John Shima

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: REPRESS ALERT!: Serenity is a new label geared towards raising money and awareness around mental health in the music industry. The label kicks off in fine style with the supple, expressive techno of John Shima and Mihail P offering up two tracks each. Shima takes the A side with the warm and bubbling synth expressions of "Seasons" before taking things in a more hypnotic direction on the ever-so-slightly trancey "Hunter Mind". Mihail P maintains a similar vintage techno sound palette, but pings for positive constellations with the jubilant "Momentum" before veering into blissful breakbeat on "Neon Hologarden".