LDS Vinyl & CDs

Review: LDS - or German producer Luca Daniel Schwarz - builds techno like a machine whisperer, programming intricate rhythmic structures that breathe with an uncanny human feel. Stadion Progg is a showcase of his algorithmic finesse, where probability-based sequencing drives hypnotic, shifting grooves that evolve in real-time. 'Pow' and 'Diff, Block Mix' weave dubby textures into pulsating frameworks, while 'Zipp Prompt' jolts forward with clipped vocal stabs and needle-sharp synths. The title track stretches into grand, propulsive territory, amplified further in Jean Redondo's remix, which adds extra layers of kinetic energy. The LDS process is equal parts engineering and intuitionimeticulously constructed yet alive with spontaneity. Stadion Progg is proof that machine-driven music doesn't have to feel mechanical; in the right hands, it moves with instinct.

Review: LDS takes no prisoners on this blistering new techno workout for Exos' Planet X & X/OZ labels. Opener 'Karplusfunk' is a 100-mile-an-hour assault with caustic hit hats over clipped, kinetic drums. Manic synth lines ride up and down and the energy levels are off the chart. 'Mvoper FM' is slightly paired back but is still warp-speed icy techno to take dance floors on a white knuckle ride through the cosmos. The Exos remix of 'LD5' has snares that sound like sheet metal blowing in the wind while solar clouds peel off the groove. The flip side offers two more cuts of head-melting techno experimentalism.

Review: The Blue Hour crew have put together this classy four-track various artists EP to round out their year in style. Spekki Webu's 'Cycleon' is the busy opener with silky, punchy breaks and melon-twisting pads up top. DJ Ibon's 'Slug Knife' is more hard techno in vibe with flat, unrelenting drums. LDS's 'Ere Audio' (vinyl edit) keeps that hard style coming with drilling bass and glitchy synths over looped drums that lock you into a hypnotic rhythm. Vel's 'Tunnel' then brings a punishing techno sound to close with all sorts of freaky sounds scurrying throughout the arrangement.