DJ-Kicks

Audio Mixer: Brandt Brauer Frick.
Recording information: The Gym Studios, Berlin (10/28/2013); Watergate, Berlin (10/28/2013).
Photographer: Hans Martin Sewcz.
According to the information dispersed by the !K7 label, Brandt Brauer Frick took a wholly purist approach when it came to assembling their addition to the DJ-Kicks series. The trio are known much more as musicians and producers than as DJs, yet they used only turntables and -- talk about going the extra distance for authenticity -- had eight exclusive selections pressed up as dubplates. Mixed during daytime at Berlin's Watergate club, though it's not revealed whether one member did the mixing or all three tag teamed, this DJ-Kicks plays out like a set from the staff of an ultra-hip record boutique. There's early abstract house from Theo Parrish, inspirational Detroit techno from Underground Resistance, trippy interstellar funk from Thundercat, Howard Johnson-jacking house from someone named DJ Do Bass and, unearthed by Stones Throw in 2005, primitive Nigerian synth-funk from William Onyeabor. Alternately stark and intricate dubstep and bass come from the likes of Machine Drum and Peverelist, as well as the Night Slugs label's Kingdom and Jam City. The track from the last of that lot, seemingly a neo-electro homage to Arthur Russell's "Let's Go Swimming," makes a surprisingly smooth segue into Brandt Brauer Frick's own rapidly chugging "Hugo," a new track. Among the other exclusives are Cosmin TRG's gnashing "Echolab Disaster" and Dollkraut's dub-psych oddity "Rollercoaster." The ride isn't particularly steady and there's no clear peak. None of the selections are deployed for the sake of mere functionality, to help bridge one standout to another. Much like the trio's studio work, the set has a unique touch that seems happenstance and carefully plotted all at once. ~ Andy Kellman