Review of Dave Mech’s album “Berlin Seite” by Backseat Mafia
The concept behind the album “Berlin Seite” is to capture the raw and unfiltered energy of a live techno performance in a dark, energetic club setting. Each track on the 10-track digital album and the 4-track vinyl EP is drawn directly from the atmosphere of a night on the dance floor. The recordings were made with the packed dance floors and the palpable connection between the crowd and the artist in mind. Rather than refining the recordings in a studio post-performance, the artist decided to leave the imperfections intact, reflecting the breathing, spontaneous nature of the live moment when connecting with the audience. Some parts of the recordings were looped to extend the intro and outro sections of the tracks, adding to the organic and evolving feel of the music.
The album title, “Berlin Seite,” is not just a clever play on words but has a more personal significance. It originates from a sample that the artist stumbled upon in a video recorded in Berlin, capturing an elevator’s voice announcing in German, “The door will open on the other side.” By chopping and manipulating this phrase, it was transformed into a rhythmic utterance resembling “Berlin Seite.” This sample has been a recurring motif in the artist’s work ever since, especially when performing in Berlin, where it serves as a recognizable and playful introduction to the sets. The sample embodies the idea that a single sound can be transformed into various musical elements, such as a bassline in one of the tracks.
The tracks on the album combine dub-infused vibes with Detroit-style groove and an uptempo energy that strikes a balance between nostalgic and forward-thinking. The transitions between tracks are intentionally fluid, mimicking the natural evolution of a live performance throughout a night. While each piece stands on its own, there are subtle motifs that carry over from one track to another, echoing the development and transformation of ideas in a live setting.
One standout track from the album is “Roots (Live at Oxi Berlin),” known for its solid rolling techno foundation with a heavy edge. As the track progresses, the composition seamlessly blends darkness with light, delivering a hypnotic percussion that elevates into moments of bliss. The overall quality of the driving techno beats makes this album a worthy addition to any techno enthusiast’s collection.
Both the vinyl and digital versions of the album offer a unique listening experience, with each track capturing a different aspect of the artist’s live performances. Tracks like “Berlin Seite Part 3” and “Roots” showcase the depth and diversity of the artist’s sound, while pieces like “Concrete Jungle” and “Sledgehammer” demonstrate the range of emotions and energies conveyed in each composition. Overall, “Berlin Seite” is a testament to the artist’s commitment to preserving the raw energy and spontaneity of live techno performances in a studio recording.