- Cologne based techno label Ware presents its latest artist showcase compilation Warenkorb #5. Label owner Mathias Schaffhauser oversaw the project setting guidelines for the artists on the compilation to push the envelope and stay away from current trends. Since 1997 the label has been known for producing quality compilations and underground techno hits.
Mathias Shaffhauser himself kicks off the proceedings with It's Still A Strange & Beautiful World setting the tone for the CD with deep murky techno tune featuring an acid infused electro synth hook. Get Out Remixed by The Kitbuilders vs Jeremy Caulfield brings out a dirtier vibe featuring a quirkier electro hook and electroclash style female vocal stabs.
Coloma vs Bob Humid give the compilation its first vocal tune on The Second Closer Still featuring in remix form provided by Third Blade. Futuristic electro hook featuring a myriad of bleeps, bloops and computer generated sounds sit tightly with melancholic vocals - painting a bleak picture of an industrial world. Goldfish & Der Dulz do the same on Synchrorevue - electro techno beats with computer generated noises this time without the vocals.
Rund-Funk by Brian Aneurysm takes a slightly different route, incorprating a little funk into its sound mashing up deep hollow bass sounds, arcade noises and various electro samples. Likelike by Matthew Mercer brings out more uplifting sounds to the compilation using machine gun edit style effects on keyboard hits, vocal stabs and various horn effects. A wicked breakdown in the middle introduces a housier feel to the tune with a buzzy bass for good effect.
What's Your Bomb by Featherweight is the first tune on the compilation to break the monotony of 4/4 house beats incorporating an old skool electro breakbeat feel. Hard electro basslines, electro drum beats with a robotic female vocalist thrown on top. For those who want to croon along, the lyrics are provided on the information sheet with the CD.
For what it's worth, Warenkorb #5 gets a little repetitive - when you've heard one minimal techno tune on the album, the next sounds strangely similar with slight variations in regards to the effects and elements used to create the beats and grooves. There are some tunes that break the mould introducing vocal elements and breakbeats but even they don't come across too strongly. Unfortunately this is not something I can find myself listening to again.