Crystal Ceremony Vinyl & CDs

Review: French modular wizards Atomic Moog step up the Transmigration sub-label Crystal Ceremony here for some otherworldly and psychedelic techno sounds. 'Variable Pulse' kicks off with some low key deep tech sound and rumbling bass that are topped with sci-fi details. 'Brainwave' then has more wispy synth details lashing about over an aquatic dub the no rhythm. 'Model' is slow, purposeful deep techno for heady moments and last of all is the Konduku remix of 'Brainwave' which is minimal, kinetic and full of pent-up funky.

Review: Black Merlin aka George Thompson is a veteran producer who makes a debut on the Transmigration sub label Crystal Ceremony and soon shows his class. First up is 'Morphik Uniform' with its wispy pads and supple minimal drums saving as a vehicle for interplanetary travel. 'Distance' is a bumpier ride as the broken kick patterns make you move while heavenly pads bring softness up top. There is a mind-melting Millsian element to 'Makio' than burrows deep into the darkest corners of the cosmos and 'Aft Xt' then ends in a hurry with unrelenting drums bubbling away beneath pulsating synths.