ILL Picks of The Week

November 27, 2012 | Filed under: ILL Picks,Music | Posted by: illyay

Good day, readers and listeners! It would be proper to introduce myself in my first “ILL Picks Of The Week” post for UndrGrnd Sound, so feel free to check out my profile below for a bit about myself and why I am writing here.

I listen to all genres and styles of electronic music, so expect to hear everything from Minimal to Drum and Bass and everything in between; but mostly, it will be techno, tech house and house. Much of the music I like at this point in my life happens to come from Germany and Austria. The reason? My strong interest in the work of Paul (and later his brother, Fritz) Kalkbrenner, of whom I learned through the cult film Berlin Calling. This film, his style and personal story got me hunting for more sounds with serious substance, history and “oomph” from Saxon lands. This is how I discovered pure* records, based in Heidelberg (via YouTube, before it became a label)… then I discovered other YouTube channels, DJs, producers, labels, German music shops, etc… and then my head exploded. Here are some of its contents:

Arthur Rudt – Time To Make History
When the 16 year old German producer/composer created this track, most would have sworn it was Paul Kalkbrenner’s work. I actually thought so too, since someone uploaded it to YouTube with the correct title, but the artist was incorrectly credited Paul Kalkbrenner. Loads of ultra-confident, floor-thumping bass interrupted with slow, melodic instrumental sections recreate that signature “Kalkbrenner-esque” sound. Since I discovered it, Arthur has happily released his first album, titled after this track. He receives continued support from the German DJ and producer community but has yet to gain popularity overseas.
Klangkarussell – Sonnentanz

One of my favorite recent releases and one you may very well have heard by now. Within a month of this single’s release, previously little known Austrian duo Klangkarussell (meaning sound carousel) gained over a million views on YouTube. I’m sure it had nothing to do with this video. But I liked it before that came out… Ha!… Really: for its groovy, jazzy sound. Something about a sax in house just flips a switch for me; and then that guitar comes on and takes it up another notch! I honestly think watching the video distracts from truly hearing the beautiful music. That said, the video is definitely eye candy. (oh… in case you also wanted to know, sonnentanz means sun dance)
Bjoern Nafe ft. Oliver Marmann – Blinded by the Sun (Nico Pusch & Phable Remix)
HQ SoundCloud Snip:
Full length preview via YouTube (cannot guarantee the life of this link): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3EstkK7WaoM
Something much more recent is this upcoming release by uber-talented Nico Pusch. Nico has produced some really strong tracks lately, and if you have not heard of him before, I highly recommend you check out his work. Though I typically don’t like tracks with heavy vocals, this one is an exception. As with the others you will find lots of instrumental melodies; in this case guitar. Mark your calendars for the December 17th release! (and possible Birthdays!)
Superstar (Adam Banks Edit)

Another vocal-heavy track, but with a very different feel. Its smooth groove makes it a better fit for an ambient cocktail lounge than a dance floor, though I cannot argue it makes me want to dance! But romantically with my girlfriend rather than like a zombie dancing robot after 7 red bull vodkas… ‘cause I do like that kind of thing a lot… Oh… did I mention it’s a free download?
Dole & Kom – Quetschkommode

A small shock to the pallet… err… eardrum. Dole & Kom released this track at the beginning of November and since then I have been bobbing my head to it like a fool; luckily at home and not during my commute to work, since I lost my headphones. This track is heavy on the accordion. Oh yes, we’ll have some of that, please; a la Samim’s “Heater,” which was a huge success back in 2007 (jeez, to me seems like last year). Much like “Heater,” the track has heavy Latin American influences, creating a warm, summer feel to warm us during the coming winter. GOD I LOVE STARING AT THAT OSTRICH!… For some kicks: the title means accordion in German, the literal translation being “squeeze box.”