- The SOGfiles MMVI from SOG Records features loads of tracks from the label with a focus on one particular artist or artists. For this series the attention is on Israel’s Roman Brisker & Igal Magitman, who are bathing in the success of their releases on Babylon, Method and Candyflip. They also got a call for the recent Renaissance compilation by Hernan Cattaneo.
Brisker & Magitman start things off with 'Silly Thoughts', a futuristic blend of squeaks and bleeps with a gritty, driving baseline. Adding to the mixture is a pulsating melody which is quite overpowering while subtle melodies roll up and down the scales. Uplifting yet serious at the same time.
'36dd' has a lighter feel, a bouncy electro groove joining an array of elusive melodies in the foreground. The electro melody evolves into a catchy pattern as it leads into the breakdown and flies solo. The melody is then mixed with a more filtered bassline that remains distorted and dirty but it’s the varied melodies that give this track an epic feel.
'Aikon' strips things down with solid drums, simple basslines and plenty of haunting samples, while smooth, rolling melodies set the mood. A tinge of electro within the panning melody adds a little jump, while sullen sounds blend underneath perfectly.
Moving onto 'Rush' and the tune lives up to its title. A huge stabbing electro melody (a trademark of this duo) teams up with a simple female vocal that appears at the peaks. The tough electro melody is a mainstay throughout and is accompanied at times with playful melodies that seem to distort and sink.
Brisker & Magitman turn in their Startlight mix of Spex's ‘Asteroid’ and goes straight for the jugular with a big room analogue melody that constantly vibrates, while filtered, sustained synths and organic noises slip through unnoticed. There is no letting up until the last moment.
‘Drift Away’ by Keenan & Dale featuring ENDC gets remixed by Stel & Goodnewz showcasing a devastating bassline that is extra heavy while quirky sprinklings of stringed and synth melodies keep things moody. A filtered male vocal plays out with little emotion and lets the melodies do the talking.
Seven Sisters turn in their mix of ‘Murders of Sin’ by Walsh & Coutre which sees them take things deep with a great bassline that holds a little groove while soothing atmospherics and echoing effects create loads of mood. Patches of cut up vocals get a little filter action and feature nicely in the breakdown with gorgeous chords and a heavily effected bassine.
NOP comes to us now with Retouch The Moon as it display a little tech compared to the others with a lively electro melody and crisp high hats and snares. This tune holds a serious groove as it bounces over rising and falling synths, though a lot of credit goes to the melody which is contagious.
‘In Your Eyes’ from Glamour To Kill sees in Greed’s $2 Ho mix with the title doing this track justice. Starting off slowly, the hint of a building riff creeps upwards and as things take off, guitar and bassline madness blow up with a monotone male vocal in tow singing the lyrics from Kylie Minogue’s track of the same name. The guitar riffs are used throughout with different effects and volumes and add bigger emphasis on the peaks.
For prog fans this is a must. Extreme care from the SOG boys has been taken with this release. All tracks possess high quality production with loads of variation in sound to keep you happy.