- High-energy techno with flashes of EBM.
- Techno's obsession with EBM might be old news, but it's still churning out plenty of bangers. The latest is Parallx's "Red Clouds," a mammoth-sized cut on Kobosil's label that DJs like Dax J, Norman Nodge and Marcel Dettmann have been playing for the last few months. It's easy to see why it appeals to big-time DJs. With an earworm melody and straight-ahead groove, it's the kind of track that would be effective in just about any high-energy set, simple enough to slot in with more functional tunes and with enough character to give the dance floor a boost. The atmosphere is dark but the groove rolls with the bounce of an EBM classic, livened by vocals and a growling midrange. Some DJs could have done without the extended breakdown two-thirds through, but there's plenty of time to mix out before it hits.
Somewhen's tough "Falling Ashes" remix is more straightforward. The only break in the steely groove is a short breakdown midway through, making it one of this month's meaner techno tools. Unfussy and well produced, it's the kind of lean banger professional DJs love to play. The first in a new 10-inch series dedicated to in-house R - Label Group artists, Red Clouds shows that a well-executed blend of EBM and techno still sounds sharp.
TracklistA Red Clouds
B Red Clouds (Somewhen Falling Ashes Mix)