- Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to my new favourite CD: WetMusik Mix Up Volume 6.
After their fifth CD release, a single disc featuring Simon Coyle in action at Pureflow Gets Wet, Wet are back with an all-Aussie two CD triumph. Featuring two livesets recorded at WET007, courtesy of Biz E (Calix) and Voiteck, WetMusik return to the underground vibe that has immortalised so many prior releases in the annals of Australian techno.
It’s also a release that many, including myself, have been eagerly anticipating since hearing the performances in person at WET007. Read the review and you’ll see that I was blown away by Biz E’s set, and I’m delighted to reveal that the CD is a similar joy to behold, but one that can be enjoyed many times over!
Transcending many different sounds, from pure Detroit to melodic to even some European-influenced loops, this set is a lasting tribute to local techno in all its forms. I found two things to be more apparent on the CD than live; one, the Detroity timing when dropping the bass in, and the superb sounds of Biz lavishing attention on his effects gadgetry. It’s this latter point that really endeared the CD to me: chuck it in your stereo for an instant party vibe!
Besides regurgitating the event review, it’s worth noting that Elvis’ contribution has been thankfully left off the release. On the post-production tip the crowd noises aren’t too intrusive (although I cringe at the thought it may be me yelling my approval in parts!) – yep, this is pure, sexy techno.
On the night of WET007 Voiteck’s performance had received a tad more lukewarm response than Calix’s, but I’m very happy to tip that replaying the set on CD will make a few people change their tune! It might not have the intensity of the ultimate in two a.m. techno, but take the set out of a dark nightclub and it secures this release’s worthy recommendation.
Although having 23 tracks to Calix’s 14, Voiteck takes us on a less diverse journey – rather, one with an engaging, dark structure. Dare I use the quasi-clichéd term, this is “intelligent techno”. Just like this listener, Voiteck loves his ride cymbal, and there it is peppering this set, locking us in to a sound so synthetic it’s sexy. That is not to say the music lacks funk or melody; in fact, the CD had me grooving from beginning to end – an unexpected result after the first airing at the party. A very pleasant surprise indeed!
After WET007 I predicted WetMusik Mix Up Volume 6 would be one of the must-haves of this year. The reality doesn’t just live up to that expectation, it loudly reaffirms WetMusik’s tag as one of the big guns of Australian techno. They pump out the releases, they’ve got the acts on their roster, and if you know what’s good for you, they’ll be in your stereo with this latest Mix Up real soon.