Minimal / Tech House Recommendations January 2012

Review: Pal SL returns with another highly playable yet artist orientated 12" from L.D.Nero (aka Alex Cortex) who returns to the label after a nine year hiatus. His fantastically received Nite Out 12" for sister label Trelik showcased the more subtle depths of his production style whereas "Washback" grabs the bull buy the horns with an infectious analogue bassline, bold upfront percussion patterns alongside Perlon-esque guitars and organic synth washes. "Simple" picks up the pace with a more mathematical soundscape, driving the speakers whilst teasing with intermittent vocals. "Give Credit" completes the package tipping its hat to the early UK acid sound showcasing retro sound design, lo-fi vocals and historic drum loops against a deep synth and bass back-drop. Mastered By Lopazz.

Review: In the fine tradition of Border Community, Luke Abbott comes correct with this selection of winsome techno designed to tug at the heartstrings through heavy deployment of gently detuning synths. "Brazil" in both its incarnations here shimmers with the hazy charm you expect form Mr Abbott, while "Grumble" has a real edge to it thanks to some wilful distortion. The krautrock tendencies of Etienne Jaunet's remix makes it our pick of the two (admittedly sublime) tweaks, although the Gold Panda version is well worth checking too.