shadowy world by upper regions

Inspired by 1950s sci-fi movie soundtracks and sound effects, Upper Regions molds a new release, 'Shadowy Worlds', backed up by a diverse set of remixes that fully ignites this brilliant stark techno effort.

The original mix opens with some dark synth effects as well as some organic, foley-styled sound design. It builds at a cautious pace, first introducing the signature Upper Regions kick-pounding-on-concrete. A barrage of spacey effects and percussion loops keep a steady rolling plateau until a tasty synth sequenced bass completes the shadowy scene.

For a nice contrast, Upper Regions includes a luscious techy b-side, 'Transmutation'. A sectional arrangement unfolds with a series of synthetic pads and stabs, creating some nice harmonic changes that recall early house and rave anthems, but placing them in a stark minimal techno context.

Joel West makes his second appearance on Woodwork and steps up with a killer rendition of 'Shadowy Worlds'. The energy kicks off from the very start and does not let up. The synth sequences and effects from the original mix are well placed for deep impact and forward momentum. The drum tracks are programmed for maximum energy, the entire mix quite ready to rip at the seams.

LectrO cOd_E jumps on board for his first remix effort on the label... and he brings his experimental electro mayhem in full force taking 'Shadowy World' into a freaky futuristic realm. The sound effects are used to great effect, with some slamming new synth sequences added to his rocket fuel breaks. Never one to shy away from brash extremities, LectrO cOd_E executes some intense broken down moments throughout a deeply engaging sectional arrangement. Once you embark on this trip, there is no going back.

Woodwork welcomes back The GOAT for his mind blowing version of 'Shadowy World'. This one literally sounds like the world is caving in. From the opening drone, the sounds are beyond intense, and as the track opens up into a monstrous industrial breaks beast, we get a full sense of what makes The GOAT such a powerhouse producer.

Wrapping the package is an unusual revision of 'Shadowy World' by Pablo Splice. A hybrid latin electro feel sets an interesting backdrop for some off-center appropriation of the original sounds. Robotic vocoder hits slot nicely into the syncopated breaks, joined by poly-rhythmic sequences and a subsonic melodic kick pattern that form the central hooks in this huge remix.

With releases on Spliced Vinyl, Spins & Needles, Editions Sordid, Cosmetiq, Slice, and Teknofonic, Upper Regions (Jim Roditis) is rapidly spreading his territory with a signature approach to techno and other electronic music forms. His releases are marked by dark sound design and bold use of structure and arrangement, a modern sound with undeniable hints at years of diverse musical experiences...