The Dekmantel label has long been a beacon for cutting-edge electronic music, consistently curating releases that push the boundaries of genre and sound. Their latest VA Compilation is no exception, showcasing a wide range of styles that encapsulate the forward-thinking ethos Dekmantel has championed for years.
Featuring an eclectic mix, from established names like DVS1, Marcel Detteman, Palms Trax, and Call Super, to rising talents such as Young Marco, Peach and Nick Leon, this compilation is a rich and varied journey through the different corners of the underground scene.
From the opening track, it’s clear that the compilation aims to blend experimental textures with dance floor-ready beats. The first track (by Young Marco) kicks off with a shimmering, broken-beat rhythm, combining ethereal pads and intricate drum patterns. It’s an atmospheric opener, giving space for the rest of the compilation to unfold with increasing intensity.
One of the standout cuts comes from long-time Dekmantel affiliate Palms Trax, who delivers a vintage-inspired House jam packed with warm synth stabs and a buoyant, bouncing bassline. It’s a joyful, retro-tinged track that feels effortlessly fun without losing its sophistication—exactly the kind of high-energy tune that has made Palms Trax a festival favorite.
Equally captivating is the contribution from Peach, whose textured Downtempo track blends organic sound design with a hypnotic, groove-based structure. Peach’s meticulous attention to detail shines through in the intricate percussive elements and subtle, shifting layers of melody, making for an immersive listening experience that’s both cerebral and grounded.
On the harder end of the spectrum, DJ Python’s offering is a standout—merging heavy bass with slow-motion rhythms and hazy atmospheres. His track oozes a unique, Dub-inflected take on Deep House, playing with space and reverb in a way that transports the listener into a cavernous, dreamlike soundscape. This is music that evokes a sense of place: distant, humid, and thick with ambiance.
The compilation also leans into more Leftfield territory with experimental producers like Interstellar Funk contributing abstract, Ambient-leaning tracks that veer away from traditional dance floor structures. Their offering is a moody, cinematic piece with a haunting quality, further showcasing Dekmantel’s commitment to diversity in sound and style.
What makes the Ten Years of Dekmantel compilation truly special is how it captures the spectrum of moods, tempos, and styles that represent the current state of underground electronic music. From cerebral soundscapes to ecstatic House grooves and dark, Industrial Techno, this compilation is a testament to the label’s curatorial prowess. Each track feels essential, contributing to a collection that is cohesive in its diversity—a sonic journey through the many dimensions of electronic music.
This is a must-listen for fans of the label and anyone looking to explore the bleeding edge of the scene. Once again, Dekmantel has delivered a compilation that not only reflects where Electronic music is today but also hints at where it’s headed tomorrow. Check out the massive 43 track compilation and keep an eye out for more from the massive label/festival in the future.
-Peter Stimson
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