GOTSHELL Vinyl & CDs

Review: Ellen Allien's label BPitch is one of Europe's finest and surely one of the most prominent labels to be headed up by any of the women in the scene. It is Gotshell behind this last 12" on the Berlin mainstay with four cuts of dark, artful techno from the Columbian that mark a welcome return to the label. He navigates between chaos and tranquility, blending disparate sonic elements seamlessly across the tracks starting with 'Forest,' which kicks off with misty dissonances and psychedelic pads over a driving kick drum. 'Who I Am' ventures into dubstep territory with echoey vocals and airy synths. 'Fluctuacion Paralela' delves into ambient realms, while 'Acid and Die' explores harsh acid coils. Sintaxis showcases Gotshell's unique aesthetic expertly.

Review: Two powerhouse British techno producers join forces on this thrilling six-track release, forging a unique sonic identity that blends alien sound design with deep rhythmic control. Opener 'AGNCY' sets it off with a broken beat structure and eerie, extraterrestrial textures. It's a fractured, glitchy techno cut that sounds like a signal intercepted from deep space. Unpredictable and captivating. 'BNKR follows with a brooding pulse; it's dark, haunted techno that creeps forward with tension. The groove is thick with atmosphere, like walking through a derelict industrial complex at night. Flip the record and 'GLSSDGGR' injects sharp electro energy into the mix. Buzzing with nimble synth work and punchy percussive hits, it adds a dose of movement and variety without breaking the cohesive mood. Closer 'TRBMB' is also a highlight. It is a slow-burning epic, steadily layering power and pressure into a dramatic, late-night climax. Together, the six tracks form a versatile, forward-thinking techno record that balances experimentation with dancefloor functionality.

Review: Planet Rhythm's brand of techno is utterly timeless and always futuristic. The latest trip around the stars is a various artists EP that varies in mood and tempo. Shekon's 'Hypno' (Phara remix) kicks off with big, boisterous drum loops full of bounce and swirled with coarse synths. Gotshell takes a more deep approach with gurgling basslines making for a subterranean sound on 'Sindrome De Volar.' KaioBarssalos's 'Detroit' then taps into a classic 313 techno style with shimmering pads and earth-shattering drums. Netty Hugo's 'Ecxtrem' is a pulsating cosmic closer.