OUT Push pres. Retro-Active - Blacked Out [Bonzai Classics]

[sashamlenik]

Release date: 15.07.2022

Tracklist:

01. Blacked Out
02. Hands Alert

Push is back on Bonzai Records under his Retro Active guise with the earth shattering, Blacked Out. The main man is relentless in his pursuits, churning out top-notch grooves, sending the crowds into a frenzy. Mostly known for his trancey exploits, Push is no stranger to techno, some of his very first releases were full blown techno efforts before he branched out to other genres. Retro Active focusses on all things big and bold in the techno arena, with a classic twist. Always a pleasure having his on Bonzai.

First up we have, Blacked Out which intros with a monstrous, pounding kick drum and slicing hi hat combo. An underlying bass rumbles through the groove as techy, rave synth stabs and infectious rising sirens come through. The track breaks to reveal a subtle 303 line which transforms into a gnarly acid riff, ushering in a massive climax that will dominate the floors no doubt. Hands Alert rounds out the release, setting the tone with another huge kick drum and bright hi hat combination. A solid, rhythmic track, thanks to an array of perfectly arrangement percussions and drums, the groove soon bursts into a climactic rave goliath. Classic sounds litter the sound as retro 303 lines converge to create a chugging groove. An absolute stomper that is not to be missed.

 

[aSeb]

Wait, what?

Don't understand this production to be honest.

 

[Freezer]

MIKE has completely lost himself in his own aliases. Back in the days, every of his alias had a typical sound...but now? Its like MIKE is playing the randomizer game with us....no identity at all.

Having said that, its actually pretty cool oldschool techno. But why the hell under Push alias, even if its is displayed as "presents"...

 

[Archon]

Drumcode techno and an ok acid track. Can't say I'm excited but I don't mind these.

 

[Hoplite]

Can't stand the cheap Drumcode sound. Why is this on Bonzai Classics??

 

[Progrez]

Can't stand the cheap Drumcode sound. Why is this on Bonzai Classics??

I've sent them an email asking that same question. I will let you know what Marnik say and sent him an email saying how shitty the Bonzai releases have been and they are so sheepish.

 

[Progrez]

LMAO - I am just laughing at how horrible these track sound. How the mighty have fallen.

 

[s3baman]

I'm not even going to bother to give constructive criticism on this release as it's lacklustre imo. Cookie cutter techno in one track, and an attempt to jump on the hard acid techno with the other. Both would be ignored unless the Push name was in front, which is my other big gripe with the release.

Not only did M.I.K.E. move away from his two main aliases to create this new super duper mega M.I.K.E. Push alias that lacks any creative signature (he managed to avoid Plastic Boy somehow in this rebranding), for this release he decided it was somehow best to introduce the new alias as Push ... If there was one alias that had a bit more freedom for experimentation, it was M.I.K.E. ffs, not Push - which pretty much can be associated to the creation of the "space trance" sound. Sadly it appears M.I.K.E. is really lost creatively speaking

 

[Hensmon]

Not really feeling em, bit too basic and sterlie. I do like the acid part on Sterile Hands though!