- The Berlin-based artist has mastered the art of emotional, hard-hitting house.
- Lady Blacktronika's music has always found itself in a zany liminal space between house and techno. Drum Control keeps up this thread of excellent work, showcasing the best elements of sensual, emotive deep house and walloping techno.
"Can I Turn Too" introduces the record with a bang. Sky-high choir samples and rabbit-hole melodies capture the euphoria of uplifting gospel. "Female Troubles," a near seven-minute escapade featuring a washed-out Missy Elliot mourning a noncommittal lover on "Hit Em Wit Da Hee," shows Lady Blacktronika's keen ear for samples. The title track drips in serpentine funk, intercepted by airy vocals that bring a sense of bliss. Timing makes all the difference in another standout, "Tootfairy Noises," where bright, delicately placed melodies only prove to be the calm before the storm: around the two-minute mark, chaos erupts in the form of untamed whistles and titan-sized percussion. In one of her most unpredictable and varied records yet, Drum Control sees Lady Blacktronika still experimenting, but producing in top form.
Tracklist01. Can I Turn Too
02. Drum Control
03. Female Troubles
04. Tootfairy Noises
05. Shoulda Known Better
06. Shoulda Known Better (Reverso Edit)