Ricardo Garduno turns Techno on its head with his latest release “Gift of Manipulation”. Returning to the German-based label, Nachtstrom Schallplatten, he delivers an EP that brings a sense of adventure and delight to the ears.
Ricardo Garduno is a DJ and producer who was born and raised in Mexico. Established in 2007, he is the Label Boss and Founder of the world-renowned Illegal Alien Records, which aims to remember migrants around the world who travel to seek a better life. Spreading Christmas cheer better than Santa, Illegal Alien Records celebrates its last installment of their 16th anniversary with Volume 8, released on 12” vinyl and digital, available on Christmas day.
Over the years, Garduno has amassed well over 300 releases across iconic labels like his own Illegal Immigrant Imprint, Nachtstrom Schallplatten, Attic Music, Plus 8, Machine Box, and Intacto, highlighting his prolific production and mainstay in the electronic musical realm. Forever on the hunt for new music inspiration, you can find his latest mixes being broadcast on BCCO, Slam Radio and Mantra with fans citing them as “Pure Techno”, “Impressive” and “Massive Destruction” among other spicy comments.
The 5-track Techno record “Gift of Manipulation” has a slow start yet manages to pack some brain-tickling heat. Walking it in, the record starts with “I Know I Saw You”. The bass kicks on deep and heavy, while the sounds of a swirling echo slithers closer, creating suspense. A samurai-sounding vocal soon creeps through the sonic landscape echoing “I know I saw you” and elevating the tension to another level.
Next up, the title track “Gift of Manipulation” is a favorite of the bunch and truly takes you to a very imaginative place. At first, the understated funk seems like it may be merely an interlude to something more, but as the track progresses, you realize what you thought wasn’t the main event, absolutely is. The smooth finesse is built-in, and the groove is impeccable. While our ears are normally peaked for the heavy and intense, the layering and craft of this tune have a way of forcing you to listen, truly listen, and it is nothing short of magical—a top tune for sure.
Giving ferocity from the jump, “In the Tunnel” starts hot and heavy with an exciting, fast-paced, jumbled melody, entertaining a slightly Acid feel to it. It is a perfect tune to elevate the mood and get people’s motors running, maintaining a steady, relentless pace. Paired with a climbing arpeggio, it feels like you are blasting through to the next dimension, but let there be no question, we’re ready to get into whatever tunnel this is. Next up is a Dub version of “I Know I Saw You” which features a deeper and more laid-back cut of the original track.
Finishing out with a bang, “Sonic Rhythm” hits the ears with a tuned-up dial tone sounding melody, furiously climbing to no end and creating a high-energy, dancefloor smasher that could send anyone into an instantaneous acid trip. This is an incredibly fun track, ready to pair with your next shopping adventure to add a splash of insanity to your weekly errand runs. A true gift, you can find “Gift of Manipulation” available on Bandcamp and Spotify.
-Jen Warra
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