Album Review: Dave Mech - Berlin Seite

The core idea behind “Berlin Seite” is old school: capture the raw, unfiltered energy of a live techno performance in a dark club night oozing of energy. Every track on the 10‑track digital album and the 4‑track vinyl EP is a slice taken straight from a night on the floor. The dance floors were all packed and the crowd’s and my connected energy fed straight into the machines through both the club’s system and onto the recordings.

Instead of polishing the recordings in a studio afterward, I left the grooves exactly as they were captured (with small parts looped to extend intro and outro): imperfect, breathing, and full of the spontaneous decisions that happen when you’re connecting with a crowd in that unique moment. You’ll probably sometimes hear elements from one track bleed into another, little motifs that reappear here and there accross songs. It mirrors how a live performance evolves, with ideas looping back and morphing into something new.

Where the album title “Berlin Seite” originated from: “Berlin Seite” isn’t just a clever wordplay; it’s a literal reference to a sample that has haunted my productions for years. In this old “Sample & Jam” video I recorded I recorded an elevator’s voice in Berlin that announces in German, “The door will open on the other side.” For watching the video click on Dave´s artist page YT icon or copy and paste https://youtu.be/JyvyjfwhddM?si=j8LkQ16kGRWdsH3l&t=11

While messing about with the sample, I accidentally chopped that phrase at the exact point where it sounds like the voice says “Berlin Seite” in a nice rhythmic way. I pitched it down and the result I’ve been using ever since. Especially while performing in Berlin I used it to start my sets with as it seemed like a fun novalty. It seemed like, even pitched down, it would be easy to recognise to locals. Even if it wasn’t, I’m sure whenever they step into that elevator, the light bulb will flash in their minds.

That snippet lives in the first three tracks of the digital album and on the vinyl A1 track. It even doubles as a bassline in one of the pieces which is a reminder that a single sound can really become anything.

What You’ll Hear: Beyond the opening three-part track, the other tracks weave together dub‑infused vibes with Detroit‑style groove, and an uptempo feel that feels both nostalgic and forward‑moving. The flow is deliberately loose; the tracks transition quite naturally I’d say, echoing how a live performance would evolve over a night.

Check out my recommended Track: Roots (Live at Oxi Berlin)

Verdict: Solid rolling Techno with a heavy edge. Once the kicks start and the layers build Dave Mech gets a groove that takes a hold of you and doesn’t let go. The compositions blend darkness with light, as the beats are kicking hard, the melodies lift you above the gritty hypnotic percussion up into bliss. Quality driving Techno definitely worth tracking down.