When FJAAK first infiltrated the scene, they were known to dress in bright and trendy outfits, be outrageously humorous, and smoke obscene amounts of weed (at least by European standards). FJAAK’s label SPANDAU20 presents its sixth release of raw and bombastic club bangers, reaffirming that they are, and always have been, the real deal.
Berlin based duo FJAAK have stayed busy building their name and honing their sound over the last few years. Those familiar with the group are likely to recall the days when they first infiltrated the scene, often dressed in bright and trendy outfits, were outrageously humorous, and smoking obscene amounts of weed (at least by European standards). Though the way they presented themselves may have seemed unorthodox to some, the attention and praise they received from some of the biggest names in the house and techno community was well deserved. These guys make incredible music, and do so by utilizing an impressive collection of analog gear. They are, and always have been, the real deal.
Initially a group of four, and after nearly a decade in the game, the two remaining members Felix Wagner and Aaron Röbig haven’t lost any steam, persevering to take their career to new heights. Having performed alongside many of the most acclaimed techno acts from around the world, and at some of the largest festivals and most revered clubs to bolster the genre, the formation of their own record label SPANDAU20 was inevitable. Two years in, they have just released an exceptional sixth release, a 3-track EP, with a contribution from someone we have highlighted in a previous review, iconic Berlin techno artisan Norman Nodge as well as a track from his long time friends and former roommates Rifts & Dajusch, who seem to be new to releasing music, at least under this combined alias. Each of these tracks are seriously good.
Starting with Norman Nodge’s track “The Raid,” the EP gets thing up and running in typical FJAAK fashion. A big booming kick, crisp hit-hats, and a vocal sample you wouldn’t typically expect from a resident selector at Berghain, this track blurs the lines between House and Techno without loosing its edge. This track is fun and refreshing, and could bring some much-appreciated levity to an otherwise monotonous techno set. “Hell yeah,” the voice repeats, and the mood in the club is suddenly lifted. The track is simple, but effective, and fits perfectly with the sound and style FJAAK have been pushing.
Next is the dubby and delectable track from Rifts & Dajusch, “Dubiety.” Often times Dub Techno can be quite melancholy, a trope that makes tracks like these such a pleasant surprise. An artfully delayed melody instantly gets your blood pumping and makes you want to move your feet. Each percussive layer is perfectly placed and tuned, with no element ever seeming too harsh or distracting from the groove. Clean and full of gorgeous ambiance, with this track you can tell these two producers are no novices to club music. Personally, I can’t wait to play this one out.
Last on the EP is FJAAK’s raw and gritty track “Candid.” Calling this track “festive” would be an understatement. Homing in on more of an old-school meets new-school approach, this track perfectly matches their signature graffiti album art used on each of their releases. Subtle hints of 90s hip-hop and breakbeat meets cutting-edge, modern driving techno to create a refreshing, bombastic amalgamation. One could just as likely imagine seeing a B-boy break dancing on freshly laid out cardboard to this tune, as you might a raver breaking a vigorous sweat while shuffling their heart out in the club.
The latest release on SPANDAU20 is fun, unpretentious, and reaffirms that techno doesn’t have to about anything other than having a good time dancing in the club. While the first two tracks are currently available to stream and download, FJAAK’s contribution, and the physical copy of the record, will both be available on July 16th. Here’s to SPANDAU20.
-Jeronimo Watson
Link – Bandcamp
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