Logo Side: A
1. Asama Express (Nagano to Tokyo Mix) – DJ Hi-Shock
2. Inside Thin Fence (Original Mix) – Polygon Prompt
Info Side: B
1. Sapporo (Original Mix) – Flag75
2. Kagoshima (Original Mix) – DJ Warp
The concept for this EP was for each artist to produce a cut from a region in Japan that they live in or are very familiar with. The organic sounds and production quality on this one are stellar.
As the train rolls out of the City of Nagano; DJ Hi-Shock's Asama Express takes us on a journey through bass filled mountains and reverberated heavenly bliss. Crafty sound sculpting on Simon's part crafts a variety of lovely sounds emulating those of a passing train.
Classic filtered synth stabs progress into a beautiful melody that gives the sense of one actually being on the ride from Nagano to Tokyo. Serious sound quality on this one. The track continue to build up making an occasional stop here and there to pick up the listener and drop him off straight on the dancefloor. Madness!!!!
Okinawa is one of Japan's southern prefectures, and consists of hundreds of the Ryukyu Islands in a chain. The second cut on the A side; Inside Thin Fence by Polygon Prompt; serves to portray the sound of the techno scene there. Lush eastern melodies and some real sweet effects here on this one. The kick drum; gentle yet solid; really blends well with the organic lead which bleeds of anologue bliss.
On the flip side FLAG75's Sapporo ups the tempo a notch with some luscious synth chords, sweet vocal cuts, and some real interesting drop outs. The drums on this one are well defined, crisp, and clear, really making this a quality piece of techno. More importantly; it reflects the "way of the artist" in the city of Sapporo in northern Japan; where the use of traditional sounds is emphasized. This cut as well is loaded with some really groovin effects. Bravo to Takeshi Kawai!
DJ WARP brings it on full force with Kagoshima. This cut is named after the city in southern Japan where artists use traditional sounds from the Fukuoka area. The bassline on this one had me from the start. Such a clean balance as the kick punches through. The synths as well are absolutely lovely. Some more wonderful Japanese vox stabs here and there, this is a lovely tune from beginning to end. The last couple minutes carry listeners into a blissful experience complete with traditional percussive elements, lavish arpeggios, and that ever so sexy bassline. wicked cool cut.
- reviewed by V1NZ
beautiful techn0!!!
V1NZlove dj warp track :)
DarkrowAsama Express (Nagano to Tokyo Mix), I like this very much, great throbbing bassline. And that almost Basic Channel kind of vibe is an excellent touch. Nice minimal percussion too… alltogether sounding very good indeed.
E383I like the synth stabs and darkness in Asama Express…monster of a jam if you ask me :)
Roman ZawodnyAsama Express (Nagano to Tokyo Mix), i like this track…it shows how you as an artist see & feel some special moments for you in this world and express them through your art form. i can hear that from this production.
Virgil EnzingerDark brooding techno, love the main riff and the rumbling bass on DJ Hi-Shock track.
Orlando BGood job on Asama Express. The train sound effects work!
Ken IshiiAsama Express, that´s what I call techno. I will play it.
DichAsama Express, nice one…good techno !!
Beroshima / Frank MuellerI’m into Asama Express. Will play it out at the weekend.
Jon RundellGood track this one “Asama Express” – Dark, dubby and full of effects! Very spacey with plenty of reverbs too! I like it. One for the late deep sets.
Nicky Cnice … especially track 1 & 2
Michael MD (SPRACI, AUS)Nice release! will be playing Flag75 and DJ Warp’s track for sure!
LiloneeAsama Express and Inside Thin Fence for me!!
EnclaveNice vinyl, all tracks are good, my favs Asama Express and Kagoshima.
Pascal Mollin / Wave SystemFlag 75 and DJ Warp are the tracks on here.
Trevor RockcliffeI love all of the tracks on this release I would deffo play all of them out they are pure enegetic dancefloor tracks.
DarkmodeI prefer the SAPPORO. wicked stuff.
Remo-conAgree – fantastic snapshot of the Japanese techno scene!
Little NobodyGreat all round release, for me, the big warehouse sound of Asama Express just gets the chocolates.
Bitch Shiftgreat 4 tracker ep. all tracks are floor-friendly with some funk and groove. thumbs up.
Ryuji TakeuchiAmazing tune from DJ Hi-Shock!!! Never heard a massive track like this! This train FX makes me crazy! Very cool! +++++
Claudio MassoGreat Fresh Tracks i like it!
Dj Warp