Reviewsz
Antwerp’s Ilker Soylu has a thing for vinyl-only labels. A couple of years ago he launched PHIL, a highly collectible imprint known for limited pressings, colored wax and a bumpy, analog house vibe that’s in keeping with the label’s birthplace, Rotterdam. Now, he kicks off a vinyl-only arm of TEAM, his more techno-oriented label, with a split EP between himself and his countryman Peter Horrevorts. (He also has a thing for sub-labels: TEAM has also spawned TEAMsplit, TEAMtomorrow, TEAMone and TEAMdeep.)
The music here is rougher and steelier than PHIL’s releases, by and large, but a similarly murky, confused vibe is evident. Horrevorts’ “Shake Your Coconuts” arranges vinyl hiss and lo-fi percussion samples into a dry, crackling groove that faintly recalls early Perlon releases, although the squishy production has more in common with BNJMN’s creative compression tactics; languid synth vamps and horror-film strings keep it from dissolving into dust.
On Philogresz’ “Furthering,” the drums and clipped samples also hint at a minimal heritage, while judiciously placed synth melodies recall Cobblestone Jazz’ jammy approach. As with the A-side track, the sound of the record is unusual and slightly disorienting, with dry clicks pushed high in the mix and bassy reverb sucking at your heels from below, but you get the sense that it’s intentional. “Don’t Touch My Tearing Synth” offers a more restrained take on similar ideas, with jazzy synth leads melted over hissing, snapping drum machine grooves, and weird, amorphous chords that throw everything further off kilter.
(by Philip Sherburne - Resident Advisor - source
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Return of the Titans on 
Soylu’s own Team Records sees the two producers share vinyl space, if not actual studio time, though their efforts on the limited-run disc distinctly complement each other. Horrevorts makes the most of the space afforded to him on the A-side of the disc by packing in an ideas-rich minimal techno track that clocks in at nearly 11 minutes. From its stuttering start filled with the sounds of cue-burns and sonic snags, “Shake Your Coconuts” builds slowly. Along the way it gathers a muddied, twisting synth line, accented, steely percussion hits, and slowly mutating chords that somehow tie all these elements together. Although its structure is essentially that of sonic sculpture rather than a track with a recognizable beginning, middle, and end, Horrevorts does what he does well.
For those looking for this classic approach to their tracks, Soylu provides over two cuts on the flipside. The minutiae of the percussion that creates a swinging, tribal groove on “Furthering” allows for space to flow around the melodic elements, which move at a comparatively sedate pace. Although the melodies themselves don’t always feel like they resolve themselves in the track, together with the percussion they create a solid impact and good dance floor momentum. The tempo drops slightly on “Don’t Touch My Tearing Synth,” though through this the intensity of Solyu’s tearing synth lines are intensified. In fact, by stripping away the layers of sonicshrapnel that populate the other two tracks, a clear, engagingrhythm formulates. The rugged, burnished chords that drive the track are constant throughout, while a fragile, highly strung synth sound breaks up the menacing overtones. While all three tracks engage, the first two do so mainly through the head and the feet, while “Don’t Touch My Tearing Synth” gets you all over.
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Combined: Return of The Titans, Sentiment EP & Feature
Philogresz has been on the radar for a few years and I’m really thankful for it. To put it simple, his sound is inviting, which is always a plus. Not always obvious, but not always in-your-face mush and gooey either. Clever use of pads, keys, vocal snippets and dub can be heard sprinkled among his releases effectively. He is native to Holland by way of Istanbul and it is with one of his fellow Dutch countrymen, Peter Horrevorts that “Return of the Titans” was released on Ilker’s TEAM Limited label.
The three track release see’s Horrevorts on the A side and Philogresz with both tracks on the flip. The A side is probably the most dance floor orientated of the bunch, “Shake Your Coconuts”. Undulating bass undertones carry the energy, with almost goofy, bouncy keys weaving in between some darker synth sounds that compliment each other well. The flip side see’s Philogresz open with “Furthering”, another techno jam like the A side with a bit more atmosphere and noodling keys. A subtle, indistinguishable vocal loop does a nice job of responding back to the dubby space line that bounces in around the half way mark and leads the track off into an upbeat finish. “Don’t Touch My Tearing Synth” is a slow, moody piece that will appeal to fans of jazzy techno or at least the percussion points that way. Not quite as minimal and tripped out as a good Pronsato record, but could be slotted somewhere in that sonic realm. The whole release took a bit of time to settle in, but after multiple listens it has settled nicely. Really high production all the way around with both accessibility and uniqueness, well done guys.
Another great Philogresz release to check is his 2009′s “Sentiment EP” on Sound Architecture. Very warm and playful, but moody with it’s own identity.
We’ll hopefully be having him out at some point for a Make Mistakes party, nothing set but stay tuned for that. Also, hopefully we’ll have a mix from Ilker soon as well. He’s a TEAM player, as are we…so check him out and join the team.
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Philogresz provides a rollicking late night track with moody melodies and deep, rolling drums on “Furthering”. The zipping 303 bass lines are used subtly, no sawtooth jabbings here, just abstract freshness. The relentless tribal vibe is powerful, the sound arrangements bold and new, but there is still a certain raggedness that makes this track feel a bit rough around the edges - which is kind of a cool idea but at the same time it is noticeably jarring and does detract from the finished product as a whole.
His second contribution to the 12” is a little deeper and sports the fancy title “Don’t Touch My TearingSynth”. This track has a serious after hours edge that touches on the futuristic fantasies of early Model 500, a pinch of Sun-Ra, and some heavy duty substances, possibly manufactured in a Swiss lab. The goal here seems to be channeling deep space or possibly even beyond that, and while it does get excessive in the build-ups, it is still a very interesting b-side that seems to havesolid footing in the more abstract realms of techno.
(by Sean Michel Yoder - Ibiza Voice) - source
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_Philogresz presents Dubgray Dust
- This is for my Dutch Crowd / WARE
Warenorb#6 complation reflects how good the label has been for the past thirteen years. Gripping one here on the entire compilation is - Philogresz presents Dubgray Dust with “This Is For My Dutch Crowd”.
On the “M. Schaffhäuser’s rework of ’ This Is For My Dutch Crowd ’ : we are hearing a rework as a nervous flickering tune, generating its voltage by the fact that always the expectation where the kick drum is maintained, without actually using the energy / voltage.
Existing original has a slow build, having a dubby track architecture and powerful subtle sound- on larger dance halls could be djs trusted piece.
Groove mag (de)
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_Dependance of Distant US (PHIL / Clone)
Turkish techno producer Ilker Soylu whose home is currently in Dordrecht holds enough air between his handsome stylized beats and takes the time to build his music quietly. Sinner DC uses the same dubby feel in their reinterpretation of the title track. Lowrider B-side sounds like Theo Parrish but in a modern makeover. Cool single.
(by RenePasset / Dj Broadcast) - source
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Just When You Think Its Over (Treibstoff)
Philogresz is getting better and creates the perfect balance of continually prepared for the outbreak of synths and jazzy Hihat groove with a perfection that one can be simply amazed. “Waiting for the Storm” is a monster that will do justice to his name, and the subtle, the fluttery funky track “Home Made Chocolates’ makes a good EP. WhileSarah Goldfarb kindled on the remix of “Isolated radio ensemble” a highly idiosyncratic pathos, circus…
(by Bleed - DE:Bug) - source //////////////////////////////////
Bluesin With An Old Wise “is - like most of Philogresz - quite elaborate and filled with skewed ideas. The two Benjamin Brunn remixes is in it’s way has a very old school buzzing analog sound. The winner is still Peter Grummich, the newly defined with a subtle gesture and totally subliminal irritation elegant moment reduction. “The Key” shows then ambientes work surface with a perfectly placed beats and shakers and shows why Philogresz happened to sound so special.
(by Groove Magazine DE) - source
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Original mix is great…really unique and refreshing….but not sure if I’d ever drop it on a dance floor! Mathias’ mix takes it there a little more for me…RD’s dirty dope is really cool…took me a little while to get around the organ sound in the piano club mix but it grew on me and otherwise think this one is a stunner…! All the best with it
(by Moodymanc)
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_Milestone EP (WARE / kompakt)
- PartSan – Christian Kausch
Finally a new one on commodity. Here with an almost already unexpected piece of music, which from the first moment a man can spell. Loose Beats and guitar riffs in addition to deep male Vocals, very classy! B-side has somewhat drive and more roughly elements, which pleases me personally almost still better. Altogether it’s nevertheless somewhat dreamily with much potential, the stress of these pieces touches to the heart’s content. The Vocals are mad addition as well. A Mad record!
- GROOVE – de - source
Perhaps the most interesting counter project to the tech-house of these days. All four tracks convince with completely unique sound assortment and innovative structure
- DE:BUG – BERLIN- de - source
The first EP of Ilker Soylu on WARE, tears one from the first gentle side tones along, and pumps happy, unshakably sun-warm with a gently supporting groove in melody.
Together with the gentle voice, the tendency produces and fits perfectly on Sommerfloor. A Music Piece, which is so something else.
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Sentiment EP (Sound Architecture)
Philogresz’s Sound Architecture debut again voyeurs the huge sonic world of Turkish producer, valley full of klang and beat. Holland based İlker Soylu aka Philogresz, the man behind TEAM and TEAMtomorrow and now Sound Architecture Records is a very talented producer, sound engineer also dealing with mastering of nearby producers and labels around.
His sound is easily recognizable with it’s high end quaily and sonic richness. His Sound Architecture debut, “Sentiment” EP will be his best work to date and the support he is getting from Laurent Garnier to Ricardo Villalobos, or from Loco Dice to Martin Eyerer shows the truth and success of the path he is taking. 
A lovely harmony between groove and melody always leads to beauty. And every Philogresz track has a story of its own. Very cinematic, very progressive and very ‘philogresz’. This term is also founded by the man himself and is a very good one indeed. His 4 track debut is a full package of “love”, “hate”, “stare” and “seduce”. You’d better lend an eye on him!
(by Christopher Colak - half stereo, dinamo.fm) - source
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Dusty Rides EP (3rd Wave Black)
Some records are very special. Well this one anyway. “T’jazz” begins with one of the strangest slow grooves like a darker eccentric techno track, then we got introduced with a really good guitar track Sundake, which underscores the flair of the track, but in a gently melodic direction driven, yet experimental and functional The sound is very similar to the early days sounds, timeless sound… but here everything is more reminiscent of a house, if one can imagines; sounds would imitate the aliens one. To the last detail perfectly produced and so powerful that it really push the label towards a further stage
(by DE:Bug) - source /////////////////////////////////////////
_Selected DJ Feedbacks on previous works (in random order):
Mijk van Dijk : Magic! “Vie” and “Gibber Takes” are both super-beautiful and special in their own way. Love the vocal snippet workout. “Mole The Digger” is also pretty cool. Full support!
Philip Sherburne (the wire, pitchfork): dreamy! and much respect for creating your own source material, instead of just sampling something easy and recognizable. really, really feeling this.
Ripperton (perspectiv-records): Such a nice release! Really enjoy “Gibber takes” & “Vie” (voiceless edit).
Toshiya Kawasaki (MULE, JP): I already loved this release, thank!
Maurice Aymard : Loving Vie, a lof of feeling in this track. Great vocals, great guitars and a great song..Will support this one out 100%. and charted twice
Martin Eyerer : Vie has a very good mood. Somehow this track
touches me, though by first listen its not
really my sound. I will play in my radio show
definitely
Lee van Dowski: like “Gibber takes”. will play!!!
Luciano: Play on gibber takes! 4/5 rating
Electric Indigo : excellent! love the sound, “vie” is amazing,
“gibber takes” also - thanks!
Alexi Delano: 100% Support and Radio Play for sure!
Vie (voiceless edit) is my favorite. Also charted Thick Dean on TEAM
Marcelo Rosselot: hello Ilker, Gibber takes original full support , sure i will play
Someone Else: thanks man! this is a really nice ep! i am lovin ‘gibber takes’. really amazing track man! :)
Yuri Wuensch (XLR8R/USA, BPM, Ibiza Voice): Love the gypsy vibe of both “Vie” mixes.
Pablo Demonio (Klubbers Fm) : “Vie” is an incredible track. I think it’s one
of the best of the year.
Minz: i’ve been digging the jazzy explorations of
philogresz for awhile now, and this is a nice,
live-sounding addition to it.
Jeff Bennet: interesting release, will def try this baby out!
Lostra (Athens): “Gibber takes” and gives!!!! amazing sound
aesthetic and groove. Just perfect to make
the difference. overall a release that stands
out for its conception
Animaltek: well rounded relaase!!! emotional but yet
drivey and subtle!!! will play
Pablo Bolivar : Vie is one for me, original production, and smooth!
Dubfire: Thanks for the release, can you please send 320 kbps versions
Stephan Bodzin: love swedish pastell! beautiful track. full support.
Joris Voorn: I got the tracks this time! Not bad also.. tea Jazz is my favourite of the two, nice and deep!
Laurent Garnier: Very organic, very interesting. Will try it out, thanks for the link
Oleg Uris (Kiss FM): thanks for keeping up to date with amazing releases. Loving T’jazz tune the most! Very jazzy, alive, touchy and beautiful, something out of common template stuff nowadays. Would like to present it my next show.
Mathias Schaffhäuser: klasse vö, werde ich spielen, charten + besprechen, wenns ne gelegenheit gibt.
Tom Pooks: please send me the philo stuff they are huuuuge !!!!
Pollo: Just fully listened to the Dusty Rides EP. some really interesting productions. Keep coming back to Swedish Pastel, love its low slung keys and groove. Perfect for my show tonight can hear so many different inspirations from Eastern sounds to tougher European ones. Welcome to the Show I like aswell and I’ll feature the other tracks too across the week.
Jeff Bennett: I like the Tea Jazz track a lot, and I really like the movie it reminds me of, Axel Foley is a hero…..
Rulers of the Deep: Very like the T’Jazz track, have to find out how it works on the floor.. will give powerplay at Tallinn Express show also :)
Christopher Colak (Halfstereo, Timeout Istanbul: Good, Well defıned EP.
Laurent Garnier: i LOVE THIS SHIT, this is DEEEEEEEEEP and BEAUTIFULL, full support from me, a million thanks for the great music
Chymera: I’m feeling both the a-side tracks the best.. either would be perfect for a deeper radio mix.. thanks for sending!,
Agaric: I’m glad I listened to this one. The Bside was not exactly my bag but the Aside tracks are really fresh. Great stuff.
Tomaz (Studio Brussels): “Stare” is the best track for me. Love the way the vocals are used. thanks en groeten uit België
Tundra: Jesus christ…I FUCKING LOVE all 4 tracks man…Production is awesome (x3) and VERY musical arrangements! This is fantastic, im serious. Thanks for sending me this man, FULL support!
Shirazi: Philogresz has developed his own unique style over the years. His deep music contains elements of jazz, minimal and more. All tracks fit well together and are full of the typical Philogresz-delayed sounds. My favourite track is the uplifting Love, but the jazzy Hate and melancholic Stare also do the trick for me!
Ingo Sänger (Farside Records): nice one!! all good here. my fav is the dirty dub from my man ron deacon…. deep, atmospheric with a jazzy feel. great, thanx!!
Alland Byallo (Poker Flat / liebe*detail / Dirt Crew)I love the original. Really nice stuff going on here. Minimal and sexy. Feelin’ Mathias’ remix as well!
Ripperton (Perspectiv): Nice original and the Ron Dirty remix takes me! Original music guys, thanx for that!
Brothers Vibe: Ace Release!
Frank (Ame / Innervisions) Vie remix on Ware and Ron Deacon remix of Philogresz on Progcity deep trax … thx
Moodymanc: Original mix is great…really unique and refreshing….but not sure if I’d ever drop it on a dance floor! Mathias’ mix takes it there a little more for me… rd’s dirty dope is really cool…took me a little while to get around the organ sound in the piano club mix but it grew on me and otherwise think this one is a stunner…! All the best with it
Adultnapper: really great release. loving the orginal th most. very inventive groove and a great mood. will play.
Rainer Trüby: is very intense! loving it, truely special!
Kiko Navarro: very impressed by the Ron Deacon Piano mix, this powerful and something different, special, will try it on the floor!
DJ Sneak: ron deacon’s move me dirty dope dub is excellent.
Sammy Rock (www.cyberjamz.com): 4 qualtity deep tech pieces by very talented producers at the helm. Full support for this complete pacakage! Review by Sammy Rock aka Soul Oasis C.E.O Cyberjamz Records-Radio
Subsky: Loving the original mix of Move me, excellent. Will play!
Dean Facer (www.ourhousemag.com) superb deep music, I’m liking both the mix from Mathias Schaffhäuser and the Piano Mix from Ron Deacon….
Rico Püstel: Wonderful ep ’ Move me’ on progcity deep trax !
Oliver Holzapfel (Compost / Shaker Plates): Really dig the Original version. Really great percussion/ beat works from Philogresz. Mathias Schaffhaeuser remix is also great. Will play it out and loud!
Chris Udoh (Philadelphia): Sick Track , The figersnaps & hadclaps are really trippy !!
