Review: Fresh vintage Aphex meat in the shape of this expanded reissue of the classic rave era anthem 'Digeridoo' from 1992. Treated to a modern remastering job by Beau Thomas at Ten Eight Seven Mastering, this double pack features the four tunes on the original 12" - 'Digeridoo', 'Flaphead', 'Phloam' and 'Isoprophlex', as well as bonus versions by Richard D James himself said to be encoded through his Nakamichi CR7e cassette deck, utilising vari-speed to create versions at different speeds which "felt right at the time". The legend is that he wrote the tune to annoy hippies who liked to attend raves and jam with their digeridoos - or digeri-dont's as they quickly became known - but it's being delighting fans of that golden era between hardcore rave and jungle ever since.
Review: Floating Points, also known as Sam Shepherd, returns with a new album that pushes his sound even further into exciting new territories. This album, consisting of eight tracks, offers expansive explorations of sounds and grooves, with each piece allowed to develop and evolve over up to eight minutes. Nearly a decade after his acclaimed debut Elaenia, Shepherd continues to blend his experimental inclinations with dancefloor appeal, a fusion that has become a hallmark of his style. Cascade is conceived as a follow-up to Shepherd's rave-reviewed second studio album, Crush from 2019. While Crush introduced listeners to Shepherd's more introspective side, Cascade aims to bring the traditional Floating Points experience back to the dancefloor. Bursting with Buchla rhythms and glitching melodies, it should be more in line with his dance singles. Shepherd describes the album as a continuation, which is reflected in the vibrant artwork by Akiko Nakayamaia colourful sleeve with fluid imagery that mirrors the album's dynamic soundscapes. The album's evocative title, Cascade, suggests movement, beauty and pressure, themes that resonate throughout its paces.
Review: Pampa offshoot Hart & Tief launched earlier in the year, via a split 12" featuring tracks by Soulphiction and Mike Denhert. This time round, fellow German producers DJ Koze and Robag Wruhme are at the controls. Koze kicks things off with "Driven", a clanking, booty-shaking fusion of metallic percussion hits, resonating electronics, dub techno motifs, and minimalist textures. It feels a little like a contemporary Berlin take on early '90s Sheffield "clonk" (think Sweet Exorcist's Clonk's Coming album on Warp), which is no bad thing in our book. Wruhme's "X-mop 198" is a much more straightforward, early morning techno bubbler, albeit with similarly clanking percussion hits amongst the thumping kick drums and restless, one-note riffs.
Review: Bristol's cultured Innate label is back with a first outing of the year and it returns to their various artists format with a mix of talents all making their mark. UK veteran Tom Churchill opens up with 'Unknown Unknowns (Edit)', which brings plenty of fuzzy and lo-fi aesthetic to jacked up drums and spaced-out pads. Rai Scott then shows her class with 'Suasion' that sinks down deep into immersive drums and is subtly lit up with simmering strings. Innate co-founders Owain K and Gilbert then hook-up under their brand new alias Curved Space and showcase their love of electro with 'Reverie,' a dreamy cut that glows with nice celestial melodies and will have dance floors in a zoned-out state. Last of all it's Lisbon mainstay Jorge Caiado who debuts with the chord-laced 'Floating Without Lifting,' a sophisticated and serene jazz-techno cut that takes you to the stars.
Review: A genuinely magical meeting of musical minds, here, as Erol Alkan delivers his interpretations of Chemical Brothers' 'Goodbye', a bleep-speckled slab of soul-seeped electro-breaks first featured on the long-serving duo's 2023 album For That beautiful Feeling. Available in vocal and instrumental mixes, Alkan's revision replaces the pair's electro breaks with a new wave synth-pop-meets-analogue techno groove. Bubbly and melancholic - even more so than the Chems' original version - Alkan's takes also throw in additional lo-fi synth lines, counter melodies and raw, electroclash influenced sounds. It's tasteful and surprisingly poignant whilst still having all the ingredients of a fully fledged peak-time workout.
Review: The king is dead, long live the king, as they say - except in this case the late king is DJ Bone's legendary Subject Detroit label, which has now been shuttered after 25 years, and the newly anointed king is his new outlet Further, taken from his Amsterdam parties of the same name. It kicks off with a pair of new EPs on the same day and this is the first from Yeti Mind Tricks. 'We Ain't Like Them' is a hammering Motor City techno cut for the peak time which Bone remixes into a more stripped-back but no less edgy and potent cut. On the flip are 'Bimini Road' and 'Vandelay,' both of which bring stylish techno drenched in machine soul.
Review: Just over two decades after its initial release, peerless dub don Paul St. Hilaire aka Tikiman & Rene Lowe's timeless masterpiece 'Faith' sees a first-ever reissue. It arrives on Richard Akingbehin's Kynant Records, which has also put out Tikiman's first solo album in over a decade and sounds as good as it ever did. 'Faith' (Vox mix) is bottomless dub with liquid chords rippling off to infinity as the dreamy vocals drift in and out and the original version is and even more edgeless and smeared and smudged deep dub delight.
Review: Part two of this outstanding release brings on board the remix talents of Mosaic head honcho Steve O'Sullivan for an A1 cut aimed squarely at the dancefloor. Hidden Sequence member Stefano Ugliano provides a solo outing under 6884, and the B-side features some heavyweight vibes from Fletcher and Federsen. Essential release!
Review: After many years of waiting, CV313 (Stephen Hitchell) brings out blue vinyl editions of some of his cherished dub techno classics. Originally released in 2007 and again in 2009, 'Subtraktive' took the M7 formula and deepened it even further becoming the blueprint for CV313 and the Echospace label for years to come. Comes with the live in Japan version also. This reissue is a warm welcome for those concerned about ever getting a copy.
Review: Charlou is the solo alias of a French producer who here takes charge of the fourth fantastic outing from Flight Mode. Hr opens up in thumping fashion with 'Death Hypnosis' which has synths fired from a gun like laser rays and throwback acid bass. 'Sacrilege' is even more hard-assed with further retro sci-fi signifiers over hulking great kicks. 'Passive Power' brings more teeth-clenching retro-future techno sounds shot through with synth electricity and the EP highlight comes at the last with 'Crashed On The Space Road' setting off at high speed through the stars and never letting up.
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: James Pennington is a true Motor City original who will forever be etched into the legendary city's musical history. Under his revered Suburban Knight alias he crafted the powerful single 'Listening Systems' in 2021, initially limited to a spotter-taunting 200 copies, but now repressed - and relax, record buyers everywhere. It's a deep, warm, driving techno cut stripped back to the bare essentials with a smoky vocal whisper adding the intimacy to a kicking rhythm that is dubbed out and soft around the edges but not lacking in impact. Perfect music for mind, body and head that needs to be played nice and loud.
Review: Further is the brand new label from DJ Bone, who has started it in place of Subject Detroit which after 25 years he recently decided to put to sleep. This second EP lands on the same day as the first but is a new four-track solo outing from the now Amsterdam-based techno innovator himself. 'My Replicant Self' has synths slashing across the face of a sleek techno rhythm with sombre chords draped over the top. 'The Divine Call' ups the ante with spoken word menace and 'My Tribe' then layers up percussion and surging synth warmth. 'Remembering The Future' is a brilliantly quick and urgent track with slapping hits and bouncing drum funk.
Review: Released via Underground Resistance in 1993, Black Moon Rising by Scan-7, helmed by Trackmaster Lou and featuring The Elohim, remains a quintessential Detroit techno classic. This electrified motor city soul and funk masterpiece is now reissued for the first time in 31 years, maintaining its power to ignite dancefloors and alter minds. The title track, 'Black Moon Rising,' achieves a perfect balance with its crisp Detroit techno sounds tempered by melancholic synths and melodies, creating an uplifting effect amidst the edgier releases of its time. The lo-fi production adds to its unique charm, making it a standout. 'Pathway Through Time' and 'Introducing Scan-7' continue to push boundaries with their innovative sounds. 'System Work' stands out with its quirky, driving melody and out-of-phase vocals, propelling the track forward with relentless energy. Black Moon Rising embodies the essence of techno, with synth stabs, acid leads and a robust bassline, making it a timeless release that remains influential in the techno scene.
Review: The fifth Flaoting Points album Cascade is a culmination of creative evolution. In late 2022, Shepherd found himself in the California desert, crafting a new sonic journey via his acclaimed Promises, where he ventured into airy dreamscapes with saxophonist Pharoah Sanders and the London Symphony Orchestra, earning a Mercury Prize nomination and a sold-out Hollywood Bowl show in 2023. With Cascade, Shepherd returns to his electronic roots, craving the pulse-racing communion of the dancefloor. This album serves as a sequel to Crush, diving deeper into ravey, experimental realms, unexplored due to lockdown cancellations. Tracks draw inspiration from Manchester's record shops and California's desert landscapes, blending Buchla rhythms and glitching melodies. Shepherd's journey, from orchestral collaborations to laptop productions, underscores his relentless pursuit of innovation.
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: Falko Brocksieper is a cult German minimalist who was favoured by the likes of Craig Richards and his Tyrant project. This new EP from 20/20 Vision takes a deep dive into his back catalogue to unearth a gem that first arrived via Treibstoff Recordings almost 20 years ago in 2006. 'Frantic Formula' is a nice liquid cut with wispy sci-fi pads and rolling grooves for early evening warm-ups, while 'Outrun' gets more upright with its jumbled drum loops and gurgling bass. 'Covert Action' is another masterfully languid and elastic rhythm that layers up cowbells, wobbly low ends and silky loops that soon lock you into the groove. A welcome remaster and reissue for sure.
Review: The much loved llian crew reverts to its Skee Series here and serves up more magic from Skee Mask aka Munich mainstay Bryan Muller. He has roasted pretty exclusively here and never fails to innovate with each new drop. This one again hits the mark across seven elastic techno cuts that are underpinned by lovely dub weight and propelled by tight, pinging kicks. 'Dachtekker' is lit up with hi-tek soul synths straight from Detroit, 'Double Standard' is deliciously deep and driving with swirling pads smeared around up top and 'Small Stone S700' manages to pair soul-drenched chords full of subtle joy with kinetic drum programming that makes you want to move. Superb.
Review: The release of dc15 in 2002 by Mike Schommer stands as a defining moment in the annals of dub techno, a genre that has shaped and influenced countless artists since its inception. Now on vinyl for the first time is some of the most exciting news in the genre in some time. Recorded in the Crown Motel on Woodward/McNichols in Detroit, this album is more than just a collection of tracks; it is a sonic snapshot of a specific time and place, a testament to the transient and often overlooked corners of Detroit that inspired its creation. Schommer, co-founder of the influential DeepChord label alongside Rod Modell, was instrumental in pushing the boundaries of electronic music in the late 1990s. DeepChord quickly became synonymous with the second wave of the Basic Channel sound, achieving cult status among electronic music enthusiasts worldwide. The label's unique approach to dub technoimelding the gritty, urban soundscapes of Detroit with the echoing, reverberant textures of dubiset a new standard for the genre, one that many have tried to emulate but few have truly captured.
dc15 exemplifies this approach. The album was crafted in a motel room, with Schommer allowing the environment to seep into the music. The result is a deeply introspective and atmospheric experience, with each track carrying the weight of its surroundings. The ambient sounds of the motel, the distant hum of traffic, and the subtle movements of transient life all find their way into the fabric of the music, creating a body of work that is both haunting and immersive. The recording process itself was as much about capturing the mood of the environment as it was about producing music, a holistic approach that has become a hallmark of Schommer's work.
The album's packaging was as unique as its contents. Released as a limited edition CDr, dc15 was made available exclusively through the DeepChord website on February 15, 2002, as a preorder for a short time. Limited to just 50 copies, the original release came in a simple white cardboard sleeve with a clear sticker containing black-and-white artwork affixed to the center. Each CDr was individually numbered, with a digital print on the clear plastic part of the disc. This meticulous attention to detail in both the music and its presentation further solidified the album's status as a coveted collector's item, a true gem in the dub techno world.
No One's Driving (The Chemical Brothers remix - Red remixes) (5:41)
Wisdom To The Wise (Robert Hood remix) (9:14)
The Storm (Surgeon dub) (6:01)
Southside (DJ Sneak remix) (6:37)
Review: Dave Clarke's Red Series remains a vital benchmark in the evolution of UK techno. Released between 1993 and 1996, the three-volume run even managed to brush the UK top 40 back in the good old days when anything felt possible. Tracks like 'Wisdom To The Wise' will forever be etched in the make up of techno, and for very good reason. Now the whole series is being given a lavish reissue treatment which takes in all the original releases along with additional discs of rare, archival tracks and remixes, all bundled up in a box with a booklet and autographed by the Baron himself.
Review: Abe Duque's What Happened? EP, originally released in 2004, remains a timeless gem that played a pivotal role in igniting the resurgence of interest in acid house and jackin' styles. With expertly crafted homages to legendary tracks like Adonis's 'No Way Back,' Duque injects a modern twist by adding infectious party vocals, resulting in an irresistible formula that set dance floors ablaze then and continues to do so now. The EP's title track, 'What Happened?' epitomizes the essence of this revival, with its pulsating beats and hypnotic acid lines that transport listeners to the heart of the underground rave scene. On the flip side, 'Disco Nights' delivers funky grooves that evoke the spirit of classic disco, while 'Acid' pays homage to the genre's origins with its infectious acid house vibes. What else can you say? A stone cold classic.
Review: Casino Classix is one of several aliases for legendary minimal man Baby Ford. Here it is also the name of a four-track EP that finds the long time UK underground operative working alongside fellow British techno luminary Mark Broom on a quartet of devastating cuts. 'Ringer' opens up with some dark and nimble baselines darting about beneath a dense layer of percussion and FX. 'Hoppa' is then a more precise and minimalist cut with wonky bass snaking down low beneath the icy hi-hats and jumbled toms. There is a warm dub depth to 'Hot Pot' to kick off the flip and 'Beach Club' shuts down with a restless mix of synth daubs and deft percussion over an ice cold groove.
Review: Hyperdrive's label debut was a biggie that brought together old and new-school techno on one fizzing EP. The follow-up comes soon after and this time makes no bones about being a Rave Revival. Anthrophia's 'The Voice' kicks off with what is a hefty breakbeat cut with edgy rave stabs and slamming bass. Dimension 23 - 'Fascination' (Seb G mix) then takes a more stripped-back approach with turbocharged synths layered up over silky drums. Centuras brings plenty of bright, euphoric prog energy to the urgent drum funk of 'Jizz' and last of all Dimension 23's 'The Eagle' then kicks out more dusty old-school breaks with machine gun synth fire. A potent EP, make no mistake.
Review: The Kolony Gorky label hits release number four just a year after debuting last summer. This one again comes from DDrhode and opens with 'Ghoroob' which is a super nice and icy deep dub roller with smeared pads and heady ambient vibes. The dub slows things down and adds even more bottomless dub depths. 'DD2' (Sohrab dub) is a warm, peaker number but still very much a late-night and backroom jam and the Down The Rhode version of the A1 is a conscious classic with deep meaning and deeper rhythms.
Review: Planetary Assault Systems' latest offering, Deep Heet Vol 5 on Mote Evolver, marks a powerful return for UK techno luminary Luke Slater's enduring alias. True to form, the release delves into the shadowy depths of the club scene with relentless intensity. Side-1 kicks off with 'Clap Trap,' an otherworldly journey through techno's outer reaches with its uptempo alien soundscape and heavy, percussive beats that evoke a sense of impending destruction on the dancefloor. Following suit is 'Sidewinder,' a relentless banger that embodies the underground ethos with its intense energy and headstrong groove. On Side-2, 'Electric Culp' emerges as a peak-time anthem, its big, bold sound commanding attention and igniting the dancefloor with its pulsating rhythms and infectious energy. Closing the release is 'Grid Livers,' a deeper exploration into the darker realms of techno, with subliminal undertones that captivate the listener and keep them locked in the sonic grip until the very end. With Deep Heet Vol 5, Planetary Assault Systems demonstrates once again his vision of forward-thinking techno, delivering a visceral experience that seamlessly bridges the gap between the studio and the stage.
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: Dojo Zone's Smoke & Shadows, released on Cabaret U presents a compelling exploration of moody and futuristic techno. The EP opens with the title track, 'Smoke & Shadows,' a dark and gripping groove that pulls the listener into a shadowy world. The track's eerie atmosphere, punctuated by a deep, resonant bassline, recalls the brooding style of artists like Recondite, making it both addictive and powerful. Following up on Side 1, 'Lights Out' ventures into high-tech territory, offering a forward-thinking sound that feels both sleek and cutting-edge. It's a futuristic masterpiece that pushes the boundaries of techno with its intricate production. Side-2 begins with 'Slow Release,' where Dojo Zone delves into otherworldly sounds, crafting a track that feels like a journey through uncharted sonic landscapes. Finally, the 'Sobre Tierra' (Osaka mix) closes the EP with a groovy twist, incorporating subtle house elements that add a fresh layer of rhythm and movement.
Review: FOXBAM INC is back to build on the momentum of their first EP with a second one that packs a mighty punch. This one kicks off with EBY, who this year has been cooking up acid for 40 years and here offers the warped low ends and garage-techno power of 'Goldtooth'. Foxtrot vs Ma Bla then mashes up old school samples with earth-shattering bass on 'Deep Down Inside' and bRz vs Stije is a double-time hard techno stomper with warped synths and twisted bass that is inspired by and named after ISCO, a concept from Einstein's general theory of relativity that makes predictions about the dynamics of black holes.
The Future Sound Of London - "Stolen Documents" (Jazz dub) (5:17)
Smart Systems - "Zip Code" (Stress Ball mix) (5:15)
The Future Sound Of London - "Innate" (W O W mix) (4:42)
Indo Tribe - "I've Become What You Were" (Insider mix) (4:21)
Review: The influential 90s IDM and techno act Future Sound of London continues to delve into their early career with the reissue of The Pulse EP Vol 2, originally released in 1991. This EP exemplifies the early techno sound, blending rave elements with the more intelligent and linear side of electronic dance music. Side-1 kicks off with 'Stolen Documents' (Jazz dub) by The Future Sound of London, a track that perfectly melds jazzy undertones with dub influences, creating a sophisticated and immersive experience. Following this is Smart Systems' 'Zip Code' (Stress Ball mix), a piece that balances high-energy beats with a stress-relieving ambiance. Side-2 begins with 'Innate' (W O W mix) by The Future Sound of London, a track that delves into deeper, more atmospheric realms, showcasing the group's innovative approach to soundscaping. Indo Tribe's 'I've Become What You Were' (Insider mix) closes the EP, with a pulsating techno rhythm that encapsulates the essence of the early '90s rave scene. Before their signature chill out sound was made, FSOL his some of their highest notes here with these early EPs.
Review: Danza Nativa is rightly celebrating its fifth anniversary recently and now follows up the first part of its anniversary compilation with part two, featuring tunes from across a broad spectrum. The first side delves into tribal rhythms and strident synths with Amandra keeping it stripped back and minimal and Dino Sabatini going deep and dubby on 'Danza Tribale'. Polygonia and Plants Army Revolver then set your mind free to wander among lush sound designs and captivating rhythms that head deep into a humid and futurist jungle.
Review: Jeff Mills continues to gift us some utterly astounding house-tempered work from the Millsart project on this latest 12". Neo Tantric Parts draws from the deep well of Millsart archives, with 'Tear Drop Nebula' especially benefitting from a new mix as it shuffles percussion and vibraphone chimes around microtonal cascades which give the music a particularly giddy quality. 'The Phonetic World' has a punchy presence without losing that lighter style Mills adopts under this alias, while 'Neptunian Landing' heads into spookier territory with some faithful 909 hats for guidance. Watch out for 'Unidentified' though, a truly tweaked-out slice of space lounge gear for watching the walls of you mind melt after one too many solar flares.
Review: Sub Basics' album Sentient Machines was a doozy that many DJs have been keen to see pulled apart and served up on 12" and now Sub Basics has obliged on his own Temple of Sound label. This new and heavily limited 12" features four cuts from it. 'Internet Explorer' is a silky deep techno workout with lithe rhythms and watery dub undercurrents, while 'Configuration' has heavier drums and eerie synth wisps that bring cosmic ambience to the fore. 'Firewall' then rides on tumbling broken kick patterns that keep you moving and 'Integer' (feat Pugilist) is all about the oscillating low ends and moody pads.
Review: Sindh combines old and new worlds on his latest mystic hymns, this time kicking off the A-Biotic label with his dark and alluring four-track EP 'Andaman'. He manages to fuse organic and synthetic materials here as he heads down a darkly introspective path where minimal and IDM, dub and techno all collide in mutant form. 'Jangil' is a real standout with its bubbling halftime rhythms and icy synths backed by distant angelic chorals. The bewitching sounds continue on 'Galathea' which rides back and forth on its heels as subtle sines, scurrying synths and menacing pads all interlock before 'Hinam' locks you in a dense synth stasis and loopy sense of lurching rhythm.
Review: This classic techno record has been remastered and repressed on nice blue limited translucent midnight vinyl to mark its tenth anniversary. It finds CV313 casting you adrift into a world of deft ambient pads, fathom-deep dub undercurrents that are so subtle you barely know they are there, and then mesmerising with ghostly apparitions and analogue modulations. On the flipside is a live version of the same tune that has a slightly more raw, textured rhythm and scraping synths so exudes a slightly different mood but is no less immersive.
Review: Danza Nativa has done a great job of establishing its own unique sound in the techno sphere over the last half a decade. Now it marks the occasion of its fifth birthday with a two-part compilation that showcases its avant-garde take on the genre. They tell us that part one has been assembled as a sort of "mental (as in pensive, not deranged) techno album that takes the form of some direct tools for working DJs. Anthony Linell, Claudio PRC, Luigi Tozzi and Daniel[I] are those who step up and explore abstract, drone, deep and plenty in between.
Review: Way back in 2002, in the midst of his rise to global recognition, Ricardo Villalobos delivered a one-off EP for Linear as Termiten - though at the time his involvement was not widely known. It has become something of a sought-after minimal techno classic, with copies of the original 12-inch changing hands for serious sums - hence this Rawax reissue. It remains a fine record. A-side 'Why Did I Love My Wife' is Villalobos at his most propulsive - the kick-drum is pretty sturdy - while still reliably trippy, out-there and intoxicated. 'Nordhorn', a deeper affair in which melancholic melodies seemingly hang in the air over a typically wonky and loose-limbed drum track, is also superb, while 'Frank & Hennes' is a lolloping dab of downtempo psychedelia featuring samples from a heady old folk-rock jam.
Review: After the much loved Delano Smith remix of Gigi Galaxy's 'Interview With An Alien' turned so many heads, Det 313 label has secured three originals from the Detroit producer otherwise known to as Gary Martin. Each shows he has a unique approach to the art of groove making, with 'First Night In Lemuria (DET313 version)' slower and more restrained than many in the game - almost like a Sheffield bleep anthem pitched down and augmented with a delightful, prodding bassline. 'Spirit World' is the big room pleaser of the trio, with a bubbling acid arpeggio slowly degrading and re-building throughout and some lovely sci-fi synthery going on. 'Inevitable' is the cheekiest and cheeriest of the three, all sharpened hi-hats and swirling electro beats and breakdowns that reveal its simple but damn effective musical heart to all and sundry. Nice work all round.
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.
Andrew Red Hand - "In The Cemetery" (Hardfloor remix) (6:27)
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 Danza Nativa label is fresh off the back of a fine fifth birthday celebratory 2 part compilation but wastes no time getting back to business. Alderaan is the man in charge with his second for the label and 'Transition' kicks off with some mad LFO business melting your mind. Psyk remixes it into a more paired back and spooky subterranean techno prowler. With 'Vortex' there is yet more nocturnal menace with ticking hi-hats seeing rhythm as squelchy, unsettling sounds peel off the beats. 'Futurismo' closes down with a gurgling lead line and distant sci-fi sounds that complete this most futuristic EP.
Review: The Sindh label head returns to his own excellent label here with a new project called the Komudo Series which we are told "will focus on mind and body movement". The music will still come with his trademark infusion of tribalism and rituals and the first volume features four brand new cuts that "merge subtle darkness and evolving alien textures with strong grooves." 'Akureh' kicks off its menacing low ends and warped bass that never lets up, 'Quake' suspends you amongst fluttering snares and drawn out whistles over linear beats and 'Liquefaction then gets more gritty with dirty loops and plenty of tension before 'Swarms' shuts down with a more thumping deep techno sound.
Review: Elias Landberg continues to press ahead with the instantly identifiable Skudge sound, where the best of contemporary techno locks in for tight but funky grooves of the highest calibre. It's not often we see the project break away from the self-titled label, but here it's gracing Syncrophone with some of the finest uptempo, deep-diving gear you'll hear all year. 'Wander' has a snappy strut to the beat and lead riff alike, with the drums coming on like uptempo house as much as techno. 'Hidden Location' locks in harder thanks to the enduring creep of the background pads, while 'The Wind' takes on the dubbiest duties as it stretches out across the B-side.
Review: Millsart's Powerland is a four-track journey that fuses techno with spacey jazz, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a cosmic jazz den. 'The Savvy Provocateurs Of Parallel 42' opens with a blend of jazz-infused techno, evoking the feel of a movie soundtrack with its cinematic, spacey vibe. 'The Divine Line' shifts into ambient techno, with sequencer-driven layers that offer a serene yet rhythmic experience. 'Hippie Woman Wild' stands out with its unique combination of island jazz and techno, delivering a creative and unexpected fusion that feels both laid-back and innovative. Overall, Powerland showcases Millsart's ability to meld diverse influences into a cohesive and immersive sonic landscape, perfect for those who appreciate techno with a touch of jazz-inspired creativity.
Review: Emotional Response returns with a second volume of its All Trades compilation which is named after its own NTS show. It is just as vast both in terms of style but also the eras it spans with a mix of dub, new wave, slow motion electronics and plenty in between. Tolouse Low Trax kicks off with the filthy dirty and seriously heavy dub glitch of 'Ossia' to provide an early highlight before the likes of Al Wootton get percussive and tribal with 'Altai' and HLM38 channels some African Head Charge on another devastating dub cut. Later on, London's Good Block brings a little more light and sunshine with their lovely 'Strong Relax.'
Review: The Transmigration label has been one of the leading reissue labels in the past half-decade dedicated to the underground sound in various electronic subgenres. For their 20th release of the label, they are reissuing the very desirable The Snow by the legendary 80s UK act Coil. Like the original remix album in 1991, this reissue stays true to keeping the same tracklist which features all the desired versions. Why fix something that isn't broken right?! Included are the ravey breakbeat version 'Answers Come In Dreams 1 as well as the very Psychic TV sounding 'Out In The Cold' and 'As Pure As?' versions that are raw, Chicago influenced acid house and techno inspired. Each and every version is ready for a good hammering on the dancefloor that wishes to veer off on a jaunt into early 90s techno and rave music.
Review: Shadowy techno talent Daniel Avery has been associated with playing killer sets at fabric for more than a decade now. He was entrusted with warm up duties at a very early stage in his career and now carries on his relationship with a second release via fabric Originals which is part of the iconic clubs's ongoing 25 year anniversary celebrations. Says the man himself about this new two-tracker, "as with every club record I ever make, [this one] has Room 1 coursing through its veins. I know that room like the back of my hand and this is how the room sounds in my skull."
Review: 'Seconds To Forever', by any measure, is a CV313 classic. Echospace pair Rod Modell and Stephen Hitchell dropped it initially on clear wax 14 years ago in 2010 and then served up a live version a year on. Now it is back in their spotlight again as they pull together previously released versions and unheard interpretations for a new translucent blue 12". The Intrusion dub is lo-go and scratchy with static electricity enveloping the rhythm, and the Deepchord mix I then peels that away to real only the most wispy synth modulations and barely-there dub rhythms. Deepchord Mix II is somewhere between the two and another sublime and heady escape.
Review: Distant Worlds welcomes back Sound Synthesis for a second outing of warm, melodic electro. The longstanding producer commands stark attention with his unique blend of snappy drums, unaffected synth sequencings and ample headroom ekes, all of which combine to reveal an increasing, slow-burning sophistications as the tracks develop. 'Unification Of Harmony' refuses to prepare us for its sci-fi bass-contrapuntal gut-punch of emotion occurring after its breakdown, while 'Dear Ballacid' gets generative with things, utilising wompy Reeses and rattling, randomised topper elements.
Review: ReKab's Cyborg Romance EP is a sci-fi journey into the realms of electronic music, featuring the producer's talent and versatility in full effect. The title track, 'Cyborg Romance,' with the angelic synths and a symphonic homage to artificial intelligence, is pure space sex. The mid-tempo electro beats offer a lush, euphoric experience that blends an 80s vibe with futuristic sounds. 'Minimal Mind dives deeper with deep bass hits, soft Detroit keys, and a melodic, soothing atmosphere. There's a poignant and gentle touch to this track, adding depth to ReKab's sonic landscape. On Side-2, 'Twisted Space' takes listeners on a trek through deeper, dub-infused chords, evoking images of space travel and exploration. The track has a techy undertone and a fast-paced rhythm that adds to its cosmic feel. Closing things out is 'Downtime,' an acid-tinged symphonic electro piece that adds a darker, more serious tone to the collection. Overall, Cyborg Romance shines with ReKab's ability to explore different styles and moods within his music, demonstrating a varied style palette. The balance of dancefloor focus and deep listening is a winning combination. Drawing comparisons to electro legends like E.R.P., Cignol, and Carl Finlow, ReKab maintains a techno aesthetic rooted in the UK-Detroit second wave sound. This record is Hot! Hot! Hot!
Review: Kompakt describe contemporary progressive house producer Robag Wruhme as "not just a producer, but a storyteller"; we'd wholeheartedly agree, save for the fact that unlike writers - storytellers who, for the most part, have a message to send to the world, and put said message into words for us to decisively make some sense out of - Wruhme is more of a sensational, of whose narrative arc we can only get a sense. It's clear from 'Speicher 132' that Wruhme approaches the art of minimal progressive house as, well, exactly that: an art of careful, sparse, but nuanced living room furnishing, in which perhaps better a world might be imagined. 'Naila' and 'CDV' both bring a brill sense of movement to the otherwise firmly rooted-in-place genre that is house, working in many extra varnishings, textures and licks of paint.
Review: Orbital remain titans of the global electronic scene which is no doubt why their self-titled album from 1991 now gets mastered and reissued for this year's Record Store Day. A pioneering work in electronic music, this landmark debut is a rich world of driving drums, hypnotic melodies, and intricate soundscapes. From the propulsive energy of the seminal 'Chime' to the dreamy ambience of 'Belfast,' each track showcases the duo's mastery of rhythm and texture. Orbital's use of innovative sampling techniques and atmospheric synths creates a distinct sonic universe that still stands them apart and helps make this a timeless classic that has influenced generations of electronic artists ever since.
Review: Oscar Mulero's The Stranger EP on Token marks a powerful return to the label, showcasing his signature style of intense techno compositions. The opening track, 'The Sweat and the Salt,' sets the tone with its moody atmosphere and gritty textures, while 'The Reddish Glow' introduces melodic interplay amidst hypnotic rhythms. 'Why Are You Holding a Gun' experiments with distorted synths and two-dimensional ambiance, creating a disorienting yet danceable experience. Finally, 'The Sunlight Blinded His Eyes' closes the EP with a meditative yet rhythmic journey, blending atmospheric pads with infectious basslines. Throughout the release, Mulero demonstrates his love of layering soundscapes and impactful percussion. The Stranger is a strong example to Mulero's ability to craft immersive club music that pushes boundaries while maintaining a relentless energy.
Review: Strap in for the third transmission from Primal Instinct Rec as they call up Alarico for this new and urgent techno outing. 'The Hive' is in such a hurry it almost feels like it is falling over itself with its dubby undercurrents and high-pressure synth wriggles. 'Carnal Fever' is more stripped back and dubby but just as driving with ghoulish vocals panning about the mix. 'Sweating Souls' keeps the funky techno vibes flowing with more overdriven kicks and the sound of a squeaking gate looped over the top. 'Toilet Rush' brings a more off-balance and animalistic feel and 'Aftermath' shuts down with some occult synth sounds and more thumping techno drums full of funk.
Review: The superb Philoxenia Records, which is spearheaded by Luigi Di Venere and Neu Verboten, here unveils a coveted addition to its collection with the the super limited Last Place On Earth EP from Vilnius-based Dovydas Platakis aka Jokios Kulturos. It's a cinematic work that immerses listeners in a dystopian realm that blends avant-garde tones with manga-inspired cyberpunk vibes. Each track serves as a gateway to a world where technological progress intertwines with societal decline, which is of course often the focus of classic cyberpunk literature. Di Venere and Verboten also combine under their Affekt Unit alias to deliver captivating remixes and bring trance and tribal techno elements to the party.
Review: Ben Klock's label signs up Stef Mendesidis for an ambitious double 12" here that offers up eight superbly designed techno weapons. The open wastes no time locking you into some bulky and muscular groves with driving drums and smart dub chords peeling off the rhythm. There is an absorbing haunting vibe to 'Axial Force' with its smoky, ghostly pads and long-tailed chords while the closer 'The Dance Class' has an unsettling sense of urgency and paranoia in the tightly woven bell melodies and unrelenting drum funk. These are precision-tooled bombs for techno connoisseurs.
Review: As you probably know, Lempuyang is a vital techno label that puts out a lot of music. Amongst that is the annual compilation series which again in 2024 is split over a pair of 12"s. Pura Lempuyang Telu Part 1 is packed with new material as well as a cult cut from the vaults that has been remastered. That is Martin Jarl's deliciously deep 'Weetabix' while Yagya keeps it heady with 'Gogur Dagur', Ohm & Octal Industries lay down icy dub techno on 'Chanti's Dream' and Paolo Zuliani's 'Facing Reality' is a more upright and steely closer.
Review: Little is known about this mysterious 1994 EP which was originally released on the now-defunct London-based label ITP Recordings and has long been captivating 90s trance enthusiasts. The EP features three tracks, each extending beyond eight minutes, and all diving deep into atmospheric, trance-inspired electronics. The producer skilfully layers textures to create a distinctive sound that feels like fractals brought to life. This unique aural signature is perfectly crafted for the psychedelic electronic music scene and offers a hypnotic journey designed for immersive dance floor experiences. The EP's rarity and intricate composition make it a treasured find.
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: Nuron's latest album, Blanchimont, stands as a reminder to his enduring influence in the ambient techno scene. Released on De:tuned Records, the same label behind his recent works, it continues his legacy of crafting soulful and intelligent electronic music. The title track, 'Blanchimont,' shines as the centerpiece of the album. With its upbeat tempo and intricate layers of sound, it channels the spirit of Detroit's machine soul music scene while infusing it with a distinct European flair. This version, pressed on vibrant orange vinyl, adds a visual dimension to the auditory experience, enhancing the listener's immersion in Nuron's sonic universe. On Side 1, 'Stavelot' captivates with its scenic beauty and soulful melodies, reminiscent of the best of Detroit techno. Meanwhile, 'Masta' delves into ambient territory, offering a chilled-out techno vibe reminiscent of CIM, As One, or Stasis. With its blend of nostalgia and innovation, this album is right on par with Nuron's other cherished releases.
Review: REKAB has been making strong moves in the world of techno with his classic inspired but futuristic blend of melodic techno. The My Future & My Past EP showcases that. 'Soulful Season' opens the album with a magical and traditional Detroit techno sound, featuring playful melodies and ambient touches. Key piano notes impact the tune, setting the tone for the rest of the album. The title track, 'My Future & My Past,' is a robotic funk and techno fusion with a touch of electro. The beautiful melody adds a touch of soul to the track. Side 2 opens with 'Raw Note,' featuring an addictive groove and memorable keys. 'Bad Nights Better Nights' closes the album with a deeper groove, combining UK ambient techno and IDM influences. Overall, Soulful Season is a diverse and engaging album that showcases the artist's range and versatility.
Review: The mighty Lempuyang label returns with its annual compilation series, again this year split over two superb 12"s. Both of them feature a remastered track from the vaults and in the case of this EP that is the hotly in-demand 'Dubby Plug' by W Moon which is a potent, kicking dub techno cut freshly remastered for 2024. ElsewhereHydergine's 'Ultraviolet' is soulful Detroit-inspired machine music and Dubrovnik UK's 'Waves' fizzes with static electricity. Merv's 'Unity' is the vast, cavernous opener and might be the best of the lot
Review: John Beltran, the iconic Detroit ambient techno producer, returns with the Il Ritorno EP on Roots Underground records, offering four new tracks of emotional techno that reaffirm his legendary status in the genre. It starts off with 'Il Ritorno,' a track featuring a heavy Detroit groove, atmospheric rises and delicate melodies sprinkled with keys. Following this is 'City Sunset,' an uptempo, melodic gem that epitomizes Beltran's signature style, evoking a sense of nostalgia and delivering goosebumps. On thje flip, 'Finally Home' stands out with its memorable melody, reminiscent of the beloved Ten Days of Blue era, bringing back the essence of his 90s work. The EP concludes with 'Carrettera,' a high-energy track that leaves a lasting impression and closes the EP on a triumphant note. Beltran's Il Ritorno EP is a great blend of emotive techno that showcases his ability to evoke deep feelings through his brand of techno.
Review: UK artist David Duncan recorded only one EP as Ability II and it recently got reissued and soon snapped up. Now, much to the delight of fans of the man behind the classic tune 'Pressure Dub' he is back. This album features an exclusive collection of tunes he made back in his heyday in the 90s, none of which were released at the time, and none of which you will have ever heard before anywhere. They feature his signature sound designs across seven cuts that sound as futuristic now as they ever could as they combine jacked-up house, techno and tech into scintillating and dub-weighted sounds for the club.
Review: Susumu Yokota's venerated 1994 classic Acid Mt. Fuji is reissued in expanded, deluxe fashion, as part of the 30th anniversary celebrations of the label that originally released it. Japan's Musicmine - specifically its electronic subsidiary Sublime - released the album on June 29, 1994, simultaneously with Ken Ishii's Reference To Difference, as their inaugural joint offering. Tantamount to a fusion of ambient acid/rave - then still nascent in Japan - with new age music, Susumo Yokota was likely the best man for the job at the time. With his first album, The Frankfurt-Tokyo Connection, he'd not yet established his electro-pastoralist style, yet it was Acid Mt. Fuji that divined the latter-day emotes of Sakura, a new age so adroitly fused with electronica yet emulable by few. Though the later years of Yokota's life have been couched in a good deal of privacy and mystery, Acid Mt. Fuji certainly betrays a fittingly shrewd and introspective character on the part of the artist, one that served him well. Its long, drawn-out nature soundscapes - tempered by the piquant sounds of modern synths like the TB-303, which animistically, pseudohallucinogenically blend with the animal sounds themselves - recall something like an alpine augur's waking dream.
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.
Come Baby Ride My Vibe (Outta Attercliffe remix) (5:36)
Come Baby Ride My Vibe (Underground dub mix) (6:25)
Review: I9M is back with a new old release - what we mean by that is that this tune was actually first recorded back in 2002 by Ability II (aka David Duncan), but you wouldn't know it from listening. They are still future-sounding cuts from the producer who had forgotten about them for many years but who says that lyrically they are even more relevant now than two decades ago. The drums are dubby, the FX are cosmic and the synths bring sleek ambient flow to the energetic low ends. Outta Attercliffe aka the talented Luca Lozano, alongside associate DJ Steve remixes and ups the dub quotient while slowing the groove a touch. Last of all is a tripped-out Underground Dub Mix full of glistening FX and melon-twisting reverb.
Review: Cultivated Electronics Ltd's For The Floor series is back with another split EP on 12" and it's packed with floor-facing cuts that showcase a mix of regular label artists next to fresh talents. Volume 4 presents two tracks each from Bristol-based Ben Pest and Maelstrom. Pest is known for his jacking live hardware techno and electro and delivers bass-heavy, distorted vocal beats with 'Who Would Have Thought I'd Be' and '26 Hybrid,' while Maelstrom, who is co-founder of RAAR, contributes his signature dark and rave-inspired sound on the cyborg funk of 'Permanency' and dystopian energy of 'Ascii Twins'.
Review: Parallel is the fourth EP by Altinbas on his own label, Observer Station. The beats are pounding and rough for those strong advocates who like their techno tough. The gold in 'Tide' is found in the ever-changing percussion elements that propel it to addiction. For the second side, 'MT15' keeps things moving, employing key rave claps and a nice ride to the support the pulsating driver. Lastly, the title track takes some edge of tension with a great balance of melody over the mechanical loop. Hats off to Altinbas for taking the 90s warehouse techno sound and updating it while still paying homage to it.
Review: Arkajo's seld-titled label rolls out another sophisticated EP as it continues to stand itself apart in its early days. This one kicks off with 'Entwine' which showcases the artist's mastery of deep rhythms that seem to float above the dancefloor. The broken beats are lush and airy, the synths wispy, the vibes uplifting. A Polygonia remix brings a little extra weight to the low end but it remains just as classy. 'Signature' then has a more edgy feel with heavier hits, squelchy bass and a physical feel that is super irresistible. Last of all is the Konduku remix which takes things into tripped-out 5am territory.
Review: As is hinted at by the fact the label is called Echo, there is plenty of bottomless dub brilliance to this new record from SND & RTN. It pairs the best of the original and old school sound with some fresh new ideas. 'Feedback In Dub' opens up with rattling chords hanging in a vast open chamber next to muted, seductive trumpets. 'Istari' ups the pace and hints that a gear change might be just around the corner, and 'The Orb' then slips into silky and ice cold minimal dub territory. 'Hear A Man' dare to bring a little light and optimism but this remains an EP that is only for the heads.
Review: Nuron's latest album, Blanchimont, released on De:tuned Records, reaffirms his status as a luminary in the ambient techno realm. The title track, 'Blanchimont,' is fused with Detroit's machine soul while adding some European twist, heightened by its release on vibrant orange vinyl. 'Stavelot' on Side-1 enchants with its scenic beauty and soulful melodies, reminiscent of Detroit techno's finest moments. Meanwhile, 'Masta' on Side 2 explores ambient realms, echoing the styles of CIM, As One, or Stasis. Throughout the album, Nuron's signature blend of nostalgia and innovation shines, creating a sonic experience that resonates with both longtime fans and newcomers alike. Blanchimont stands as another jewel in Nuron's discography, another bookmark in his enduring influence and creative talents in the ambient techno genre.
Review: Drumcode supremo Adam Beyer has become increasingly more prolific in recent years, signalling a creative renaissance that recalls the undoubted quality of his work in the late 1990s and early 2000s. His first outing of 2024, which follows a quartet of EPs last year, is predictably strong and packed to the rafters with future Drumcode anthems. Fittingly, he starts with 'Let's Begin', where mutilated vocal loops, mind-mangling rave noises and unsettling melodic motifs dance atop a typically thunderous and breathless big room techno groove, before opting for a dirtier, acid-flecked groove, metallic noises and sped-up hip-hop vocal samples on 'Computerized' (hip-techno anyone?). To round things off, he goes darker and denser still on the loopy techno power of 'Red Room', which pleasingly also boasts the same Aisha vocal sample as the Orb's 'Blue Room'.
No Trouble In Paradise (feat Paul St Hilaire) (6:53)
Cloak & Dagger (6:18)
Review: LB Dub Corp is the alias that UK techno pioneer Luke Slater uses for a more eclectic sound, rooted in dub but no stranger to house, either. Saturn to Home is the project's latest new album and one that draws on all 30 years of experience with help from fellow greats such as Robert Owens, Tikiman, Miss Kittin and more. It is an album that joins the dots between the past, present and the future of electronic music with plenty of rolling drums, elastic synths, and ear-worm vocals all making it a thrilling ride.
Review: In March, COD3 QR launched a digital release featuring DJ Deep, Avision, and Deetron which they have now followed up with a first-ever vinyl outing fettering new tracks from the same artists, all curated by the great French techno icon Laurent Garnier who looks to embody the label's ethos: "music diversity is our strength." Avision, rooted in NYC's vibrant club culture, offers 'Hold No Groove' and 'Talk Is Cheap' which showcase his signature New York techno and house style. Swiss veteran Deetron presents 'Pulse' and 'Corazon', and again goes deep, while DJ Deep's 'What's Going On' and 'Transition' reflect his Parisian rave roots and sophisticated style.
Review: Detroit house hero Kyle Hall returns with his biggest project in some time in the form of Transmissions, a new double album on his own well-regarded Forget The Clock. All six tracks have enigmatic, functional titles and the music is as idiosyncratic as ever. Each one veers more towards techno than is Hall's usual style, with pulsating synth lines and tight, dusty drum tracks making for stripped-to-the-bones grooves. Later on, things grow ever more abstract with twisted acid lines screwing their way through the increasingly ragged and roughshod drums. These are perfectly imperfect jams from a master of the form.
Review: Planet Rhythm has been one of the premier hard techno labels for over 30 years now. Exploring some different avenues in the last decade, the label recently launched a series of heavy dub techno related records identified as DUBWARS. Volume two features four different artists this time with each submitting a new piece to the label focus. Fans of Basic Channel's 'Phylyps Trak' should quickly head to OFF/GRID - 'One Stab Ahead' for that main room filler. Gunjack's 'Memory Man' is another upbeat killer in its own right adding a bit of acid along with the melodic chord progression. For the second side, Antic Soul's 'Mandalore' stirs in a bit of house culture to the hard dub techno sound to great effect. Lastly, Lenny San bring's the party to their feet with 'Hedonist'. Heavy techno heads should really enjoy this packed 12"
Rodhad - "Nightlife Experiences" (feat Theo Nasa) (6:46)
Inox Traxx - "DSF" (4:38)
VRIL - "Pump Out Kids" (5:27)
Out Of Place Artefacts - "Science Faction" (5:31)
Review: Flame haired techno talent Rodhad has been at the heart of the Berlin underground for more than a decade now. His sound is based in loops, darkness and melodic melancholy and that's exactly what he serves up here on his superb entry into the long running and legendary fabric mix series. As well as a couple of his own subtle mind melters, there are plenty of sci-fi sounds, masterfully minimal grooves and intergalactic techno offerings packed in to what is a compelling mix for both mind and body. It's a great statement of his sound and is sure to prove a timeless mix.
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: Theo Parrish's venerated Sound Signature label hits the notable milestone of 100 releases with this new double album, Skin Breaker, from Howard Thomas. It is one inspired by the artist's formative years spent watching sci-fi films and soaking up 80s beat tracks. Both of those aspects are folded into the record which is a hugely original take on house and techno. Tracks collide dusty drums with gurgling synths, deep space pads with caustic basslines and otherworldly energy that very much comes back from the future to keep you on your toes. In true Sound Signature style, this is an album that sounds like little else so is the perfect way to mark 100 releases.
Review: London-based Lewi Boome brings his class to this new release on Well Street, strictly limited to just 100 copies so you better act fast! 'Dust Devil' opens with a deft touch - the pinging synth lines and airy drum loops suspending you in a tripped-out world of futurism. That cerebral style continues through the lithe and elegant, dubbed-out rhythms of 'Etched Alive' and the more unsettling moods of jungle-techno cut 'Tumble', complete with distant bird calls and humid pads. 'Deep Shear' rounds out with a little more low-end grit as the fourth and final cut on a superb EP.
Review: Truncate is back on his own label for the first time in two years. It finds the revered techno talent in fine form and laying down some of his signature heavy low ends with surging synth loops and frosty hi-hats all ready to destroy the floor from the off. Remixing the opener is label resident Kai Van Dongen who makes it more hard-hitting and physical with his slamming, flat-footed kicks and urgent stabs. 'Dust 2' from Truncate then layers up scintillating synths and cosmic melodies and shuffling drum funk and last of all, 'Dust 3' brings some fixing synth texture to a more dialled back but still driving banger.
Review: Remko Beekwilder's latest record, 'Principle Of Rotation', is, in the artist's own words, the "characteristic spirit of a momentum feeling folded into a rotation work ethic". Attempting the perspicacious work of decoding this epigraph - a bold, cryptic opening statement to say the least - it's only logical to conclude that Beekwilder considers the act of making techno - not to mention listening to it - to be a kind of rotary movement, through which the excesses of the factory and the burnt-out hyper-Protestant work ethic of the contemporary post-Fordist subject map onto one another. Techno, in other words, is a drive, not an instinct; it bottles the inhuman, alienated, excessive and machinic character of the factory into a clear sonic formula. On 'Principle Of Rotation', we're met with a kooky two-note yawp set against a thorough backbeat, suggesting a kind of unsustainable inherited power; as we said, techno's rotor is a drive, not a cycle; while 'Antiruffa' moves increasingly alarmist, heralding the late-stage process of a behemoth techno-industrial complex collapsing under the weight of its own contradictions; and 'Below The Surface' brings a more subnautical feel to Beekwilder's theoretical base, with freq-modded leads and shuffly, muffly stabs setting a contrastingly saturated tone, compared to the final, arid firefight that is 'Fire From The Shadows'.
Review: Gunjack indents a lasting impression with the 'Detroit Tango' EP for Planet Rhythm, taking after the distinct Motor Citied techno style whilst also bringing a supremely balanced and original slant. The producer shows off a clinical, precise, nigh surgical approach to texture, gain staging and mixing, building on a genre that otherwise prides itself on 'rawness' (i.e. gritty street-realist unpolish) and moving further into a direction of serenity and clarity. Take the low end movements of 'Rocket Surgery', on which the track's coltish hook and subnautical kick do not sound separate, but rather one sounds to 'emerge' from the other; and 'The Drumz', which evidently takes after Millsart's 'The Bells' for a more enlivened jamboree, albeit one that still somehow fits in with the softer subtleties of the EP's obverse trax.
Review: Cave's Street Carnival 2024 EP is a blistering journey through the pulsating realms of techno, offering two original tracks and two stellar remixes. 'Skolopender' kicks off the EP with its relentless bassline and hypnotic percussion, promising to ignite dancefloors with its raw energy. Ben Sims' remix of 'Speleon' injects the track with even more intensity, making it a surefire weapon for peak-time sets. On the flip side, 'Street Carnival 2022' delivers tribal vibes with its intricate rhythms and primal energy, while Carl Falk's remix of 'Tambores' pays homage to classic loop-driven techno, delivering a relentless groove that will keep the crowd locked in. Overall, 'Street Carnival 2024 EP' is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression on any dancefloor.
Review: Brian Dougans and Garry Cobain, the masterminds behind Future Sound of London, return with The Pulse EP Vol 3, a reissue of their classic work under various aliases on the Jumpin' & Pumpin' label. This highly anticipated 12" features tracks that showcase their 90s techno brilliance. Side-1 opens with Smart Systems' 'Tingler' (Four By Four mix), a dark, sinister track that channels Beltram's 'hover' sound into a hardcore rave anthem. Indo Tribe's 'Owl' (I Can See You mix) follows, hailed by fans as one of the greatest breakbeat hardcore tracks ever made, a retro-classic loaded with chunky, energetic beats and an unforgettable sample. Side-2 kicks off with Indo Tribe's 'Bite The Bullet Baby' (Jacques Reynoix mix), another gem that blends early 90s rave energy with a unique edge. The real highlight, however, is Yage's 'Calcium' (Elementary mix), which first appeared on Future Sound of London's Accelerator album. Even today, it sounds transcendental and timeless, its melodic piano lines and otherworldly ambiance continuing to win over listeners. This EP is a vital piece of underground rave history and an essential listen for fans of early techno and breakbeat hardcore.
Review: Stereometrix takes care of the first release on new label Tread A Measure and boy does he come through. His cultured Fall EP is a deep exploration of liquid techno landscapes that draw on cosmic energy, psychedelic colours and evolving synth patterns to melt your mind whether in the club or at home. There are downbeat and melancholic cuts like 'Fall', serene and soulful percolators like 'IO' and twisted sonics for afterparty freakouts like 'A2', while 'Glitch' is a collage of ghostly sounds and warped pads to close out this top-class EP.
Review: Funk Assault's Paces Of Places on Primal Instinct Rec delivers a visceral journey through techno with a blend of tribal and sci-fi influences. The double vinyl pack opens with 'Init_ (Eden),' setting the stage with a robust tribal techno groove. 'Pleasures Domes' follows with a funky, uptempo blend of techno and house, creating an infectious rhythm that commands attention. 'Virtual Hideouts' dives into a sci-fi subterranean sound with primal, tribal elements, offering a unique auditory experience. Other highlights include 'Sacred Arsenal' which brings engaging, big-sounding techno sound with aggressive moments that hit the right notes. 'Piety Hill' stands out for its clever, catchy, and hypnotic qualities, drawing listeners into its groove. 'Odeum' injects heavy chords and high energy, while 'Human Farm' delivers a sick groove that stands out for its intensity. Lastly,'Quit(Eden),' an exciting jungle remix of 'Eden' that wraps up the double pack with a dynamic and energetic finish. A no holds barred exploration of techno's primal and futuristic sides.
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: Sun & Smoke by Theef is a shinning example to the power of serendipity in the world of music. Originally a two-hour self-produced mix, the album emerged from the depths of obscurity to impress listeners with its purity and raw emotion. ASIP's curation of 19 unreleased tracks from the original mix brings forth a journey through deep techno, trance and downtempo realms, from the ambient landscapes of 'Sky Textures' to the electro-infused vibes of 'Primal Age', guiding one through moments of euphoria and introspection. Sun & Smoke stands as a testament to the transformative power of music, where tracks once hidden in the shadows now shine brightly as individual gems in a cohesive collection. As an album, it embodies the essence of discovery and the beauty of unexpected journeys in sound, as ASIP continues to bring some of the best music to the rest of the community.
Review: Renowned Greek DJ and experienced producer Argy makes his anticipated return with his newest album, New World, released on the Afterlife label. With 14 tracks in total and most of them clocking in at between three and a half and five minutes, Argy doesn't beat around the bush, giving people what they came for. These tracks ebb and flow quicker than normal techno tracks, giving them a much more straightforward and popular feel. Argy's singing over the tracks fit very well, like in 'All Day Long'. The rhythms are strong while the beats are pulsing and dynamic. Argy is known to be a fantastic techno producer. Singles off the album include 'Higher Power', 'Aria', and 'Pantheon'.
First Phase (Planetary Assault Systems remix) (7:09)
First Phase (4:42)
The Eve (James Ruskin remix) (5:02)
The Eve (5:01)
Review: Los Angeles-based producer Truncate - real name David Flores - originally celebrated the first decade of his eponymous label in 2021 by inviting two techno uber-heavyweights, James Ruskin and Luke Slater in his Planetary Assault Systems guise, to remix two tracks from his back catalogue. The results, from the powerful and percussive end of the techno spectrum, have been flying off the proverbial shelves ever since, and we're glad to report it's had another repress. The two original tracks on show are naturally formidable workouts. 'First Phase' is a dense and murky tribal techno stomper, while 'The Eve' is a jacking, drum machine driven affair blessed with some intensely psychedelic acid lines. Former Truncate collaborator James Ruskin remixes that tune, turning a sharper, heavier and mildly wonky revision, while Luke Slater delivers a Planetary Assault Systems take on 'First Phase' that cloaks the producer's dense drums in spacey electronics and hypnotic synthesiser motifs.
Shamanic Tribes On Acid - "With The Wind Blows Peace" (9:23)
Shamanic Tribes On Acid - "Vouage To Atlantis" (Percussion mix) (8:50)
Review: Jake Stephenson's compilation Selected Works: 1995-1999 pays tribute to his diverse musical personas and their eclectic styles. Across celestial sounds that traverse genres, Stephenson showcases his timeless production talent that makes his music very desirable today. On the techno-infused side, Bass Meditation's 'Symbiotic' (D-Troit mix) excites with psychedelic chill-out vibes, while Dr. Psychedelic's 'Hypnotic Tripnotic' seamlessly merges elements of psy trance, techno, and rave music. Shamanic Tribes On Acid takes listeners on a spiritual journey with 'With The Wind Blows Peace,' featuring stunning trance melodies that evoke a sense of serenity. 'Voyage To Atlantis' (Percussion mix) further enhances the atmospheric experience with its soothing ambient tones and floaty beauty through ethereal realms. Selected Works: 1995-1999 serves as a testament to his enduring talent and innovative approach to electronic music.
Contradiction (feat Jun Togawa - Silent Shadow mix) (5:40)
When Time Stops (4:36)
Time Reflective (4:58)
Infinite Redshift (5:36)
Hole (feat Jun Togawa) (5:18)
Review: Jeff Mills throws a spaghettifying curveball with latest EP 'The Trip'. Themed after the terrifying notion of entering a black hole, and likening this to the vicarious yet no less enjoyable illusions of grandeur that might go hand in hand with attending a Millsart rave, 'The Trip' has been routinely billed as "the world's first cosmic opera" (in its performance incarnation), and attempts to sonically answer the question as to what exactly happens when we cross that fateful event horizon, in ambitious, live-jam-born-recorded form. Via eight cosmic suites of terrifying techno wizardry (we'd expect nothing less from the Belleville 'blazer), Jeff Mills brings his originally live, light-eating vision to vinyl, nailing the cosmick perceptual horror of being "sucked in" through dust-bitten repetitions, descending mind-melts and dissociative-detuned fugues - the latter is most intriguing; 'When Time Stops' is the track of choice for exploring Mills' least repetitious and most improvisatory tendencies.
Review: Adam Beyer and Green Velvet are legendary names in techno music for over 30 years now. Their powerhouse track 'Simulator' receives a set of fresh remixes, extending to some producers to show off their version of this lofty new classic. First up, Mha Iri, a pivotal figure for Drumcode, delivers a scorching remix. She retains the original's fierce bass stabs, using them as formidable motifs, while injecting an abundance of intensity through electrifying builds and drops. Next, Odd Mobb, an emerging talent from Australia recognized by Fred Everything and Skrillex, infuses his four-minute rework with high energy. His remix emphasises the low-end elements and introduces vibrant new bursts of color, creating a dynamic rendition that keeps listeners engaged. Finally, Chris Avantgarde, known for his inventive productions, crafts a remix that defies genre boundaries. Combining elements of breaks, bass, electronica and techno, his interpretation spreads across all of his personal influences. Pressed on neon green 'rippled' vinyl, this record looks as dangerous as it sounds.
Review: Originally released in 1998 on Tokyo's short-lived Metro Juice Records, this deep techno EP by Sohei Nagasawa, also known as Cocoo, quickly became a cult favourite. Known for its stripped-back, percussive and earthy sound, this remains Nagasawa's sole release, making it a sought-after gem among deep techno heads. This reissue includes two new remixes which breathe fresh life into the timeless tracks while preserving the minimalist essence that made the original so captivating. The EP's rarity and distinct style mean it is going to fly off the shelves as quickly now as it did back then.
Review: Jeff Mill has pretty much always been in a world of his own, musically, aesthetically, and in terms of how he thinks about techno. More than 30 years after helping to shape its first wave, he continues to turn out high-concept projects, and this is his latest. The Eyewitness is a mix of ambient, leftfield and techno that has been made from "the perspective of an unknowingly complicit bystander" who is "psychologically pathological in nature." Concept aside this is an involving listen, marbled with paranoid vocals that pan about next to sinewy pads, with bright, glowing cosmic chords and prickly low ends, suspensory ambient soundscapes and cinematic interludes all making it one of his best works in a while.
PATT (Party All The Time) (Adam Beyer, Layton Giordani & Green Velvet remix) (5:52)
PATT (Party All The Time) (Adam Beyer, Layton Giordani & Green Velvet remix) (5:52)
Review: Second time around for some time Deep Dish man Sharam's 2006 anthem 'PATT (Party All The Time)', a canny combination of dark Italo-disco bass, mind-mangling TB-303 acid lines and celebratory vocal snippets (back then, you couldn't escape the sampled "my girl wants to party all the time" vocal refrain). This time round, Adam Beyer has joined forces with fellow Drumcode artist Layton Giordani and Chicago legend Green Velvet - who delivers typically evocative spoken word vocals - to give the track a massive new big room techno spin. Pitching the track up while retaining the original bassline and acid lines, the trio stretch out this hard-as-nails groove before finally unleashing the glassy-eyed vocal sample and some suitably dark and brain-melting electronic refrains. To say it's 'big' is an understatement.
Review: The prolific Dutch powerhouse that is Conforce (aka Versalife aka Boris Bunk amongst other things) is in techno mode here with this new green-marbled 12" on Syncrophone. Commuting Part 1 opens with the quick-stepping and deep dub techno rhythms of 'Octave Echoes' which is delightfully fluid. 'Stable Velocity' then bids up impossible smooth dub loops and watery pads into something buoyant and stirring both physically and emotionally, and 'Self Assessment' then ups the pace with thudding, infectious kicks and plenty of rippling synth details. 'Highway Hypnosis takes a more paranoid and stripped-back approach and closes out Conforce's finest EP in some time.
Review: Orbital's debut and self-titled album (also known as the green album) is a classic example of the UK rave sound in 1991. Featuring the hits 'Belfast' and 'Chime', this important piece of electronic music gets some loving attention in the form of being remastered for the first time since release. But that's not the only thing - this CD edition also comes with a bonus CD featuring rarities and remixes from the time. What better way to celebrate 25 years of this amazing band and its cherished history for their role in helping create the sound of techno.
Review: Inigo Kennedy returns to Token for its 126th release with The Calling, a three-track EP that exemplifies his unique production style, blending hypnotic and stomping club elements. Inigo has been making techno for a better part of 25 plus years now with over 50 plus releases to his name. Side-1 features 'Magnitude Seven,' a track marked by melodic dissonance and a stripped-down acid line supporting a saturated groove and noisy synths. Waves of unsettling intensity, driven by a powerful double kick sequence, make this an epic opener. The title track, 'The Calling,' on Side-2, elevates the intensity with a frantic four-to-the-floor rhythm and sustained notes that create a sense of pressure. Harmonic sections breathe life into this nail-biting record, showcasing Kennedy's ability to distance himself from the typical loop-based templates prevalent in techno. This track underscores the ongoing relevance of his long-standing career in club music. The EP concludes with 'Out of the Woods,' a fitting electronica closer that shifts focus to introspection. Drifting notes and shuffled percussion lines evoke Kennedy's UK roots, providing an ethereal epilogue to the preceding techno tracks. The Calling is another masterclass from Inigo Kennedy, highlighting his innovative production techniques and soulful approach to electronic music.
Review: Strap in for a punchy techno ride here as Micropulse wastes no time in setting the dial to warp speed on this Midnight EP for Atom Trance Force. The title cut opens up and is a hard techno pumper with some flat footed drum funk and edgy chords up top. 'Doesn't Matter' then has a hands in the air synth lead darting about the mix next to old school trance pads and a warped bassline over more hammering drums. 'Entry' shuts down with a final mix of trance and techno that is are to bring real carnage to the club.
Review: Innershades has always dealt in lo-fi, misty sounds that are steeped in beauty and melancholy and offer plenty of subtle homages to Detroit. Here he cooks up more electro magic on the Explorer EP, which is again minimalistic in design but maximal in terms of dancefloor impact. His melodies really convey true emotional pain and the drums bring sleek electro energy and brilliance. 'Unknown Depths' is a serene one to open with, 'Explorer' brings some acid modulations and extra percussive snap and 'Aquaculture' is the most liquid and dubby cut here. 'Super 6' has a sense of hope for the future in its brighter, more optimistic melodies. Exceptional stuff.
Contradiction - The Atman In Brahman (feat Jun Togawa - Silent Shadow mix)
Beyond The Event Horizon
Time In The Abstract
Hole (feat Jun Togawa)
When Time Stops
No Escape
Contradiction - The Atman In Brahman (feat Jun Togawa - long radio mix)
Time Reflective
Wandering
Hole (feat Jun Togawa - White Hole mix)
Infinite Redshift
Contradiction - The Atman In Brahman (bonus track - feat Jun Togawa - radio edit)
Review: Jeff Mills' The Trip is an audacious exploration of musical landscapes that marries the unexpected with the familiar, creating a sonic journey that is as unpredictable as it is moving. The album, which evolved from a concept first introduced in 2009, comes alive with its 2023 live performance in Tokyo, showcasing Mills' skill in weaving together elements from different musical eras and styles. In tracks like 'Contradiction (Silent Shadow Mix),' snippets of a pad burst through the mix, underscoring the tension and release that characterize the album. Jun Togawa's vocals add a raw emotional layer, enhancing the dramatic interplay between fast-paced drumming and evocative melodies. Unsettling yet serene, The Trip encapsulates a dynamic range of emotions, from the unnerving rush of 'When Time Stops' to the robust rock guitar in 'Long Radio.' This album is not just a collection of tracks but a narrative of perpetual motion and change, reflecting the thrilling unpredictability of life itself and the wonder of experiencing moments anew.
Review: MRAK's The Pledge EP on Afterlife is a dynamic journey through modern trance with a nod to the past. The highlight track, 'The World Is Yours' (feat. Braev - extended mix), merges industrial grit with neo-trance influences, delivering a powerful and popular club sound. 'The Process' (extended mix) is pure mainfloor techno, designed to keep the energy high with its relentless drive. 'Portal' (extended mix) stands out with its polished techno and trance fusion, featuring a nostalgic piano break that evokes the golden era of trance. 'The Flame' (feat. Braev & Wasiu - extended mix) keeps the energy flowing, while 'Never Ends' (MRAK & Omnya remix) dives into a 90s trance feel with progressive house elements, offering a blend of nostalgia and modernity. This EP is a well-crafted homage to trance and techno's evolving landscape.
Review: Juan Atkins' Skynet under the Infiniti alias showcases a different side of his sound compared to his iconic work as Model 500 or Cybotron. This album leans towards a minimalist, soulful Detroit techno approach, with fewer layers and a relaxed, mid-paced flow that allows the rich synth sweeps and harmonic pads to shine. Tracks like 'Postcard From The Future' and 'Higher' are tracks that blend subtle melodies with atmospheric percussion and a groovy, uplifting energy. 'Thought Process' is stunning with its ticking, minimal beats, while 'Walking On Water' and 'Coffee Shop (Connection)' explore dub techno influences and soulful elements. While Skynet may not be as recognisable as some of Atkins' most celebrated works like Deep Space, it's still a very enjoyable album that in some ways is more well-rounded. The hypnotic repetition and sparse arrangements offer a fresh perspective on his sound, reminiscent of Detroit techno legends like Carl Craig and Kenny Larkin. For fans of pure Detroit techno with a lighter touch, Skynet delivers.
Review: EBY is an acid house artist who has more than made his mark over the years. 40 years, to be exact, and to mark that rather notable occasion he is back with a special release on Foxbam Inc called ACID Thing and it comes in various different formats. This is a grey vinyl version that celebrates the classic acid sound while infusing it with a modern twist and plenty of big basslines, squelchy synths, and potent rhythms. The standout 'Acidanus' includes MC Soph who made her debut on Acid Indigestion Pt4 at just eight years old and now returns at 25. The EP also features a remix of 'Eggtrip' by renowned Belgian producer Outlander who you will likely remember from his iconic cut 'Vamp.'
Are You Alive? (feat Penelope Isles - edit) (3:31)
Style (edit) (3:56)
Dirty Rat (edit) (3:31)
Review: This new and career spanning album A Beginner's Guide is a 'best of' collection tailored for both new or curious Orbital fans. Whether you discovered the duo after their iconic Glastonbury 2024 performance, during their global tour celebrating the Green & Brown albums, or through a track featured in a film, this collection offers an ideal introduction and recap of what makes them one of the most enduring acts in all of electronic music. It compiles there Hartnoll brothers's biggest hits in their edited forms and album includes utter classics like 'Chime,' 'Belfast,' and 'Halcyon' all of which give a fine a taste of the duo's influential electronic sound, all in one package for the first time ever.
Review: Martinou's 'Matter EP' delivers a stunning blend of atmospheric and melodic techno across four stunningly beautiful tracks. Side-1 begins with 'Solid Core', an atmospheric piece that draws you in with its tribal rhythms and dub-influenced elements. The production is layered and dense, creating a deeply textured soundscape that feels vast and otherworldly. 'Better Place' follows, offering an ethereal journey through techno. Its delicate, airy melodies float over a steady, driving beat, creating a sense of weightless movement that feels almost spiritual. Side-2 opens with 'Expanding', a smooth and wonderfully melodic track that shows Martinou's talent for crafting intricate, emotion-filled techno. Its subtle progression makes it both soothing and engaging. Closing with 'Reality Bends', the EP edges closer to trance territory but with a electro beat.. Overall, 'Matter' is a masterful EP for people that love deep emotional techno.
Review: Explosive and absurdist live specialists and techno innovators British Murder Boys made their mark with a series of influential 12" records from 2003-2005 on Child's Counterbalance and Regis' Downwards labels, followed by a 2012 reunion 12" on Mute's Liberation Technologies. They have recently put out a Lou Reed cover, 'Real Good Time Together,' and a limited-edition cassette from their Willem Twee residency and now their long-awaited debut album shifts away from their heavy industrial roots to a raw, stripped-back '90s warehouse sound. Spanning eight tracks, O'Connor channels '70s New York through a King Tubby-style echo chamber and blends in broken dancehall, ricocheting electronics and FX-drenched vocals for a fresh, arresting new sound.
Review: Clut deliver a specialised clout-glut with a fresh split EP from rising artist Alric Aerial, who here teams up with yet another artist who's so far flown under the label's radar - Electrodynamique. Here the pair deliver four electro-dancefloor tracks primed for every situation: sleazy bar, backlit festival stage, ironic doomsday scenario, you name it. This EP's cascading sixteenths flow like metallic droplets, their acid lines and FM blurps splurging forth with increasing restlessness and impertinence, and decreasing self-control. Particularly squelchy is Aerial's 'Tough Cuts', which moves trigger-happy on the cutoff filter whilst dungeon-bound sine tones splay across the top edges of the track, like ectoplasms left behind after a string of Zeno's paradoxes have been solved. 'We Are The City' by Electrodynamique indulges a final emery note, abrading its curveball electro mix to a grinding, apocalyptic oblivion.
Review: 2023 was a knockout year for Portuguese artist Temudo, taking in techno totems like Blueprint, Klockworks and Hayes in pursuit of his driving, sharply-focused sound. Now he lands on Italian label Sublunar with more of that refined, precision engineered gear for the wormhole crew. 'U Where My Second Choice' is a taut, edgy workout with a nagging synth hook, but 'Asset 2' ratchets down to a pure, heady locomotion which will take you tunnelling deep into the night. '2029' has a restrained funk which will work the body good and proper, and 'Affection' simmers down to a minimal palette peppered with pointed blips moving in expertly sequenced formations - smart techno at its finest.
Review: Fireground's Love Letter EP on the legendary techno label Tresor delivers a dynamic journey through the realms of early 90s techno and house fusion. On Side-1, 'The Element' ignites the dancefloor with its big, rave-inspired sounds and UK rave influences, while 'Riva' seamlessly blends high-energy house and techno, punctuated by catchy melodic moments. On Side-2, 'Love Letter' takes the listener on a deeper voyage with its mid-90s warehouse vibe, exuding a late-night atmosphere with subtle disco undertones. Closing the EP, 'Etereo' serves as a perfect end-of-the-night track, enveloping the listener in its atmospheric soundscape. Firegrounds' talented ability to mix nostalgic elements with contemporary production techniques shines throughout Love Letter, making it a peak time record that will go over great at the disco.
Review: Vinicius Honorio returns with Ominous Music, his sophomore release on Blueprint Records following the success of Sem Rumo. With roots in Rio de Janeiro's drum & bass scene and a transition to London's techno community, Honorio's production talent shines through in this dark and dubby offering. Across four tracks, he masterfully crafts a sonic journey filled with trippy textures and foreboding atmospheres, showcasing his signature style that blends energy and passion effortlessly. From pounding beats to intricate soundscapes, Ominous Music fits perfectly into the Blueprint discography. True to form, this EP promises to further establish Honorio's reputation as a strong producer in the underground techno scene.
Review: Set phasers to rave, Planet Rhythm are at the controls and they're aiming squarely at the apex of the party. 'Street' draws for a much-loved hip-hop sample and straps it to some classic rave stabs and a thumping slab of 4/4 pressure that will whip a crowd into a frenzy. 'Our House' has its own iconic sample to lift, but the bouncing swing of the drums and freaky synth lines are all new and primed to set the party off good and proper. 'Rhythm Blaster' has a dirty electro demeanour to it, while 'Acid Party' unsurprisingly features some nasty 303 action strapped to a complement of deft breakbeats.
Review: Stojche's Metaphor EP on Fuse's imprint blends Detroit's playful hybrid style with a modern twist. Across four tracks, he navigates through techno, house, and more with finesse, delivering a refreshing take on club music. 'Counterpunch' kicks off the EP with heavily lined percussion and resonant dub stabs, creating a storm of melodic flashes perfect for the dancefloor. 'Chordal Tribe' follows with an elevating euphoria with bright pads and full-on drums, ideal for peak-time sets. On the Side-2 'Signal Drive' showcases Stojche's hardgroove influence with sharp rhythms and melodic chord stabs, while 'Metaphor' leans towards techno with flamboyant synth lines and intricate drum work.Throughout the EP, Stojche blurs the lines between classic genres, offering a charismatic record that captures the essence of old club records with a modern twist.
Review: Analogue is the Greek label which takes no prisoners in its pursuit of pure techno perfection and that's abundantly clear on this latest Various Artists drop, as Dax J kicks into gear with the searing, pummelling intensity of 'Ares'. It's a proper fist-shaker which sets you up for the hi-octane rumble of Kaiser's 'Kal' and ANFS' industrial jackhammer 'Amete'. That leaves Jerm to clean up with another weapons grade sheller driving ever-downwards in the ultimate ticket to peak time submission. This is techno in the toughest sense of the word - a very specific sound executed perfectly.
Review: At more than a decade old and now 60 releases deep, Non Series is one of techno's most consistent and reliable outlets. Luigi Tozzi has been responsible in part for that and now returns to the label with his fourth solo outing, hot on the heels of 'Spiral' which proved a big underground hit. As always the sone is masterfully deep and atmospheric yet minimal. 'Head Hunt' is a swaggering dub techno cut for the heads, 'Strati' gets more psychedelic with soupy synths and neon tones, and 'Atlatl' rolls deep on spine-chilling rhythms. 'Obsidian' is a perfectly smooth and seductive sound for cosy back rooms.
Review: Under The Radar present 'Coconut Rice', emanating forth from the old demo music vaults of Yagya, dating back 15 years to the summer of 2008. Having solicited the tracks straight from the horse's mouth, the label are more than proud to repackage the track alongside its two original remixes by the artist, the Q and Z variations, while also bunging in a special ambient Derridean dub Deconstruction by none other than Octo Industrie. Expect heavy immersings in texture, rainfall, chord stab and subnautical bass, but with Yagya's signature twist of extra fullness.
Review: Federsen's Robot Says R EP is an atmospheric journey of deep techno, showcasing his prowess with minimal soundscapes. 'High Pressure' opens the 12' with its captivating crystalline textures and mid-tempo groove, capturing a nocturnal essence. 'Sono' takes a melodic turn, evoking the classic styling of Detroit techno, hypnotic and mesmerizing. On the B-side, 'Fazed' delivers an addictive bassline-heavy groove, while the minimalist approach creates a driving momentum. Closing the EP, 'Quadrata' incorporates elements of house music, developing gradually into a deep and evolving soundscape. With its multifaceted tracks, Federsen invites listeners to immerse themselves in its late-night techno ambiance. You can always count on Federsen for an excellent combination of blending a classic sound, well-produced techno, yet still being danceable and emotion provoking.
Review: DJ Nobu and Wata Igarashi and two of the finest techno talents in all of Japan right now. Their knack for sound designs is seance to none - the latter having a background in that for computer games helps, of course. They have a deep sound that is utterly hypnotic and so to have them together on one record is a treat. It is London's Fabric that has made that so here with them both offering up once cut each. 'Flares' from Nobu goes first and melts the mind in the usual fashion while Igarashi's 'Abuku' is more percussive but no less subversive.
Review: You can always count on Clone's Repetitive Rhythm Research label to bring a proper, hard-edged strain of techno that matches brawn with brains. Next up on the label after a knockout record from Frequency is The Exaltics, tailoring their signature electro style to a blown-out 4/4 sound to incite a thousand sweatboxes. 'It Never Ends' is brilliantly jacking, with deep space synths on top, and 'Hammerheads From Outta Space' doubles down on brute-force kicks and dirtbag leads. 'Corroded From The Future' dips into dystopian acid from the depths, and 'Dumb MST Digital' caps the record off with a stripped back 303 workout for those who carry a torch for the glory days of Bunker Records.
Review: Ukraine's Yan Cook is one of those low-key but highly skilled producers who have mastered the art of turning out consistently excellent techno cuts. It is Planet Rhythm that snap him up now for more of his linear bangers starting with the moody and paranoid opener 'Hydraulic', a pressurised cut that will bowl any dancefloor over. 'Null' then gets more gritty and textured as it rocks back and forth and 'Imla' (Red Rooms remix) takes a more subliminal and stripped-back approach to techno hypnosis.
Review: Not everyone 'gets' house. First, there are those who dismiss it as mindless 4x4 schlock; then, even amongst those who ostensibly enjoy the moods that the genre lays down, there are still individuals who fail to appreciate the subtleties that glue the spaces between the beats, or the musicality that holds the tunes together as opposed the lacks thereof that might make them flop. Whatever the case, Calisto's Definitive Classic (TM) 'Get House' is an ahead-of-its-time house pioneers' artifact, coming as an early example of what some might call tech house, albeit nowadays most would simply assume is acid or breakbeat. Indeed, to truly be able to appreciate the differences betweem genres, you have to just, you know, kinda, just 'get it'.
ODESZA - "This Version Of You" (feat Julianna Barwick - Joseph Ray extended remix) (6:31)
Parra For Cuva - "Mimose" (3:47)
Agents Of Time - "Zodiac" (7:10)
Gorgin - "Heartbeater" (4:58)
Tao Andra - "Dream On" (6:42)
ANNA & Rebuke - "Ignite" (5:42)
Binaryh - "Daemon" (6:17)
Paul Roux - "Baby Baby" (3:45)
Review: Global Underground present the next release from the nextmost DJ to grace their City Series. ANNA's dynamic sound encompasses multiple styles and genres, from ambient through house to techno, and encapsulates the effortless chic and vibrant nightlife of one of the coolest cities in Europe - Lisbon. This modish Portuguese metropolis has always enjoyed a certain notoriety, but this has perhaps not been felt so intently more than in the last five years or so. ANNA now fleshes out Lisbon's essence, capturing its descending narrow streets, castellated jetties and glorious sunsets with a progressive house, trance and techno mix that satisfies all possible ends of a newfangled tourist's dream.
Review: Thoughtforms' Blue EP features three tracks that combine forward-thinking techno with dancefloor appeal, creating a unique balance between deep thinking techno and ones that move your feet. Side-1 begins with 'E-blue,' a techno track infused with elements of Italo house and an 80s sound. Its futuristic vibe and movie soundtrack feel set an imaginative tone. On Side-2, 'Phantom' introduces alien sounds with a haunting and dark atmosphere, enveloping listeners in its eerie ambiance. The EP concludes with 'Stomper,' an electro track that is both futuristic and otherworldly, delivering dramatic flair. Blue by Thoughtforms stands out for its innovative approach to techno, blending retro influences with a modern edge. Each track on here demands your attention.
Review: Setaoc Mass delivers with Future/Past, an EP packed with pounding deep techno tracks that are perfect for commanding the mainstage. Side-1 opens with 'Seeing Clear,' an uptempo, techy track with an ominous edge. Its dark, driving rhythm sets a foreboding tone, ideal for those late-night sets. 'Future/Past' follows with metallic-sounding keys and rapid, techy percussion, creating a fast-paced, immersive experience. Side-2 features 'Late Night Calling,' a dangerous and intense techno track that dives deeper into darker territory. Its menacing atmosphere and relentless beat are sure to stun any audience. The EP concludes with 'Koxa?'ian IDM-inflected piece that combines melancholy with a twisted, demented vibe, adding a unique, introspective touch to the collection. Future/Past is a powerful addition to any techno set, offering four tracks that drive intensity and innovation.
Review: Henri Bergmann and Wennink's Guardian Angel marks an impressive debut on Crosstown Rebels, delivering a track that expertly fuses melody with depth. Bergmann's knack for sculpting rich, atmospheric landscapes is matched by Wennink's haunting vocals, creating a piece that feels both expansive and intimate. It's the kind of collaboration that hints at a shared vision without ever losing individual identity. The original track opens with textured percussion, slowly unfurling into an emotive soundscape as Wennink's vocals hover above like an ethereal guide. There's a melancholic undertone, but it's balanced by an uplifting drive, showcasing their ability to blend light and dark seamlessly. The remixes take Guardian Angel into uncharted territories. Stimming strips things back, opting for a more minimalist approach that sharpens the focus on rhythmic intensity, while his subtle use of effects amplifies the track's ethereal quality. It's a remix that feels lean but still full of intent. Hardt Antoine, on the other hand, plunges deeper into the shadows, pushing the bassline forward and letting synths stretch into eerie, sci-fi realms. His reworking is darker, stranger, and ultimately a satisfying close to the EP. With this release, Bergmann and Wennink add another strong entry to the Crosstown Rebels roster, proving that their partnership is one to keep watching.
Review: Layton Giordani's latest release Freaks At Night on Drumcode Sweden delivers two heavyweight tracks that are sure to ignite any mainfloor. On Side-1, 'Freaks At Night' pulses with high energy, seamlessly blending sci-fi elements with big room techno. The track's standout feature is its clever use of the classic house sample, 'the way we used to do it,' adding a nostalgic twist to its futuristic vibe. Side-2 introduces the 'New Generation' (Space 92 Remix), a dynamic track that feels like a journey through deep space. The menacing bassline and powerful rhythm create a sense of unstoppable momentum, making it a go-to choice for peak-time sets. Both tracks are built to command attention, offering DJs a tough decision on which side to unleash. Whether you lean towards the energetic nostalgia of 'Freaks At Night' or the dark, driving force of 'New Generation,' this release is a strong addition to any techno collection.
Review: Gunjack, one of Planet Rhythm's techno veterans, enchants with his bold, hard techno style in Footprints. The EP opens with 'Fat Lady Sings', a high-energy track that merges intense techno and euphoric house chords over a relentless beat. 'Body Memory', true to Gunjack's prowess, showcases his intricate percussion. It's a dancefloor anthem with a relentless driving force, destined to ignite crowds. The title track, 'Footprints' is a prime-time dancefloor weapon, its infectious stabs and galloping technocracy creating an unstoppable groove. The EP's last track, 'Iceman Cometh', echoes Basic Channel's iconic chord stabs, infusing acid elements to deliver a captivating finish. With its masterful blend of pounding rhythms, exciting movement in the percussion, and relentless energy, 'Footprints' solidifies Gunjack's status as a quality techno producer.
Review: Oscar Mulero has become one of the faces of techno thru many years of hard work and through the growth of a strong discography. With a DJing career now spanning over 35 years, Oscar has thrived regardless of the popularity rise and fall of the techno genre. His Pole Recordings label has been a beacon of light through the tougher times and is shining brighter than ever now. The Poisonality EP is his newest 12". 'Aroma De Falso Amo' is a foreboding builder that offers a unique rhythm and plenty of tension while the title track is a tribal groover like the kinds he is so well known for composing. Fans of Birmingham techno should especially like 'Iris Malicioso' which reminds us of Neil Landstrumm and Regis styled techno. 'Dos Pequenos Zorros' is a relentless pounder that should do damage by any DJ having the opportunity to melt faces off dancers faces. Oscar Mulero gives us four very strong techno tracks on this one EP.
Zarate-Fix & DJ Sotofett - "Dub State Looped" (8:15)
DJ Sotofett - "My Spirit Is Looped" (0:28)
Ronny Nyheim - "EXP" (DJ Sotofett Lockmix) (2:03)
DJ Sotofett - "Hats Loop 1" (0:37)
DJ Sotofett - "Stab Loop 1" (0:26)
DJ Sotofett - "Beater Loop 1" (1:08)
L.A.2000 & DJ Sotofett - "1st Wave Fusion" (9:49)
DJ Sotofett - "Preparation Looped" (0:33)
Review: The wonderfully idiosyncratic DJ Sottofett is back with more of his leftfield magic alongside Ronny Nyheim, Zarate_Fix and LA 2000. This outing on WANIA is a special release with alternative mixes and non-album tracks from the upcoming WANIA mk1 double album. 'Dubquartz' opens up with rattling dub techno, 'Dub State Looped' is a slow motion and heavyweight dub with rusty chords and then comes a seizes of loose for adventurous DJ fun such as the scratchy vocal of 'My Spirit Is Looped' and frosted hi-hats of 'Hats Loop 1'. '1st Wave Fusion' is the standout with its cinematic synths and widescreen grooves.
Review: Brazil's own Gustavo Bassani quiet-drops another EP for Planet Rhythm. The 'Domme Sesh' is a careful rumination on peaktime weight and pressurised trances, bringing four subtle, greyish slow burns to the table. We open with 'Chromatic Therapy', which errs more on hard techno than any other tune on the EP and buzzes with a lead, bright chord; then there's the title track and 'Collision', both of which recall the polyrhythmic experiments of NON legend Psyk; and the closing bleeps, bloops, grunts and whispers of 'Sauna'; we're not sure what kind of saunas Bassani's been visiting, but they sure do sound space-age.
Review: Giacomo Pellegrino presents an intriguing fusion of deep dub techno and knocky garage-house-techno on his latest EP, 'Lost In Berlin'. This one cleverly evokes the feeling of traversing the outskirts of B-Town after dark, which is - assuming one is aware of what going to a warehouse rave in Weberwiese or Moritzplatz is like - a truly distinct emotion. From the opening shuffles and coy deep-stabs of 'Dub 004', across which a multiplicity of radio-transmitted voices dance around our heads in unison, to the original and Delano Smith versions of 'Dub 007', a track whose sudden electrical janks and widescreen impacts seem to add up to a sonic gestalt, seeming to transcend the mere mix; we find ourselves lucky to be in possession of this EP.
Review: Adam Beyer's notable techno label Drumcode seems to be as busy as ever of late. The label here rolls out a fourth part of its ongoing A Sides series, which is now up to volume 12. Though the Swede himself doesn't feature, some of his trusty sidemen do starting with Chris Avantgarde who brings big room, hard techno energy to 'The Last Time'. Bry Ortega keeps it just as intense with the machine-gun like synth fire of 'Discover 9', Massano brings some brighter synth loops to the stomping 'Betraya' and Spektre shut down with a mix of hardcore, trance and techno potency on 'Too Far Gone.' Some great DJ weaponry here, for sure.
Review: For more than 20 years Ashley Burchett has been pushing the envelope of no-nonsense techno as O [Phase] and he's been sounding more inspired than ever since launching his own Modwerks label back in 2021. Following up on some sterling releases from Saag and Tora Katsuta, now Burchett takes the reins himself for four steadfast building blocks in your game of techno Jenga. 'Merchant' is tightly wound, razor-sharp and looped-up to perfection, while 'Edge Runner' locks into some hi-octane machine funk. 'Plot Twist' keeps just a touch of swing in the mix and capitalises on hand claps and acid tweaks before 'Guess Work' ratchets down a lead-heavy low-end groove that could move mountains.
Review: Polish beatmaker Shed has long been a darling of the European underground. His ability to craft textural loops and work them into potent, catchy, emotive but stripped back bangers is second to none. He has done so under various guises including WAX, but adopts his most famous moniker for this new double 12" on The Final Experiment. 'The 030 Files' offers eight brutalist breakbeat beauties that jerk your body into action, hook in your brain with their neat little motifs and make your hairs stand on end with the fizzing nature of the synths. Pure dancefloor dynamite as ever.
Review: Analog Concept Vol. 3 delivers a striking collection of forward-thinking deep techno, blending electro, acid, and sci-fi elements to push boundaries across its four tracks. Fasme opens with 'Crying Robot', a standout acid electro monster that's both raw and energetic, setting the tone with its sharp, robotic intensity. CCO's 'Solar Sail' follows, bringing a darker, sci-fi edge to the mix. Its blend of EBM and new beat creates a timeless, futuristic trip that feels immersive and cinematic. Side-2 kicks off with Unwonted's 'Frontier', a high-energy electro track laced with trance elements, adding a hypnotic, rave-ready vibe. Serge Geyzel closes the compilation with 'Flash', a heavy-hitting deep electro cut that dives into darker, alien soundscapes. Its deep techno undercurrents enhance the track's sense of foreboding and mystery. Overall, Analog Concept Vol. 3 captures a thrilling array of deep, futuristic sounds. Take a journey through techno's more experimental and atmospheric realms with this Russian label. Each track stands strong on its own while contributing to the cohesive, forward-thinking vision of the compilation.
Review: Nuron's new 'DAT Tapes' volume makes you want to shake DAT arse! Continuing his journey on De:tuned with yet another selection of exhumed DAT tape saves from old forgotten and attic-bound "vaults" - well, apparently, though these tracks sound decidedly modern, such to the degree that we'd be totally blown away if it was truly the case that these were made in the 90s - the producer also known as Nurmat Jusat deploys four fulsome measurers in the vein of classic bleep techno and pythagorean electro. This one's best features are its zapping yet mega-harmonic chords, best heard on the harmonic breakdown heard on the bustling furore that is 'Jungle Frenzy'.
Review: Obscure Shape's Zukunft is a dark, high-tech techno experience that delves deep into the realms of futuristic soundscapes. Released on Planet X Records from Iceland, this album is packed with intense, brooding tracks that keep the energy relentless. Side-1 opens with 'Die Ruckkehr,' setting a powerful tone with its pulsating rhythms, followed by 'Zuruck In Die Zukunft,' which continues the dark, driving atmosphere. 'Children Of Men' closes the side with haunting, cinematic vibes. Side-2 introduces 'Verblendung,' a track that builds tension with its deep, swirling bass, while 'Inception' and 'Der Poet' push the boundaries of techno with intricate, layered beats. Side-3's 'City Of God' and 'Imagination' explore more experimental territory, with 'Genetic Bliss' offering a pulsating conclusion. On the last side. it all comes to conclusion at a high note with 'Easy For Ecstasy' and 'Wandervogel,' both tracks blending intensity and atmospheric depth.
Review: Anatolian Weapons has always brought intriguing influence to techno. His exploration of rhythm and texture is central to what he does and once more here he takes us on a winding journey through slow down techno and mind altering synths. There is a new age charm to the synths of 'Desert Sun' while the drums chug below. 'The Desert Track II' is a snaking techno sound with creepy sci-fi melodies and twitchy pads off in the distance and 'Ivan's Track' kees it celestial with more otherworldly melodies and rugged mid tempo drums. Two further unhurried sounds make a great mix of airy melody and metallic drum forms.
Review: Swiss artist Chlar's last EP Optimized Grooves was a standout success across the techno world and it marked a significant step for the fast-rising producer after fine outings on labels like Iceland's NIX and Stranger's Self Reflektion imprint. His full-throttle style is continually evolving as his latest offering, the Intrinsic Drive EP shows. 'Dopamine Rush' kicks off with fast techno beats and hypnotic synths, 'Intrinsic Drive' weaves tightly packed drums, bass, and alien sound designs, 'For Marco' intensifies with darker kicks and eerie synths, while 'Steady Pace' adds swing with crisp hits and vocal fragments. 'Greedy Man' offers industrial undertones with skewed synths to end on yet another stylish banger.
Review: Drumcode presents the second iteration of their soon-to-be-long-running 'Elevate' series, which in their usual audacious fashion features no less than eight label debutantes take the reigns on huge room techno production duties. The compilation's manifesto is simple: platform a broader range of emerging artists on Drumcode and help elevate the next generation to make strides in their careers. With that, we have the delight of selecting our picks of the bunch (all personal preference, of course, though you can trust our picks are educated guesses): in this case, it's got to be the slightly wonky and out-of-the-ordinary ones, those being Simina Grigoriu's 'Global Soldier' and Marie Vaunt's 'ADSR'.
Review: Developer heads up the Modularz label and now returns to it with some increased BPMS and sounds that are more dark and driving, tribal and funk-infused than before. This hugely prolific producer has put out more than 100 records in the last 10 years and always finds new sonic territory to explore each time. 'Hexican 75' kicks off with some blisteringly quick deep techno rhythms, 'When They Come Knocking' is glitchy and dubby and 'She Says She's Good' then taps into more mind-melting synth and drum tapestries before 'Black Oceanz' goes sub aquatic with heavy, rolling drums and shards of light pairing the ocean surface.
Review: Canadian producer Priori returns to Kalahari with his debut solo EP and offers up three immersive tracks while a powerful remix comes from Sansibar. Priori is loosely known for his laid-back, ambient sound with NAFF but here he shifts gears somewhat by delivering a more direct and rhythmic approach. The EP explores deep, nocturnal moods and grooves and blends ritualistic techno with meditative rhythms that lock you in deep. Drawing inspiration from European, Japanese, and Midwest American traditions, these tracks evoke an intense feeling of racing through a tunnel at speed, at night. Sansibar's remix adds a fresh, hard-hitting dimension with punchy kicks and sharp snares taking Priori's original into darker, more propulsive territory.
Review: To celebrate 15 years in the game and coming via Lithuania's Greyscale label, Gradient delivers Dub Stories, a two-CD masterpiece that focuses on his evolution. CD1 opens with 'Dub Story 1,' setting a vibrant tone that flows into the airy 'Dub Story 2.' Tracks like 'Dub Story 3' and 'Dub Story 6' pay homage to classic dub roots, while 'Dub Story 4' and 'Dub Story 8' push creative boundaries with dynamic melodies. CD2 continues the journey with the deep, evocative 'Dub Story 11' and the celestial 'Dub Story 13.' Tracks like 'Dub Story 16' offer serene, minimalistic breaks, while 'Dub Story 19' delves into deep, contemplative layers. The album closes with 'Dub Story 20,' a grand finale that leaves a lasting impression. Dub Stories is a fitting tribute to Gradient's legacy and a shining example of quality in the dub techno realm.
Review: Japan's Thinner Groove flesh out their distinctive aesthetic with every new release. This time around, they welcome none other than Lemmi Ash, KOOLMFL and Sonic Weapon for a collaborative three-track EP of lowercase minimal tech and textural vignettes. The aim of the game is best encapsulated in the label's commentary: "each track can add a distinctive touch to the night, as like completing your cocktail with lemon and/or lime". Each track indeed sounds to the ear akin to how a fruity garnish tastes, with Ash's 'Presence' bringing tart citrine breaks notes to a gracefully held glass vessel. KOOLMFL's 'Atonbow' is drier bitters, barely availing itself of its trembling chords and sampled vox after an ultra-snappy initiation featuring a mere bass and kick-clap. Thinner Groove know all too well that good music is like an excitation of the flavour palate, and that minimality is the thing that lets such flavours sit.
Review: Domenic Cappello is a long time legend of the scene who has been in the form of his life of late. As such he finally drops a much anticipated and long awaited debut album 'Basement Philosophy on Alien Communications that comes 20 years after he started making beats. Cappello's sound permeates the whole record as it traverses diverse sonic landscapes with captivating potency. Opening with 'Mushroom Waltz', dreamy pads and lively chords set the tone, leading into the soulful depths of 'Midnight with T'. 'Early Flight' builds cerebral atmospheres with characteristic snapping drums. 'Acid Rain' evokes nostalgia, while '3am Jamaica Street' pulsates with peak-time energy. 'Moon Jump' offers languid melodies reminiscent of classic Underground Resistance and electro-inspired 'Burning Past' and 'Not for Instagram DJs' conclude ta high class record in style.
Exhibit (1 - BOHM & The Unborn Child remix) (6:42)
Review: Slam's Exhibit series on Soma presents a compelling showcase of techno talent, focusing on the raw and hypnotic end of the genre spectrum. The inaugural release, featuring Slam themselves, delivers three parts of pulsating techno energy. 'Exhibit 1' kicks things off with deep, sub-heavy vibrations, setting a formidable tone. 'Exhibit 2' follows suit with high-energy intensity, while 'Exhibit 3' offers a more sci-fi-infused variation. The remix by BOHM & The Unborn Child adds an intriguing twist, elevating the soundscape with subtle enhancements. Overall, Exhibit is a perfect example to Slam's commitment to championing techno's fundamental frequencies, offering a diverse and electrifying listening experience for aficionados of the genre.
Review: Belgian independent label Detuned, hits a major milestone with its 50th release, Analog Days, a long-awaited ten track album by legendary Swedish producer Robert Leiner. Known for his pioneering role in trance, techno, and ambient music through his work with R&S Records, Leiner was instrumental in the early development of Detuned, contributing to the label's growth with his live performances and DJ sets under his alias, The Source Experience. As part of Detuned's 15th anniversary celebrations, Analog Days offers a collection of mostly hardware-based productions recorded between 2005 and 2015. These tracks, now freshly mixed and completed, highlight Leiner's mastery in crafting dynamic yet soothing soundscapes. Each piece captures his signature styleia seamless blend of rhythm and atmosphereioffering an expansive sonic experience that transports listeners through various electronic terrains. This release isn't just a retrospective but a continuation of Leiner's enduring influence on electronic music. Analog Days embodies a unique exploration of sound, delivering a journey where rhythmic motion and ambient tones coalesce.
Review: This is the first release on the newly formed Thoughtforms records and also by the group with the same name, Thoughtforms. 'Tubes' straddles the line between techno, industrial and EBM and there's a psy-trance-like vision to each track where you could easily hear this in any futuristic machine movie soundtrack. 'Formas Adidas' is our favorite on this EP, but the B-side 'Our Mind' blends ambient into the trance at a slower BPM. Fans of industrial tinged EDM and EBM should particularly enjoy the sci-fi soundtrack vibes here.
Review: German label Rawax is back with a second release in Ricardo Villalobos's own reissue series. This one finds the legendary minimal man working under his Termiten Alias on 'Nordhorn,' which is a single that came originally out on LINEAR back in 2002. 'Why Did I Love My Wife' is classic Ricardo - more than 11 minutes of mind-melting hi-fidelity synth design and inventive techno rhythms with dark vocals and organic percussion. 'Nordhorn' is more spacious and empty with soothing melodies flooring about over a skeletal groove that will lock in the afters like it always has.
Review: Phenomena is a rather incredible 39th full-length album from the pioneering Lithuanian dub techno label Greyscale. Like all those that went before it, it is a captivating excursion into cavernous sounds. In particular, this one delves into the wonders of nature - meteor streams and starling murmurations - and flips them into immersive soundscapes. In mixing up vintage and contemporary styles, Basicnoise navigates deep emotional depths with technical finesse. 'Midnight Dub' has lush and organic chord progressions, 'Sakura Season' pays homage to Detroit techno's smooth, futuristic spirit and 'Reduxtion II' delivers crisp production and powerful frequencies. These are just some standouts along the way of this profound musical odyssey.
Review: The reissue of Acid Jesus's tracks 'Radium,' 'Uranium Smuggle,' and 'Hibernation Drive' is a momentous occasion for electronic music enthusiasts. Produced between 1995-1997 at Klangfabrik, these tracks are a testament to the duo's pioneering sound and gathered here for a vinyl pressing together for the first time. 'Radium' and 'Uranium Smuggle' showcase a similar sonic structure, with 'Radium' delivering a frenzied, peak-hour experience, while 'Uranium Smuggle' offers a cooler, more contemplative journey. The underated track, 'Hibernation Drive,' is not to be missed. This gem is stunning blend of IDM, techno, acid, electro, and Detroit influences. It's a masterpiece that transcends genres completing this German bomb.
Review: The Between Two Seconds EP on Planet Rhythm delivers four dub-heavy techno tracks primed for war on the dancefloor. Side-1 begins with OFF/GRID's 'Between Two Seconds,' a hard-hitting percussive dub techno track that sets a robust tone. Following is Antic Soul's 'Free From You,' a high-energy banger with intense chord work. It's a peak-time track designed to bring down the house. On Side-2, DBFB's 'Murky' embodies its name with an underwater dub groove that delves into deep, subterranean soundscapes. Gockel's 'Night Mute' closes the EP with a powerful chord progression and an old-school piano breakdown that blends seamlessly into a frenzy of techno madness. Between Two Seconds EP is great for those who appreciate the darker, more intense sides of dub and techno.
Review: Enter The Void's 303 Acid EP is a powerful four-track collection that delivers relentless acid techno energy, perfect for the dancefloor. Released on Planet Rhythm, this EP is an excellent listen for fans of the genre. Side-1 kicks off with 'Track 1,' a heavy techno acid track reminiscent of Hardfloor. It's packed with rave energy and a big club sound that's sure to ignite any set. 'Track 2' follows with sci-fi acid sounds and a liquid 303 workout that's both futuristic and hypnotic. Side-2 opens with 'Track 3,' where acid lines call dancers to the floor like sirens, supported by a bassline-heavy, crushing beat that demands attention. The EP closes with 'Track 4,' an epic track with rising acid notes that pay homage to the pioneers of the past. The intensity and emotion in this track verge on legendary, making it a fitting tribute to the acid techno legacy.
Review: When the original version of this two-tracker originally appeared in early 1993, CJ Bolland was at the peak of his powers, spearheading a new wave of Belgian techno producers associated with Ghent's soon-to-be-legendary R&S Records offshoot. His stock, and that of his contemporaries, has risen again in recent times - hence this useful reissue. 'Camargue' was, like the second track on this 12", co-produced by British producer (and Advent member) Cisco Ferreira. Rich in jumpy organ riffs, saucer-eyed motifs, sweeping synth-strings and bounding beats, it's tech-trance from a point when trance was not the commercial beast it would later become. Flip-side 'Tokyo' adds Japanese-influenced melodies and sparkling electronic motifs to a typically Belgian 'Hoover' bassline and storming techno beats. Like 'Camargue', it's breathlessly brilliant.
Review: Laurent Garnier selects fresh tracks for this release from a wide array of strong producers inJules Wells, Skatman, Works Of Intent, Squal G, YANNLEAN and Joaquim Plossu. Berlin-based, Tunisian-born Skatman - recognised for merging classic and modern sounds and boasting releases on Innervisions and Correspondent - offers the deep, groovy 'Transcending House.' Jules Wells, from Bordeaux, France (Submerge, KMS, Planet E) returns with the Detroit-influenced retro house track 'Dreamer.' Works Of Intent, a pivotal member of the UK South Asian collective Daytimers and Emotional Weaponry label owner, follows with the intricate 'Subversive.' French artist Squal G, producer and manager of Slates Records, delivers the techno-spirited 'Waiting 4U.' Multi-talented Yann Lean, also a sound engineer, brings tribal energy on 'To Get Close,' supported by prestigious labels like KMS and Bedrock. Lastly, Joaquim Plossu, a French-born, Mexican-resident, collaborates with Leeds-based Salem Focus for the energetic d&b track 'Cosmic,' closing the diverse release. Laurent Garnier is one of the most trusted tastemakers in the DJ world for over 35 years now - and that ain't changing any time soon.
Review: Ghost in the Machine takes it back to the start with a searing new acid outing on Zodiak Commune Records. This is a special poster edition of the 12" and it's packed with dark and unsettling moods and monstrously heavy kicks. Opener 'Wall of Fire' is just that with an assault of distorted drums and barrage of prickly percussion and warped synths that blow your brains out. 'Flame Grilled' is another textural and chaotic sound with fizzing textures and ear-splitting acid lines then 'Inferno' picks up the pace with lashings of 303, hammering hits and unrelenting drums. 'Heartburn' shuts down this raw warehouse carnage with pulsing synths and driving drums that leave you exhausted.
Review: Following his impressive debut on Submersive's VA Osmotic Particles in 2021, Toki Fuko returns with his inaugural solo release on the label. His Hues of Movement EP comprises three original tracks and remixes by Anthony Linell and Artefakt, all of which embody Submersive's ethos of deep, hypnotic techno. Fuko impresses as always with his well crafted soundscapes blending electrical pulses with catchy drum sequences. Linell's Train remix fuses his style with Fuko's to make for a dub-influenced journey while Artefakt's 'Warble' remix takes things into darker worlds filled with unrelenting tension.
Review: An air of mystery surrounds this new While My Sequencer Gently Bleeps project, but what we do know is that they have two superb EPs dropping at the start of 2024. This one, OK, opens with 'Amber' which is a nice undulating and deep cut with lush synth smears. 'Emptiness' hangs synths in the air over more lithe broken beats and 'Felt' is a stripped back rhythm with majestic chords, blurts, bleeps and more all adding colour. 'Hesitation' and 'Burton' round out this sublimely supple and subtle synth record.
Review: A renowned producer from the late 90s and early noughties, Lucas E.B.E. hears a delightful reissue of his very own 'Neural Response' EP, which, fittingly, originally came out on the new millennial cusp. With a cutting, multi-varied sound - as if gazing into the bleeding edge of a new age - we're still met with the vicarious, breathtaking feeling of E.B.E.'s future techniques first evoked 23 years ago, be that via the mediums of minimal tech, downtempo or electro. An impressively stark contrast abounds across these four, whether that's in the opening lazings of 'Serenity', the slumped-over sophomore snaps of 'Sedated', or the energetic return to form that is 'Hubble'.
Review: Tensal's take on techno is a perfect blend of heady soundscapes and potent drum programming. He brings that to Arts collective to kick off his 2024 in typically excellent fashion. He opens his account on this one with the pulsing basslines and zippy synth textures of 'Virgo' before 'Molecular Base' heads down a darker rabbit hole full of late night allure. There is more of driving and linear feel to 'Black Annis' which locks you into a meditative state and ready to gaze on at the passing synth loops and last of all 'Chromatic Aberration' ups the ante with more frosty synths and cosmic synth tension as busted techno drums loops below.
Review: Bau Muzik continues to establish itself in the new school techno realm with another backs-to-the-wall banger. Deas is in control for this one and kick off in potent fashion with dense layers of drums and-etc run through with a surging synth pulse that powers things forwards. 'Concentrate' is another cut that quickly establishes itself then rolls on and novels only subtly as it draws you into its mental maze, then things switch up with 'Flow'. It's a more wild and unhinged sound that will have the floor in raptures - if they can keep up - before 'Form' finishes things off with heavy and industrial techno loops.
Review: For anyone who takes deep, uncompromising techno seriously, Mike Parker is a true benchmark of quality. The Buffalo, New York artist has unfurled his catalogue over the course of more than 20 years with a steely focus which is immune to the shifting sands of trend and hype in the wider scene. Now the Field label are reissuing his breakthrough 2001 LP Dispatches, which is a textbook summation of his imperious style. At a time when there's increased appreciation for deeper-diving strains of techno, Parker's hypnotic, expertly sculpted sound slots right in to the contemporary framework with a building-block quality which will inspire many a DJ to get busy layering and blending.
Review: Tne sixth drop on 3no comes trom Otis, who taps into the dark and deadly side or analogue
techno in keeping with previous entrants on the label like The Analogue Cops and Qasio. 'Out Of
Control' Is a creepy slice of acid techno with unsettling vocoder vocal touches ano a slammina
rhythm section, while 'Reactivation Process' ramps up the dystopian electro sonics to devastating
effect. 'D-Generation' turns up the heat with layer upon layer of darkside 303s, and 'Electro
Magnetic Resonance' juggles crunchy industrial percussion atop a pulsing groove that will keep
the floor in motion deep into the night
Review: Claudio PRC is something of a techno legend who has already very much assured his own legacy, but he keeps on coming up with the goods each and every time he steps out. This time that is on the Warm Up label with a stylish and deep EP of classy techno. 'Elliptic' is a sparse and dubby roller with icy pads, 'Focal Zone' then picks up with a more busy percussive line that pans about the mix and comes in and out of focus over rolling beats. 'Axial' is another delightfully deft deep techno cut with only there most scant and wispy synths joining the rolling beats. An Oscar Mulero remix rounds out with more intensity.
Review: Tensal returns to the industrial / hard techno alias for another slam-fest, this time offered up to Italy's Void+1 Recordings imprint. The 'Photon Radiation' EP is a techno record with a heart and soul poured in; though it keeps to the hard techno form, it does do whilst also showing off an added ear for texture, with 'Photon Radiation' packing in all manner of metallic judders and farty scrapes between the beats; 'Squaring The Circle' blowing us away with its structural vocal repetitions and broken rhythms; and 'Beg To Be Destroyed' unnerving the listener with a comparatively furtive yet increasingly sinister buildup. Making us squirm with delight.
DAVE The Drummer & Phil Kershaw - "Bassline Sunset" (6:55)
Review: Hydraulix Records continues to push the boundaries of ravey techno with Va03, a four-track EP that transports listeners back to the early '90s warehouse scene with its infectious energy and relentless beats. Side 1 kicks off with Acerbic's 'Deep In Your Mind,' a heavy sci-fi pounder that channels the essence of early '90s techno rave vibes. With nods to the big Belgium sounds and a prominent Hoover sound, this track is an instant banger that commands attention on the dancefloor. Following suit, Minor Dott's 'What You Callin Acid' delivers a menacing and sinister atmosphere, characterized by its mechanical and demonic undertones. It's a track that exudes raw power and intensity, perfect for those craving an adrenaline-fueled sonic experience. On Side 2, Andreas Kraemer & Shadym team up to bring us 'Reflect,' a percussive and loopy journey through hardcore rave sounds. The track pulsates with energy, immersing listeners in a hypnotic groove that's impossible to resist. Finishing things are Dave The Drummer & Phil Kershaw's 'Bassline Sunset,' a big room rave techno anthem that hits all the right notes. With its infectious bassline and euphoric atmosphere, this track is destined to ignite dancefloors worldwide. Each track on this EP offers a unique sonic experience, making it a must-have for fans of the early 90s rave scene.
Review: Portuguese techno mainstay Lewis Fautzi is in some form of late - it was only in September that he dropped his fantastic Manner of Death album on Faut, then he was back with more in 12" form on Polegroup in November and already he is now out of the blocks in 2024 with this impactful new four-tracker. His brand of tech tends to be dark and heavy, with apocalyptic abstractions and lo-fi synth, echoing hits and dub undercurrents all making for engrossing grooves full of drama and tension. Even the titles help to convey that message so drop any of these in the club and prepare for a brilliant meltdown.
Review: Scott Monteith returns with his first solo Deadbeat album in five years having recently collaborated with the likes of Sa Pa, Om Unit and The Mole. As ever, Monteith's long-standing dedication to dubwise experimentation drives his music forward on this new set, and there are some welcome threads that run further back in his career. 'Brick Stick Blick Blade (Anger II)' features a vocal flow from Black Noble Oluokun, who first collaborated with Monteith on the 2007 album Journeyman's Annual. That's but one standout element in an album rich with soundsystem immersion and techno propulsion delivered with the meditative poise that we always expect from Deadbeat.
Review: Strap in for another rollercoaster ride through the Drumcode tech-scape as we get an authoritative workout from four essential new talents. First up is Mha Iri, whose 'Bel' centres around a catchy vocal hook and darkly seductive synth snarls, before Marco Faraone nods back to some classic Wildchild and locks it to a steely pulse. Balthazar & JackRock offer up something epic on the B-side with the towering electro house synth touches of 'Andromeda', and LO'99 links up with Ray Foxx to round the record out with the playful vocal hiccups and undulating big room groove of 'Skydance'.
Review: Ken Ishii's 1994 album, Reference to Difference, is a crucial, yet often overlooked, masterpiece in the world of techno, ambient and electronic music from Japan. Celebrating the 30th anniversary of Musicmine Records, this album is now reissued and remastered, available on vinyl with its original track-list for the first time. Born in 1970 in Sapporo, Ishii's journey into electronic music began with arcade games and pioneers like Yellow Magic Orchestra and Kraftwerk. The discovery of Detroit techno in the late 80s shaped his artistic vision, blending with influences from British and American IDM and ambient techno. Reference To Difference is a futuristic blend of ambient atmospheres, techno rhythms, and minimalist compositions. It transports listeners back to the mid-1990s, a golden era for Japan's unique techno culture. This era saw Tokyo's clubs like Maniac Love becoming essential hubs for the underground scene, where Ishii and peers like Susumu Yokota thrived. Ishii and Yokota set benchmarks for Japanese techno with their early works. Ishii's Reference to Difference and Yokota's Acid Mt. Fuji, released simultaneously on June 29, 1994, were pivotal in putting Japan on the global techno map. Martyn Pepperell's new liner notes accompany this reissue, shedding light on Ishii's influence and the album's significance. Rediscover this gem and experience a landmark moment in electronic music history.
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: The most recent release by Primary [colours] is one of the most exciting dub techno records we've heard this year so far. The label calls upon the talented Scottish artist Stillhead along with a little remix help from friends Mike Schommer and Echo Inspectors. Like the name would suggest, 'Hibernate', is stark and brisk, with layered deepness between the field recording background and the subsequent techno that arises from the cold. The result is a hypnotizing trek into the unsure and ominous. 'Roll Dub' on the opposite hand is steeped in traditional dub elements and certainly warms things up with some respect to the island. On the second side, Deepchord legend Mike Schommer creates a more straightforward and melodic version that sneaks up on you with an underlying energy. Echo Inspectors add their own unique view of the track and reimagine it as a more ambient dub expression. As an added addition, 'Iden' rounds the EP out with a dense chord progression that floats underneath a gentle downtempo track. This EP gives every dub techno fan something to like.
Review: It's double digits for We're Going Deep who serve up a 10th bit of cub-ready weaponry here. This latest techno offering is a various artists affair with cultured Dutchman Versalife opening up with 'Skirmish 101', a booming bit of electro with the fattest synth lines you can imagine, and plenty of reverb. Acid Pimp's 'Acid Baby' is a wild and wonky 303 workout and Jamie Anderson & Owain K then combine for something much more soporific. 'Basement Dub' is as deep as you like. Konerytmi's 'Aamunkoitto' shuts down with some sleek, supple acid for mind, body and soul.
Review: Bass Cab taps into some heady 90s vibes with this new outing on the always high class Cabinet Records, which comes on purple vinyl to make it extra nice. 'Global Tribal' opens with lithe drums and a percussive peppering that keeps things moving under deft pads. 'Quick Response' is a more edgy cut with leanings towards techno and some molten synth melodies surging into the future. Last but not least, 'Experts & Operators' is fantastically elastic, with bulbous drums swinging down low, plenty of swing, and dubbed out chords making for something that is irresistible to anyone who likes to make some moves on the floor.
Review: As of now, Kiasmos - the duo of Olafur Arnalds and Janus Rasmussen - are superstars on the international progressive electronica circuit. It crept up on us that they've only released one other album to date, with the bulk of their output having been limited so far to EPs and singles. II is the follow-up to its apt nominal counterpart, Kiasmos (I), and yet this time hears the pair strike out against the stark piano and electropop influences for which they were initially celebrated. Another key difference is that while the first Kiasmos record was made in the space of two weeks - getting at the sense of effortlessness that might accompany the initial burst of inspiration felt by artists when they start a new alias - II was made over the course of ten years and charts a remarkably different approach to music production.
Review: Drumcode label head and the so-called CEO of Business Techno steps up to his own mighty Drumcode with an outing which keeps him at the forefront of big room sounds, which is just where he has been for more than a quarter of a century. 'Ghost Kiss' hammers out edgy drums and ghoulish vocals bring character to the musical rhythms. On the flip is 'Pilot' with its flashy, trance-tinged synth energy and menacing basslines. 'Jack' is a hard and dark cut with motoring drums and sawtooth synths that bring plenty of on-point maximalism.
Review: Sonic explorers Feral and Spekki Webu join forces for Kentaga, the third release on Aube Rouge. This EP straddles IDM and Techno, with roots tracing back to their debut live set at Mo.Dem Festival in 2022. Kentaga features four tracks of hard, subterranean techno infused with sci-fi elements and unique rhythms. Each track is a mental journey, rich with tribal rites and lysergic visions. The EP concludes with 'Exitlude' (Floating version), a sparse and alien ambient piece that creates an otherworldly atmosphere. Kentaga is an exploration of underground techno, pushing boundaries with its distinct and immersive soundscapes.
Review: Ignez's latest release, SMV 010, is a four-track exploration of techno that takes listeners on an extraordinary journey. This offering from Somov showcases Ignez's ability to craft compelling and distinctive sounds within the genre. Side-1 opens with 'Wounded Healer,' which features a strong beat and addictive elements that mesh perfectly with the groove. The track's tribal and darker undertones set a powerful tone. Next is 'Tavisupali,' a slightly demented and ominous builder that adds heavy movement and depth to the record. Flipping to Side-2, 'Ascend' delivers an epic groove, maintaining the momentum with its addictive rhythms. Finally, 'Lightworker' brings a haunting and eerie atmosphere, with melodic and unique strings that elevate the track to a new level. This is a very inventive approach and skillful execution. The seamless blend of dark, tribal, and melodic elements work great together.
Review: Ohm Series #10 continues to be a shining example of the remarkable work being done in the dub techno genre, consistently featuring top-tier producers who excel in their craft. On Side-1, Monomood kicks things off with 'Spring In Space,' a track that boasts deep sub-bass hits and long, blending chords. Its strong kick and clean production make it a powerful example of dub techno at its finest. Following this, Octal Industries delivers 'Rewind Repeat,' a piece that layers epic strings and a soaring melody over an abstract broken beat. Powerful and evocative! Side-2 opens with G-Prod and Taho's'"Light Forest,' an uptempo dub techno track with a techy edge. Its smooth production and dancefloor-ready vibe make it a seamless fusion of technical prowess and groove. Closing out the release is Gradient's 'Track 4,' which offers classic dub techno sounds. Gradient's exceptional craftsmanship is evident in this track, which epitomizes the lush textures and hypnotic rhythms that define the genre. Overall, Ohm Series #10 upholds its reputation by delivering high-quality dub techno that resonates with both purists and new listeners alike. This release is an ideal example to the innovative spirit of the genre.
Review: Joyhauser's In Memoro has been taken apart for a new selection of remixes on the Terminal M label. First up is Dutch legend Bart Skills with a rework of 'Wasted' that brings out the eerie late night vibes, layers in some flashy trance-tinged synths and lets the raw drums roll. flip it over and you'll find 'Bassdrone' remixed by Teenage Mutants. It's another cut that straddles several worlds - trance, techno and hard techno all come together here with dystopian energy, underlapping drum darkness and bright synths to get hands in the air.
Review: Charlotte de Witte returns with the 'Sanctum' EP, featuring vocals from Marion Di Napoli. Dropping just after Amsterdam Dance Event and before her all-night set at LA's City Market, the EP showcases de Witte's unique sound. Known for her dark, hard-hitting beats and trance-infused synths, she's reshaped the techno landscape, headlining global stages and earning millions of streams. The EP's title track, Sanctum, brings pulsating drums and acid-tinged synths, enhanced by Marion's ethereal vocals. Fourth Dimension blends hypnotic rhythms with soulful vocal loops, while Fugato offers a cinematic, ambient closer. Another standout release from this techno heavyweight.
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: Altone, an emerging talent in dub techno, delivers the Invincible Nature EP on Denmark's Echocord Records, a label revered for over two decades. The EP showcases Altone's knack for crafting deep soundscapes. Side-1 features 'Naturally Unnatural,' presenting two distinct takes: the first is sparse and minimal, epitomizing classic dub techno, while the second version is more techy and aggressive, adding an edge to the composition. Side-2 brings remixes of 'Unnaturally Balanced.' Thomas Fehlmann, a legendary producer, lends his expertise to the 'Naturally Flowing' remix, infusing it with a fluid, dynamic quality. The 'Another Channel' version rounds out the EP with a quintessential dub treatment, staying true to the genre's roots. Invincible Nature EP is a compelling showcase of versatility in dub techno and Echocord's enduring influence in the scene.
Review: Cabinet is a label that has already got a fine reputation and that has been well-deserved for its work over the years. Now it offers up a new EP from a new project by long-time friends and early Cabinet members Daniel Paul and DJ Trike. They are calling themselves Bass Cab and their vibe is, going off this first EP, classic early 90s analogue techno with live dub versions. 'G2' is a silky and frictionless dub that is as smooth as glass and perfect to get lost in. 'Lofi' has dusty deep house aesthetics with a lovely muted lead synth that voyages at its own pace through the cosmos. 'Dub Chords' brings a mix of twitchy synths, reverb, bouncing drums and rubbery bass.
Review: Raton has grown to be a quite an integral part of Drumcode as well as the underground at large and now after previously working on the likes of Ellum Audio he finds himself in the studio with techno bigwig, Adam Beyer. The pair cook up two versions of the same cut here. 'The Signal' (Night mix) is a dramatic cut with an epic baseline and space-age synth craft over chunky drums that are constantly on the rise. 'The Signal' (Day mix) is a much more melodic and light cut but has just as much low-end heft. Both of these tunes give you an insight into how big name DJs like this see techno working in different settings.
Review: Peaktime zoneouts from Rodhad and company; Crimson Rubeus is the first compilation on WSNWG to be curated by the techno titan, and hears eight rising bubblers of the scene contribute to a well-rounded octagonal sonic prism in double LP form. All circulating for months in demo form and as fixtures of Rodhad's sets across Europe, every track here - from the snappy synaptics of Nastia Reigel's 'Limit Y' to the non-duped beffudlery of O (phase)'s 'Exiting The Delusion' - drips with an aural crimson rouge; truly a hematophage's dream. Rodhad does the almost impossible here; squeezes blood from the stony style that is hypnotic techno.
Review: Five years on from his debut album, Portuguese techno stalwart Temuto is back with another longform demonstration of his formidable production style. Shapeless kicks off in no uncertain terms with the title track, which despite the name locks into a watertight formation of thundering rhythm section and pointed shards of dub techno. The precision sculpting and immersive atmospheres continue unabated across all four sides of this album, exploring different levels of textural intensity but never losing the fierce functionality you expect from a modern techno release.
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