Mote Evolver

Review: More than any other UK techno producer, Luke Slater has remained at the cutting edge. This is partly due to his ability to make forward-thinking music, but as this new series demonstrates, he also possesses an uncanny knack for pairing off with other inspired artists. "Gated" is vintage PAS material from the 90s, its distorted rhythm lent a housey bias here thanks to Ben Sims' superb remix. It's hard to believe that "Dungeon", available here in its original format, dates back to 1997, as its bleepy, tunneling groove and its 'swarm of bee' hums make for exactly the kind of hypnotic sounds that many modern producers try - and fail - to emulate. Completing this excellent release is a dry, tribal version of "Dunegon" by O [Phase] from Token.

Review: UK don Luke Slater returns with the fourth instalment of Deep Heet. The last edition released in 2012 on his esteemed Mote Evolver imprint is recognised by those that know as some of the most reliable techno tools in recent years: who can forget the sinister hypnotism of "Flat Tire": what a classic! You can bet there's yet more austere and ergonomic tracks for serious DJ use on offer here. Starting off with the driving and cyclical grunt of "Desert Races", then the tunnelling and trance inducing bell melody of "Life Rhythm" representing the A side. On the flip, the full throttle intergalactic charge of Random Kingdom and the dystopian minimalism of "Lazer Organical" which would make even Mike Parker stand up and notice! Slater is still without doubt one of the most singular talents in techno, respect!

Review: The title of this release could sum up Steve Rachmad's diverse career. From the deep techno of the early Sterac releases through the widescreen electro of Sterac Electronics and the tougher projects like Scorp, he has brought his expertise and finesse to a range of styles. For this outing on Luke Slater's label, the Dutch artist remains in harder territory. "Stroke 1" sees clipped drums underpin a dark, ebm bass, while "Stroke 2" explores this sound in more depth, as a grinding low end is fused with hissing percussive ticks. "Stroke 3" and "Stroke 4" return to more typical Sterac territory, with swaggering rhythms unfolding to the sound of bubbly bass tones and dubbed out drums.