Mantacoup

Artist: Spielerei + Manatcoup
P: 2007
Silentes continues to release electronic music of extraordinary quality time after time and this release from the duo of Dennis Knopper and Jeroen Vermeent is an absolutely luscious collection of tracks. Varied, intense, beautiful, striking and, ultimately, an extremely well put together of tracks that spans a massive range of styles. From ultra-deep isolationist ambient sounds through to more upbeat, techno-influenced pieces right into a more classically electronica-based sound... they get it right on each and every track. My particular favourite is Entering The Nuclear Zone, simply a devastatingly beautiful piece which brings to mind Jacob Kirkegaard's 4 Rooms on Touch but with the added allure of subtle beats working their way into the mix. Classy, immaculately produced and, realistically, yet another essential release from this remarkable label.

Artist: Spielerei + Manatcoup
P: 2004
This time kudos goes to label founder Dennis Knopper (Spielerei) and Jeroen Vermeent (Mantacoup). Separately they have had some solid releases; together they are phenomenal. The first seven tracks are The Wichman Concert, and “Part 1” is exceptional. Try to imagine a cross between 1970s Tangerine Dream and current day Biosphere. The pulsating quality is like Ricochet or Encore, but there is a chill factor as well, firmly rooted in modern ambient electronica. The combination is intoxicating. After a subdued “Part 2,” the elixir continues in “Part 3,” as shades of Risky Business blend with Substrata. The result is fresh and exciting. A funky bass line dances along in “Part 4,” a cool unexpected twist. “Part 5” is fully contemporary electronics, with punchy bass that will give your subwoofer a workout. “Part 6” is a bubbly steaming brew of ambient sounds. “Part 7” is a fitting conclusion, the best of the bunch, with a thoroughly infectious rhythm and great sequencing. This is followed by the quietest and most abstract piece, “Followind.” “Sfunato” shucks and jives and shuffles from one cool backbeat and synth sound to another. “Dens” fires a slow steady pulse as fluty synths and other bright sounds float alongside. “Running out of eiszeit” is a slightly quirky but satisfying close to a great CD.

Artist: V/A
P: 2003
New and unreleased material , compiled by Databloem and mastered by Ron Boots.