Glasgow’s acclaimed Techno label, Sleaze Records, delivers its “Sleaze Compilation Vol. 12” with a lineup of international icons.
Since its inception in 2008, Glasgow’s Sleaze Records has been home to countless releases from some of Techno’s biggest names. Their impressive roster of artists include some of the most esteemed producers in the genre, ranging from Dustin Zhan and Perc to Cari Lekebusch and Chris Liebing, and so many more. It’s no surprise then that the label’s latest “Sleaze Compilation Vol. 12” features tracks from eight different international icons, all of which know how to deliver the goods. Sleaze’s last VA compilation, Vol.11, came out just over three years ago, making this 12th edition feel like a long overdue, rare treat, enjoyable to fans and newcomers, alike.
Starting off the compilation is a hard-hitting cut from the label’s founder, Hans Bouffmyre. “Secure Position” initiates the release with a bang and doesn’t back down. Flailing swooshes go whizzing by, while chunky bass tones slide off of a massive kick drum. Already, Sleaze’s high-energy, no nonsense sound is fully on display, giving us an inkling of what’s to come. Next, Glasgow local Lex Gorrie takes things further and harder with his invigorating cut, “Dark Room.” Heavily distorted drums collide with grandiose vocal pads that won’t relent. Taking the intensity down a notch is Greek Techno legend Axel Karakasis’ mystifying contribution, “Global Error.” Sleek, smooth, and trance-inducing, this track will surely do wonders in a big, dark nightclub or warehouse. A repeating voice processed through a vocoder serves as a mantra for the rave—incoherent, yet somehow deeply internalized and understood by the well seasoned.
If House is more your flavor, look no further than Cardao’s blissful club track, “Quakes on Mars.” Deep, smooth, and full of classic House stabs, Cardao cleverly mixes things up with an understated late night groove. For the true Techno connoisseurs, DJ Dextro is a name that’s likely to stand out. Another icon in his own right, the Portuguese maestro delivers a bombastic, peak-time banger not intended for the faint of heart. Unnerving in the best possible way, “Proxima” feels like its intended to be played exclusively for the biggest stages in Techno. Modular synths create pitch-bent melodies that won’t sit still, and a shockingly thick hi hat cuts through the mix like a dagger.
Speaking of modular synth melodies, JX-216’s track, “Star Map,” is chock full of those. As the beat drops out around the two-minute mark, twinkling sound effects glimmer like stars in a clear night’s sky, creating a breathtaking moment ideally accompanied by an epic lightshow. As the record comes to a close, Shaun Moses re-injects the compilation with a burst of energy. “Sarcasm” is a perfect blend between hypnotic and peak time. Arpeggiated polyrhythmic melodies battle with an onslaught of hats, shakers, and cymbals, creating a track that is quintessentially ‘sleazy.’ Last up is another delirium-inducing cut, this time coming from one Mal Hombre. The UK-based producer sonically flaunts his vast collection of analog drum machines and synthesizers with a grand finale of a track, titled “Orbiter Z.” This space-themed joy ride is jam packed with raw and adventurous sounds only a true pro could muster, and by the time the “Sleaze Compilation Vol. 12” reaches its end, you’ll likely feel as though you’ve been left adrift in some far off galaxy, with no hope of coming back down.
-Jeronimo Watson
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