Distant Worlds

Review: Glasgow's Stephen Lopkin follows his fantastic album on M>O>S with The Imitator EP, a tongue-in-cheek tribute to the golden era of techno. 4 tracks covering a broad range of styles from Detroit to the classic UK sound of the 90s. Serene electronics abound though every track packs a considerable punch making this EP as at home for home listening as it is for packing out the dancefloor. Fans of Derrick May, Carl Craig, Balil and Kevin Saunderson are sure to find something here to prick up their ears.

Review: Following sterling entries from Derek Carr, John Shima and Mihail P, Distant Worlds reaches out to Perseus Traxx for a demonstration of the emotional heft and utopian optimism that classic techno promises in its most compelling moments. This is relatable, familiar territory, but executed with finesse beyond the reach of the average producer. "A New Mystery" is bathed in swirling synth tones as elegant as they are moving, while "Simulacra" places a bold square wave riff front and centre for an impactful deep techno meditation. "Circumstantial" reframes the same rich melodic approach in a frantic chassis of snapping beats darting around the grid with playful glee, and then "The Map Is Not The Territory" applies the same logic to a mystical but rhythmically charged trip into the netherworld of machine soul.