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: 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'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.