Kode - Live Constructions Vol. 1

Four tracks of tough, tribal techno from London label Hz Tracks' head honcho, Kode. The first cut, Funka, has a rolling electro bassline and deep-house chords that give it a really liquid feel despite the punishing BPM. This is techno for those who like it silky smooth, in a Garnier style. Highlight Rolla is a darker beast, although marginally slower, with tribal overtones and a squelching bassline that peaks epically towards the middle. The b-sides, Killa and Bulla, are more of the same, but suffering from a slight absence of melody: still, these are all tough, sparky, polished techno tunes with dirty basslines fit to burst off the wax and rip through any club PA. [Bram Gieben]