Sian, born Graham Goodwin, is your not-so-average Irish guy. Google him and you will find he was „raised gypsy-style“ in Spain. My illiteracy on the subject says that this means he has probably travelled his share and knows a thing or two about flamenco. I tried to find other people on the Internet raised in the same way, but it sure looks like Sian is the only one raised in that particular style. And now, I have contributed to the collective non-knowledge by adding yet another reference to that weird piece of Sian’s history.

Today, Sian is the owner of Octopus Records – a modern label that seems to be partly MP3-oriented. He has produced for renowned labels like Poker Flat and Karmarouge. This particular track was released on Aus Music, belonging to Will Saul and Fink.

„Wear Your Scars Like Medals“ indeed is a macho track like you would imagine from the title. The thumping kick it starts with sets the mood. You get some Radio Slave style white noise and train sounds until the track breaks down to a crescendo of analogue synthesizers. Even in a Matt Edwards DJ set, this would be the peak time pick. On the flip side, German shooting star Roland Appel (of Truby Trio and Fauna Flash fame) kicks off with punctuated rhythm and breaks the track free of its monotonous single scale with an intense choir harmony and more melodic take on the hook. The techno-ish original gets a housier treatment.

It’s a very strong track from Sian and another great remix production from Roland Appel.

A: Wear Your Scars Like Medals
B: Wear Your Scars Like Medals (Roland Appel Remix)

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This is a sure hit 12“ on Sonar Kollektiv. Both tracks are dramatic as hell (no pun intended). „Changes“ wins this one for me, with its string pads and organ groove. It builds up until around 3:00 and then breaks down to a mental cymbal-ridden groove. You gotta love this on a proper sound system.

A: Dark Soldier
B: Changes

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