Juno Recommends Techno: October 2024

Review: Time Passages celebrates their ten years of existence with a stellar line up of artists; this is the full LP to complement a shorter EP. A fine lineup indeed! The mood on this one is decidedly hellish yet, of course, for that very reason, tempting to cop; this being the characteristic of the flagrant provenance of DJ and producer Binh, whose brand of sinister minimal techno and electro always turns up scorched, hardened into granite, by the embered airs of hardcore. The Berlin outfit welcome The Model and DJ Hell on the A1 side, with the first opening up his own private bacchanal into the hungry streets with 'Eat More House' - a motto we can really chew on - while Hell's 'Alienation' plays on similar themes, with a central acid riff and sniper clap pattern. Barnt and Bezier steer and slow the B-side to a canter, the latter especially on the low-slung, ominously new beat-inspired 'Roter Faden', while the likes of Z@p and DC Salas go on to encrust the ensuing sides with a haunted clog of synthpop and new wave judder-offs. We'll leave the rest to you.

Review: The in-form Stefan Ringer return with a new EP which us designed for "dancing in the dark." It comes on FWM Entertainment on a nice hand-stamped 12" that opens up with 'Hypnosis' which is stepped in sublime chords and detailed with Ringer's own vocals. 'Echo Chamber' is a more immediate rhythm with an atonal melody and loopy bass then 'Nasty' explores a fresh take on the classic Chicago jack style with hefty drums and stabbed synths that amp up the party. the varied vibes continue with 'Slanted House' which takes the energy out and allow you to relax in the refined chords and closer 'Sweet Chariot' is a smooth end to a terrific EP.

Review: JS is an alias of James Zeiter and is also the name of his own label. This seventh transmission once again showcases his signature take on minimal, dub and techno. 'JS-07' rolls out with deep, pillow drums and well buried sub bass that slowly sweeps you up and locks you into a state of hypnosis. 'JS-07R' on the flip side is run through with slightly more warmth and light, like beams of sun piercing the surface of an ocean and catching microscopic organisms floating on the sea bed. It's a heady sound full of soul.

Review: Los Hermanos' On Another Level, originally released on Submerge in 2005, gets a well-deserved remaster and re-press, reaffirming its status as a Detroit techno classic. This album stands as one of the most soulful and spiritual collections to emerge from the Motor City, blending techno with rich, emotive depth that few records can match. The new tracklisting is the real highlight, now including long-sought-after anthems like 'Birth of 3000', 'Quetzal', and 'Resurrection'. These tracks, which previously only appeared on a deleted 12", are finally available again, giving fans the full experience of Los Hermanos' finest work. However, one notable omission from this re-release is 'Lines Of Nazca', arguably the strongest track from the original pressingia loss that might sting for die-hard collectors. Still, On Another Level remains a vital piece of the Detroit techno canon. It's a testament to the staying power of the genre and its capacity for emotional resonance, even within its most mechanical frameworks. This remaster brings a renewed clarity to the album's sound, making it feel as fresh and impactful as ever. For anyone with a love for Detroit's deep, soulful techno, this reissue is not to be missed.

Review: Originally released in 2022, Full Way Round has now received a fresh remix treatment. Featuring Grian Chatten of Fontaines D.C., the collaboration from the album This Is What We Do blends the duo's signature big and beaty electronic sound with a wonderfully stream-of-consciousness, conversational vocal from Chatten. His performance radiates with energy, giving the track an electric and energetic feel that the remixers were surely excited to work into their versions. On Side-1, Scottish producer Ewan McVicar brings his remix talents, following his success with recent EPs on the iconic Ministry of Sound label. On Side-2, Leftfield themselves deliver two alternate takes, giving the track fresh twists.

Review: Bjarnar & Jonas's last album back in 2023 was critically well-received and now it is back in all-new form as a selection of four classy remixes. First up it is Seven Villas label boss Pablo Bolivar who gets all blissed out and paddy on 'Bara', while Merv brings some nice smeared chords to the rolling, hypnotic dub of 'Erebus'. On the flip, Philipp Priebe Saeti's take on 'Stratospheric Clouds' reworks it as a shimmering and bottomless dub lit up by some warming chords and last of all, Waage flips 'Anguta' into a dark, stark and punchy dub-tech monster that comes on like an unstoppable wall of noise. A quartet of seriously meaty sounds overall.

Review: Molen's 'Future Is Gone' delivers four standout techno tracks, bringing a futuristic energy to the dancefloor. Side-1 kicks off with the title song, driven by a pulsating bassline and a powerful groove, enhanced by spacey sound effects that add an extra dimension. Next up is 'Medano', a journey into a sci-fi world with an exciting acid line and a rhythm that builds in intensity, making it a true trip. On Side-2, 'Suggestion' keeps the momentum going with a killer beat that makes it another solid addition to the release. Finally, 'Basic Instinct' brings an 80s-inspired groove, blending new beat and electro influences for something fresh and unique. This EP from Special Bounce packs plenty of variety, perfect for fans of innovative techno who are looking to get lost in a futuristic vibe.

Review: 'Neel's Movimento' delivers an engaging journey through techno's many dimensions. The four-track EP kicks off with 'Azione', where crisp percussion and a fast tempo meet ethereal textures, creating a techy, celestial atmosphere. Following up is 'Visione', a high-energy piece that blends sci-fi elements with a mysterious edge, pushing the tempo into hypnotic territory. Side-2 shifts the mood slightly with 'Riflesso,' leaning into a deeper, tribal sound. Its ominous tones and intricate programming give the track a dense, immersive feel. 'Moto' closes the EP with a subterranean vibe, filled with primal rhythms and sharp, echoing beats that feel like they're reverberating from deep within a cave. Awesome production! 'Movimento' showcases Neel's skill in balancing atmospheres and rhythms, making it perfect for fans of forward-thinking techno.

Review: Axel Karakasis delivers a potent blend of classic and modern techno with Nightbreak EP on Planet Rhythm. The title track, 'Nightbreak', kicks things off with heavy, uptempo energy, driven by pounding percussion, perfect for the dancefloor. 'Moulder' follows, bringing a primal, tribal percussion vibe that feels raw and unrelenting. On Side-2, 'The Line' taps into the spirit of late 90s techno with its peak-time energy, channeling that classic sound into a high-octane, crowd-pleasing track. 'Radiant' closes out the EP, delivering a wicked groove with a nasty edge, making it a standout cut for those who appreciate tough, gritty techno. Nightbreak EP shows Karakasis' ability to blend driving rhythms with a primal energy.

Review: Fresh from delivering his bleep & bass -inspired Dawn of the Underground project, long-serving Swiss producer Dan Piu drops something even more significant - his first full-length excursion in three years. The Mystic Mind is a fantastic showcase of his talents that naturally touches on many of his inspirations - bleep & bass, dub house, Motor City futurism, the classical deep house lusciousness of Larry Heard and so on - while inhabiting its own distinctive sound world. Highlights are plentiful, from the dubby deep bleep bliss of 'RIP Venus 2088 AD' and the acid-flecked, intergalactic house/techno fusion of 'Greys', to the sunset-ready bliss of 'The Abyss', the bleep-meets-proto-trance dancefloor psychedelia of 'Resilient Love's Melody (Trance Mix)' and the deep, melodic and tactile techno wonder that is 'Poseidon's Dreams'.

Review: Electro don Robert Heise turns his attention back to The Exaltics project for a new EP on his steady label home Repetitive Rhythm Research. Forgetting the proverbial "house" that birthed the song, Heise borrows the canonic title and lends it a certain force majeure, in the vein of bristly "helicopter blade" synths and classic techno drum machine furrow. Best on this fearsome crock is 'Parallel Reality', whose impressively miscible cuckoo-clock offbeats and sneak-up, reverse-worked, burring lead line have yet to meet their match this year. ORX's opening edit is the most expulsive, firing off a grunting artillery of monstrously low synths and brusque cymbal crashes in enfilade.

Review: Transmigration marks its fifth release with a focus on overlooked psychedelic dance music from around the world, all of which blends acid, techno and rave. Ghoti's 'Rubble' gets things underway with rolling bass and menacing synth energy. Third Eye then ups the ante with molten acid lines and sleek deep techno drums on 'Ancient Future' which is an apt title. DJ Polywog then takes care of the B-side with 'Frogs In The Fog', a swampy and menacing cut with wispy synths lacerating a deep and dubby groove then Eternal Injections Spiral Swamp dub is even more heady and otherworldly.

Review: Four distinct late-night techno tracks, each packing a punch. Side-1 opens with 'Guilt', a tight, dark, and brooding techno banger, designed to keep the dancefloor moving with its relentless energy. Following that is 'Troia', a primal, alien-like track that mesmerises with snappy rhythms and hypnotic soundscapes. On Side-2, 'Crea' delivers a stomping, sci-fi-infused beat that feels like a journey through futuristic landscapes, perfect for intense moments in a set. Closing out the EP is 'Vowels', an eerie, dark cut with unsettling atmospheres that create a sense of mystery and tension. The 'Crea EP' is a showcase of Alarico's range in techno, blending brooding moods with driving rhythms, making it an ideal pick for late-night sessions.

Review: If you were a young production twosome growing up in Cologne, you'd aim high and send your demo recordings to the city's most storied techno label, Kompakt. That's exactly what Mourad Kehalia and Sebastian Fischer AKA 90ASE did, and it led directly to this quietly impressive debut EP. The headline attraction is 'Streetpoet', a dreamy and colourful slab of breakbeat-house gorgeousness smothered in elongated church organ chords, tactile pads and auto-tune enabled Arabic vocals. The mighty Axel Boman remixes, delivering a 'Trancehall' mix that ups the dreaminess levels further while employing squelchy synth bass and pumping, tribal house style beats. To complete a rock-solid package, Kehalia and Fischer offer-up the maximal deep house headiness of 'New Ballad', which is as gorgeous as it is dancefloor-ready.

Review: Nina Kraviz has approached her latest single 'Tarde' with cogent flair, issuing several vinyl remix sets to divvy up and complement a full ten-track digital compilation, made up of a star cast of remixes by major artists. On another 12", Kraviz shortens the full ten tracks to a short selection. The tense, and hummingly fun, original track 'Tarde', released earlier this year, is heard in full effect on this record's B-side, coming complemented by Melchior Productions' phattened 'Late Mix' in the vein of flickering tech house. The A-side is taken up meanwhile by veteran endurance DJ Ricardo Villalobos, whose version of 'Tarde' doesn't care a hoot about tardiness less than it does bask in it, slowly unveiling a clockwork mechanism of spitting schematic beats and tastefully placed vocal shouts from Nina's original acapella.

Review: Young Dutch talent JSPRV35 presents the second EP from Global Pulse in the form of the Kyoto EP, a standout exploration of pure and unfiltered techno. Channelling his constant flow of creative energy, JSPRV35 delivers a collection that brings techno back to its roots as he cooks up minimalistic soundscapes with a fast-paced rhythm. Each track on this crucial 12" pulses with raw and edgy drums that showcase JSPRV35's refined yet forward-looking style. This one captures the essence of contemporary techno while honouring its foundations in subtly, crafty ways.

Review: Dan Andrei is arguably one of the finest selectors of this generation and a master minimal producer who makes electronic music of the highest order. His latest outing sees him inaugurating his own brand-new label alongside Claudiu Stefan. Rainbow Hill is a platform for their more personal ideas and starts with four more of Andrei's brilliantly deft yet dramatic tracks. 'Numan's Touch' kicks off with rolling drums and bass and a fine eco-system of cosmic pads, twinkling keys and fizzing synths that are theatrical and involving. 'What Else?' then gets darker and more intense with heady loops and wispy pads, and again the ante is upped and the darkness pervades once more on the tense and taught dub-tech roller 'This Is What I See'. Last of all, 'Bluer Than Ever' floats above the floor with airy pads and radiant chords. A perfect 5am vibe.

Review: The always rock-solid Rawax delivers once more here with a new addition to their family in the form of Vinyl Speed Adjust, a top duo with fresh sounds. 'All About Us' is their label debut and it pens with the percussive clatter and plunging, low-slung bass of 'Spill The Beans'. 'Psykovsky' is more stripped back and eerie with deft pads and sub-bass making for a cavernous and inviting sound and 'Chasing The Dream' then brings snappy snares and rugged bass funk. 'Where The Fields Never End' shuts down with menacing low ends and haunting atmospheres for marching dancefloors.

Review: Acid trance-inducer Johannes Volt delivers several new blissful blowouts for French label Syncrophone, demonstrating a remarkable ear for progression and variation, when the two are paired right (trust us, it's rare). 'Inner Fusion' brings a mesmerist's magic to acid trance, with opener 'Starlight Tunnel' plunging us into the titular metaphysical tube, and follow up 'Hidden Structure' revealing the abstract topological construct found at the other end. A shaman's intuition is felt on the B-side in equal measure, with 'Inner Structure' and 'Drawbridge' portraying much deeper and increasingly dubious, yet no less vital, sonic goings-on.

Review: Synchropone reissue Ellery Cowles' iconoclastic 'Sonic Control' EP, originally released in 1995 on the legendary Djax-Up-Beats label. We've no idea of the kinds of sonic preservatives Cowles injected these beats with, but we do know that the Chicago DJ and producer's debut EP has - to indulge an old but gold phrase - "stood the test of time". Just as it was, the reissue preserves the original's sound, albeit now brings it to marvellous marbled blue splatter vinyl. Best among the bunch here are Cowles' career-definer, 'It's Taking Control', across which the 4x4 still janks and tussles slightly, as though the imperfections of whatever medium it was made with were forcing it to lapse the usual perfect timing of techno. And the title track, too: tintinnabular to the point of tittilating, we're bowled over by its singular, bell-laden universe, by which point it seems more or less proven that Cowles really did exercise at least something along the way towards total "sonic control".

Review: Strap yourselves in for this one from Border One over in Belgium. It's meaty techno from the eponymously entitled label boss that marks a fourth fine outing on his own imprint. 'Gazing Eye' is hefty but warm machine music with unrelenting drum funk and searching synths. 'Looming From Afar' kicks on with a little more glitchy and texture in the percussion as sustained chords keep you in an uneasy headspace. 'Weaving Shadows' is all wired up with glistening lines and cantering techno kicks perfect for basement deployment. 'Web Of Deceit' shuts down with an unresolved synth motif that twangs like a flash of electric over the streamlined beats.

Review: Berlin-based Equilibrisme keeps up the fine early work here with a third vinyl release. It continues its tradition of delivering a masterful fusion of deep minimal techno, lush chords and dubby grooves that slowly but surely bring a dance floor under their control. A collaboration between Berlin-based Uruguayan producer Martin Teysera 'Oniric' opens up with seven sublime minutes of leggy, reverb heavy dub swing, Canadian dub techno legend Altitude, aka Matt Thibideau offers the more bright and textural 'Liquid' and Man-L goes it alone with the delicate melodic delights of 'Animal Crossing.'

Review: Jonny Dillon is Automatic Tasty and One Foot in the Rave is his debut album on Winthorpe Records. An influential name in acid-driven electronic music, Jonny has spent over 15 years with labels like Acid Waxa, Further Electronix and CPU and knocks it out of the park once more with this new eight-track LP. It's immediately recognisable as his work thanks to its sonic blueprints, melodic acid grooves, bleepy funk and warm analogue textures. Tracks like 'The Apocalypse is Now' and 'Raymond Tuesday's Big Day Out' bring upfront energy, while 'Starry Night' and 'Ringfort' infuse subtle psychedelia to make this a captivating braindance workout.

Review: The seventh V/A release on Mary Yuzovskaya's Monday Off imprint lands on vinyl, with Viels, ORBE, D-Leria, and Yuzovskaya all contributing tracks. Each artist lending their tender efforts to a mutant techno march, Viels' 'Nero' and Orbe's 'Rigging' provide strong titular clues as to their muses; the first uses both the Latin word for "black" and the name of an ancient Roman emperor, suggesting might, militancy and nyctalopic mis-seeing in its dispatch of a blind sonic firestorm; the latter likens production to construction, with its central, low-sined wayfinder sound effect, and dusty hi-hat caroms, suggesting some vessels have windshields that truly can brave the storm. Yuzovskaya's 'Trouble' lands us in hot water, with its startled, far-off vocal snippets and knockout prattles in the left and right lobes; then there's B-leria's closer 'Battito', a living, breathing planetary entity, prone to emit eerily harmonic Close Encounters-style tones and whose atmosphere we dare not cross.

Review: Damiano von Erckert's debut on Cocoon Recordings delivers late summer magic with an EP that exudes soulful warmth and depth. 'Steam (Staub Mix)' is an infectious house groove, elevated by a sun-soaked Rhodes piano and a touch of jazz-like melancholy. Its playful arrangement is designed to lift spirits and be an ideal moment of dance floor euphoria. 'Das Was Not Around' takes a more introspective approach, with dreamy synths creating a deep, atmospheric vibe. Though reflective, the track radiates a quiet hopefulness, striking a balance between emotion and simplicity. 'Roh' pays homage to classic Chicago house with stripped-back rhythms and a raw, timeless energy. The track's precision and minimalist drumming give it a majestic quality, blending nostalgia with a forward-thinking edge. Finally, 'Fantazia 93' revives the euphoric spirit of 90s house, channeling Ibiza after-hours vibes with a fresh, modern twist. It's a sun-drenched journey that leaves you feeling revitalised, a perfect close to this excellent dance EP.

Review: Originally hailing from The Isle of Wight but now based in West Norwood, South London, Vertical Cat has been releasing tunes since 2001 on imprints like Smallfish, Vice and his own rather wonderfully named Achingly Responsive, but now finds himself delivering seven varied creations for Chicago's Kimochi Sound to issue via the kind of hand-numbered, limited edition run that's sure to get trainspotters salivating like Pavlov's dogs. From the jazz-inflected phrasing, subtle phasing and jiggly sub-bass of 'Go Willy-nilly' to the Mills-esque thumpfunk of 'Oh You Mucky Bugger!', there's a bit of everything here, but every last moment is delivered with quality and clearly perceptible personality. You've also got to love outro track 'I'm Leaving', which soundtracks an awkward call to HR with some nicely cheeky, perky exotica.

Review: Psyk's Become Nothing, released on Non Series Spain, offers a compelling dive into forward-thinking techno. The EP opens with 'Fear Of Sleep' (edit), a track that immediately grabs attention with its unsettling tones and alien-like warning sounds that transform into the central hook, setting an eerie, yet captivating mood. Following it is the title track, 'Become Nothing', which strikes a perfect balance between a crunchy beat and a crisp, airy atmosphere, showcasing Psyk's skill in layering depth within the production. Side-2 begins with 'Disconnected', a slickly produced, otherworldly cut that transports listeners into a realm of finely-tuned, atmospheric techno. 'Vortex' wraps up the EP, delivering a wicked, cavernous vibe. Its crisp production and ominous depth create an immersive, haunting soundscape. Become Nothing stands out for its detailed sound design and its ability to navigate between intense, unsettling moods and spacious, atmospheric layers. Psyk delivers a solid, engaging release that techno fans will appreciate.

Review: Altinbas delivers a blistering and futuristic techno release with 'Sustain' on Fuse Imprint Belgium, showing his talent for crafting elite techno tracks. Side-1 begins with 'Trail Of', a techno killer driven by pulsating bass and a fast-paced beat that packs a punch. Following is 'Life Force', which dives into a mysterious, minimal soundscape with alien-like textures and an intricate, classy rhythm that adds depth to the EP. On Side 2, 'Purpose' emerges as a melodic builder that balances minimalism with an upbeat tempo, demonstrating top-notch production and a refined touch. The EP concludes with 'Sustain', a melodic highlight that caps the record on a high note, delivering a memorable and resonant finish.

Review: Kr!z returns to his Token label with Angels Landing, a four-track EP that reaffirms the Belgian artist's mastery of dissonant, hypnotic techno. Known for his dynamic DJ sets and productions, Kr!z injects the EP with a blend of nostalgia and modernity, drawing from classic production techniques while pushing sonic boundaries. The title track, 'Angels Landing,' shows a steady bassline anchored by Detroit-style pads. Kr!z expertly manipulates hi-hats, claps, and rides to build tension, creating a dancefloor-ready sound with a futuristic edge. 'Oblivion' follows with minimalist stabs and precise transitions, its relentless pace propelled by subtle, evolving sound design. 'Medusa' is a peak-time powerhouse, combining biting leads and rolling synth lines with Kr!z's signature hypnotic rhythms. The arpeggiated low-end and sharp sound design make it one of the most intense tracks on the EP. Closing with 'Ninth Circle', Kr!z shifts gears, delivering an enigmatic finale filled with groovy toms and dramatic transitions. The track leaves a lasting impression, adding complexity to an already dynamic release. Angels Landing is a bold statement, continuing Kr!z's exploration of eerie, expressive techno.

Review: Quazar, pioneers of the early 90s house and techno scene, debuted in 1990 with the iconic 12" 'The Seven Stars/Day-glo.' This underground hit lit up dancefloors globally, from the UK to Goa, and remains a rave classic. Known for its powerful crescendos and intense energy, 'The Seven Stars' and the acid-tinged 'Moon Turns The Tide' balanced perfectly with the melodic 'Day-glo,' a favourite of Ricardo Villalobos. In celebration of Amsterdam Dance Event 2024, and ahead of their debut album being reissued, the EP is re-released with remastered tracks and a new 2024 remake from Olav Basoksi.