Review: What A Fine Mess We Made (Affine label compilation)

From the first tones of this new label compilation, you know you’re in for a treat. Vienna-based Affine records delivers no half-baked affair here, with 14 exclusive brand new tracks (or versions of tracks) from its impressive roster of artists. I’d go as far as saying this is the best thing I’ve heard in many, many months.

JSBL – the band comprised of Dorian Concept, Cid Rim, The Clonious and Willi Rosner – is featured twice on this collection. They open with their signature sound in Big Kariba, and return in Project Mayham Sandwich for another slice of live played bombastic electrofunk. Incomparable, highly effective. What Sixtus Preiss & The Clonious do next in Specimen From Springbing is pure magic: uptempo beats underlining a plethora of otherworldly synths in a spaced out arrangement. Or something. The Clonious returns twice more, for his off the hook remix for Dorian Concept’s keyboard extravaganza Tropical Hands and the crunktastical monster Alter-Ego-Cate complete with haunting cut up vocal loops. If you haven’t heard his debut album on Ubiquity, what are you waiting for?!

Next up are Ogris Debris, the Austrian house duo that first caught my attention with their G-thong back in 2008. Sexy Chair reminds me a bit of Henrik Schwarz, and their remix of Trilingual Dance Sexperience is a 10-minute musical journey of epic proportions, blending Underworld, Henrik Schwarz and Dorian Concept. Of course there’s plenty of room as well for the guy it all started with for Affine, Dorian Concept: two shorter tracks where Oliver really explores his experimental side.
Cid Rim is the last one getting two tracks to do his thing. And what a ride his Dark Cide Rymbal is, a big crowd on a summer festival would totally go crazy for this peaktime distortion scorcher. His remix for The Clonious’ Earringer on the other hand is a welcome downtempo banger.

There’s some time left for other/newer talent too, with new signees Zanshin and Krts delivering solid tunes. The Ubiquitous Cosmin TRG finally is present as well with a very deep and dope rendition of Orgis Debris’ Light Aery.

It all sounds unlike anything I’ve heard before, and it kicks major ass. We warned for these guys before, and this label compilation confirms our worst fears: you’ll be seriously hooked.