SK Eleven Vinyl & CDs

Review: Phil Berg drops a new one, 'Raid', via Setaoc Mass' SK Elevent imprint, seguing through four teeth-gritty techno numbers of the utmost immediacy and expediency. Like the immaculate inner workings of a giant snake-mech, hell-bent on seeking out and nullifying all lifeforms in its path, comes the mathematic undulations of 'Y-Axis' and the toothily electric acid zaps of 'Raid', while B-sider 'Kamino' gears us up for a final standoff with the beast. Finally, 'Sinara' hears the mech vanquished, leaving room for some meditatively serene padwork, though the drums stay ever-present, keeping us hot on our toes for potential future encounters of the same sort.

Review: Since emerging at the beginning of the last decade, Berlin-based Spaniard Kwartz (real name Mario Campos) has become a reliable source of dark, atmospheric, clandestine techno. He specialises in combining dense, thickset grooves with mildly creepy melodic motifs, minor-key riffs and bags of unabashed energy. All those sonic traits can be clearly heard on his latest EP, which marks Campos's first vinyl outing for two years. We're particularly enjoying the panicked urgency of 'Fast Focus' and the entrancing heaviness of 'Impulse', where weirdo electronics and echoing melodic loops catch the ear, but all four cuts are undoubtedly tried and tested peak-time treats.

Review: Strap in for a classic ride into the realms of techno's future here with a spellbinding EP from Falcon on SK Eleven. The opener is one of those perfectly designed and frictionless tunneling techno mind melters that you never want to end. 'Aerial' also hurries forward urgently but this time with bells and percussive texture for company. 'Outer Edge' then gets more dirty with a grubbier low end and hunched-over kick drum loops that keep you on edge. 'Circadian' shuts down with a sense of urgency and unsettling synth energy that will have you looking over your shoulder.