After having missed the train of best-of-2014 lists, which took off at the end of November, I still decided for a wrap-up of 2014, doing it in alphabetical order.
Afrikan Sciences. “Circuitous” was for me the culmination of PAN’s year.
Berghain. Experienced it in February. Great sets by Sigha, Perc, Truss and live PA by Ancient Methods. Only too much cigarette smoke.
Bordello A Parigi. A special Dutch outlet for getting satisfaction from Riviera disco and sinister electro. Rude 66’s EP was just amazing.
Deep Medi Musik. Although I’m following dubstep only remotely, this label is a fine one. Check the Kahn single at the end of the year.
Dog In The Night. Don’t be scared off by “Pissing On Your Head”, the title of Michael Ferragosto’s recent EP, because the label was a strong newcomer in 2014. My fave: B-Ball Joints!
Dommune and Boiler Room. Truly global DJ booths, respectively in Tokyo and Berlin for a close-up experience of renowned artists.
Ekman. The Dutchman dropped four EPs of furious electro acid in 2014. Got them all.
Fifth Wall Records. Brooklyn based label is a headstrong purveyor of quality techno tracks. The “Giant Monarch EP” did it for me.
“Ground Loop”. In addition to launching his vast catalog on Bandcamp, Atom TM gave us two magnificent acid techno cuts on Bunker NY, an upstart label of the New York party series.
In Paradisum. Not only enjoying the kick drum of Qoso’s “Laphroaig”, as the label from Paris delivered a number of experimental techno workouts.
Interdimensional Transmissions. Around since mid-1990s, the Detroit label has gained cult status but may have been underrated in recent years. However, in 2014, BMG and Derek Plaslaiko provided the real and true story of Detroit groove, following up an excellent EP with Erika remixes.