War In Donga

War In Donga

Daniel Vallejo [Iconise]

10 December, 2007 | 2.47PM

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

We all know that there are literally tons of virtually unknown producers and labels on Beatport, and that to go through them all would take forever, but this neat EP from new Brighton-based label Iconise is definitely one that’s worth investigating.

All the artists and remixers featured are as yet unreleased, but on the basis of the smart minimalism on display here, oodles of fresh potential have yet to be explored.

The title track is the kind of lurching, stalking, stripped down techno that will appeal to fans of labels like Dumb-Unit, Vakant and Foundsound.

A chugging bassline lays the foundation for spiky, hiccupping vocal cut-ups, with grinding FX filling out the groove.

Punchy, straightforward, and satisfyingly bleak in mood, it’s a great start from this young Spanish producer.

Danzai’s remix is a heavier, more thumping affair, with the original’s single-note bassline brought to the fore.

Like recent Minus signing Skoozbot, there’s a churning, pumping feel that offers plenty of dark-edged, mix-friendly opportunities.

Tala’s remix strays into deeper, more melodic territories.

A lush, warm pad holds the flailing pops and crackles, sounding not a million miles away from Swayzak’s classic dub-techno style.

Finally, Daniel Vallejo returns with ‘Higo De Perras’, a vaguely menacing slice of minimalism that provides a slinkier alternative to the original’s devilish powers.

Let’s hope this is the first of many super-cool Iconise outings.

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