Search - Swayzak :: Groovetechnology, Vol. 1.3

Yeah

killabean | Cambridge, MA United States | 08/02/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

""KCOU 88.1" is correct. i'd wager the reason many aren't feeling this album is because they're too used to the more poptastic undercurrents that Swayzak employ in their own releases. this album is a first-rate collection of microhouse tunes that are far subtler and obviously serve as compositional inspiration to these two. it's not a great dj mix but they're quick to note that they're NOT djs; it IS a sublime compilation that just happens to flow better than most. the track selection is flawless and the sequencing is exquisite. consider it education for reaching the next level of technohouse 4 on the floor music appreciation. there's a wealth of intelligence being displayed here, from experiments with dub and glitch techniques to consummate understanding of what makes a sexy groove."

I will jump in and defend this mix, because it's great

chrizow | columbia, MO United States | 05/08/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"ok, well i guess i can understand where the other reviewers are coming from. they bought the album because they are swayzak fans and want to hear swayzak. well, guess what? this ISNT swayzak. it's the guys from swayzak putting together some records they like, and it is a great example of the click-house/micro-house, minimalistic Detroit-filtered-through-Berlin sound that is making some small waves in the scene right now. keep in mind - this is NOT for everyone, including many swayzak fans. the sound is simple, bleepy, minimal, and certainly repetitive (which i understand annoys some people). but for the adventurous few who are into this brand of music, this is a great mix. i highly recommend it if you're into any of richie hawtin's more minimal work, vladislav delay (aka Luomo), pole, or any adventurous electronic act that chooses to express themselves in this highly minimal, microhouse sound. i personally love this mix, but i would add that you should listen to some samples before you buy, because this is NOT swayzak. (although i have seen these guys spin live on several occasions and this is pretty close to what they did live). so if you like it simple, bleepy, and repetitive, check it out. it's good mindbending stuff. kudos to swayzak for going out on a limb with this one."

Excellent track selection sets this mix above others like it

Steward Willons | Illinois | 04/26/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Groovetechnology finds Swayzak mixing a killer session of microhouse and dub techno from some of the finest names in the genre. Both discs have a similarly subdued vibe, but even within the minimalist aesthetic of these two sets, there is enough variety to maintain interest easily. Well, if you're a fan of the style, that is. I suppose that if you find Basic Channel artists dull, you probably won't be a fan of this CD. If you recognize at least some of the names on the track list, chances are, you'll love this.



The track selection is outstanding. There's plenty of momentum, but it's never rushed. There are darker tracks from Headgear and Ellen Allien, lighter tracks from Ricardo Villalobos and Herbert, aggressive tracks by Basic Channel, and more relaxed numbers from Colin Newman. You have to appreciate the variety necessary to allow one to listen to a two-CD set through in one sitting.



I've never really thought of Swayzak as DJs since they release so much original material. However, they seem to be able to craft a compelling DJ set with the best of them. Even if their mixing isn't the most amazing, the track selection is what really sets this release apart from other similar compilations. Even if you already know some of the tracks, chances are, you'll likely find some new artists to check out after listening.



As I said, if you know some of the artists and know you dig this style of music, you're going to enjoy this mix. For more general fans of electronic music, I might recommend this anyway, but it IS fairly minimal and the interest is completely in the details. It's also not a CD that immediately grabs you. But, what it lacks in immediacy, it makes up for in substance. It's worth repeated listening to discover some of the hidden gems within."