Various Artists / Panorama Bar 03: Vinyl Exclusives
Vinyl / Digital
OstGut Ton / Released May 9th 2011
What does it sound like?
There’s a decent variety going on here, showcasing the reason Berghain’s label still holds its reputation as one of Berlin’s most worthwhile. Three producers from said city deliver as many hitherto unreleased tunes over this EP, veering from various sides of the path loosely described as house music.
Soundstore’s Take U is probably the biggest track, and by far the most electro-driven. Huge ravey synths kick the whole thing off, threatening to erupt into something far bigger than the end result. In truth things are kept relatively stripped, as live handclaps fade in and out, and the age-old kick drum does the rest. In contrast the other full-on booty shaker comes in the form of Hunee’s A Leaf For Hand In Hand, which is equally unique when compared to the name its master bestowed upon it, using boompty boomp vibes and rap samples with spiralling chords and strained electronic strings. Then there’s Steffi, who opts for something different again, serving up a deep, vocal, bluesy workout that’s a beautiful piece of music, regardless of genre.
Where would I dance to it?
Er, Germany. And probably everywhere else now this badger’s out of the box.
What highlights can I expect to hear?
Steffi continues to cement her enviable reputation on this EP by choosing to give us something that could out-soul a garage convention in South London. Powerful female vocals whisper something about heartbreaking loneliness, in the usual emotive way, conjuring images of Olive, Everything But The Girl, A Man Called Adam and Dubtribe Soundsystem, to name but a few. Mid-90s indeed, though that’s no criticism when the formula is this timeless. It seems shuffling organs and melancholic overtones coming together to leave you feeling strangely positive will always be pretty special.
Why should I pay for it?
Because the aforementioned tune really is a classic in the making.
Where can I buy it?
Boomkat on the DL, and probably a decent local shop, though no doubt with a lot more difficulty.
