Think Mag #24 Pick of the Month (Album)

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FEELING TEKTILE...
(Text: Mark Koh)

CARLSBERG & DBL O DELIVER THE GOODS

This Month's Highest Recommendation is Dbl O's "The Tektile Movement Records", an 8 track compilation named for the record label it represents. Sponsored by Carlsberg. The Tektile Movement Records (Singapore) is the Asian Branch of an American based music label that comprises of an assembly of DJs and Musicians that expounds Nu-Jazz, a very unusual fusion form that generates soundscapes yet retaining a melodic paradigm. I was rather taken off guard by my foray into the CD's contents - encountering down-tempo that transcended the funk-house cookie-cutter. The first track, "Emotion of The Ocean" by Xtac was a haunting electronica piece with inspiring string lines. It had a deep 'vogue' feel that painted a horizon of scattered beats in a somewhat eternal builder. Despite my lack of coffee and antibiotics, I was inclined to feel hopeful, with the composition burying itself into the subconscious. A second piece, "The Kokyu Curse" by Mel certainly hexed me into addiction with its undulating bass and an innovative kintaro-esque flute/sax patch that carried a new age aroma to the breakbeat. This was creative use of analogue distortion that subtly rode the wings of the synth lines for texture. I was surprised to find local Trance King Yukun's track "An Evening Serenade"....this was certainly a departure from his usual euphoric trance repertoire with a dated synth-pop feel to it. No crescendo of soaring synths here. Instead, I found a delightful breakdown that had great velocity variation between samples and a mesmerizing groove.

Mel's Lansing Solitude was another interesting number witha bossa/salsa vibe, housey yet atmospheric with wide pans. Do also check out Razaq's "Who Shook My Whore?!" (Mel Remix) a dynamic trance composition with 'Hybrid' sensibility (Remember "Unfinished Symphony") that was entertainingly littered with thick percussion. Xtac's "Beyond the Horizon" proved to be my favourite, with its uplifting synth currents and sawtooth edits. Overall the production level was satisfying with crisp mastering. This collection might prove to be ideal chill out material on that odd sunny day at KM8 or in one of those Balcony baskets.

Dbl O is six years old this year, with the re-launch party on 3rd November aptly named Metamorphosis, it is set to become a thorn in the side of other clubs around town. The Tektile Movement, is a new and vibrant record label which is directed towards the upcoming sounds of local artistes and producers who thrive on electronic music and technology. They have produced, remixed and mastered eight tracks that create a musical journey of ambient, downtempo, NuJazz, breaks and trance. In Fact, the track 'Who Shook My Wh*re?!' has been creating waves in the Australian MP3.Com.Au dance charts. This ambient collection promises to chill-you-out & then psyche you up for dbl O

We are giving away 50 Limited Edition dbl O Live CDs and a waiver of cover for 25 winners and one friend each. For your chance to win just answer the following questions and send to us at THINK MAGAZINE, 114 Middle Road, Lee Kai House #01-00, Singapore (188971) by 21st December 2006 for your chance to win.

1. What is the name of dbl O's Relaunch Party on 3rd November 2006
2. What is the name of the record label?
3. How old is dbl O?

More information available at www.thetektilemovement,com