Review: We have long been fans of the specific sort of techno that Spanish label Semantica deals in. It is always artful and superbly well-designed and this new Artefaklt record totally fits in with that vibe. It finds Dutch pair Robin Koek and Nick Lapien layering up hypnotic drones and linear deep techno drums to perfectly escapist and heady effect on 'Diorama', while intricate sound designs add the sort of details to 'Natura' that make this miscue as suited to home listening on headphones as losing it in a club. 'Natant' is another undulating mix of electronica, ambient and techno that casts your mind free. 'Floodplain' is a heavenly closer.
Review: Madrid's Semantica Records share the second of two label releases by the producer Translate aka. Teo Pellegrino, the former being the 'Vanishing Figures' LP released in 2022. Unlike that album, 'Untitled' comes as a more palliative six-track pounder, mixing six furtive, generative trax; this is music for spaceship hulls left on cruise and standby. The tracks sound like apprehensive stumbles through the many access tunnels of a cosmic freighter; we're half-asleep, and all our crewmates are in stasis. 'Forward', 'Area' and 'Hoax' are variantly pulsatory and strained but smooth, mostly peppered by the odd bleep or presssure release here and there; 'SD Decrement', 'Interchange' and 'The Gathering' develop this mood further, the final track offering the earbuds a special twinkly aftertaste, one not unbefitting of both DJ set intros and endings.
Review: This latest Semantica compilation sees the cultured Spanish label continue to shine a light on the familiar sonic paths explored by Svreca's label, all while maintaining its signature refusal to be confined by any one specific sound. But of course, despite this resistance to labels, there is still a recognisable core that defines the label's sound and that is deep, heady techno. Iridescent builds on this heritage as he smoothly transitions from ambient and electronic textures to more driving techno. This release really stands out amongst this label's already fine array of quality EPs and LPs.
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