Music | Bittles’ Magazine: The music column from the end of the world. An Interview With Jori Hulkkonen Producer Jori Hulkkonen has had the kind of career most of us can only dream about. Over the last two decades he has released a number of records on Laurent Garnier’s seminal F. Communication imprint, had a hit single with Tiga (Sunglasses At Night), DJed around the world, and created some of the finest electronic music known to man. Whether composing glacial ambiance, banging techno, sublime house, electroclash, synth-pop or any number of musical styles his music always contains a fabulous sense
Music | Bittles’ Magazine: The music column from the end of the world RINGS by St Petersburg-based producer Monokle is one of those rare things, an electronic album which is a joy to listen to from beginning to end. Released on the 4th of September by Hamburg’s Ki Records, the follow-up to breakthrough Saints melds lush ambiance with the deepest of house grooves to stunning effect. By JOHN BITTLES
Music | Bittles’ Magazine: The music column from the end of the world The singles market has systematically been destroyed over the last few years. For me, the process began with the decision to limit the length of a single, and how many songs it can contain. Before this we had bands like The Orb releasing 40 minute songs and bands such as The Verve and Oasis bringing out sublime four track EPs. By diminishing its value the humble single became even more disposable than it already was. Nobody took chances anymore! By JOHN BITTLES
Music | Bittles’ Magazine: The music column from the end of the world: August/September New albums reviewed Part 2 If there is one thing I have learned from life so far it is that sadness can be a fine thing. It let’s you know you are human in an increasingly robotic world. Without sadness the majority of great art and literature would be shallow, soulless things. By JOHN BITTLES
Music | Bittles’ Magazine: The music column from the end of the world: August/September New albums reviewed Part 1 Music doesn’t challenge anymore! It doesn’t ask questions, or stimulate. Institutions like the X-Factor, Spotify, EDM and landfill pop chameleons are dominating an important area of culture by churning out identikit pop clones with nothing of substance to say. Opinion is not only frowned upon, it is taboo! By JOHN BITTLES
Music | Bittles’ Magazine: The music column from the end of the world Woolfy vs. Projections create strange, ethereal music composed of the type of sounds that would be a treat for any set of ears. Over the last few years the duo of Simon James and Dan Hastie have released a string of rich, emotional house music tracks which are so sun-kissed they positively glow. Their brand-new album ›Stations‹ hits the shops on the 21st August via esteemed slo-mo disco purveyors ›Permanent Vacation‹ and sees the band reach a creative peak. By JOHN BITTLES
Music | Bittles’ Magazine: The music column from the end of the world Even though I gave up clubbing a few years ago, I am constantly amazed at how quality dance music can still move me as much as it does. A good bassline, a swirl of 303s or a fathoms-deep groove is all I need to be taken back to the joys of a darkened floor. By JOHN BITTLES
Music | Bittles’ Magazine: The music column from the end of the world I was watching Wimbledon the other day when I came to the startling realisation that tennis is boring. Hoping that all it might need was a good soundtrack, I reduced the volume on the telly, replacing it with the morose musings of Darklands by The Jesus And Mary Chain. Much Better! Experiencing yet another epiphany I turned the TV off altogether, allowing the Reid brothers the attention they fully deserve. By JOHN BITTLES
Music | Bittles’ Magazine: The music column from the end of the world There is a curious, yet electrifying mix of light and dark in this month’s new album releases! For every piece of sunny Balearic brilliance there is an angry scream into the night. For every slice of languid chill-out there is a funky guitar lick, or a hammering techno beat. All of which makes June a fantastic time to own a working pair of ears. By JOHN BITTLES
Music | Bittles’ Magazine: The music column from the end of the world Just in time for the sanitised hedonism of Ibiza, May and June have brought a slew of turgid house ‚bangers‘ that are so tired and uninspiring they make the decision to insert red hot pokers into both your ears seem like an extremely good idea. Yet, trust me when I tell you that there is some wonderful music out there. To prove the point this follow-up to last weeks article highlights some more amazing singles and EPs, from the likes of Robag Wruhme, Gardens Of God. Felix

