Techno DJ and Producer Harvard Bass’ new PLEX EP came out this morning on Teenage Riot Recordings.  Harvard Bass hails from San Diego (German for Whale’s Vagina).  His new EP features the “PLEX” original and three remixes from Ego Troopers, St Mandrew, and John Roman.  The original is a decent track.  It’s groovy and minimal as you would expect from him.  I’m sure it would get a dancefloor going, but it’s just not that special in my opinion.  Perhaps I am horribly spoiled by being constantly around new and awesome techno.  The reason I wanted to post about this EP was because of the remixes though.  My only real gripe is his use of the shot gun sample before the drops.  It’s awesome, but so overused.  The shotgun is the airhorn of techno.  We love you Harvard Bass, but stop it.

Boysnoize Records’ Ego Troopers took the second remix on the EP.  Ego Troopers’ remix is a constantly evolving percussive take on Harvard Bass’ original.  I’m a huge fan of percussion driven techno tracks, but much of the track is a bit too sparse for my taste.  Don’t dismiss this remix until you hear it loud and probably live.  Perhaps it’s a testament to the inherent scheminess of techno, but you never really know about a track until you hear it at a volume loud enough to kill the elderly.

Next up is relatively unknown Canadian, St. Mandrew’s remix.  This track should be one to put him on the map.  I’ve never heard of this guy before, but being put on a release with just Harvard Bass, John Roman, and Ego Troopers is a big deal.  The track fits in that wonderful niche between electro and techno.  It’s heavily focused around this one growling percussion loop made from the shot gun sample.  Kudos to you, St. Mandrew, for taking an over played sample and idea and making it not boring.

The EP closes with a massive remix from Metrojolt (and yours too) favorite, John Roman.  It’s funky, devious and industrial.  John Roman is a master at crafting dark drum sounds.  This track is classic John Roman and my pick for best on the release.

The EP is out today on Beatport.

Full Teaser

Remixes