MATTHIAS Vinyl & CDs

Review: Seven years on from launching his Superluminal label, Matthias cements the journey so far with his very own debut album. Named after the term coined by astronomer Jacobus Kapteyn - used to describe the apparently faster-than-light movement of the ejecta (celestial flotsam) of the nova (exploding star) GK Persei - Superluminal has always drawn on the natural, parallel obsession that unifies the cosmos and dance music. The new record is expansive as such, with 'Underwater Maze' and 'Golem' colliding potent, anodic, reverberative sound design, and 'Fearless Voyager' and 'Sky Nomad' providing a chirpier ambi-acid techno front face.

Review: Matthias closes out 2024 with 'Life Among Nightmares', a three-track EP that dives deep into the techno-synth wave spectrum. Kicking things off is Global Thunder, a mind-bending track that crescendos into an epic blend of nostalgic synths and cinematic tension. On the B-side, Living Nightmare delivers a moody fusion of eccentric analog sounds, acid sequences, and swinging percussion, creating a dark yet hypnotic atmosphere. Finally, Sunfall rounds out the EP, where sinister synths and shadowy pads pull listeners into a haunting, techno-wave journey.

Review: House-master, Matthias, is the latest producer to debut on the iconic Scottish Minimal/Tech house imprint, Craigie Knowes. Delivering a class EP injected with originality and outright funk, this will be a no-brainer purchase for a long list of DJs and home listeners. On the A side, 'Tube Star' arrives with a throbbing bassline, honey-sweet synths and glinting percussion. For the A2, growling electric guitar melodies meet darkened synthlines and bludgeoning kicks to produce a powerful dancefloor-ready track. On the B-side, we have Ultra Bass on remix duties, offering a bass-stroke-acid-stroke-garage take on Matthais' signature sound - this is undoubtedly a peak time track for those out-of-control moments. Closing things up, 'Wires Around My Neck' slows to a patient pace - a duet of circling synth melodies and chugging drums give this track a delectably wonky, spaced-out vibe. A wonderfully varied release that is surely set to be a favourite for this year's circuit of festivals.