J. Tijn – Squirtle Squad EP

Posted on May 1, 2013 in Techno

Earlier this year, London-based producer Untold launched Pennyroyal, a label intent on releasing raucous, body-banging techno; the kind of music that’s appropriate for a brand named after an equally brutal plant. Artist J. Tijn follows up with Pennyroyal’s second release, having also made the label’s debut, in a three-track EP titled Squirtle Squad. One can assume that the name is an homage to the Squirtle Squad of the Pokémon series, but take note: this is no kiddie techno, and definitely not for the faint of heart.

The title track “Squirtle Squad” essentially hits the ground running, diving right into an upbeat tempo with the sound of an echoing woodblock that gradually comes to the forefront of the song as the other sounds fade. In comes the bass that makes it seem like the ground under you has opened up, and it’s a looong way down. It lets up for a brief moment to take a backseat to the woodblock only to aurally attack listeners yet again, accompanied by hollow, metallic-sounding synths. The driving bass barrages through and takes no prisoners, maintaining the fast tempo the whole time. If there was ever a need for a song to run to, this is it.

“I.P.S.” follows with an equally high-energy rhythm. While the previous track was all about drilling the ears with vicious techno, this one has a little more of a bouncy groove in its bassline, as opposed to a drawn out trench of bottomless bass. The last track, “Bruise 2,” sounds a little more raw compared to the other two songs, with subtle scraping noises, grimy-sounding synths, and some serious motor action, never letting up on the energy level set by its predecessors. The beauty of this EP lies in its balls-to-the-wall mentality, where you immediately go from 0 to 60 and don’t stop until the last note of the last song. Whether you’re looking for exercise music or party music, Squirtle Squad is a must-have in your queue.

Peep the previews below, and support the artist by buying the EP on Beatport.

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