REM Italy Vinyl & CDs

Review: For many artists the world over, the Castlevania anime, game and manga franchise is a huge source of inspiration. What's not to love about superhuman vampires and vampire hunters represented in gothic anime style? Here the UK producer Richer dedicates his latest EP for REM/Voyage to the series, by way of a four-track trans-Sylvanian-formation, through haunting self-dubbed vocals, eerily emulant gothic new wave percussions, and phasers set to a discernibly house and techno stun. Best on this bloodthirsty haul has to be the alternate take of 'Delomelanicon', which, through its preternatural pad harmonics and faint chain rattling sounds, plays back with the same sense of mistily cloaked drama as is best conveyed in a first edition copy of Bram Stoker's Dracula.

Review: Omar Garcia's synth enchantment is a great invitation to get lost on a dancefloor. He has been perfecting his craft on his trusted machines since 1997 and has always been influenced by the electronic landscapes of 1980s Italy. Now, Ultron unveils his latest EP, which is another testament to his unmatched expertise. This release elegantly blends vibrant energy with mesmerising melodies and makes for a delicate balance of intensity and allure. There is a timelessness to his beats, as well as hints of electro, disco and Italo, all of which add to their lasting impact.