Review: Fourth part of the compilation celebrating the tenth anniversary of the Milanese record shop. This collection is entirely composed of previously unreleased music, exclusively produced for the occasion by many artists of great relevance in the worldwide music scene, who supported the store over the last ten years.
This EP features Ellen Allien, Kreggo, Timeslip89, Itinerant Dubs and Heith.
Review: Picnic tends towards flaunting the eclecticism of the British underground, standing in stark opposition to conformity. B Love, Rokko, Mathijs Smit and Herra come through for their latest V/A here, each with their own unique style and flavour to the four-way table - whether they work in deep house, techno, or the cheekier side of speed-garage-ambient. As 'Thumb Milk' says in the pre-drop moment of pause: "do what you feel, when you feel like it". Such is the exact feel of this EP, from the idyllic chordwork of Rock's 'Sunset Frequency' to the organic organry of 'Going Backwards'.
Happy707 - "Where Does That Noise Come From" (4:28)
Review: Menacing EBM and dark synth billows from a Netherlands hinterland; our heralds speak of an esoteric encampment by the name of Espectro Oculto, said to be the remote incantators of an unstoppable curse in sound. Six shadowy emissaries have been sent to spread the pestilence; Trenton Chase, Martial Canterel, DJ Nephil, Exhausted Modern, Fragedis and Happy707. Clearly, the faction have recruited only the best, trusted and yet most nefarious of spies from as far-flung regions as Czechia and Argentina in the administering of such a sordid sonic plague. We're left most quivery at the centrifugal doom drones of Exhausted Modern's 'Fear Of Focus', across whose breakdown banshees are heard wailing and snarling, and Fragedis' 'Landing In Reality', a lo-fi techno freakout and sonochemical anomaly, channeling militant two-way radio samples and hellish FM synthesis.
Review: The Distorsion camp offers up its first sampler as a way of teasing you with the sort of quality sounds and artists it has on its roster. First up is a three-way collab between Citybox, Hankook & Orebeat whose 'Dangerous Changes' is an intense breakbeat workout for the peak time. Orebeat & Alex Clubbers keep the energy levels high and inject early 00s video-game style synths, Orebeat & Citybox keep it dark and raw with 'Gangsta' and Orebeat & JottaFrank laced up their thrilling breaks with acid lines and sleazy vocals on "Noche De Paris.' This is potent stuff for strobe-lit floors.
Review: Zodiak Commune Records kicks off a new series dedicated to cutting-edge electro with The Electro Guide 1 featuring four artist at the top of their game. Dust Devices opens proceedings with 'Strain & Reason' which is built on searing acid lines and kinetic drum programming, all with a turbulent cosmic bent. Norwell's 'Clang' los down a little so the manic acid has room to shine and Human Behind Pluto then comes through with the occult pairing of mysterious flirting keys and kicking electro drums on 'Talisman.' G303's 'Riverbank Telescopes' closes with a barrage of breakbeats and prickly 303 madness.
Review: There is some serious electro talent on this new EP from Fanzine, starting with now US-based, UK-favourite Carl Finlow. His machines are in fine fettle once more as crisp, kicking electro rhythms are overlaid with bright, silvery, pixelated melodic fireworks on the sublime 'Organoiods'. Hoax Believers get more gritty with the sheet metal snares and in-your-face arps of 'Short Circuit' while Sound Synthesis offers something moody and unsettling on their 'Vertex43'. Univac will make your eyes water with the abrasive textures of 'H Beat.'
Review: After a low-key but high-quality outing on a white label project via Delsin, Spanish artist Annie Hall now makes a full appearance on the legendary Dutch label. This EP reflects her eclectic take on electronica, IDM and electro, as well as betraying a love of Detroit-inspired atmospheres. 'Divergent Thinker' journeys at pace on jittery broken beats with reflective cosmic keys and balmy pads. 'Managing Nothing' is a little more anxious and unsettling, but with lovely bendy synth lines and intricate drum programming and 'Ability To Multitask' then ups the ante with some snappy broken beats and gorgeous melodies. 'Practical Optimism' shuts down with rubbery, elastic bass and future-facing vibes.
Review: London-based label Natural Selection returns with a new 12" EP titled Atomic 20 by Madrid-born Annie Hall, featuring remixes from Plant43 and Kodah. Hall, a key figure in the Electronica and IDM scenes since 2007, brings her distinct sound back to the label, having released on notable imprints like Central Processing Unit and Detroit Underground. Atomic 20 balances hypnotic, ethereal pads with deep, aggressive bass and precise percussion, showcasing Hall's eclectic, experimental approach. The B-side features two club-focused remixes: Plant43's rework of 'Goji Berry' and label head Kodah's powerful remix of the title track, ensuring dancefloor impact.
Review: Annie Hall has been on a blinding run of late, appearing on the likes of 20:20 Vision, CPU and many other bastions of quality modern electro. Now she's landing on Orson with another four track which spell out why she's one of the most essential talents in the contemporary scene, laying down a captivating MO on 'Kellner' in which the kinetic rhythmic elements are offset by some frankly staggering synth sweeps. 'Nagler' keeps the drums tightly packed while exploring a parallel universe of atmospheric textures, and 'Erfle' dips into a pool of nervy lead blips with an almost jazzy quality. 'Plossi' rounds things off with some of the most expressive synthesis on the whole record, confirming Hall's distinctive qualities as an artist bringing something fresh to the well-worn electro template.
Review: Elusive techno silhouette Yaleesa Hall drops three new ones for their very own co-run Dutch label Will & Ink (alongside fellow artist Malin Genie). High-tempo techno and electro with the occasional sprinkling of EBM essence, this trio of tunes are as jackhammery as they are dreamy, with 'Newman' providing the gloomy foretaste; 'Shanks' the dreamy, electrified meat-on-the-bone; and 'Williams' the rapturous coda.
Review: Yaleesa Hall's track record over nearly 10 years is nigh-on flawless, evolving to form an integral part of the Dutch techno and electro stable Will & Ink with release upon release of inspired edginess from the dark and sticky shadows of machine music. That's as true as it ever was on this latest Will & Ink drop, which follows four variations on an excursion into pneumatic, taut electro loaded with weapons-grade bass throb and bolstered by iron cladding. There's detail and dynamic sound design fizzing in and out of every bar, and that's where the magic lies on this latest transmission from one of the best doing it right now.
Review: Casper Hastings is neither a ghost nor from Hastings. He is an electronic innovator from Ireland who has built up a fine catalogue on the likes of TXTRL and Sticky Ground. He is back on the Yin Yang label here with another high class assault that draws on electro, jungle and techno. Opener 'Tangerine Meme' sets the scene with crisp drum programming and snappy drum breaks underpinned by warped acid. 'Reaper' is as menacing as the title suggests with more direct, punchy electro and Peder Mannerfelt flips it into a surging wall of techno. 'Ruthless Romance's a devastating edge of breaks-driven jungle and 'Good Medicine' has bleeping synths over wobbly low ends and caustic drum funk.
Review: It's not a scam... it's Skam! To the Skam sister label Kasm comes Russell Haswell with a mitre-sawing electro release, veering toward brash abstraction. A gobby intonation is wrought from the distortion send here, where drums near-vocally poke through the muck, like rambunctious talking ghosts in machines. Warring allusions to lost humanity take shape on titles like 'Fractured Bones' and 'Tournament Species', where cyborg gladiators rise from their catacomb internments to face off against each other again and again, in haunted perpetuity. 'Different Takes' is the best example of the record's at times tempoless ferocity, scattering what remains as an intuitive pulse across phase-distorted gargles and made-wonky beat hydraulics.
Review: Hauff's highly anticipated debut on Tresor, and it's as strikingly original as you'd expect. The title track, 'Multiplying My Absurdities', opens with a slow build of magnetic synths and acid drops that seem to pulsate with playful skepticism. It's simple yet gripping, pulling you into a dark, hypnotic space where the unexpected becomes beautiful. 'Punks in the Gym' takes the energy up a notch, drawing inspiration from a notorious Australian climbing route. The track climbs relentlessly, each bar steeper than the last, with 303-driven tremors building into a volcanic eruption of sound. It's a relentless ride that doesn't let up, pushing you to the limits. Closing out the release, 'Humanoid Fruit' ventures even deeper into the unknown. Its prehistoric soundscape, full of sharp synth bursts, feels like a chaotic journey through ancient lands where acid rain falls from the sky. Dark, eerie and transporting, this track leaves a lasting impression.
Review: SQNC's debut release on Sequence Records delivers an electrifying clash of styles. Hearthug's playful energy opens the A-side with 'Beep Blump Beep (Sex Mix)', a bouncy track that effortlessly commands the dancefloor. 'Moonrush (Original Mix)' follows, taking a more acidic approach while maintaining that signature groove that's undeniably infectious. On the B-side, Cybercafe - Adam Dirk'heim's brainchild - establishes its cybernetic identity. 'Hyperdrive' is an immersive experience with deep kicks and distorted synths, creating a pulsating rhythm that draws listeners in. 'Katorza' takes things further with a retro-futuristic edge, adding a hypnotic energy that makes it perfect for late-night sets. It's a dynamic fusion of playfulness and intensity, showcasing the unique approaches of both artists while setting the tone for Sequence Records' future. This release is full of depth and dancefloor potential, marking the start of something exciting for the label.
Review: Yay Recordings closes out another solid 12 months with a various artists' EP that showcases right where the label is at. Heavy Mental kicks off with 'Dabro', a colourful and loopy house jaunt for sunny days. Twowi's 'Metaverse' takes off to the cosmos on lithe electro rhythms with ice-cold beats and widescreen pads. Parchi Pubblici & Lucretio's 'Aladdin Sane' brings some wonky deep tech vibes with of-balance drums and muffled spoken words and Rinaldo Makaj closes down with a fresh party sound perfect for cosy floors. There's plenty of variety here, which makes this a great addition to your bag.
Review: YUYAY Records chief Robyrt Hecht from Leipzig presents the label's next release in the form of Yskayan Knowledge, an extended EP featuring some intelligent takes on the electro sound. There's bass heavy computer funk as heard on 'Don't Sell Our Knowledge' and some minimal night moves for showroom dummies ('Earnings') on side A, while over on the flip there's the mandatory futurist epic in the form of 'Exploitation/Liquidation'.
Review: Sheffield's Hedge Maze is back with Riding The Wave EP, a great 12" that is drenched in distortion and grime. 'Strukku's Beat' kicks off with thick, slimy textures and vocals fragmented like blunt objects that evoke raw anguish. The title track intensifies with relentless beats, static-dipped drums, and haunting melodies, and as things progress, Hedge Maze refines his sound into a serrated syrup with 'Zown Spirit,' where ruffled rhythms play off with distant echoes and reverb. 'O X O (Zero Times Zero)' maintains the eerie aura with filtered textures, while 'Over and Out' closes the EP with post-punk gloom, featuring raw vocals and trademark distortion.
Review: Let's get a few things clear before we start. This Heinrich Dressel is not the same German archeologist Heinrich Dressel who studied under the great Theodor Mommsen in Berlin during the late-mid 1800s. He is, however, the Rome-born electronic producer who takes a massive lead from the funky, glittering, but subtly chilling horror movie scores of the 1970s and 1980s, crafting highly detailed but lo-fi feeling tracks that are packed with pastiche but never parody.
Promenade is his latest effort, and instantly captures (or creates) the atmosphere this producer is best-known for. At a time when this end of synth wave has experienced a huge resurgence thanks to successive movie soundtracks that took a lead from the aforementioned era, not to mention TV series like Stranger Things, this couldn't be more appropriate, and what makes it so essential is that authenticity in audible - feeling like it belongs, rather than simply riding a bandwagon.
Review: Bordello A Parigi is back with more of their sublime electro jams this time from Heinrich Dressel. The EP kicks off with 'Galatograd', a slow and steady jam with shimmering chords and lazy baselines. 'Eden Olympia' then picks up the pace a little with still skill drums and celestial keys that take you on a jaunt through the cosmos. 'Remoria' brings many layers of lush and futuristic synth work and timeless electro rhythms that are comforting and subtly celebratory and 'Mylos' shuts down this most lovely EP with another classy sound.
Review: A five-track EP of pure dancefloor bangers from Hermeth, the enigmatic Valencian-raised, Swiss-based artist. It's a potent blend of breakbeat, techno, house and dubstep, showcasing Hermeth's signature sound - a dynamic fusion of styles that defies categorisation. Tracks like 'Bababoy' and 'Fvck War' are guaranteed to ignite dancefloors with their infectious energy and pulsating rhythms, while '10Min' and 'P*ta Que Pariu' delve into deeper, more hypnotic territories. The EP also features a remix from Ben Pest, adding another dimension to Hermeth's already captivating sound, and with its blend of saturated breaks and ghetto vibes, this release is a must-have for those who like their music raw, energetic and undeniably funky.
Review: Uruguay has been a low-key hotspot for new school techno and house for sometime. Adding its own voice into the mix for the first time here is new label Ascendancy with a debut EP from Arturo Hernzama. 'Charamusca' is tough, industrial but also astral tech with stark hits and motorised bass. 'Pichikatero' is a little more loose with wonky basslines and shimmering sci-fi synths. There is a spaced-out and trance-inducing magic to the thumping beats of 'Chucaro' and 'Break Manada' closes on a fresh and crisp broken beat.
Review: Detroit-born but now based in Thailand, Scott Hess returns to show his enduring Motor City class with Redlight Bangkok Vol. 3, a third instalment of his vinyl-only series on Adeen. This one opens up with 'En Bloom' which is a Miami bass-inspired jam with crisp kicks and icy cold 808s. Rocco Universal's remix is more deep and house-leaning with some magnificent melodies then on the B-side, 'Whitelight' gets more twisted with elastic bass and snappy percussion. 'Untitles' is a cosmic journey with a funky guitar and dreamy chorus and last of all comes the smooth and serene, chord-laced soundscapes and fathom deep grooves of ''Untitles' which is a classy late-night sound.
Review: Although he rarely speaks about the project in public, His Master's Voice is the itechno alias of underground deep house producer (and sometime Raw Soul label contributor) Jaines Bomt. Carry On In My name sees the shadowy German producer return to Delsin for the first time in nearly three years. There's plenty to set the pulse racing throughout, from the breathlessly up-tempo, broken techno rhythms and filthy analogue bass of 'Lotek' and the '90s ambient techno-influenced deep space wooziness of 'Lion', to the Motor City electro-futurism of 'Bassline' and the Autechre-at-their-most-melodic flex of 'Carry On In My Name'.
Review: Remarkably, 13 months have now passed since Just Waxx debuted via a pleasingly nostalgic, early Motor City techno-inspired EP from Terms. This belated follow-up is undoubtedly long overdue. It comes from the mysterious Hitch, who deftly showcases his, her or their love of raw analogue lead lines, classic drum machine beats, trippy TB-303 motifs and driving bass on throbbing opener 'Gran Torino'. Belgian rave king Innershades remixes, delivering a more 'straight' retro-futurist techno take. Over on side B, 'Hannibal' is another slab of tense dancefloor moodiness full of creepy chords, crispy beats and EBM inspired synth stabs, while 'Delorean' is bass-heavy, spacey, and packed to the rafters with sharp, minor-key synth melodies.
Review: Hiver have a solid ten years of releases behind them for labels like Curle, Vidab and Fides, but now they're making the move to Peggy Gou's Gudu for a trip into celestial tech house of the highest order. This is sparkling, fantasy acid house with a slant towards glistening cascades of synth work reaching for euphoric peaks. There's a steadfast sense of melancholy folded into these tracks, whether it's the yearning string pads hovering over 'Dream Universe' or the augmented chords hovering over 'Purple Phaze'. 'Lodash' has an electro-disco tint and 'Higher Space' takes a slick approach to 90s stabs, rounding out a stadium-sized house record that fits right in on Gudu.
Review: Will Hofbauer returns to Wisdom Teeth for another addition to the label's Hessle-esque vision for the fleshing out the more playful side of 'bassy techno'. Hofbauer is a firm fixture and favourite of the sort of quasi-underground UK DJ circuit that has cut the teeth of the likes of Moxie, Rhythm Section, OK Williams and Ben UFO - and these four new ones are bound to cement that favour, with bare-essentials bits like 'Subtracing The Egg' blending with mischievous audio-hijinks like 'Hiccups' for a humorous, yet no less powerful EP.
Review: Super Rhythm Trax is celebrating ten years in operation in 2024. The acid music focused label has been renowned for the excellent music they have put out. Hannah Holland's Satisfy EP is their latest and now their 41st release in total. Hannah has got really good at making people dance thanks to being Adonis's resident DJ and she shows on this record that she can also produce very well too. All four of these tracks exude strong Chicago 80s classic acid sounds. Dark, driving, percussion heavy acid stompers. The first track is uncompromised by overproduction while instead, favors a rawer machine sequence. Label head Jerome Hill's remix of 'She's Giving Cray' is a great alternate version, 'Satisfy' is an outstanding track that deserves top billing for this EP with a unique piano hook. Not to be outdone, 'Roller' does what the name suggests. An excellent B-side. An acid influenced house record that perfectly bridges an old skool vibe while bringing a new direction to the sound. We can see why this got the Super Rhythm Trax stamp of approval! Only 100 copies, so act quick.
Review: Kenny Hooper is a fresh talent from one of the true meccas of electro, Detroit. He's stated his place in the city's storied machine funk narrative with Detroit Orbiter Vol. 1, and you can absolutely hear the Cybotron and Model 500 influences coming through on strident opener 'Deeper'. This is electro drawing from the roots of the sound, working the artist's personality into the music for the perfect cybernetic hybrid with benefit of modern-day production and its undeniable impact. Fun, funky as hell and serious where it counts, this is the real deal - Hooper's destined for great things, no doubt.
Review: Belgium's history with electro is almost as rich as that of the Motor City, so this coming together of Detroit native Kenny Hooper and the Elypsia Records label is a fine one. It marks Hooper's debut release on the label and is one EP of three-part series that shows off his serious skills. Cybotron and Model 500 influences abound, of course, with fresh cyborg funk, slick contemporary production and a mix of grooves from driving and cosmic to more physical and banging. The tight drums and freaky vocals of 'Encrypted' are a particular highlight for us.
Review: Belgian label Elypsia continues its love affair with Kenny Hopper on this third volume of his Detroit Orbiter series. He is a new school Motor City talent with a sound that pays homage to the legendary Mid-Western musical hotbed. 'One Journey Outbox' is a high-speed electro workout with nutty basslines and free-form hits that cannot fail to cut the club loose. There's more physicality to the kinetic kicks of 'Elliptical Orbit' while 'Wishing Pon A Star' goes for a deeper and more introspective sound with delicate melodies. 'Soul Journey' closes out with a totally different look - deep rolling house and beautiful synth melodies over jazzy chords.
Review: Phillip Lauer has been impressive form in recent years, delivering typically driving, melodic and left-of-centre blends of cascading nu-disco, intergalactic techno and shimmering deep house for the likes of Beats in Space and Running Back. Here, he joins forces with little brother Jacob under the Hotel Lauer alias. Pleasingly, Brudis is a predictably strong EP, flitting between raw, acid-flecked 808 electro (the excellent "Smend"), Italo-influenced Detroit futurism (the deliciously sci-fi soaked dancefloor release of "QD", which comes replete with reliably cheap-sounding melodies), and thumping, late night hypnotism (the decidedly bassy, rolling groover that is "Calcit").
Mare Imbrium (Raoh alternate remix - part 2) (7:00)
Mare Nectaris (The Mechanical Man Night View) (6:28)
Review: GIM Records is a brand new label that makes a superb start to life with this debut release. It's a limited edition EP from the Italian pair 'HP' or House Pleasure. They offer up three effortlessly cosmic grooves that take us on a trip through the stars. There is a motorik kick to 'Mare Imbrium' (part 1) that starts off in sleek fashion with delightful melodic patterns, then 'Mare Vaporum' has a more broken beat with rubbery bass and funky lo-fi and dry hi hats akin to the Mood Hut crew. 'Mare Nectaris' is star-gazing deep house with dusty aesthetics and dreamy chord work. The two remixes head off into ambient and then deep dub territory. Deffo a label to watch on this evidence.
Review: Swiss label Creaked has decided to give over a full 12" to remixes of HRDVISION's 'Captivated Heart' and the results are varied and impressive. It is the cultured electronica of Nathan Fake that kicks things off with some widescreen synth drones, She Spells Doom then brings some twitchy tech house and Shanx goes for something laced with alien effects, gurgling synths and swampy beats. Efemme brings some acid laced minimal funk and Sinistarr brings compelling broken rhythms and icy urban metropolis vibes. HRDVISION himself also steps up with a Hrdvsiovsiivosvsiosvin remix to close out in mad fashion.
Review: By now, at least one dimension of the electro genre has turned out so misanthropic that one of its keystone artists has called itself Human Rebellion - as if to suggest humanity is the exception, not the rule. With the artist now debuting on Hilltown Disco after a wonderful eight EPs so far, this one hears the so far faceless bot push themselves to 'Outer Limits' by way of a waspish bluebottle buzz line, then break through the proverbial 'Magnetic Field' to revelatory effect: deep pulse leads and firm kicks, awash in a sense of broken-free elation. 'Endless Day' and 'Exploration' harken the B-side, dystopi-fying the proceedings through a relative industrial feel, implying a robot crackdown on human insurgency. The former has a brilliant breakdown, with a short cyborg monologue opining, railing against guinea pig-style entrapment: "I want to get out if this experiment. Aren't there enough testable subjects...?"
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