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: Midway through 2021, Sven Vath delivered his first single in well over five years, the squelchy, warming and melodious goodness of 'Feiern'. Here he begins 2022 in style via a two-track missive that's every bit as rushing whilst opting for a more abrasive, angular and foreboding sound. 'Mystic Voices' is particularly potent, with its combination of panicked TB-303 acid motifs, throbbing electronics and emotive chords recalling the majesty of Orbital circa the Brown Album. Flipside 'Butoh', meanwhile, is a much more hushed affair, with long, atmospheric ambient build ups dropping into dark techno grooves, pots and pans percussions and more high-register, Orbital style electronic flourishes.