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viewing 1 To 13 of 13 items
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12"
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SNDST 111EP
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Berlin's Michael Klein drops heavy duty five-tracker EP on Second State Audio. A mainstay of the Second State label, Michael Klein's back catalog has now expanded to include 11 releases with the Berlin imprint. Opener and title track "Golden Hour" kicks off with strong synergy between the kick, bass and percussion. Moving and rising at controlled pace, Klein brings in off kilter keys and a smooth arpeggio. Next up is "Voice Interrupt" which uses twisted melodies and pitch distortions to create a tense but energetic energy. Minimal shakers and a solitary hi-hat add texture to the track, whilst keeping the arrangements tight and bouncy. "In My Own Eyes" starts off minimal and subdued, with a rotary synth that eventually breaks through and takes command. Subtle industrial elements are used but hidden under shakers, coming to the forefront during a brief interlude of the main synth-line. Following is "Howlip" with a uniform kick, hi-hat and a jagged synth combo that dance menacingly throughout. A sample of the cut's name chimes in at varied volumes, at times battling against the main groove and recurring electro twinged synth. A driving and peak-time dancefloor weapon. The finale of the EP "One Eyed Master" is dominated by piping, high-frequency keys that bubble under the main kick and sharp single hi-hat. Varying in intensity as the track drives on, the keys create a dystopian yet uneasy atmosphere. Klein again plays with the balance of percussion and pitch to manipulate the mood created in the track, an obvious theme and technique applied throughout the EP.
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12"
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SNDST 096EP
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Taking its place as opener is the title track "Nokaut". Stomping along with intent, the walloping kick and rave-y 303 elements coerces you to move. The robust vocal sample spouts repeatedly while the 303 builds and fades, before storming back in with slapping hi-hats. MK's Random Mod Edit follows. His rendering is a warped and disjointed edit, but still manages to retain the energy and soul of the original. Showing off his production skills, he transforms the once acid-tinged melody and turns it into a jolting, jittery tune that allows the percussion to take center stage. The galloping kick drum and searing hot cymbals push the tempo as snare drums and hi-hats layer and fall over each other. On the flip, "Scream" is a step away from the relentless, high powered rave energy of the A side and a step into the deeper, darker side of techno. Booming kick drums sound out over a powerful baseline and snapping detuned percussions. An echoing woodblock is struck and fades into the distance while the brooding melody takes control. Last up is "Slow Sucker", which commences as a labored, chuggy cut, but builds to a steady march throughout. An indistinct voice jolts across the explosive kick drum and snare combination, an element that Klein cleverly uses sparingly during the track. A distorted baseline hangs over an oscillating synth that drapes an impenetrable veil of darkness, creating the atmosphere of this closer.
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12"
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SNDST 089EP
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Frankfurt born and Berlin based Michael Klein returns to Pan-Pot's Second State for his next EP on the label. Following on from 2020's big hits "Der Sturm Kommt" and "Hoisin" from the No Mercy EP builds from an incredibly productive year for the BLK DRP label boss. "No Mercy" opens proceedings with a subdued synth subtle kick and concentrated snare hits. A bellowing kick drum then follows while 303 cuts through and creates a dark twisted undertone for the listener. Snare drums and claps each add an element of texture that ties everything together and any let off or respite is short lived before diving back in head first to the sonic storm. "Joker Smile" is up next. Keeping with the tone of the record so far a heavily weighted acidic lead orchestrates a foreboding atmosphere from the get-go. The furious acid notes swirl in and out before blistering hi-hats and snares are infused. Rapid percussion builds a sense of adrenaline and restlessness pushing the energy higher while an ever-present kick drum slams over and over leaving the power of the 303 to take full effect. Bringing things to a close on the EP is "Sticky" where Michael shows us his ability to build melody and synths seamlessly into heavy and powerful techno tracks. A rhythmic plucking synth runs throughout this finisher that builds and plummets into itself. Jolting claps and hi-hats are paired together raising the intensity. Distorted vocal samples ring out in the distance adding to the malicious dark nature of the track. These twisted samples become more and more entangled drawing you in deeper until the end. Michael once again shows that his abilities in the studio make him a force to be reckoned with -- and his newest release blasts speakers with no mercy.
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12"/ART
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SNDST 075EP
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Der Sturm Kommt is German for "the storm is coming", and the name of Michael Klein's new EP could apply as equally to the artist as to his music. In the past two years especially, Klein's career trajectory has skyrocketed thanks to the ever-increasing quality of his output. His tracks have been hand-picked for compilations by Amelie Lens and Cocoon honcho Sven Väth while his productions are supported by big hitters including Laurent Garnier, Dubfire, and of course Pan-Pot, the owners of his home-label Second State Audio. On his latest EP, the storm is coming quite literally in form of three high-energy bangers that help establish Klein as one of techno's most reliable party-starters. The title track recreates the mood of an actual storm, opening with grey squall before the heavens open in a downpour of android-like vocals, high-volume distortions, a relentless kick, and a build and drop sure to blow up any club it's played in. Rather than dial it back on "Wasser" (water), Klein keeps the heat turned right up, deploying a snarling acidic bassline recalling the best of International Deejay Gigolo Records and adding his own stamp in the form of a characterful dog-like bark. German for "when you scream", "Wenn Du Schreist" is, as its name suggests, the most ominous-sounding of the lot. There's a dark energy to the production, with spooky treated vocals and rubbery synths creating a nefarious atmosphere. Importantly though, like everything on this EP, the track still bangs. Der Sturm Kommt is another package of high-BPM floor-scorchers from one of the hottest names on the scene today. With every release, Klein just gets harder, better, faster, and stronger.
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12"
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SNDST 072EP
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Techno DJ and producer Michael Klein has been consistently putting out solid work for years, a habit that has made other DJs -- among them Richie Hawtin, Chris Liebing, and Laurent Garnier -- look to Klein's releases as reliable fodder fit for a variety of moods at any given party. Born in Frankfurt and trained in classical piano as a child, Klein cut his clubbing teeth at the likes of Robert Johnson and Cocoon. He then moved to Berlin where he cultivated his dark and groovy sound, assisted by his studies in sound engineering, and earned a residency at the beloved, now-closed Stattbad. Klein is prolific but versatile, and these qualities come to the fore on his latest release, the Hoisin EP for Second State. The title track, "Hoisin", is a shapeshifter, switching gears from mesmeric, winding bass and rhythmic bleeps to minor, eerie builds, cheeky drum rolls, and more energizing chords. "Bite" is more urgent, kicked along by impatient percussion and an acidic bass burble. "The Signal" is the EP's biggest moment, destined to be a highlight of not just Klein's sets, but others', too. It has the atmosphere of a '90s Bristolian rave, with a whomping stomp, beguiling bass and the odd vocal yelp adding era-specific authenticity. "Hollow Night" demonstrates how deftly he can change moods. Here Klein retreats into something darker and more insular. A kick joined by circular chords creates a claustrophobic but compelling inner world. Klein is a highly valued member of the Second State Audio family and recently contributed an excellent exclusive track for Amelie Lens' Fabric Presents mix. He's been something of a secret weapon in the techno community for years, but while his music prefers to live in the dark, Klein's profile is, deservedly, coming into the light.
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12"
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COR 166EP
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Frankfurt's Michael Klein offers two tracks for Cocoon. Clouds gather on "Yuzu" -- a full-on dose of headstrong, slamming techno. Rampant hi-hats, a rasping bass, and a frenzied acid riff conjure up a deliberately disorientating electric storm that takes a certain amount of pleasure in battering the dance floor like a force ten gale. Klein adds some extra bounce to the raw, pounding beats on "Eureka", creating a cavernous backdrop that transports you back to the heyday of E-Werk. Then, it's all aboard the night train as the sounds gradually morph into some kind of demonic locomotive.
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12"
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SNDST 053R-EP
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2021 repress. After Micheal Klein's stunning debut album Snapshot (SNDST 053LP, 2018), Second State Audio celebrate with four stellar remixes. Dubfire delivers a rework of "Dismantled Structure" channeling the aesthetics of quintessential dub stylings. Markus Suckut follows with his unique approach on "Dirty Daddy" where heaviness reigns supreme. Developer dives further into ethereal spaces with his re-imagining of "Flashes In Your Eyes". +Plattform, one of Norway's best techno artists, delivers an absolutely gorgeous rendition of "So Far To Go".
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2LP
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SNDST 053LP
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To say Michael Klein has been on a roll as of late would be a gross understatement. Klein has been pushing his unique and undeniably infectious sound to the masses as a DJ and producer all while running his own BLK DRP imprint, his platform for releasing only his originals. With huge releases and remixes on Second State, Octopus and most recently Dense & Pika's highly lauded Kneaded Pains label, Michael Klein is fully en route on his trajectory to solidifying himself among the industry's elite. Thus, Second State is honored to be the platform for him to present his debut album Snapshot. Over the course of eleven tracks, Klein flexes his proverbial muscles showcasing his prowess for top notch productions that reveal a mastermind of modern techno. From the very start, Klein exhibits a maturity most take decades to achieve. On "Boot Sequence", the album commences with a euphoric, broken-beat excursion into the vast spaces of sonic wonder, setting the stage for the array of dance floor destruction to come. "Flashes In Your Eyes" takes the baton and dives into full-fledged elation with a growing acid line taking the lead. Following suit, yet adding more drums, "Dismantled Structure" delivers a high-octane ride before "Them Psychos", where Klein's trademark grooves take center stage. Snapshot builds slowly, adding one more element or variation to continue the climatic ascension when "Dirty Daddy" steps into focus relying on crisp, reeling percussion and a sinister low-end rumble. Eloquently taking a turn mid-album, "Drink Those" dives into dreamy territories where melody steps front and center before "100" veers into an ominous lead and hypnotic percussives. However, Klein has saved the peak-time antics for a bit later on "Wall Licker", before the reverb-heavy "Glitter Bath" takes over with an incredible groove where the drums do all the work. Klein then takes it back to where it all began with the ethereal setting of malevolent aural display of broken rhythms and deep-space sonics on "So Far To Go". Closing the album, "Dissolving" leaves his mark with subtle yet powerful washes of aural shimmers and an embrace of plush emotions. With an absolutely timeless aesthetic, Klein has delivered a monumental effort with Snapshot; there is no doubt in his intention, to create immortal orchestras of electronic artifacts. Dive in and experience Snapshot; you won't be sorry.
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12"
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SNDST 043EP
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Second State Audio mainstay Michael Klein returns with what may be his best work to date with his Peter's Hand EP. "Peters Hand" and "Broken Keys" are a testimonial to the one of a kind approach Klein has to building grooves that are intense and gripping. Heiko Laux's remix of "Broken Keys" is a tour-de-force, wall of sound full of tension and euphoria. "Daniels Dream" sees him finish the EP showing a fairly playful side balanced delicately over an unrelenting and one-of-a-kind Michael Klein groove.
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12"
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SNDST 034EP
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Second State Audio hand the reigns over to Michael Klein for the third edition of their Hub series. Klein's alliance with Pan-Pot on "Haze Effect" wastes no time getting to the point; Dancefloor destruction with rapid fire percussion, spiraling synth lines, and massive roars of bass. Klein teams up with Stephan Hinz on "Far Sight" for another worldly trek into the ethereal club moments. Klein and Amelie Lens join forces for a tour-de-force display of loopy, psychedelic techno on "Blinding Light". Klein's collaborated with Roman Lindau for the banger "Secret Passenger", where classic house sounds collide with time-honored techno production.
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12"
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SNDST 027EP
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Michael Klein returns to Second State Audio with four brilliantly crafted and highly infectious warehouse weapons, following his first two EPs for the label, Drawing (2015) and Metals (SNDST 016EP, 2016), as well as the 2016 launch of his BLKDRP label. With "This Moment," Klein wastes no time diving into his peak-time antics, layering hauntingly catchy patterns of powerful drums, vocal hooks, and simple yet impressive sonic jabs for an unforgettable and enduring cut. "Repeat" delivers an irrefutable groove of vocal fragments and wild drum arrangements; "Belief" is an absolute banger with a straight four-to-the-floor construction of hypnotic percussive rhythms and a single cryptic synth.
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12"
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SNDST 016EP
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Michael Klein's Metals opens with the "Silver," keeping the pace with a persistent rush of momentum alongside slow yet infectious rises and vast ethereal cries. "Opaque" delivers off-kilter grooves with incredible force and exuberance, creating a contagious, sweat-laden exhilaration nothing short of pure warehouse bliss. "Outer Shell" is by far the most emotional and cosmic tune on the EP, with opulent melodics that construct beams of radiant light found only in the outer reaches of deep space. Slow-burner "Dura 2 (feat. aGhost)," which plays at 33 and 45 RPM, features chants and shimmers of lavish chimes.
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12"
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SNDST 010EP
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Techno-savvy Berlin-based artist Michael Klein presents his Second State debut, opening with "Drawing," a journey deep into the celestial spaces between lush dub and four-to-the-floor mayhem. Littered with massive stabs of solar bursts, "Drawing" is a thrill-ride at a breakneck pace, perfect for lifting the whole place off the foundation. The drums of "Illusive Space" propel the ship into hyper-speed while a couple massive synth-blasts shift it into an even higher gear. For "Pattern Movement," Klein enlists Genevieve Marentette to pull off a colossal grinder of throbbing percussives, interweaving agile drums with auditory hallucinations of provocative female vocals.
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viewing 1 To 13 of 13 items
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