Kai-Zen, London Based Techno Collective




The Kai-Zen Blog
Kai-Zen December Blog – The Best Of 2011

Happy New Year loyal followers! 

It’s that time of year again when we at Kai-Zen take a look back at the records that have made 2011 special for us. As years go, this year has been as good or bad as any in terms of events. Japan struck by cataclysmic natural disasters, Google entered the social network market with Plus, Riots plagued the UK (thanks largely to feckless work-shy chancers) Steve Jobs wandered off the mortal coil, Rebecca Black sadly didn’t, and we’re still inundated with daily news that the economy has gone to shit. In any case, no matter how good or bad your year may have been, you can take comfort in the fact that there will always be new music to see you through the stormy patches. These are our favourites. We’ve thought long and hard about it (as you must), and for us these are the records that have soared above the piles of mediocrity, and joined the pantheon of greats. Enjoy....

#01 - Roberto
Record: Darko Esser – Clean Slate (DVS1 remix) [Curle]

“I’ve been playing it a lot this year and it always smashes it. The track is quite simple but it works really well. It’s also really nice to use as a tool to layer with other tracks”

Watch/Listen On Youtube

#02 - KiERaN
Record: Truncate – Pad Mode [Enemy]

“This was a tough choice this year, as there have been so many excellent break-through artists such as DVS1, Marcelus, SP-X and Kai-Zen’s own Roberto”

Watch/Listen On Youtube

#03 - Chris Page
Record: Timothy Alexander – Barghast [Diacope]

“Going on the fact that since I acquired the track midsummer, I've played it in every set and mix without question. I came to know about him through mutual friends rather than finding him through being charted in some big name jocks top 10. I kept an eye on his label Diacope, and discovered the track in question. It stood out for me firstly just because of its overall volume. It literally shouts at you. But it is by no means full throttle. The BPM is fairly sedate, and it's very stripped back. However each individual element sounds full, with not a frequency wasted. From the deep menacing subs, through the low metallic strikes of the lead, to the crisp hats. But far from just being well engineered, it builds, it's groovy, and it's frustratingly simple in its execution. This will continue to get hammered into 2012”

Watch/Listen On Youtube

#04 - Dave Johnys
Record: Alex Bau – Noise B (Monoloc Remix) [Sleaze Records]

“Covers all the bases that makes Monoloc such a fantastic producer. Driving, dark, full of energy and a groove that sets and keeps excellent momentum throughout.”

Watch/Listen On Youtube

#05 - Naif
Record: Inxec & Droog – Accidental [Crosstown Rebels]

“It’s quite a recent tune, but for me this has to be one of the most beautiful Deep House tunes of 2011. Incidentally, Inxec is also my favourite producer of the year alongside Maceo Plex. Both are a staple part of my sets now that I have moved on to a deeper sound”

Watch/Listen On Youtube

#06 - Andy James
Record: PVT ‘Light Up Bright Fires’ (Nathan Fake remix) [Warp]

“Astonishing… the only word that describes it. Forward-thinking electronica from one of the most accomplished and exciting artists to break through in recent years. I’ve always been a fan of Pivot, but Nathan takes the raw elements of their gritty live onslaught, and twists it into an ethereal beauty that just makes me stop whatever I’m doing and listen. I also love the way he fucks with your ears at around the 2:56 mark, and how he can craft a tune like this out of a production set-up that is the very definition of basic. In fact, his signature is all over this record, and I know I’ll be enjoying it in years to come. A full complement of thumbs way way up to you Mr Fake, truly outstanding work.”

Watch/Listen On Youtube



Home   News   Events   Us   Podcast   Blog   Gallery   Links   Contact