Genre/Influences: EBM, body-techno, minimal-EBM.
Background/Info: Martyna Maja is a Polish techno DJ and performer established in Berlin. She already released a few 12” and has unleashed her last production on Haven.
Content: If Martyna Maja is known as a techno-DJ, “Self Control” is clearly inspired by EBM. She even moves back to old-school body music featuring alluring bass lines, but mixed with a minimal approach and technoid elements on top. The minimalism also comes back in the somewhat female spoken vocals at the opening song.
+ + + : “Self Control” features 4 different songs, which are all worthy of examination. This is the kind of music that will clearly appeal for retro-EBM lovers, but still for a more ‘modern’-minded audience who also like to get a techno flavor on top. That’s why it also has something minimal-like. This production has something intelligent in the sound treatments and the global sound production. “Up & Down” is a stunning opening cut while “Nicetry” reveals irresistible, cold tones.
– – – : I think it could be interesting to hear VTSS with some extra vocals on top of her work.
Conclusion: I can’t affirm that VTSS has achieved a visionary EBM piece, but it clearly appears to be a refreshing techno-body format featuring brilliant cuts. This is a 12” to put your finger on!
Best songs: “Nice Try”, “Up & Down”, “I Don’t think It’s Better”.
Rate: (8½).
