GERD JANSON Vinyl & CDs

Review: Thanks to his reputation as a knowledgeable house selector with immaculate mixing skills, hopes are high for Gerd Janson's contribution to Fabric's long-running mix series. As predicted, it's superb. After opening with Luke Abbot's deliciously steamy, marimba-heavy rework of Todd Terje sunset classic "Snooze 4 Love", the Running Back chief gradually ups the tempo and intensity, along the way finding time for the melodious breeziness of John Talabot, the stripped-back retro-futurism of Shan, a dash of big room business from Joy Orbison and Boddika, and a swathe of lesser-known house gems from the likes of Joe Clausell and Scott Grooves. He also squeezes in Prins Thomas's loose and summery rework of Caribou's "Sun", which closes the mix perfectly.

Review: Gerd Jansen's first collection of autobahn-inspired "ambient-not-ambient" cuts, released back in 2012, was something of an overlooked triumph. If anything, this second volume in the series - once again packed with exclusive, never-before-heard material - is even better. There are glistening, far-sighted excursions from Leon Vynehall, Shan and Orson Wells, a brilliant chunk of shuffling dancefloor hypnotism from Joy Orbison, and some vintage, low-slung ambient fare from Dutch veteran Orlando Voorn. Meanwhile, Disco Nihilist's "Melancholy" is formidable emotive - unsurprising, given the Detroit and deep synth-pop influences - while Lauer's "Autofahrn" is a thrillingly authentic Kraftwerk tribute.

Review: With a title like this, it's no surprise to learn that the compilation Gerd Janson has pulled together for Rush Hour is somewhat indebted to the legacy of Kraftwerk. In a thoroughly refreshing focus of intent, the contributing artists have had to reach towards a preface of "ambient not ambient" to take part in this project, and the end results showcase artists reaching beyond the common fare they turn out in their day to day release schedules. With his roots in ambient, Move D is of course right at home here, as is Roman Flugel, but it's exciting to hear the Krautrock tones of Ame's "Erkki" or the claustrophobic beatdown of Maxxi & Zeus (better known as Quiet Village).

Review: With "Computer Incarnations For World Peace" Jazzanova present a selection of song gems from the new wave era. Beside their own productions, DJ gigs and work for their Sonar Kollektiv label, the Berlin collective Jazzanova are building a growing reputation as successful compilers. "Computer Incarnations For World Peace", released on Sonar, proves this.