- One of the great things about ava.'s compilations is their diversity. Köln II, the label's third such effort, has an A-side where euphoria abounds, while the B is all about abrasive acid. It's a contrast Uncanny Valley have tackled with their split EPs, and it works almost as well here. Label head Damiano von Erckert's "Apollo" is all soaring arps and pads, though they're rarely given a clear path to shine. This is a good thing: the overdriven kicks which sound on every other beat can seem confusing at first, but once you adjust, they're a welcome change to the same old house sounds. Similarly, though Harry Swinger's "Feels Alright" puts most of its energy into the "catchy house vocal" thing, it also saves some for more unique touches—the first half's angry-sounding synths and the second's off-kilter rhythm being two such examples.
On the flip, The AVA Brothers (von Erckert, Murat Tepeli and Funkycan) meld buzzing 303 with vocal histrionics for "Surrender (Edit)." It's not underpinned by any really stunning ideas, but the execution is good, and the agitated synth which controls the second half is a lot of fun. Ugly Drums' instrumental "Haunted House" could have similar statements applied to it. Its thick drums and tiny slivers of melody prove perfect accomplices for its gritty 303, even if it all sounds a bit familar.
TracklistA1 Damiano Von Erckert - Apollo
A2 Harry Swinger Aka Superswinger - Feels Alright
B1 The Ava Brothers - Surrender
B2 Ugly Drums - Hauntedhouse