KR3 Vinyl & CDs

Review: There is a murky underworld feel to these new techno sounds from Ireen Amnes. They come on the cultured KR3 label and soon hook you in as 'Images Of Us' is both deep and moody but dynamic and impactful. 'Surrounded' flips the script with more industrial drums and an unsettling sense of urgency then 'October' daisy it back to cavernous dub 'scapes with lonely vocal musings. 'KTO' brings lithe broken beats and 'I'd Rather Be Sleeping' is a suspenseful ambient sound.

Review: 'Power Starved/Human Waste' is as scary to hear as it is to read the track title. As far as album openers go, it certainly sets the scene vividly. A dark, dystopian, murky futurism where people - or at least their ears - listen from beneath the boot of oppressive forces, inaudible vocals echoing and expanding, reverberating and dissipating into a distance we can never really hear because of how forceful foregrounded sounds are. Industrial, EBM, noise, elektro-punk. There are many ways to describe what's here but they all point to a 21st Century cloaked in darkness and anxiety. The irony, of course, is that this is a very human expressionism, despite the harsh machines that seem to dominate the soundscapes. The distorted screams and thumping bass drums of 'Safety Net' perfectly summarise the point.

Review: A journey through dark, futuristic techno. The opening track, 'Para El Conjunto De Las Esferas', is a melodic, high-energy builder that sets the tone with its heavy beat and a rising sense of anticipation. 'Verdugo Del Rey' follows with tribal, mechanical rhythms, creating a gritty, intense atmosphere driven by dark, industrial beats. On Side-2, things begins with 'Morador De La Oscuridad', a sci-fi-inspired track that takes a hold the listener in otherworldly, atmospheric sounds, evoking a sense of deep space exploration. The title track, 'El Retorno De Saturno', brings in dub elements and swirling techno textures, creating a dramatic yet reserved vibe. The balance between its atmospheric qualities and tightly controlled energy makes it a standout piece, offering both mystery and power. Overall, 'El Retorno De Saturno' EP blends complex, layered sounds with a sense of space and movement, making it a compelling listen for fans of experimental techno.

Review: Reeko helps the KR3 label continues its anniversary celebrations here with a new EP that allows on from his recent remix outing here. His take on techno is nuanced and more than just physical. 'Para El Conjunto De Las Esferas ' has an underlapping rhythm that hypnotises while backlit pads hint at celestial energy. 'Verdugo Del Rey' is more raw like a bit of heavy machinery in meltdown and 'Morador De La Oscuridad' has a fizzing static twist and industrial tinge to the atmosphere. 'El Retorno De Saturno' brings things to a close with a slow, menacing and dubbed out prowler.