R.O.S.H. - Perhaps I Would

Twin Turbo remains one of the world's most reliable labels and the ceaseless cheekiness in their press releases never disappoints. While they propose R.O.S.H. is "probably British and also an alien," they were at least half right as R.O.S.H.'s own Soundcloud and linked RA page identify him as UK-based Roshan Chauhan, who further describes himself as making "techno your mum would like." This also seems to be a valid statement as while his tracks thump with the power associated with techno, there is an undeniable emotional, human heart at its core. As I dig through R.O.S.H.'s catalog, that theme of warmth and comfort contrasts the oft cold and emotionless face of techno. And as we return to the lead track from his Start New Life EP, due out June 28th, "Perhaps I Would" plays out like the dawn of life. It bubbles like primordial soup and with each burst of gas a new element is added to the colourful alien environment. This ever evolving production is bold, beautiful, and truly captivating, and I'm incredibly excited to see how R.O.S.H. completes the rest of this soundtrack-esque EP. Stream now below.FOLLOW R.O.S.H.: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER

Dean Grenier & Pilo - Portra 400

This past Friday the Turbo Recordings Soundcloud account posted two tracks from Dean Genier and Pilo's upcoming collaborative EP Take Form. Offering up the 2nd and 4th tracks of the fivesome due out April 19th on the Twin Turbo imprint, it was the latter "Portra 400" that most caught my ear. As though following the life cycle of a freshly planted flower, the track grows slowly stronger, bigger and more beautiful. The time lapse shows it wavering, almost shivering in the wind, bending this way and that as the anything but organic sounds breath life into the most earthly of lifeforms. As mesmerizing and entrancing this growth is, it's not until the flower petals burst forth from the bud (shortly after the 3 minute mark) that we become fully aware of the power and beauty of "Portra 400." That said, there is no big wow moment or singular sensational section, but rather the entire five minute production is a gently growing, life-giving, bed of tactile techno. Stream now below and pre-order Take Form here.FOLLOW DEAN GRENIER: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER
FOLLOW PILO: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER

ABSOLUTE. - Harmony

Going back to the first week of the year, and Tiga's New Names Mix for Pete Tong, it was clear Turbo had some serious power up its sleeves. Alongside the bump and grind genius of BETON's "Directions" there was further fire forthcoming on Turbo. I'm talking here about ABSOLUTE., and the two tracks we heard in the above-mentioned mix. This Friday marks the release of "Harmony" and "Not Tonight" along with a remix of the latter, from veteran Vakkuum. Pre-order the EP here and stream below.The lead track "Harmony" is pure power and pomp. Its breaky percussion sets up the sensational, spiraling and spacious synth perfectly. The consummate coordination makes it ever so magically satisfying, especially as it ushers in and out elements and layers. It is as though ABSOLUTE. has harnessed the heft of heaven to build this brilliant banger.

"Not Tonight" takes a more slowed left-field approach, although imbued with the same warmth, power and propulsive percussion. As its name suggests it's also darker, and more menacing than its predecessor. But then comes Vakkuum, who takes the tempo back up a notch, and flips the switch back to bright and bouncy. His recast chords are cool and compelling.  Whereas the original offers a desolate landscape, Vakkuum eviscerates that and energizes the floor.

All in all this EP exemplifies not only Turbo's terrific taste, but also their strength in mixing techno and house together. Be sure to follow ABSOLUTE. for more magic and grab the EP Friday, here.

FOLLOW ABSOLUTE.: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER
FOLLOW VAKKUUM: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER

BETON - Keep Breathin (ft. DJ Deeon)

I'm not much for hype, and I have a hard time keeping it up, but in the case of BETON's track "Directions" I've been coming back to Tiga's New Names Mix for Pete Tong for weeks now. Not only is "Directions" a crazy cool track, the mix itself exemplifies the genius of Tiga's tastemaking abilities. Now as we wait (impatiently on my part) for the 16th of February to roll around, we get a taste of the b-side of BETON's Twin Turbo debut.

"Keep Breathin" featuring DJ Deeon again offers a driving techno tune that feels like a race car revving up. As each layer is added the energy and speed of the vehicle jumps another gear. Further, the vocal sample reminds us to "Keep Breathin" as the acceleration and anticipation of the track becomes more than we can bear. As I've said before with techno tracks, that's the key; you've got to come as close to redlining or overdosing before pulling back, and this track does that perfectly. Even the way the synths are designed exudes a propellant energy, further combining with the bass bonks and percussive clanks to illustrate a roaring drive.

The flawless movements or gear shifts, if you will, allow "Keep Breathin" and BETON to cruise competently through our rear-view mirrors and right off into the horizon. This EP certainly confirms BETON as one to watch in 2018. Stream below and pre-order from your preferred outlet here.FOLLOW BETON: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER
FOLLOW DJ DEEON: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER