Genre/Influences: Dubstep, cinematographic, IDM.

Background/Info: Stefan Bookholt aka SB-Six strikes back unleashing his second EP on Mindtrick Records. He released a few more productions in between both EP’s, but Mindtrick will for sure give him the opportunity to reach a wider audience. The main and essential aspect of this work is that it was entirely conceived and composed with modular synthesizers and no computer was involved.

Content: “Trajectories” reveals a true arsenal of electronic sounds and bleeps. It’s pretty astral-like, but also into cinematographic experiences. I also noticed deep bass lines reminding me of early Frontline Assembly, but it’s just a comparison about sounds and not about style.

This is more the kind of music to listen to although both remixes –by EVS and He3dless are more into danceable vibes.

+ + + : Modular equipment has this unique magic sound creation and remains a real lust for the ears. It’s a rather complex procedure, but you’re sure to create a very own sound. That’s precisely the strength of this EP (which is more a mini-album). There’s an interesting diversity running through the cuts, but the minimalism and global sound treatments definitely remain a real lust for electronic lovers in search of ‘something different’. There’s a great progression in songwriting punctuated by a great remix by He3dless.

– – – : This work sounds more cinematographic- and experimental like than previous EP “Inner Light”. It definitely reveals an evolution in approach, but I have to admit I prefer the early work. I’m missing the danceable elements and a truly climax.

Conclusion: “Trajectories” is a sonic shuttle that will take you away among unknown star systems and fantasy worlds. This is music to dream away while you’ll fully enjoy the global sound creation.

Best songs: “Redemption”, “Staggered”, “The Dark – He3dless Remix”.

Rate: (7).

Band: www.facebook.com/SBSIXmusic

Label: www.mindtrick–records.com / www.facebook.com/mindtrickrecords

Inferno Sound Diaries

I have been working for over 30 years with Side-line as the main reviewer. My taste is eclectic, uncoventional and I prefer to look for the pearls, even if the bands are completely unknown, thus staying loyal to the Side-Line philosophy of nurturing new talents.

www.side-line.com

Genre/Influences: Electro-ambient, rhythmic-ambient, IDM, dubstep, experimental.

Background/Info: Mindtrick Records was set up in 2007 by Guido (Atiq) v.d Brink and is operating from Rotterdam (The Netherlands). While the label this year celebrates its 10th anniversary this label compilation got released at the end of 2016 featuring 16 bands plus an intro.

Bands: Atiq, Tangent, Rlyeh1, He3dless, Delete, Suboctane, Funckarma, Aeon Waves, Huron, The Travel, SB-Six, Known Rebel, The Travel ao.

Content: I always have considered Mindtrick Records as one of the most visionary labels in electronic-underground music. This is the kind of label, which really brings a bonus to the contemporary underground music by having a nose for intelligent and often avant-garde minded electronic bands. This new compilation is the right sound canvas to discover established bands from the label like Atiq, Delete, Tangent, Sb-Six, Huron, Aeon Waves, Rlyeh1, Known Rebel, He3dless, The Travel… but also a few guests, new names and possible next new signings. Funckarma is for sure the most famous name among the list.

While the first part of the sampler is more based around different kind of ambient music styles, the second part features the most sophisticated and danceable cuts leading the listener towards a sonic horizon made by IDM, dubstep and rhythmic-ambient.

+ + + : A compilation often is the right way to get an idea about a label’s music taste. I think it still is a more appropriated format then streaming, but we all know the CD-sales are going downwards. And yet there are CD’s you better put your hands on especially when they’re exposing such fascinating and well-crafted music like “Frequencies Of The Mind”. Known Rebel and Delete both are without a shadow of a doubt my favorite bands on this series, both composing great sound sculptures supported by fascinating atmospheres. I also have to mention Suboctane and the more indus/IDM cut by Huron.

– – – : It’s not really a point, but I was rather surprised by the more ambient approach featured in the first part of the album. I’m more used to hear more dynamic work from some of these formations.

Conclusion: “Frequencies Of The Mind” is the right work to get more familiarized by the future-electronics of Mindtrick Records.

Best bands: Known Rebel, Delete, Suboctane, Rlyeh1, The Travel.

Rate: (7½).

Label: www.mindtrick–records.com / www.facebook.com/mindtrickrecords

Inferno Sound Diaries

I have been working for over 30 years with Side-line as the main reviewer. My taste is eclectic, uncoventional and I prefer to look for the pearls, even if the bands are completely unknown, thus staying loyal to the Side-Line philosophy of nurturing new talents.

www.side-line.com

Genre/Influences: Dubstep, IDM, future-garage.

Content: Stefan Bookholt is a producer from The Netherlands and who has set up SB-Six. The debut work “Inner Light” was released by Mindtrick Records, and remains a reference in music genres like IDM, dubstep and related genres.

Bookholt claims to produce ‘future-garage’ music, but I’m sure “Inner Light” will immediately be linked to dubstep and IDM. The EP features 5 cool songs opening with “Show Me”, which directly brings the listener into sophisticated and deep groovy sequences of this work. It sounds like intelligent dubstep with a few more elements for the ride. “Need2Be” coming up next is my personal favorite for the extra ‘dance’ flavor, which has been injected by great and pure dance-like female vocals. The electronic treatments are hiding intelligent manipulations and amazing sounds.

All the songs are pure lust for the ears and the mind. It’s the kind of music that rapidly appears to be a relief when you think of the number of average-like releases in a related genre. Some astral sound elements can be heard as well, but the work remains mainly based upon the low and deep sound treatments. The songs have been refined by subtle arrangements –like piano-like sounds on “Been True” while globally speaking SB-Six also sounds pretty sexy. The deep sounding grooves and hot vocals inject this great sensual touch.

Conclusion: SB-Six is one more great newcomer at Mindtrick Records, which remains an absolute reference if you’re in search of progressive electronic sounds.

Best songs: “Need2Be”, “Round”, “Show Me”.

Rate: (DP:8½)DP.

Band: www.facebook.com/SBSIXmusic

Label: www.mindtrick-records.com / www.facebook.com/mindtrickrecords

Inferno Sound Diaries

I have been working for over 30 years with Side-line as the main reviewer. My taste is eclectic, uncoventional and I prefer to look for the pearls, even if the bands are completely unknown, thus staying loyal to the Side-Line philosophy of nurturing new talents.

www.side-line.com