REEKO Vinyl & CDs

Review: Hyaku marks the 100th vinyl release for Samurai Music, so shout out to the crew for staying dedicated to the format. It also celebrates nearly 17 years of dedication to quality music and timeless design and, for this milestone, the label has assembled producers who epitomise the current Samurai sound. Each track offers a unique take on that from the crunchy breakbeats of ACS to the relentless energy of Sam KDC's 'Mutilate.' Together, these contributions form a diverse collection that highlights the artistry and innovation of this talented crew while also reflecting the journey Samurai has been on for all these years. Here's to many more.

Review: Eduardo de La Calle has always excelled at crafting economical yet impactful techno. It is often long and settled in its groove, dubbed out to the max and sprinkled with grainy chords. That simple MO has kept him at the forefront for years and here he hooks up with Reeko to serve up four more tracks of his distinctive techno gold to get 2025 underway on a fine footing. 'Track 1' is a real pressure builder with waves of synth and icy hi-hats washing over you, 'Track 2' then pulls back into murky minimalism and 'Track 3' brings the brain-melting bells. All that leaves is t cast you off into the deepest corners of the cosmos with 'Track 4' full of celestial wonderment.

Review: As part of Oscar Mulero's Unknown Landscapes mix CD his label Pole Group has done the right thing and released the first of several various artist samplers. This first body of music is opened by the rusty pings of DVS1's "Strobe", while up and coming Spanish techno producer, Kwartz, earns his Pole Group stripes with a deep and blipping "Hate". Long-time label cohort Reeko provides the elongated mind trip that is "Enlightenment Process", and the last spot is of course reserved for industrial demigod Adam X who doesn't falter with the voltage charged "Meridien Arc".

Review: Reeko helps the KR3 label continues its anniversary celebrations here with a new EP that allows on from his recent remix outing here. His take on techno is nuanced and more than just physical. 'Para El Conjunto De Las Esferas ' has an underlapping rhythm that hypnotises while backlit pads hint at celestial energy. 'Verdugo Del Rey' is more raw like a bit of heavy machinery in meltdown and 'Morador De La Oscuridad' has a fizzing static twist and industrial tinge to the atmosphere. 'El Retorno De Saturno' brings things to a close with a slow, menacing and dubbed out prowler.

Review: A journey through dark, futuristic techno. The opening track, 'Para El Conjunto De Las Esferas', is a melodic, high-energy builder that sets the tone with its heavy beat and a rising sense of anticipation. 'Verdugo Del Rey' follows with tribal, mechanical rhythms, creating a gritty, intense atmosphere driven by dark, industrial beats. On Side-2, things begins with 'Morador De La Oscuridad', a sci-fi-inspired track that takes a hold the listener in otherworldly, atmospheric sounds, evoking a sense of deep space exploration. The title track, 'El Retorno De Saturno', brings in dub elements and swirling techno textures, creating a dramatic yet reserved vibe. The balance between its atmospheric qualities and tightly controlled energy makes it a standout piece, offering both mystery and power. Overall, 'El Retorno De Saturno' EP blends complex, layered sounds with a sense of space and movement, making it a compelling listen for fans of experimental techno.

Review: Juan Rico, who also known as Reeko and Architectural, presents Urmah, his debut LP at the eye-watering pace of 170 BPM for Samurai Music. Expanding on his two previous EPs with the label, Reeko has become essential to its sonic identity and Urmah embodies this synergy with the label by both its and his artistic boundaries. Across the record, Reeko dives deeper into hypnotic grooves and layers lush textures and subtle breakbeats into an entrancing and meditative work. The producer's deft touch for blending techno's intensity with gentle psychedelia shines through as he demonstrates a mastery of new tempos and evolving sonic landscapes.