LAKE HAZE Vinyl & CDs

Review: Portuguese producer Lake Haze does not muck about with this EP which is a potent outing with late night dancefloors very much in its sights. 'Dune District' is a lovely analogue drum track with some fizzing, bright melodies and taught bass notes. 'Voltage Vortex' starts with evocative loonbird calls and then sinks into some sultry deep house, and 'Shoreline Circuitry' puts more analogue drum sounds front and centre and peppers them with woodpecker-like hits and jumbled perc. 'Electribe Echoes' is a more menacing closer with some dark bass and creepy, howling pads up top bringing a ghostly vibe.

Review: Lake Haze has landed on a wide array of labels from Shall Not Fade to Time Is Now but always his music exudes the same great qualities - electro, acid, techno and prog doused in gorgeous ambient designs. He exhibits that again on this new EP for Atlantic Thunder which kick off with the gurgling synths and tanging bass notes of 'First Contact'. Silky arps are what ensure it takes flight through the cosmos, though. 'Niburi Ritual' has a darker mood and heavier kick patterns and 'Ionosphere' is a supple and lithe electro workout that channels the best of Detroit. A fine sense of menace and end of the world finality then characterises the excellent closer 'No Escape.'

Review: Lake Haze's third album on Shall Not Fade is another triumph with his signature shimmering melodies strung out over lush beats. Drawing on house, disco, garage and broken beat it is a rich affair with a strong UK vibe. There is elegance and symphony to opener 'Xyleac' that immediately gets your head amongst the stars. 'Diluspth' keeps up the majestic synth while 'Bbyncole' is double-speed techno with balmy celestial synths and hurried bass that locks you in. Tender ambient pieces like 'Shores Of Eternal Life' reset the mood and then the second half is a series of shorter sketches packed with electronic soul.