Review: Gameboyz - Of The Wall - Sprechen

Sinewaves be damned with your single-purpose structure! Away with your unwavering impact! Veering messily and oscillating wildly is how we like things and we suspect we’re not alone. Each and every one of the tracks on Sprechen’s newest release moves with all the impressive and muscular flexibility of a brickie in a yoga class… First up is “Of the Wall”, in which acid lines bounce up and down like a boxer trying to avoid being pummelled into the ground by heavily compressed kicks and open-handed cymbal slaps.
 
And if that weren’t enough to convince you on its own], it’s followed by the electro throb of “Electric Boogaloo”. Buoyant bass provides a cushion for sawtooth synth sounds, lending them a softness and warmth – filling out rather than crowding in. Ring modulation shots seem to orbit the track, an arm’s length gravity keeping them in their place. It’s music for heads aimed at the feet, and scores heavily on both counts. Choosing a favourite is already tricky, and I’ve not even started on the remixes yet!

Doing the honours on “Of the Wall” is Italy’s Fabrizio Mammarella. Opting for beefing up the acid proves a solid decision and we’re soon locked into a groove that hammers but doesn’t punish. Never overdoing it, Mammarella’s touch is superb here and leaves us rocking to an irresistible rhythm. Top marks.

Leading us into the final track, Neon Amish certainly has a sense of purpose when re-rubbing “Electric Boogaloo”. Ebb and flow are cast away in favour of an insistent four-to-the-floor. Taking us by the hand, the Amish boys guide us firmly into club territory, but not without first making sure that all the necessary factors are in place. The result is a rising and falling trip through drops and builds that doesn’t miss a step.
 
Hitting well above their weight, once again, Sprechen have come up trumps with this release. Every track offers something different, none is superfluous and they all seem to sit together well – they have found their fit. Making the usual disclaimer that my opinions change hourly with my moods, I’d say Mamarella’s mix is the go-to track for me (not that you asked, but hey). All the elements coalesce into something that is greater than the sum of its parts. Never showboating, just oozing class. Wax and wane though, that’s me… I tell you what though, if I do change my mind, I’ll make sure to let you all know.
 
No, of course I won’t. 

​Barney Harsent