PYRAMIDAL DECODE Vinyl & CDs

Review: 'Isteria' from Barcelona label Loopaina Records makes danceable what sounds like the the machinic inner workings of some nefarious death ray's overactive reactor core. 'Atto' and 'Razionalita' establish a techno sound less rooted in the usual need for producers make things sound overly 'weighty' and in sacrificing this cultural more, more nuance and dynamic thematics may be worked in between the beats. 'Negazione' marks a return to weight, however, proving that Decode's approach can cover all fronts, while 'Rinuncia' is wonky techno grit-fest that only, perhaps, a B4 slot can house.

Review: Quindici delivers a potent dose of cutting-edge techno, packed into six tracks on a single vinyl, courtesy of Attic Music records. On Side-1, Conrad Van Orton kicks things off with 'Person Of Interest,' a percussive and loopy journey through techno's rhythmic intricacies. Following up is Pyramidal Decode's 'Finalizzazione,' a hard-hitting, sinister banger that demands attention. Collaborators Maurizio Cascella & Fabrizio Lapiana contribute 'Untitled,' adding depth and mystery to the sonic landscape. On Side-2, Kaiser presents 'The Laboratory,' a melodic and eerie techno builder that captivates with its hypnotic allure. Mary Yuzovskaya's 'Busy' follows suit, enveloping listeners in dark, foreboding atmospheres reminiscent of cavernous depths. Closing the compilation is Allen's 'Gate Array,' a track that exudes an enigmatic aura, leaving a lasting impression with its intricate sound design and emotive resonance. 'Quindici' is a testament to the innovation and diversity within the techno genre, offering a captivating sonic journey for enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

Review: 2023 marks a decade since Bas Mooy launched Mord, an outlet for forthright, heavyweight techno of the type that's now all the rage but was once frowned on but all but those who followed the style. We'll have to wait and see what they have - if anything - in store in way of celebration, but first Mooy has decided to offer up this collaborative EP from Dynamic Reflection regulars Viels and Pyramidal Decode. They begin with the dark, buzzing, atmospheric intensity of the Donatto Dozzy-esqye 'Privazione Individuale', before opting to pepper a more minimalistic techno groove with leaping modular pulses on 'Sintesi'. 'Entropia Variable' is a dense, locked-in chunk of noise-smothered industrial techno, while 'Moto Ondulatorio' is a surging slab of peak-time energy peppered with mind-mangling modular motifs and razor-sharp electronic riffs.