Juno Recommends Techno: February 2025

Review: Matt Hodgson's 7th Voyage is one of those mid-90s labels that enjoyed cult status almost from the off. Its releases helped to define the sound of the London underground of the time and have since become pricey and sought after. The Return Voyage is a new seven-track collection of back-catalogue gems that pays tribute to the label's fine work. From the deep and atmospheric 'Big Hips Blue Gloves (No Dubs)' by Tactics Of Bass to the squelchy lo-fi hip-hop funk of The Secret Garden's 'Rough Diamond,' this is a vital look back at a hugely influential label.

Review: Incredibly, it is almost two full decades since Echospace and Rod Modell's legendary Deepchord project dropped the original version of this album. Happily, it has aged to perfection and gets reissued here with the first-ever remix from Gerard Hanson aka Convextio. Next to that are a series of dubs and mixes that result in widescreen dub landscapes, soft synth plumes, delicate melodic curlicues and some of the headiest electronic music you could possibly immersive yourself in.

Review: This compilation brings together a diverse array of electronic music talent, showcasing a range of styles and moods. Laurent Garnier's 'Back Where I Belong (Solaris Mix)' kicks things off with a hypnotic and atmospheric journey, its pulsating rhythms and ethereal melodies setting the stage for a sonic adventure. Tal Fussman's 'Waiting' takes a more introspective approach, its delicate textures and subtle grooves creating a sense of anticipation and intrigue. Loloman's 'The Wall (Laurent Garnier Rework)' injects a dose of energy, with Garnier's reinterpretation adding a driving intensity to the original track. The Lost Souldancer's 'No More Voices' closes the compilation with a deep and hypnotic exploration, its atmospheric textures and pulsating rhythms creating a mesmerising soundscape. This is a release that will appeal to a wide range of electronic music enthusiasts, offering something for those who appreciate both the introspective and the energetic sides of the genre.

Review: On Synchrophone Records comes Conforce for with second edition in the Commuting series, bringing stygian control room techno to already chapped ears. Sometimes, to feel good on the floor, warmth isn't what you need; and these further four fan-greasers are perfect complements for said latter kind of mood, the cold and unattached unjamming of inner vibes. With coolly bureaucratic track titles like 'Recuperation' , 'Self Assessment' and 'Stable Velocity', Conforce's series has succeeded in portraying the secret joys of humanity's greyer modern face; the tracks here of course continue to fit us in sleek uniform, now deploying such neo-futuristic cyphered titles as 'SCC-ML' and 'RTM-Zuid', the meanings of whose acronyms you'll just have to deduce from the zapping, emissive sound design yourself.

Review: Craigie Knowes delivers another stellar release, showcasing their knack for blending futuristic sounds with emotional depth. Side-1 kicks off with 'Head Down, Eyes Shut', a gripping techno track infused with sci-fi melodies and sharp electro elements that feel like a journey through uncharted galaxies. 'Spectical Soul' follows, bringing soulful Detroit techno into a sci-fi realm with awe-inspiring production, crunchy electro bass and an elevated, otherworldly atmosphere. Side-2 opens with 'Amber City String', a melodic and upbeat track that exudes fun and innovation with its next-level electro beats and playful energy. Closing the release, 'Sunrise On Saturn' ventures into darker territory, combining techno and electro with eerie, ominous tones that evoke the haunting beauty of outer space. This release perfectly balances emotive resonance and boundary-pushing production. Craigie Knowes continues to solidify their reputation as a powerhouse label.

Review: A four-track journey that taps into the timeless energy of underground techno while paying homage to its 90s roots. As always, Perez's meticulous craftsmanship shines, offering a seamless blend of ambient textures, acid flourishes and hypnotic rhythms. 'Voloka' opens with a pulsating groove, its atmospheric layers creating a meditative yet driving start. 'I Stand Alone' follows with an acid-tinged edge, capturing the raw, unfiltered essence of vintage techno. On the flip side, 'Ansia Viva' balances tension and release, weaving immersive textures with a captivating rhythm. Closing the EP, 'Soulfound' is a standout, blending dreamy ambiance with subtle acid lines, evoking a sense of introspection amidst its danceable pulse. Fathers & Sons Productions continues its tradition of presenting music that bridges eras while innovating for the future. Perez's ability to craft tracks that are deep and balanced vintage-infused techno.

Review: Tasteful techno crew Clergy are marking their decade in sound with a series of red hot 12"s that show exactly what they are all about. This one kicks off in menacing fashion with the scruffy, driving kicks of Obscure Shape's 'Don't Leave Me' while Hadone then gets a little more trippy with the loose synth lines and occult machine sounds of 'Empathy Under Review.' Elsewhere Bailey Ibbs rolls deep and dark on 'Break Theory' and Kameliia's 'Investigator' is a tight, pent up and funky techno sound with some dramatic synth stabs adding a classical edge.

Review: The next level beat maker and sound designer that is Skee Mask returns to long-time home label Ilian Tape with another bold and brilliant album, Resort. It's an album that expands on the artist's usual sound with fusions of celestial ambient, IDM sound design and lithe, rhythmic techno drums. There are breakbeats on 'Reminiscrmx' backlit by heavenly pads, 'Schneiders Paradox' is marbled with zippy pads and raw drum hits, 'BB Care' glistens with a futuristic glow and 'Holzl Was A Dancer' slips into a shuffling, UKG tinged dub house pumper. It's a wild, wonderful ride that reaches all new levels for this already accomplished producer.

Review: JSPRV35 returns for the second release on V35 with four herpetological freezers, titled after the mythical basilisk. Where the basilisk is said to have been able to petrify any onlooker, merely by sight of its steely scales, so too might JSPRV35 elicit frantic dance action when we chance upon their new EP's rough, mesozoic, nigh locked grooves. 'Varya' and 'Molecular' bring this vibe as much, serving what sounds like the techno equivalent of two draconic, winged, gritty, parthenogenic, self-replicating reptiles; the title track and 'Psycho' spawn two further monstrosities, closing on a bleepy alarmist note.

Review: Two underground artists with many years in the scene behind them in Darwin Chamber and DJ Spun come together for the second in their Episode series on Rong Music. Once again they dig into the sounds of their formative years while also looking to the future as they blend dub, trance and techno into lithe new forms. 'The Revolution' is a mid-tempo and atmospheric roller with hypnotic vocals, while 'The Playa' is a deft bit of electronic minimalism with a deep space feel and ticking 808 sounds. Things get more loose with the warped synths and dusty tech beats of 'Dysfunction' while 'Acid Tounge' closes with trippy designs, a skeletal rhythm and a sense of late-night melodic and afterparty mischief.

Review: Dynamic Forces are indeed on show in this slamming new slab from Arts. There is a real sense of control to the opener 'Lyra' despite its forward motion and punchy kicks, while 'Vaulting' gets much wilder and looser with its manic synth lead and raw onset of percussive pressure. Switching up things once more, 'Parallel' is a dubby techno tool and 'Shimmer' reverts to the careful tweaking of a deft lead synth over incendiary beats. 'Radiant' and 'Meraki' bring more raved-up and bouncy peak-time techno fun. This is a very useful and varied 12".

Review: Two techno forces join for a striking foray into the depths of otherwordly techno with a collaborative affair that bridges Rodhad's seasoned expertise with UVALL's fresh perspective. Side-1 sets off with 'KINVA 01 [240209.2]', a subterranean journey driven by pulsating rhythms that build an intense, propulsive energy. Following is 'KINVA 02 [240206]' which ventures into haunting, alien territory, layering sinister sounds that evoke eerie, cinematic atmospheres. On the B-side, 'KINVA 03 [240209.1', is a crisp, precise production with a depth that pulls listeners into its hypnotic groove. Closing the release, 'KINVA 04 [240207]' delves into darker, brooding techno, balancing shadowy textures with a commanding intensity that lingers. A great example of the synergy between two generations of techno talent, blending Rodhad's mastery with UVALL's fresh creativity, it's highly recommended.

Review: Blawan is not only the most notable electronic producer to have ever come out of Barnsley (as far as we know, anyway_ but is also one of techno's most relentless innovators. He's done it all from heft, swinging bass to the most caustic and experimental techno. For this one on XL he aims at the club once more. 'Fires' is our pick - an unrelenting, tightly stacked rhythm with alluring vocal hooks swirling up top and weird synth sounds adding even more unusualness.

Review: The Birgan project is all about melding diverse musical words - ambient, techno and Afro-inspired polyrhythms - into something that is utterly unique. Many artists set out with this intention but few achieve it as successfully as this one, as this sensational EP shows. It is an immersive and escapist five-track work of stunning sound designs and inventive rhythm that feels both organic and natural yet synthetic and futuristic. The tracks explore deep, mysterious sonic landscapes that are both tranquil yet complex and make for an immersive, thought-provoking listen from the dubscapes of 'Beats Of The Congo Cosmos' to the more psychedelic realms of 'Subaquatic Sonic Voyage'.

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: Experimental electronic triad The Black Dog see their 2009 CD album remastered and reissued, a missive from a time when the band were particularly concerned with the encroachment of surveillance capital and Orwellian practices carried out by institutions, governments and corporations. Tackling the cynical ironies of weaponised phraseologies such as "for your own safety", and their use by firms whom almost certainly do not have our best interests at heart, the mood of this techno tucker is indeed certainly, if not paranoid, vexed. Emblematic of this are humanity reductions such as 'You're Only SQL', on which gurgly basses churn, and 'CCTV Nation', which bridges Dispatches-style documentary melodies and jittery acid house.

Review: An EP packed with eight innovative, rhythm-driven tracks that push the boundaries of the genre. This release shows Broom's decades of expertise, blending raw energy with precision-engineered grooves to create a dynamic and forward-thinking collection. Opening tune 'Romance' is a colossal banger that sets the tone with its relentless drive and pulsating beats. 'Dated' is a contrasting minimal approach, anchored by a heavy, hypnotic rhythm. 'Movement' shifts into alien sci-fi territory, its propulsive energy and otherworldly sound design creating a cinematic atmosphere. Other highlights include 'Post' with Broom's ability to craft inventive drum patterns - a truly unique rhythmic experience. The EP closes with 'Ranger', a tribal powerhouse that's the most intense cut on the record, combining heavy beats and primal energy for a track destined to ignite dancefloors.

Review: Spaniard Eduardo De La Calle is one of those producers who have spent their whole musical life exploring a fairly well-defined techno sound yet always managed to find nuance within it. Here he lands on Key Germany with more of his signature belts of heady synths and physical drums. 'Kardama' is a rather edgy one to start then 'Khatvanga' slips into more smooth techno hypnosis. There are alien in his machines and they want you to know about it on 'Kankas' before 'Kala' closes with a peak time, strobe-lit energy that will send hands in the air.

Review: A four-track exploration of darker, vintage late-90s-inspired techno. The title track, 'Voyage', opens with sci-fi-infused melodies and an epic atmosphere, setting the tone for an immersive journey. 'Stygious Night' follows, offering crisp subterranean techno with an edge that feels both modern and timeless. On the flip side, 'Venus Ballroom' channels an otherworldly energy, reminiscent of Surgeon's intricate and industrial soundscapes. Closing the EP, 'Psychosphere' dives into tribal territory with percussive grooves and alien textures, creating a hypnotic, dancefloor-ready vibe. A unique blend of melodic, tribal, and industrial influences, not to mention a masterclass in contemporary techno sounds.

Review: The Spanish producer returns to Kompakt's and its iconic Speicher series with the 134th edition. Delivering two distinct and different tracks highlight the artists versatility in electronic music. Known for his full-length release on the label in 2021, Raxon continues to impress, contributing to the legacy of a series that has defined techno for over 25 years under Wolfgang Voigt's visionary guidance. Side -1 'Acid Call' is a quirky, minimalist delight, its driving, heavy beat underpinning a dynamic bassline that twists and turns with crisp, intricate production. The track's playful, acid-tinged elements keep it engaging without sacrificing its grooveia perfect fit for both peak-time sets and deeper exploration. On Side-2, 'Don't Cry Pluto' ventures into cinematic territory with melodic, analogue textures. Ethereal layers and fairytale-like tones combine with a powerful undercurrent, creating a dynamic contrast between weight and whimsy. Speicher 134 reaffirms Kompakt's status as a techno tastemaker and Raxon's role as an innovative, always engaging artist.

Review: The latest from Swedish techno legend is a full-throttle techno assault, pushing Drumcode's legacy forward with relentless energy. The title track is a peak-time juggernaut, built on heavy chords, pounding kicks and a futuristic intensity that commands the dancefloor. With its driving momentum and anthemic hooks, it's a high-octane statement from two producers at the top of their game. On Side-2, 'Living In The Moment' ventures into atmospheric territory, teetering on the edge of trance with sci-fi textures and sweeping builds. Its long, tension-heavy progression culminates in devastating drops, overloading the senses with a euphoric yet punishing crescendo. With Drumcode nearing its 30th year, this release proves there's no slowing downithe label continues to deliver high-impact techno designed for maximum effect. Beyer and Brown's collaboration is a successful dose of tension, release and unrelenting intensity.

Review: JS Zeiter returns with another masterclass in dub techno, proving why he has remained a staple in the genre for nearly three decades. The first track, Momentum, delivers the atmospheric, deep dub techno that has long defined Zeiter's sound, with swirling textures and a hypnotic groove that pulls you into its immersive world. On the second side, Exodus takes a more melodic turn, layering emotive synths over a deep techno foundation, creating a track that feels both expansive and introspective. Closing the release is Resolve, a more reserved offering, moody and subtle in its approach. While understated, it serves as a subliminal peak, building tension without overt intensity, showcasing Zeiter's ability to create depth with minimalism. This release is yet another testament to Zeiter's skill in crafting refined, atmospheric techno that remains both timeless and forward-thinking.

Review: Thomas Schumacher's latest project brings together a vibrant mix of artists, channeling the raw energy of contemporary techno. The first track strikes with unrelenting force, its driving rhythms and layered atmospherics creating a powerful opening statement. Franco Smith and TimiR take a slightly different approach, crafting a hypnotic blend of pulsing basslines and tight, percussive details that hit with surgical precision. On the flip, Mark Porter's contribution strips things back to their bare essentials, letting subtle, looping melodies glide over crisp, metronomic beats. Gonzalo Cavalli rounds off the collection with something more emotive, layering shimmering synths over a steady, groove-laden foundation. This release is as much about showcasing individual artistry as it is about exploring techno's evolving formsia versatile and deeply considered collection.

Review: We're always happy to be in the orbit of Planet Rhythm and this time Stipp and Genex lure us in for a dancefloor collision with their macho techno tools. 'Last To Act' is a big old wall of drums and percussive loops with a funky rhythm and 'Overcall' is pure mind music with its twisted, silken synths and ever-present drum pressure. 'Places' keeps things upright and punchy with cantering kicks and whirring machine sounds and 'All In; shuts down with a jacked-up mix of analogue drums and deep-sonar pulses. It makes for quite the thrill.

Review: Overthink Records marks its 10th release milestone with Waveratio 618's blend of techno and EBM. Following his standout contribution to the label's Split Series, the Italian producer delivers an intense collection crafted entirely from live jam sessions that capture the raw energy and spontaneity of such an approach as he translates hardware explorations into dynamic grooves filled with tension and drive. With a mix of analogue warmth and digital waveforms, this one is perfect for both dark dancefloors and more introspective moments.

Review: Navigare Audio proudly presents the long awaited remix-bundle of Ness' classic LP, released two years ago in 2023. Now, with a bang, comes an equally compelling atmospheric techno remix bundle from favourites and friends of the Swedish label. Five trance truncators of fantastic capability come our way from Hydrous, Dino Sabatini, Vladw, Kalumet and Mikkel Rev, all of whom revel in a sweet, Baltic-oceanic feeling, lent coldly and bracingly to Ness' already cryogenic, outdoorsy sound.

Review: A crisp, dynamic production that shows Cloutier's progress in perfecting his repetitious techno edge . On Side-1, 'PBG001' unfolds with a loopy, deep groove, driven by a wicked bassline and complemented by unique melodic elements that slowly reveal themselves over the track. This inventive production mixes wicked beats with alien-like sounds, creating an engaging and fresh atmosphere. 'PBG002' follows with a perfect fusion of techno and dub techno, maintaining a balance between the two styles that feels both seamless and energising. On Side 2, 'PBG003' brings a jackin' techno sound, again built around a wicked chord progression and an addictive loop that hooks the listener in. Cloutier's ability to craft tracks that are both hypnotic and inventive shines through in this strong release.