SYNAPTIC VOYAGER Vinyl & CDs

Review: Matt White and Paul Baines make a welcome studio return, dusting off their collection of synths and drum machines to resume their previously fruitful and, until recently, paused Synaptic Voyager collaboration. The Sheffield-based duo's work draws upon the Steel City's vast electronic music heritage, and their latest effort, arriving on the always-reliable Cyphon Recordings, is a masterclass of emotive electro futurism. The title track sets the EP off on the strongest possible footing, with lush pads and gorgeously evocative melodies looped over crisp drums and thick analogue bass. The growling funk bass of 'Lonely Promontory' combines with blissed-out synths and jagged rhythms, while the alien bleeps and driving kick of 'Stellar Engine' power through hypnotic harmonics and rolling bass. 'Once Exposed' adds a layer of Motor City grit to the sonic palette, before the 4/4 thrust and arpeggiated bass of 'Cognitive Network' drives smoke machines and strobes for a nocturnal warehouse workout.

Review: Acquit Records takes it back to its roots with ACQR00 marking a new beginning with Synaptic Voyager. This artist always cooks up Detroit-influenced techno and house tracks that ooze sophisticated synth craft and absorbing atmospheres. This fantastic seven-track double 12" features more club-ready stunners like 'Auditory Imagery' which marry disuse chords with tightly programmed beats. 'Echo Location' has punchy analogue beats softened with widescreen chords straight from the Motor City and 'Preordained Destiny' goes slower, with percolating bass funk and wispy, glowing keys slowing worming their way into the cosmos.