ECHO LTD Vinyl & CDs

Review: Dutch artist Frenk Dublin is evidently a master of minimalism and sublimation, with his new EP for Echo Ltd. here somehow managing to convey abyssal levels of depth, all while not seeming to reveal too much or indulge too many complex parts. It's this paradox that rests at the heart of dub techno; like dubstep, the trick is to emphasise weight and space, while layering things subtly enough not to betray the mystery. It's a well-deserved release for the esteemed label, following up priors on Dub Communication and Planet Rhythm. The most polished gem? 'Static Dub', which uniquely blends both high and low chord stabs, and gets them to take up wholly different rhythm- and freqspace.

Review: The eleventh in an ongoing series from Rotterdam's Echo Ltd., these numbered 7"s bring together many an unknown artist - the crucial factor being whether said artists can muster the subtlety of a highly particular, brilliantly beatific brand of dub techno via dubstep. Another link in the chain of a serial concatenation of steppers stamps, Dutch analog dub producer and label owner Frenk Dublin joins the ranks of SND, RTN and many more unknown artists here for a four-song sea's worth of salubrious texturisers, all duly marked by the patented heat-knifed hazes first deployed in the dance by Maurice Von Oswald and company. Dublin moves increasingly exploratory here, with closer 'The Ancient Order' sounding like the polyatomic movements of a probing deep-sea vessel sent to explore Atlantis.

Review: Frenk, not Frank, Dublin (make sure you remember) delivers his second techno-dub-ish EP for Echo Ltd., following hot on the heels of last year's 'Echo Ltd. 007' EP. Whereas the prior outing was comparatively muted, as faded in sound as a miragic lighthouse only periodically peeking its light-rotations through the mist (also check out the goes-without-saying contribution to the label in between that one and this, from titanic genre domineers SND and RTN), the likes of 'Unseen World', 'The Creator' and 'Pharoah Dub' here veer into snappier and increasingly minimally-techy territory, adding both extra immediacy and rhythm to the mix. The tracks prove the many-faced versatility of the dub techno sound, not to mention its ability to segue almost unnoticeably between 4x4 and halfstep patterns. As usual, Dublin leaves the best till last, with '4th Hour' fleshing out the stab textures for a sliding, almost gut-scooping low-mid weight.

Review: South Africa-born, United States-based Brendon Weller is one of dub techno's finest modern day practitioners. he has been endlessly exploring the form for years but never falls short of fresh ideas. Here he offers up his latest 12" on EchoLTD. It begins with 'Rescue Me' which is smoky, deep and atmospheric with rattling hits and chords submerging you way beneath the surface.A'YassQueen' then taps into an orignal dub ethos with rumbling bass and heady harmonica sounds floating amongst wispy pads. 'Scorching' stays fully horizontal and is a vast empty space with patient bass and drums and 'How Love Is Your Deep' ends with another heady exploration of empty space and slow motion rhythm.

Review: SND & RTN show their class here with a set of six sublime dub techno cuts that have been pressed to nice solver and heavyweight vinyl. There is nothing groundbreaking about the music here but what is done is done to an exceptionally high standard. The sound designs are faultless, from the bottomless bass to the pilot kick drums via the way in which their fizzing chords do nimble dances over the face of each tune. Some lean into the wind, some are utterly horizontal, all are great.

Review: SND & RTN's ECHOLTD 010 marks a milestone as the tenth release on their label, delivering four tracks of sublime dub techno. Standouts include 'Starlight' enchants with its mid-tempo pace, featuring light and airy soundscapes complemented by deep bass notes and crisp production. 'World Between Worlds' offers a slow-churning, deep gem characterised by beautiful analog vibrations that immerse the listener in its rich textures. This release exemplifies the duo's mastery in crafting atmospheric techno, balancing intricate rhythms with profound depth. An essential listen for dub techno enthusiasts.