In addition to discovering new vinyl releases, I regularly browse Discogs to unearth old treasures.
This generally applies to many genres, but lately especially to minimal.
In doing so, I’ve noticed how timeless and great the Cadenza releases from 2007 to 2010 sounded in particular.
Musically incredibly diverse and exciting. Plus, the sound quality was top-notch.
Because I find this era so fascinating, I’d like to highlight 10 releases from that time in this article:
01/ Andomat 3000 & Jan – L Delay / Frost
Release Nr: Cadenza 15
Year of Release: 2007
Favorite Track: Frost
What I like about this release:
Thanks to its syncopated bassline – which sounds almost like a double bass – “Frost” delivers an incredible drive right from the very first bar. Over this foundation, a variety of drum and percussion patterns unfold, keeping this minimal track engaging right through to the end.
02/ Argenis Brito – Micro Mundo
Release Nr: Cadenza 16
Year of Release: 2007
Favorite Track: Disconet
What I like about this release:
“Micro Mundo” is an entire album that has a truly minimalist feel to it. The tracks are stripped down to the bare essentials. My favorite is the driving “Disconet,” whose catchy main motif slowly but surely works its way into your ears.
03/ Alejandro Vivanco – Madre Tierra
Release Nr: Cadenza 18
Year of Release: 2007
Favorite Track: Lemon Lab
What I like about this release:
Alejandro Vivanco’s “Madre Tierra” is a real stylistic mix, with three very different tracks. The EP starts with the atmospheric and techno-inspired “Lemon Lab.” “Dissolved” is a slow burn, and it definitely lives up to its title. The title track, on the other hand, is all about melody and harmony, and takes more than 12 minutes to develop the motifs presented.
04/ Reboot – Be Tougher / Letters
Release Nr: Cadenza 24
Year of Release: 2008
Favorite Track: Letters
What I like about this release:
As early as 2008, Reboot demonstrated his talent for percussion-driven tracks with a massive low end. In “Letters,” intricate layers of percussion and sub-bass drive the groove until, halfway through the track, a classic Minimoog bass sound combined with exotic-sounding choir vocals gives the composition a new character.
05/ Michel Cleis & Salvatore Freda – Uva Fragolina
Release Nr: Cadenza 32
Year of Release: 2009
Favorite Track: Sassicaia
What I like about this release:
This 2-track release features “Sassicaia,” an impressive track that captivates listeners with both its rich, full low end and its multi-layered organic percussion sounds. Over this foundation, an organ-like sound meanders along cheerfully.
06/ Ernesto Ferreyra – Siluetas
Release Nr: Cadenza 33
Year of Release: 2009
Favorite Track: Caleza
What I like about this release:
While the opener “Hunter” sets off a fireworks display of percussive sounds, “Caleza” captivates with its bouncy groove and a synth line that dances lightly over it.
07/ Luciano & Guy Gerber / Lee Van Dowski & Glimpse – Versus
Release Nr: Cadenza 36
Year of Release: 2009
Favorite Track: Arcenciel
What I like about this release:
“Arcenciel” is a collaboration between label founder Luciano and Guy Gerber, built around a hypnotic melody that rises and falls. As the groove rolls on unwaveringly, the main theme shines in ever-changing light over the course of more than 11 minutes.
08/ Cesar Merveille & Pablo Cahn-Speyer – Descarga
Release Nr: Cadenza 39
Year of Release: 2009
Favorite Track: Tribute
What I like about this release:
“Tribute” features a wide array of sounds, ranging from organic drumming and percussion to a variety of brass sounds. This acoustic medley is topped off with atmospheric Spanish chatter.
09/ Mendo – Remember
Release Nr: Cadenza 41
Year of Release: 2009
Favorite Track: 1992 – original mix
What I like about this release:
This record is my favorite of all the Cadenza releases featured here. That might be because it also has a good dose of house mixed in. Both tracks are really strong and absolute peak-time killers.
10/ Pablo Cahn / Cesar Merveille – Split EP
Release Nr: Cadenza 53
Year of Release: 2010
Favorite Track: Pablo Cahn – Elle
What I like about this release:
Both tracks are great, but Pablo Cahn’s “Elle” is simply another peak-time banger that unleashes its explosive power over the course of 11 minutes. Alongside driving chords and atmospheric vocal samples, a saxophone riff takes on the role of the driving force. An incredibly energetic track.
