07/03

BACK ROOM:
Marcel Dettmann (Berghain, Ostgut, MDR | Berlin)
Marcel Fengler (Berghain, Ostgut | Berlin)
Spinoza (Beyond, The Bunker | Brooklyn)

FRONT ROOM:
Move D (Smallville, Source | Heidelberg)
Anthony Parasole (Deconstruct, Underground Quality | Brooklyn)
Eric Cloutier (The Bunker, Down | Brooklyn)

You can't really talk about what happened in techno in 2008 without mentioning Marcel Dettmann. In the current, somewhat confused techno landscape, many have returned to the classic sounds of deep house, but Dettmann has taken a very different route. His sound is deep, raw, uncompromising techno, with heavy nods to both the classic originators of the genre (Carl Craig, Juan Atkins, Basic Channel) and newer producers on the cutting edge of today's sound (T++, Sleeparchive, Shed, Luke Hess). This sound is very well presented by Dettmann on his "Berghain 02" mix CD, which was named Compilation of the Year by Resident Advisor. Dettmann's real claim to fame is his residency at what many consider to be not only the best club in Berlin, but also the very best club in the world, Berghain. Dettmann's regular appearances in the debaucherous downstairs Berghain space (known for it's thundering sound system, dark corners and no-camera policy) have cemented his reputation as one of the best techno DJ's in the world. In the past few years, Marcel has also really come into his own as a producer, with amazing tracks on Berghain's Ostgut Ton, as well has his own label, MDR. Unlike many who quickly rise to fame in the techno world, Dettmann has chosen to release a slow trickle of original material and remixes, wisely choosing quality over quantity. Dettmann's set at the Bunker in January rocked The Bunker to it's foundation (so hard that the recorder got unplugged somehow), and he has since named The Bunker one of his top 5 party spots in the world, so you know he's going to do something special on his return.

While David Moufang, better known as Move D, is a true veteran electronic musician, 2008 was probably his biggest break out year to date. Interestingly, this is not because he has changed his sound to keep up with current trends, but rather because the brand of deep spacey house he's been plugging away at all along finally became very popular. David has been making electronic music since 1992, and is perhaps best known for his collaborations with Pete Namlook, Spacetime Continuum, and more recently Benjamin Brunn, who he made the incredible "Songs from the Beehive" album with in 2008 (which was ranked #2 album of the year by Resident Advisor). If you are unfamiliar with his music, check out this amazing set on The Bunker podcast from his appearance at House-N-Home in January, where he tore the place to pieces, and also this RA podcast, which is a beautiful live set.

Although he has been somewhat over looked in all of the hype about fellow Berghain residents Marcel Dettmann, Ben Klock, and Shed, Marcel Fengler has really caught our attention as one to watch in the past year. His recent mnml ssgs podcast is a mindblower, and reports keep coming in from around the world that he's an animal behind the decks. We are proud to welcome him to the Bunker for his first North American appearance.

Anthony Parasole has been having a really big year. He launched the Deconstruct record label with Levon Vincent, and will be a recording artist on Jus Ed's Underground Quality label in the near future. The first two records from Deconstruct have sold out almost instantly, and received wide international acclaim. Parasole also founded House-N-Home with Bryan Kasenic in 2008, a back to basics loft party that has been successful from the start. Anthony just got back from Berlin, where he played an extended set at Berghain that went over incredibly well.

If you appreciate house and techno music with depth and sophistication played with tight technical skill and genuine feeling, Eric Cloutier should be on your radar. His recent sets around town have become an attraction for dedicated heads seeking a deeper shade of techno than your average weekend warrior. Eric's newest podcast, for the most excellent mnml ssgs blog, is well worth checking out.