Australian lo-fi house kingpin Mall Grab has launched his second label Looking For Trouble with the first release coming from himself a four track EP called How The Dogs Chill, Vol. 1. It’s basically a complete departure from the sound he made his name on, exploring break-beats, early jungle and grime electro sounds. For whatever reason, this seems to be a move a lot of the bigger lo-fi house producers and DJs are making at the moment, possibly a reaction to the massive oversaturation of producers exploring the genre, or just a natural evolution for a generation stuck in four-to-the-floor house music. Mall Grab’s currently touring throughout Europe, but will be touching down in Australia for Output Festival in Sydney late November. Hopefully some further dates around the country will be announced soon.
One of my favourite techno producers, Antigone, has announced his incoming debut album, Rising, coming out via Token Records on November 16. The French producer has consistently tested the confines of the techno blueprint since his debut release in 2012, filling his soundstage with helpings of dystopian ambience, complex polyrhythms and general epic-ness. He’s also the only DJ I’ve ever seen use effect boxes usually reserved for guitarists in the FX loop of his mixer. The lead single ‘Dume’ is available to listen to on Token Records’ SoundCloud now.
Back home, this week sees Tornado Wallace leading the charge at Lounge’s weekly night, Lucid. The Berlin-based, Melbourne DJ is always a welcome treat for those who want to relive the glory days of the Mercat Basement, where he was a resident of the legendary C Grade night for many years. Wallace also recently released a very excellent remix of local band Mildlife’s track ‘The Magnificent Moon’ making an exception to Wallace’s self-imposed no remixes rule. Backing him up will be Pjenne, Awesome Wales and the hosts, 6am at the Garage. Kicks off at 10pm.
