John Shima

Review: The first missive from freshly minted Spanish label Tribe is a multi-artist affair, with a quartet of producers serving up some seriously good material. Barson kicks things off via the psychedelic acid lines, bustling TR-909 drums and early LFO mannerisms of "Inertia", before self-styled "ageing B-boy" Freddy Fresh surprises with a stomping, bass-heavy chunk of early '90s techno. Over on side B, Artes impresses via the dreamy but energetic techno-funk of "Chromatic Life", while Sheffield-based John Shima steals the show with a killer slab of intergalactic Motor City techno with distinctive ambient influences.

Review: The revered Halal Prepared series on boe extends to its fourth volume with four new acts fresh to the label. Hotly tipped duo, Invisible Menders, made up of outstanding DJ Jane Fitz and thus far underrated producer Dom Ahtuam contribute a stunning Balearic bass-heavy house cut "Fifth Time Lucky". Fresh from his solo EP, John Shima slots in a deep techno workout "Thought Wave". Toby Tobias of Rekids fame pumps out some raw basement lofi vibes with his jacker "Sword Art Arcade" and rounding off the EP on a delicate note is Tim Smith's soft and melodic 707 jam "Graphene".

Review: John Shima's recent rise has been built on an uncanny ability to produce futurist electronic club music that's almost overpoweringly melodious. Or, to put it another way, the Sheffield producer makes high-grade tracks that simultaneously move the head, heart and feet. Shima's latest outing - his first for DMK - is another superb collection of cuts. Such is the quality, it's hard picking favourites, though we'd direct you towards the glistening, sun-bright melodies and snappy machine drums of "Din Sync", the contemporary clonk (look it up, kids) meets Detroit flex of "Rotary" and the technological sweetness of opener "Stealth". Recommended.