Mandragora

Mandragora

Tala [Iconise]

7 March, 2008 | 11.33AM

• Written by: Lee Smith
• Filed under: Music Recommendations: iconise, tala

The second release on Brighton-based UK label Iconise features four variations on a deep techno theme, as they invite three distinct production talents to remix Tala’s ‘Mandragora’.

Based in Argentina, Tala debuted with his acclaimed remix of ‘War In Donga’, which appeared on the same label.

Deep and heartfelt, Tala’s style is a blend of springing, melody-heavy techno (think Sascha Funke, or maybe Superpitcher) with the stripped-back feel of modern minimal house.

His original version of ‘Mandragora’ is a low paced, quietly romantic pulser, ideal for deeper dancefloor moments, or late-night listening pleasure.

Fittingly for a Brighton-based label, Iconise have roped in Cosmic Sandwich aka Steve Barnes for the first instalment of remix duties.

A born and bread local, Barnes relocated to Cologne some years back, and went on to produced a string of acclaimed tracks and remixes for Traum, Trapez and My Best Friend.

His warm, dub-spiked rework tweaks the pace for a plaintive club-burner in his typically rich style.

Next up is newcomer Marcel Oelke, a brand new German talent from Stephan Bodzin-land - i.e., Bremen.

His remix strips the original back to its minimal roots, inserting a bumping contemporary groove and a smattering of textured harmonics.

Smart, unpretentious and brimming with potential, it’s a fine start from this young artist.

Finally, the EP returns to Brighton’s sunny shores for local rookie Danzai’s remix.

Layering dripping percussion clips over Detroit-ish string swathes and a deftly arranged groove, it’s a fittingly emotive end to the release.

It may not be earth-shatteringly inventive, but this is a fine, subtle EP that’ll appeal to deep techno, tech-house and minimal DJs alike.

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