Music Reviews: The Definitive Collection – Dalziel

UPDATED FOR MARRIAGE CAT MAGAZINE






The Definitive Collection – by Dalziel

Stuart Dalziel, a Tokyo-based producer, composer, and DJ from the United Kingdom, released an EP at the end of 2021 called The Definitive Collection, a compilation of his published recordings dating back to 2017, with two added new tracks. It’s a sassy arrangement of Synthwave music delivered with an aesthetic that is perhaps influenced by Japanese interpretations of the genre.

Released December 22, 2021. (1). Assault on Omekaido Koban (2). Proxima B (3). Cove Mentality (4). Chains of Tendency (5). Michiko (6). TLO Kaz Mashino feat. Dalziel (7). Game Breaking Glitch (8). Bare Knuckle (9). Boxing Clever (10). Death of the Road Warrior (11). The Jungle (12). Obsidian

https://www.youtube.com/@DALZIELMUSIC/videos

As the album progresses the mood and timbre of the compilation are contrasted greatly by the experimental Glitch from earlier recordings, as well do the other collaborative offerings. Dalziel stated on social media that it was his final foray into Synthwave because he wants to broaden his horizons. It will also be the last album released under the name Dalziel.

Dalziel regularly shares his live performances on YouTube, which are embellished with stylish visuals and anime. These creations as well as his video art are especially attractive because they are not monetized and often run without interruptions.


The scene in Tokyo and the DJs who work at its well-known venues such as Womb and Circus, at one point during the Covid pandemic, were said to be “thriving” – its patrons undeterred by the first Omicron variants. Most Americans, on the other hand, missed this moment since Japan had closed its borders off to tourists.

Despite a recent upturn in business, Womb, known for its underground house and Techno, is less popular than it was before 2019-2020, but still considered one of the best in Tokyo. A hot new venue called Warp, which opened this same period, is located in Tokyo’s nightlife district and offers more diverse types of music like R&B and ambient, on each of its four levels. Both clubs have won spots on DJ Magazine’s Top 100 Clubs Womb ranks at 72nd place and Warp is rated 37th.

-Written by: m.wilson