U Can Get Sonar - Matchbox

The 20: May 2008

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Featured Review #04

U Can Get Sonar

Matchbox [Kindisch ]

#04 in this month's The 20

Section: Music Reviews Topics: The 20
Written by: Terry Church

Kindisch is one of those labels that can do no wrong.

From the label’s very first release in June 2006 (Einzelkind ‘Introduction EP’), there’s been nothing but quality tech house all the way.

From its artwork, to the excellent producers it has pushed through, (Samim, Michal, Diskjokke, Raz Ohara and H.O.S.H.) Kindisch is a record label that understands the importance of being consistent.

It’s no wonder then that the label is actually part of the Get Physical family.

Here the Kindisch crew once again prove themselves to be shrewd supporters of the underground by offering up Matchbox’s first ever 12” release.

For anyone not familiar with the Berlin scene, Matchbox is one of the city’s most respected DJs having played regularly at Panorama Bar, Tresor, Bar 25 and other super trendy afterhours spots.

He’s also part of the team behind Berlin’s highly respected vinyl emporium Rotation – a shop dedicated to quality plastic.

Back in 2006 Matchbox joined forces with top producer Ilja Coric to create dancefloor-focused techno and house, and their successful collaboration now leads to ‘U Can Get Sonar’, a three-tracker full of groovy, chunky tech house.

Lead track ‘U Can Get Sonar’ immediately kicks with funky house rhythms and bongos before leading off into a dark, tribally techno piece, focused around a repetitive male vocal.

Later Matchbox introduces ethereal pads that are at odds with the funky, drum led centre, and they stay right until the end, giving the track a ghostly, unfinished feel.

The second track, ‘Upad Aah’ is a much sexier, housier track and is Beatportal’s pick of the EP.

With its African vocals, lush rhythms and bongo led breakdown, it’s the most intriguing track of the three.

By combining the spirit of traditional tribal music with the razor sharp bass of techno, Matchbox has managed to create a wonderfully different groove.

The final track ‘Persuasion’ cements Matchbox’ affinity for the darker, more spatial side to techno.

Yet more good vibes from Kindisch.