Blueprint Vinyl & CDs

Review: Shlomi Aber & Kashpitzky join forces once again to make their Blueprint Records debut with four formidable techno tracks on the 'Sonic Underworld' EP. Sharing production duties on each side, Aber and Kashpitzky bring experience gleaned from prior releases on the likes of CLR, Drumcode, and BPitch Control - dropping clout like bombs - to this ultimate moment, on whose A-side we now hear 'Immersive' fusions of broken beat and far-flung techno atmospheres amount to a tittilating 'Saga'. The B-side's 'Rust' and 'Bazement' are equally as synthetic yet also hear the EP grow increasingly crazed, with the former indulging an entrained trance despite an equally adamant kick-drive, and the latter moving pure tweezy and swirly.

Review: Amorphic and Tendal's latest release on Blueprint Records is a masterclass in cutting-edge techno. 'AT1' opens the EP with a heavy sci-fi banger, combining dark, industrial energy with a driving beat that instantly grabs attention. 'AT2' follows with crisp production and a fine-tuned techno loop that brings a big, commanding sound, building on the intensity with a precise, polished rhythm. On the flip side, 'AT7' takes things darker and edgier, with pulsating, minimal beats that maintain a restrained elegance while growing more aggressive as the track progresses. It's a perfect balance of tension and sophistication. Closing out the EP, AT8 strips things down even further, embracing a more minimal approach that complements the earlier tracks while adding a touch of subtlety. The release showcases Amorphic and Tendal's talent for creating forward-thinking techno, with each track offering a unique blend of aggression, elegance and innovation.

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: Manchester-based Kerrie is a multi-disciplinary artist, incorporating live sets, DJing and running her label Dark Machine Funk. For this release, she returns to James Ruskin's esteemed Blueprint for another dose of straight-ahead techno cuts on the Transient Belief EP. The A-side kicks off with the visceral broken beat onslaught of the title track followed by the powerful peak time workout 'Night Walker'. Over on the flip, the futurist electro funk of 'Theta State' shows off the Irish producer's wide sonic repertoire, and finally she unleashes the hypnotic heads-down style fury of 'Find Your Tribe'.

Review: Chloe Lula's 'Torpor', released on Blueprint, delivers a dark and intense collection of techno tracks, each exploring a distinct sonic territory. Side-1 opens with 'Pattern Recognition', a heavy, deep techno track that feels ominous and otherworldly, creating an alien atmosphere with its pulsating rhythms. Following it is 'Recoil', a brooding, sinister track that blends deep basslines with a passive-aggressive energy, hinting at EBM influences to build a shadowy tension. On Side-2, 'Smiling In Slow Motion' stands out with its unsettling progression. It's like being caught in space turbulence, with a sci-fi aesthetic that grows darker and more nerve-wracking as the track unfolds, creating a haunting techno anthem. The EP closes with 'Magnesium', a deeper and more spacious production. Its heavy echo and subliminal drops provide a subtle, yet powerful undercurrent, showcasing great attention to production detail. Torpor is a gripping, shadowy EP that will appeal to listeners drawn to the darker, more atmospheric side of techno, all while maintaining a tight, high-quality sound throughout. This is definitely taking techno one step further.

Review: Rotterdam-born but Berlin-based producer delivers a killer techno odyssey, crafting a set of deep, cinematic club tracks with an ominous edge. 'Glimmerfall' beings with a subterranean energy, its pounding German beat driving through layers of dystopian synth textures. The raw, mechanical intensity evokes images of vast, industrial landscapes reminding us of classic Tresor-era James Ruskin. 'The Last Glow' follows with a relentless acid assaultiaggressive, hypnotic and unrelenting, its squelching 303s carving out an electrifying, high-pressure groove. Side-B dives into cinematic realms with 'X1 Shift', a track that feels like the soundtrack to a mysterious alien world. Pulsing bass and intricate sound design create a dramatic, tension-filled atmosphere, as if exploring the depths of an uncharted planet. Closing out, 'Synk C' is a stellar production with a killer groove and immersive depth enhanced by meticulous sound processing. It's a track that feels both expansive and tightly controlled, balancing dancefloor power with artistic precision. A dark, gripping record with serious sonic weight, this is techno built for the late hoursimenacing, sophisticated and ultimately unforgettable.