256kbps, 44.1kHz stereo

Preview

I picked this CD up from Numb on Queen West in Toronto a few years back. I recall asking for some “good techno” and this was pretty much the only disc they had. The store used to have a pretty voluminous collection of mix sets for sale but it’s been in decline these past few years (probably since DJs are turning to the Internet for marketing). Regardless, I’d heard some Adam Beyer tracks and I dug his psychedelic techno style so I was curious to see what his turntables had to say.

Truthfully, I find this mix to be kind of a snore. It’s a solid minimal techno affair with little variation and only subtle progressions. Transitions are competent and often transparent which is a plus with minimal techno but a minus in variety. Were I there in Brussels watching him mix I’d be anxious to hear what track he had planned next, waiting to explode into dance, but upon hearing it would remain impatiently shuffling.

This mix is labelled Part 1, of parts unknown, but I had little motivation to seek out the next volume. Fans of Beyer’s productions will likely be disappointed by this very sobering performance. In the bakery of Beyer this mix is stale Melba Toast.

320kbps, 44.1kHz stereo

Preview

I worship this DJ but have never seen him and can’t find anything out about him.  That’s all based on this one disc.

I bought this CD on a stopover in San Juan, Puerto Rico.  On a street where the road and every wall were ornamented with beautiful hexagonal geometric tiles I walked into an unassuming little music shop.  A very strong-willed, bubbly, really cute clerk asked if she could help me, and I asked for a local techno or electronic mix by a DJ from the city.  Her eyes pierced like stilettos of sunshine.  She gave me this incredible smirk and sang/said “ahhh you like dance music, eh?”.  She danced over to the dance section.

“He’s the local hero.”

I’ll never forget those few short hours in San Juan.  Breathtaking city of wonder and warmth, and thankfully I’ve got this CD as a keepsake.

What a surprise it was that such a cold, techy d&b mix would be a memento of this radiant city.  This is a fistpumping genre rife with repetitive chug but Gulembo selects nothing but gems.  The complex syncopations and percussive variations of his tracks are attention-keeping and will toy with your anticipations.  The levels and mixing are pristine and the transitions are magically seamless.  This is a true professional at work, have no doubt.

Anyone with info or memories of this gentleman, please share!

Enjoy the mix.  This one goes out to San Juan.  I’ll come back for my heart some day.

And check out this Mystical Influence mix for intelligent drum and bass with a bit of Toronto flavour.

1. J. Magik – The Lizard
2. Konflict (Kamal & Rob Data) – My Personal Blackmail
3. Universal Project & Usual Suspect – The Craft
4. Dylan & Loxy – End of Days
5. Digital – Deadline
6. Q Project – Champion Sound (Total Science RMX)
7. EZ Rollers – RS 2000
8. Dillinja – Nasty Ways
9. Dom & Roland – Terrorist
10. Roni Size  Play the Game
11. Moving Fusion & Andy C – Foul Mouth
12. Andy C – Titan
13. State of Play – Searching
14. Matrix & Fierce – Tightrope
15. Matrix – Apache
16. Dat Side – Sober
17. Bad Company – Night Train
18. Ed Rush & Optical – Flight Path