PALOMATIC Vinyl & CDs

Review: London-based Japanese artist Junki Inoue founded Saisei last year with a stunning trio of releases featuring Kino-Moderno, COLOGNe and Suzukiski. Now the label sets out a more comprehensive mission statement for the sound they're exploring with this six-deep VA release featuring return appearances as well as some new faces. The overarching sound is one of 90s-flavoured techno with a melodic, melancholic quality as beautifully demonstrated by Palomatic on the stunning 'Under The Ground'. Interferon has enough punch packed into 'Blasting Soul' to stand up to some of the foundational Detroit techno gear, but crucially it's got plenty of heart to match its weighty impact. If you want to get a handle on how Saisei is progressing, or just need some fresh techno with soul and smarts, be sure to nab one of these gems.