SND & RTN Vinyl & CDs

Review: Part 13 in this revered dub Netherlands techno label's limited series delivers another hypnotic slab of minimalism and it's easy to see why SND & RTN are gaining a reputation for masterful atmospheric control. With their ninth EP, they continue refining their deep and textured sound. Side-A opens with 'The Mole', where classic island dub textures meet a fluid minimal groove. The track feels submerged, steady in its pace, letting delay and echo spiral naturally. 'The Vacuum Of Shape' follows with a darker tone as resonant chords unfold in an ominous haze while the rhythm skeleton keeps things subtly in motion. On the second side 'Rhudaur' is the most ambient cut here, beautifully fusing spatial synth work with throbbing low-end presence. Its meditative tone creates a kind of floating tension. 'Noise Factory' closes the EP, echoing Maurizio at his finest but with a distinctly modern polish. Another strong showing from a duo clearly steeped in dub techno tradition.

Review: SND & RTN's Stardust EP on Planet Rhythm delivers six exemplary tracks of dub techno with crisp production and deep influenced classic sound. Side-1 opens with 'Stampersgat,' a deep dub techno soundscape featuring wall-shaking bass, crisp percussion, and an island feel that transports listeners to a tropical haven. 'D55' follows with an airy, bright dub groove, blending elements of house and Balearic chill-out, and is characterised by its heavy use of chords. Side-2 offers 'Rhydonium,' showcasing a snappy, clean groove with meandering, metallic chords and heavy echo. Stardust EP highlights SND & RTN's ability to blend deep, resonant basslines with intricate percussion and atmospheric elements, resulting in a well-rounded collection of tracks.

Review: SND & RTN's ECHOLTD 010 marks a milestone as the tenth release on their label, delivering four tracks of sublime dub techno. Standouts include 'Starlight' enchants with its mid-tempo pace, featuring light and airy soundscapes complemented by deep bass notes and crisp production. 'World Between Worlds' offers a slow-churning, deep gem characterised by beautiful analog vibrations that immerse the listener in its rich textures. This release exemplifies the duo's mastery in crafting atmospheric techno, balancing intricate rhythms with profound depth. An essential listen for dub techno enthusiasts.

Review: SND & RTN brings it home on this new 12" for Lempuyang that explores their signature techno depths. 'Palantir' opens with fathoms-deep dub and ice-cold synths that snake their way over the face of the track, while 'Hyperdrive' has rumbling chords and smeared pads that keep you on the ocean floor and 'Dub Conjurer' allows in a little more light from the surface with delicate shards piercing the murk. 'Tales From The Outer Rim' shuts down with a nice gentle rhythm that undulates beneath rippling pad work and works well as perfect early evening warm up.

Review: SND & RTN show their class here with a set of six sublime dub techno cuts that have been pressed to nice solver and heavyweight vinyl. There is nothing groundbreaking about the music here but what is done is done to an exceptionally high standard. The sound designs are faultless, from the bottomless bass to the pilot kick drums via the way in which their fizzing chords do nimble dances over the face of each tune. Some lean into the wind, some are utterly horizontal, all are great.