Johannes Albert

Review: Wurzburg wonder Johannes Albert returns to Frank to cast more of his signature melodic techno spells. As always it's a vast spread; "Generators" is the initial full-pelt blast. A power lightning strike, causing your body to move involuntarily, it's Albert at his most active. "Minilogue" pays homage to Korg with a vibrant arpeggio and shimmering peaks while "Frame" closes on a beatless note; dense atmospheres that enshroud and mystify, it's Johannes at his most alluring. Wunderbar

Review: Needs (not-for-profit) is a new label that aims to raise awareness about different issues within society with each release. Their first offering highlights the importance of mental wellbeing, with all profits being donated to mental health charity Mind, and calls upon a strong cast of deep house producers to impart the kind of Smallville-friendly sounds that discerning heads should snap up in a heartbeat. Hubie Davison's "I Know" is a melancholic affair with heart-nagging strings, while Johannes Albert injects a little spice into proceedings with a choice breakbeat and some excellent bird song on "Vigilia". DJ Swagger's "21st Century Slow Jam" is a peppy little shuffler with warm acidic bass and a kick ass swing in the beat, and then Bobby Pleasure finishes the record off with the wistful but tech-edged "Cloudspotting".