Cocoon Germany Vinyl & CDs

Review: 'Ascension' is the dramatic new techno EP from Riccardo De Polo, and a worthy addition to the discog born of Frankfurt's Cocoon Recordings crew. Though just three contrasting suites of airlocked and airborne ambiences come kick-pummellings, 'Ascension' bedazzles with its ability to evoke the theme of space exploration despite not ever uttering a word. Opener 'Ascension' is a fine exposition of alien smoke-outs and ambient bursts of gas, while follow-ups 'Wahnstimmung' and 'Inception' are the more danceable meats on the bone; cortical jams for intelligent exo-lifeforms.

Review: Raxon has gone from being a well known name on the local scene in Dubai to an international techno headliner with credits on huge labels like Ellum Audio and Cocoon, which is where returns now with more of his astral techno funk. 'Robotalia' is a mid tempo number. The synths are skewed and intimidating, the chords up top pixelated and the rising sense of tension there to ensure the floor goes off. 'Kryptonite' is a deeper cut with its own moody sense of menace, tumbling synth sequences and dramatic motifs that will be perfect for the main rooms of Ibiza this summer.

Review: Gregor Tresher is one of the artists who can say has just about completed techno. He's been at the top table for decades and always cooks up monstrous sounds that will slay any seized club. That he is now back on Sven Vath's Cocoon makes perfect sense as both are titans of the scene. He offers two direct and to the point tracks here - one on each side of this 12". 'Black Halo' channels the sort of intense energy and cosmic vibes you would expect of a tune with that title and on the flip, 'Phantom Dancer' is another irresistible techno tune awash with electric synth work and smart drum progmaming.

Review: ***B-STOCK: Box damaged, split sleeves, product in perfect working order***


You can always rely on the Cocoon compilations to bring you a high level of quality control and an authoritative overview of the state of techno around the time of release. This mammoth six-LP set will give you a lot of music to work with, and it's featuring a dizzying cast of high-end operators starting with the mighty Stephen Brown. Each track gets a side of vinyl to itself, serving as a kind of statement for how much faith the label put in each of these 12 tracks. Amongst the best on this top-drawer comp are Daniel Avery's metallic, spellbinding 'Your Future Looks Different In The Light' and Carl Finlow's lithe electro workout 'Surface Control', but as you might well expect each track is one you'll turn to again and again to give your mix some spice.

Review: Damiano von Erckert's debut on Cocoon Recordings delivers late summer magic with an EP that exudes soulful warmth and depth. 'Steam (Staub Mix)' is an infectious house groove, elevated by a sun-soaked Rhodes piano and a touch of jazz-like melancholy. Its playful arrangement is designed to lift spirits and be an ideal moment of dance floor euphoria. 'Das Was Not Around' takes a more introspective approach, with dreamy synths creating a deep, atmospheric vibe. Though reflective, the track radiates a quiet hopefulness, striking a balance between emotion and simplicity. 'Roh' pays homage to classic Chicago house with stripped-back rhythms and a raw, timeless energy. The track's precision and minimalist drumming give it a majestic quality, blending nostalgia with a forward-thinking edge. Finally, 'Fantazia 93' revives the euphoric spirit of 90s house, channeling Ibiza after-hours vibes with a fresh, modern twist. It's a sun-drenched journey that leaves you feeling revitalised, a perfect close to this excellent dance EP.