Prolific Dutch producer Danny Wolfers, known to most for his sonic exploits as Legowelt, will headline Club 77 this Saturday March 29. He’ll have support from Gardland, one of the most interesting electronic acts to emerge from Australia in recent years. A technological whiz who likes to “program software on obsolete computers,” Wolfers dropped his first EP back around the time Sachin Tendulkar was savaging Shane Warne on Australia’s tour of India in 1998. Since then he has forged his formidable reputation as a producer through his lo-fi house and techno concoctions, which he has released largely through Dutch labels like Bunker, Clone and CrПme Organization. As Legowelt, Wolfers has remixed the likes of Henry Saiz, Cosmin TRG and Vakula, while releasing a consistent stream of albums – in fact, his Sydney show coincides with the release of his tenth album Crystal Cult 2080, which was recorded in various corners of the world, including Detroit, Gran Canaria and Shibuya. “You get everything from energetic kung fu techno, to sensual fairytale flute trips, to the ancient magic scales of notorious alchemists,” Wolfers said of the album’s sonic purview. “I like it when the music sounds futuristic and different, like it comes from another planet.” While Legowelt is undoubtedly the main event,Gardland – comprised of Alex Murray and Mark Smith – are also a compelling reason to attend Saturday’s event. Gardland will showcase their self-described “elegantly wasted” sound by performing a live set drawing on material lifted off their debut album Syndrome Syndrome,which dropped last year on the RVNG Intl imprint.
Sydney duo Trinity & Beyond, comprised of DJ Trinity and John Tzineris, have just released (this Monday March 24 just gone) their debut album Blinded By 1000 Points Of Light on Cinematique Recordings. Trinity is best known to Sydneysiders for her DJ sets and work behind renowned local nights such as Loose Kaboose and 4our, though over the past few years her focus has shifted towards production and live sets. As the Svengali figure of the duo, Tzineris comes from a background in classical music composition that he acquired during his time at Sydney’s Conservatorium of Music. Since working together, Trinity & Beyond’s global stocks have continued to rise, with their productions attracting the attention of some international heavyweights, including dub techno producer XDB, who recently reworked their track ‘Reign’. This followed the release of the pair’s remix of German duo Klartraum alongside reworks from the likes of Vince Watson and Ian Pooley on Klartraum’s Secret Moon Remixed album, and Alexkid’s remix of Trinity & Beyond’s cut ‘This Dream’ on Sasse’s Moodmusic label in 2012. These releases form the backstory to Blinded By 1000 Points Of Light, an album that is a culmination of the many years’ hard work that Trinity and Tzineris have invested towards refining their sound and gradually establishing themselves as one of Australia’s preeminent techno outfits. The album was recorded live, and comprises nine tracks of atmospheric melodies and deep chords that traverse techno, progressive and minimal influences. Blinded By 1000 Points Of Light ought to increase Trinity & Beyond’s stature in both the global and local club realms – and hopefully, it will also inspire more local producers to back themselves, and take on the challenge of making albums and putting themselves ‘out there’.
Following on from 2012’s iSH EP, which included a remix from luminary AtomTM, Tokyo producer Kyoka has released her first full-length album Is (Is Superpowered) through German techno conglomerate Raster-Noton. Kyoka is the first solo female artist on the Raster-Noton roster, and aside from being very かわいい (kawaii), she is known for a rough and robust sound that incorporates broken pop-beat and experimental rhythms that also keep (at least) one eye on their dancefloor. (Let’s assume experimental electronic music has optical capability so that metaphor holds up.) Kyoka’s maiden LP features her own vocals throughout, melding industrial techno and glitchy soundscapes that are bolstered by guest appearances from To Rococo Rot’s Robert Lippok and Frank Bretscheider of Komet to create a daring but also more club-friendly release than one would typically expect from the quite ‘out there’ sounds of the Raster-Noton stable. Purists fear not – Is (Is Superpowered) is hardly a ‘safe’ release, but Kyoka’s ambition and ingenuity ensures it is an engaging and immersive listen.
LOOKING DEEPER
Saturday
March 29
Legowelt & Gardland
Club 77
Saturday April 5
Hunee
Goodgod Small Club
Thursday April 17
Morphosis
The Imperial Hotel, Erskineville
Saturday April 26
Fred P
Marrickville Bowling Club
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