This new German (or English) producer, Objekt, should be on everyone’s radar. This is minimal, futuristic dubstep at its best.  After blindly downloading the release a few weeks ago, I realized I stumbled across something huge. My first (and completely wrong) impression was stale minimal grime…until the tracks built up and broke back down repeatedly with pulsing bass, and analog synths that fluctuate in and out like waves on a shore of intricate beats. The lack of a face behind the music makes it even more enticing. The producer, known only as TJ, is allowing the music to speak for itself—and it does, it screams.

1. Objekt – Tinderbox
2. Objekt – The Goose That Got Away

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Rebellion Der Traumer, the latest album by Kollektiv Turmstrasse, is a departure from their previous minimal tech-house releases which both reflects their development over the years and proves that true artistry is in the ability to reinvent and grow.

Rebellion Der Traumer begins with the soft melodies and thin percussive bursts from “Affekt.” Over time, the songs become richer with drums, vocals, piano melodies, stringed instruments and organic atmospheres. Between the 10 full compositions are minute-long ambient interludes—all beautiful on their own—that serve as fluid transitions from song to song.

Rebellion Der Traumer is best heard from beginning to end. To catch and appreciate all the sonic details, listen with headphones or high quality monitors. Trash the speaker docks.

MP3 1: Kollektiv Turmstrasse – Affekt
MP3 2: Kollektiv Turmstrasse – Uneins
MP3 3: Kollektiv Turmstrasse – Goldmarie

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Polish producer Think is the latest addition to the Blipswitch Digital label (Eskmo, Antiserum, DZ, ROZANSKI).  His debut, Scraps, is a 3-track EP with tunes ranging from deep dubstep and glitch to atmospheric minimal—similar in style to Caper, Shortstuff and Swarm.

To purchase, visit Think on iTunes.

MP3 1: Think – Scraps
MP3 2: Think – Flashpoint

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It’s been a while since I’ve posted techno on Sawtooth, so I went through all the Extrawelt 2010 releases and pulled out a few favorites. This German duo, Arne Schaffhausen and Wayan Raabe, has been producing some of the best minimal techno since 2005. The following 3 tracks are from 3 separate releases, Mosaik EP, NeverEverDiscoTricks, and Neuland EP.

If you like these tunes, you might also like Joey Beltram, Dominik Eulberg, Boris Brejcha and Gabriel Anan. To hear more, check out Extrawelt on iTunes.

MP3 1: Extrawelt – Trenchcoat
MP3 2: Extrawelt – Confuzzled
MP3 3: Extrawelt – Arples

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German DJ/Producer, Dominik Eulberg, is one of the most innovative minimal/techno artists of the decade. Drawing his inspirations and sounds from nature, he creates complex organic arrangements that build and evolve effortlessly. Each sound is treated like a musician in a symphony—weaving in and out of an electronic landscape. At an average of eight minutes, Eulberg’s tracks take on a life of their own—progressing through multiple moods and styles. Most critics that concentrate on his ambient and more organic tracks fail to recognize the darker and dissonant tunes that Eulberg is so great at creating. Conjuring up hard driving beats and warped distorted synths seem like second nature.

Ever since Eulberg stepped foot on the scene, he’s been picking up awards and nominations. Best Newcomer of the Year, Top Producer, Best Remixer, Best Remix, Top DJ—and the list goes on and on. He’s remixed tracks for artists including Hot Chip, Gabriel Ananda, Extrawelt, DJ Hell, Steve Barnes, Roman Flugel and Nathan Fake—many of which received awards. When Eulberg’s not in the studio or above the dance floor, he can be found in the woods observing birds and soaking up new inspirations.  ~ tom

Below are a few original tracks and collaborations. Check out Eulberg on iTunes for more full length albums and remixes.

MP3 1: Dominik Eulberg & Gabriel Ananda – Eucalypse Now!
MP3 2: Dominik Eulberg – Sansula (Oder Der Letzte Grund)
MP3 3: Extrawelt – Was Ubrig Bleibt (Dominik Eulberg’s Das Es Remix)
MP3 4: Dominik Eulberg – Der Traum Vom Fliegen
MP3 5: Kollektiv Turmstrasse – Luechtoorn (Dominik Eulberg Remix)

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Hark thee! Who goes there?! Why it be Round Table Knights! There is no denying the capability and skill of Questionmark and Biru Bee, sworn together as Round Table Knights. It’s not just a play upon words mates and maidens, this Swiss duo is equipped with an impenetrable armor of technical finesse and steely remix mastery. It’s probable your ears have already gnawed on one of their bountiful feasts of techno-inspired turkey legs or sipped from their goblets of electro-romantic spiced cider. This royal DJ/Producer duo have collaborated with many a fellowship. The likes of TTCD, Spankrock, Justice, Coco Rosie, Simian Mobile Disco and the Beastie Boys have requested the collaborative presence of the Round Table Knights to upgrade tracks from squire to sire. Remix discs from 2004 and 2005 made way for the “roundies” first all original 2008 EP, Hold Me Back. Heralding little commercial success but bolstered by inner circle encouragement, Round Table Knights recently released their second EP, Belly Dance. This is no dance marathon with a scant four cuts featuring the stylings of veteran mixer Mowgli. Even his battle-tested skills seem tepid and unenthusiastic when given the deed to remix.

Alas, this fair maiden must bequeeth a tale of forcible woe. Belly Dance is a producers dream and an avid listener’s cat nap. The talent level of the two denounces nightmare status, but conjures a couple culprits as to why their remix success trumps their solo efforts. Do the Round Table Knights feel a need to carve out their own electronic kingdom? Is this duo tired of all for one and prefer to be one for all? Their track record makes perseverating positively a necessity. Belly Dance is more of a belly flop on the marble floors of my court—though my walls still echo with the succulent re-tooling and organic remixes the Knights have relentlessly and flawlessly always provided. They are musical kings upon men and until the battlefield is less fraught with worthy music makers, they should keep practicing the time honored tradition of go with what ye know.  ~ dimes

MP3: Round Table Knights – Belly Dance

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I don’t normally listen to tech house, but Pig & Dan’s “Terminate” is one of the best tracks I’ve heard all year. It’s a relentless nine and a half minute techno anthem, with the first minute consisting only of a 4/4 kick on a bed of effects. Anticipation builds as new elements are strategically layered in. The 4-note bassline seems like a solid, immovable object, until an unexpected alien synth solo breaks it away. Over a minute later, the beat drops back in like an anvil to your face, now with bit-crushed arpeggiations. The apex happens at 5:18 when the heavens open up and new synth stabs consume all senses. You can get lost in it with your eyes closed. The track slowly returns to it’s original form and fades out with a smooth high pass filter. Every second is worth it, so don’t miss this one.

“Terminate” was released on the Terminate 12″ January 7, 2009 by Cocoon Recordings. The b-side, “Organix,” is a warbled hypnotic groove that never really takes off. It has cool effects and sounds, but lacks the impact of the a-side.

MP3: Pig & Dan – Terminate

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