Review: Hero Remixes by MiniCoolBoyz & NHB – A Techno Masterclass
Released in 2014 under the Ukrainian label I Am Techno, Hero Remixes by MiniCoolBoyz & NHB is a bold foray into the pulsating world of electronic music, specifically techno. This EP isn’t just another remix project; it’s an exploration of rhythm and energy that stays with you long after the last beat fades. Featuring two standout tracks—Hero (Spartaque Remix) and Hero (Skober Remix)—the album captures the raw essence of Ukrainian techno while delivering something refreshingly unpredictable.
Let’s dive into the details, shall we? The Hero (Spartaque Remix) grabs your attention right off the bat. It opens with a hypnotic bassline that feels like it’s pulling you into a vortex. Spartaque doesn’t just remix here—he reconstructs. The track builds steadily, layering intricate synths over pounding kicks until it reaches a crescendo that’s both chaotic and controlled. What makes this remix unforgettable is its ability to balance aggression with melody. You can almost picture a dimly lit club, bodies moving in unison, lost in the groove. It’s not perfect—it has moments where the transitions feel slightly abrupt—but that unpredictability adds charm.
Then there’s Hero (Skober Remix), which takes a completely different approach. Skober strips things back, focusing on minimalism and tension. The track thrives on restraint, teasing listeners with sparse beats and eerie soundscapes before exploding into a flurry of hi-hats and distorted kicks. There’s something haunting about this remix, like walking through an abandoned factory at night. It lingers in your mind because it doesn’t try too hard to impress—it simply exists, confident in its own weirdness.
What stands out about Hero Remixes is how well it represents the spirit of techno. It’s not trying to be mainstream or overly polished. Instead, it embraces imperfections and lets the music speak for itself. MiniCoolBoyz & NHB, along with Spartaque and Skober, have crafted something that feels deeply personal yet universally appealing.
Reflecting on this EP, one can’t help but think about how much the electronic music scene has evolved since 2014. Yet, Hero Remixes still holds up today, proving that good music transcends trends. And honestly? Listening to these tracks feels like rediscovering an old friend—you remember why you loved them in the first place. Though, I gotta say, if I ever meet the creators, I’d ask them what they were drinking when they made this. Because whatever it was, it worked wonders.
