PIAS Vinyl & CDs

Review: Sheffielder Matthew Relton - initially known as Kidnap Kid, but now releasing as Kidnap - has been on quite a musical journey since first emerging as a boisterous garage and UK bass producer early last decade. His first full-length, 2020's Grow, showcased his maturation as an artist by focusing on songs and instrumentals that tended towards the tactile and picturesque. On this follow-up, he's leaned further into the "artist maturing" theme via a blend of picturesque songs (voiced by regular collaborator Ian Stannard, Gabrielle Apin and others') and ambient instrumentals shot through with yearning, oblique nostalgia, delicate instrumental arrangements and plenty of sweeping, cinematic chord sequences. It's not pop, per se, but it is hugely accessible with tons of crossover potential. Expect to see him on festival stages in the months and years ahead.

Review: After a three-year break, Swedish producer and DJ La Fleur is back with 'Vasen', her long-awaited debut album. The pandemic led her to pause her music career as she returned to Sweden from Berlin, putting her Pharmaceutical Science degree to work in Stockholm's hospitals. This significant life shift followed a decade of running her Power Plant label and accomplishments like being named Mixmag's breakthrough artist, releasing an Essential Mix, and performing at major festivals like Creamfields and Awakenings. During this hiatus, La Fleur reflected on her artistic direction through her challenging time. Originally planning to release her debut in 2020, she instead waited until the timing felt right. 'Vasen' is a sleek, emotionally resonant exploration of house and techno, a collection born from both personal and musical growth that finally feels ready for the world to experience.

Review: Frankfurt's Gregor Tresher returns with his first album in eight years. The 16-track LP offers up his famously dynamic techno sound and rich synth designs with element of dance floor clout underpinning each tune. From his beginnings in Frankfurt's 90s techno scene to collaborations with icons like Depeche Mode, Moby and Extrawelt, Tresher's career has been marked by critically acclaimed releases and False Gods is one of his most ambitious projects yet. It's an accomplished and introspective journey through modern electronic music enriched by collaborations with some notable friends.