Timo Maas - Starter EP

Global techno icon Timo Maas is back on his own Rockets & Ponies imprint with another stellar EP. Alongside three of the German’s own originals it features a special remix from Mathias Kaden under his Mathimidori alias.

Maas has made this label into an essential outlet for fresh modern techno, and he himself is also a revered bastion of the form. In a career that spans decades he has done it all, from residences at DC10 in Ibiza to seminal and chart topping remixes via plenty of standout full lengths and many floorfilling singles and EPs. This new effort shows he is still bursting with ideas.

Kicking off with ‘Call Me A Taxi’, you are immediately locked into a deep electronic groove with machine sounds, smeared synths and infectious percussion all making you loosen your limbs. It’s a mid tempo track that packs a real punch.

After some fine originals on Mule Musiq, Raum…Musik and Vakant, Mathias Kaden assumes his Mathimidori moniker for a first ever remix. It is a fine bit of work that reimagines the cut as a more intricate minimal work with smooth hits and percolating chords as well as some breathy vocals that add a key human element. Back rooms and basements will be the perfect place to drop this one with all its subtle joys.

The inventive ‘Crack Jack’ is a more fulsome track with bulky drums forcing you to move as squelchy, watery sounds add intrigue to the groove. It is a detailed cut with lots to explore and importantly has perfectly programmed drums underneath it all. Last but not least is the more raw and stripped back ‘Starter’, which has deep kicks and glowing pads, warm melodies and soul infused synths all soothing your mind as your body gives itself over to the beats.

Few do it better than Timo Maas, and this latest missive from the scene stalwart is another vital offering.

Tracklist:

1. Call Me A Taxi
2. Call Me A Taxi (Mathimidori Sakura Remix)
3. Crack Jack
4. Starter