Southern Lights Vinyl & CDs

Review: Albert Van Abbe impresses with his new full-length Olodumare Who Is which is an exploration of deep, hypnotic techno with profound spiritual undertones. Drawing inspiration from his diverse cultural background and the Yoruba religion, the album blends dark, atmospheric soundscapes with intricate rhythms and deep basslines while Van Abbe's meticulous approach to production makes for a mysterious journey where each track weaves together minimalist percussion, tribal influences and eerie melodies. The result is an immersive sonic experience that evokes a sense of both tension and release while fusing ancient traditions with modern techno.

Review: Melbourne, Australia's Southern Lights is back with a vengeance. Their eleventh release is by hometown hero Craig McWhinney aka Vohkinne, who presents three excursions into the more hypnotic fringes of techno on the Set Theory EP. 'Infinite Space' is a tunnelling and mental strain of the genre which will appeal to fans of Mike Parker or Ness, receiving a pummelling rework by Berlin's Denise Rabe up next who takes the track into deep space territory. Over on the flip, there's the punishing and austere fury of 'Goliath' and the strobe-lit frenzy of 'Traversing The Messier'.

Review: Aus-based label Southern Lights welcomes Michal Wolski for an avant-garde techno outing here that takes you into futuristic sound worlds. 'Stargaze' opens with suspensory synth loops that take you into celestial worlds and 'Moonless Night' then lays down light, airy patterns and motifs with a ritualistic edge. 'Return To The (Dis)Comfort Zone' detailed minimal techno for deep excursions and 'Rainfall' has a fantastically warped bassline. 'Omen' is another atmospheric and cinematic closer that sounds like a trip through an underwater cavern.