Argentina’s newly emerging Techno label, Wangan Club, hits the ball running with a jaw-dropping, 30-track compilation titled “WC001” featuring various artists as its first release.
What would it take for a newly emerging Techno label to impress you in this day and age? How about an astounding 30-track compilation of various artists’ high quality tunes? Wangan Club, Argentina’s newest record label, isn’t holding back. Much like the race cars riddled throughout Wangan Club’s album artwork and online pages in general, this compilation, similarly, is made up of many, well-crafted small parts that all work together to create a singular, well-oiled machine.
With thirty stellar contributions, “WC001” additionally serves as an extensive list of producers to keep an eye on—a roster of outstanding up-and-comers mostly based in Argentina but with a few exceptions. Just about every other track on the compilation offers a diverging twist on the genre, a hint of something other than Techno, which goes a long way toward making this an exciting listen from start to finish.
While you should absolutely do yourself the favor of listening to this compilation in its entirety, a few selections stand out. Track four, “Wano Kuni” by Dhalgren is a high-energy anthem, perfectly suited for peak time. A staggered hi-hat groove at the one-minute mark sounds and feels delightfully abrasive, while a daunting vocal loop wages war on your psyche. If hints of tribal percussion are more to your speed, look no further than Franco Alesso’s exuberant cut, “Genetic Skunk.” Hints of Classic House are sprinkled throughout this exotic beat, adding bright and celebratory charm perfect for getting the party started.
While some of the tracks pick a lane and stick to it, a few manage to balance raw analogue grooves with a sleek hypnotic sensibility. “Elegante Sport” by Lucas Sosa (AR), is a great example of perfecting this balancing act. Fast and groovy, this selection is filled to the brim with intricate sample chops and playful percussive patterns that are sure to excite the true connoisseurs at the function. One of the hardest contributions on the compilation is Oicangi’s exhilarating achievement, “Derrumbe.” Rolling bass and a frantic pacing will have you questioning whether or not we’ve left the world of Techno and ventured somewhere closer to Psy Trance. Regardless of how we decide to label it, this cut offers the utmost energy, and is likely best avoided by the faint of heart.
There are some crucial moments in this “WC001” compilation that further exemplify the eclecticism of these artists. From the gliding grand piano phrase sprinkled throughout San.’s “En El Norte Se Dice Pingo,” to the muddled pop vocals in Shft.rar’s “Tinner Bass,” “WC001” isn’t your ordinary Techno compilation, and with 30 contributions to choose from, chances are you’re going to find plenty of tracks for your collection.
Look forward to Wangan Club’s second release, and consider supporting the artists and label with a digital download, linked above.
-Jeronimo Watson
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