- Definitely one of the producers to watch for 2004, Alex Millan gets set to make his mark yet again with his Aspiration Affine EP on Hypnotek, a sub label of French based Hypnotic Music. After his brilliant ‘Maria Rosa’ production on Hypnotic, this release on the sister label is just as strong, with 3 very high quality productions on one slab of vinyl.
On the a-side is the title track, Aspiration Affine. This is a production with a nice techy grittiness. A tough kick drum meets quirky effects that intertwine delightfully with an electro fuelled baseline. As the track progresses, the percussive elements noticeably increase in action until the track hits a uniquely constructed breakdown. Hi hats clatter away as melodic synth stabs go side by side with a deep baseline. The furious beats come back into the track, creating a mind warping late night set. Madness!!
First up on the b-side is Flip On The Road. Another chunky house affair is on the cards with this killer production, as smooth baselines roll for the most part, combined with a quirky but subtle hook. Again the brilliant drum patterns of Alex’s work helps keep the track flowing smoothly, as does the nice humming effects in the breakdown as well as the extremely subtle vocal samples that never really rise above the background of sounds. Millan does it again!!
Not to end there, The b-side also features the twisted but brilliant Joei d’autrefois. Probably the toughest of the three productions, the drums needless to say are of high quality as Millan utilises the high hats to great use. Industrial sounds flow relentlessly with the quirky drum patterns, until it hits a purely evil yet devastating breakdown where killer evil synths tear away at the senses. The drums come back into the action, and twist and turn for the remainder of this purely peak time techno anthem.
This is some absolutely brilliant music from Alex Millan. It’s delightfully intricate at times, sometimes funky, and on other occasions purely satanic, but it all adds up to create one of the finest release I have heard this year. It is only the second 10 I have rated this year, and both releases have had Alex Millan behind them. And when I rate these releases 10, I am not quite saying that this music is perfect, but rather that they are surely the best releases I have heard this year. 3 fantastic productions in this one in particular make it very worthy of such praise. Watch out for Alex Millan, because he is certainly making his mark as one of the finest upcoming producers!