The Vitals:

Label: Giantslayers
Genre: Techno/Tech House
Number of Tracks: 4
How to Obtain: beatport.com

Factor Scores:

Production: 8.0
Programming and Arrangement: 7.5
Entertainment Quality: 7.0
Total: 7.5 – Good

Dave’s Take:

Giantslayers is a new techno label on the scene and Struggle is their first release. Based in Grand Rapids, MI, Isaiah a.k.a. Matt Hyatt has been writing techno and tech house choons for some time now. This EP, simply based on the name and the conflicting artist names, is truly focused on some sort of undefined struggle. This release seems to be using all old school analog gear which is rare these days give how many softsynths exist and the pressures to go down this less expensive route. It’s got a great warm sound and is totally loop based. In fact, if there is one downside to the EP, it is that it might be entirely too loop based.

If you are looking for anthem techno tracks like form the early 90’s, this won’t be your release. It’s something that people on the dance floor can really zone out and groove to, but don’t expect blistering vocals and highly aggressive beats. Sonically, this ep shares more in common with the old Mindbender’s album on N*Soul or Moby’s Voodoo Child: Baby Monkey album from 2004. This one definitely gets my seal of approval, if for nothing else than it’s beauty and simplicity.