DEVELOPER Vinyl & CDs

Review: Developer returns to his own label with another deep dive into the American's own production archives. What he finds is plenty of his signature groove-centric and mind-melting techno for connoisseurs only. 'Niburian 19' is anxious and urgent with its tightly looped synths and hurried drums. 'Niburian 22' is just as much in a hurry with restless synth motifs busying about the dubby drum loops. 'Niburian 10B' brings a psychedelic twist with synth scribbles bringing real panic to the low ends, and 'Niburian 11' then provides some comfort with a long-form tapestry that weaves melancholic pads with thudding rubbery kicks and a more forlorn, introspective mood.

Review: Developer is a core part of the LA underground not just known for his work as a DJ and producer, but also his vital events which have breathed fresh inspiration into the scene. He also heads up the Modularz label and returns to it here with four more future-facing sounds that take techno into new realms. 'Ethnicanz' is rife with eerie synths that have an impish spirit. 'Modetrex' marries firmly rooted and ice-cold drum loops with more evocative synth motifs that lure you in for the chase. 'Viamont' is dense, like being trapped in the midst of a swarm of squawking birds, then 'Panotronix' completes this chilly retro-future offering with more stark synth loops that are unresolved and keep you on edge.

Review: Developer heads up the Modularz label and now returns to it with some increased BPMS and sounds that are more dark and driving, tribal and funk-infused than before. This hugely prolific producer has put out more than 100 records in the last 10 years and always finds new sonic territory to explore each time. 'Hexican 75' kicks off with some blisteringly quick deep techno rhythms, 'When They Come Knocking' is glitchy and dubby and 'She Says She's Good' then taps into more mind-melting synth and drum tapestries before 'Black Oceanz' goes sub aquatic with heavy, rolling drums and shards of light pairing the ocean surface.