Carl Craig’s C2 remix takes on the ever-popular track in his legendary, inimitable style. Craig merges the melody and speeds it up making it a central part of the dynamic of the track. Fluidity and the hint of velocity give good movement to the track. This balanced setting is interrupted as the bass and heavy rhythmic shift emerge out of nowhere and the impact of the bass drum here is even greater than that of the original as the track builds in this extended version.  The strings and effects interact differently and all aspects help to sculpt a formidable variation.

The effect of Kink’s remix is one of a rougher, darker power. The pounding beat hits from the outset and the whole sound becomes more intense. Industrial effects almost tear through the track helping to concentrate a raw energy within all aspects of the sound. Again the progression speeds up dramatically with heavy bass kicking in just after the halfway point and powering through the track as the almost robotic samples add ideological adhesion to the track. The intricacy of samples and effects balances perfectly the dark power of this great remix.  

mastered at http://glowcastaudio.wordpress.com by Conor Dalton

Slam - Azure (Carl Craig C2 Remix) - Soma 333d

Slam - Cyclone EP
@Soma 531d

1. Antonym
2. Cyclone
3. Revolve

Slam are back with another single on their Soma imprint, delivering 3 devastating tracks with the Cyclone EP. The dynamic Glasgow duo have been relentless with their material this year - despite their heavy touring schedule - which only seems to have increased their output and dedication to cultivating their well refined sound. 

Opening with Antonym, Slam keep the sound deep, dark and hypnotic as incessant drums fuel the twisted and foreboding synths lines. Title track Cyclone certainly steps things up a notch as pulsating tones cascade across a typical lethal and intense percussive section. Revolve closes out the EP bridging the styles of the two previous tracks nicely. A solid, grounded tone is set by the rolling subs and kicks while gradually accentuating high hats keep the pace of the track; the synth elements are slowly enhanced, always building and continue with fevered momentum. 

Slam easily convey an intense and controlled environment with this EP - exhibiting great depth and disciplined production skills.

Mastered By Conor Dalton @ http://www.glowcast.co.uk/

Cyclone (Soma531d)

Antonym (Soma531d)

Slam - Transport EP
@Soma 533d

1. The Method
2. Response
3. Strike Encounter
4. Transport

Slam’s final release of the year has them heading back into dance floor orientated territory with the Transport EP. 2018 has been a massive year for the duo with their non stop touring alongside typically huge releases on Soma, plus the release of their 7th studio album ‘Athenæum 101’ to critical acclaim.

The Method gets the EP going as evolving, modulating synths carry the vibe against straight up and effective drums. Taking a more deeper approach, Response glides gently with pulsating yet subtle tones used for hypnotic effect as energetic percussion constructs a jacking element to the track. Picking up the pace again, Strike Encounter has a tripped out sequence, reminiscent of early Hood minimalism, driving the core with a sense of urgency. Highly effective drum patterns keep the rapidity in check also. Slam power home the EP with it’s titular final track, Transport. Jarring, percussive like synth attack with unrelenting momentum, further tension being built by creative FX use once again. A more emotive element is introduced with a hovering yet uneasing pad, that gives way to the unyielding energy present throughout.

Mastered by Conor Dalton @ http://glowcast.co.uk/blog/

Transport (Soma533d)

Response (Soma533d)

ENVOY | DARK MANOEUVRES (Slam Remix)
[Soma 360D]

 
1.	Envoy – Dark Manoeuvres (Slam Remix)
2.	Envoy – Dark Manoeuvres (Original Mix)


Slam get to grips with Envoy’s 1996 classic, ‘Dark Manoeuvres’ in this latest EP release. Soma have been bringing some of Envoy’s classic releases up to date with Slam following Ricardo Villalobos in reinterpreting the earlier work, all of which leads to May’s release on Soma of new material by Envoy. 

Dark Manoeuvres is a track which lives up to its name, the original expressing pumping, dark and crunchy sounds interspersed with string arrangements and overdubs which move the track in various different directions. The 1996 original is a great example of some production techniques of the time and is of interest in identifying the direction of the Techno sound in that era, as well as being eminently listenable. 

Slam were very much involved in the progression of Techno at the same time as Envoy was creating tracks such as Dark Manoeuvres and as such they have a real handle on how things have evolved, enabling them to bring a classic release such as this bang up to date. 

The distinctive hook, attention-grabbing melody and strings which are distinctive elements of the original are all incorporated in a full and fresh dynamic which sees some of these elements regrouped in individual sections such as the strings or moulded with deeper, darker resonance into a new expression. The hi-hat and kick drum interplay still drives the rhythm keeping that element as a prominent part of the track, setting a strong foundation that was integral to the original. Some of the more idiosyncratic elements of the original such as the aquatic overdubs, highlighting production, are reconstructed with use of modern technology to provide waves of highly imposing, building sound at crucial points in the track.

This is a great remix by Slam elevating the original track and elements within it to provide a new and totally engaging release which still expresses all the great qualities of the original. This will be a firm favourite with old and new fans of both Envoy and Slam.  

    


techno cola

Francesco Colamarino