Stepback Vinyl & CDs

Review: Bashman is something of a Glasgow legend to those who know and after some stellar outings on Tom Carruthers' Non Stop Rhythm and Data Sync labels, he is back with more techno power. 'Corker' is a frenzied and caustic assault with unrelenting percussive hardness and 'I Want It' then pairs things back a little for some jumbled 909s and buzzy synth pressure, but the standout is the impish synths that dart about the mix. 'Gimme' then goes hard and raw again with eye-wateringly stark sounds and textures and 'Opening Hour' ends with a gurgling, swampy mix of messed-up drums and synths.

Review: Moot Tapes and Made Magnetic boss Polytunnel moves away from his own labels to make a notable debut on Edinburgh-based label Stepback Records. It's a deep dive into the world of electro that showcases his melodic style and potent mix of breaks and acid. 'Of People & Place' is a roomy and atmospheric open, a slow motion groove with plaintive chords before 'Ruchill Raw' takes off into the cosmos with wispy leads darting about over twanging metal drums. 'The Last Leap' slows the pace one more for bendy acid undulations a la Tin Man and 'Lingua Acqua' is a lovely mix of squelchy acid, chatty snares and meandering basslines.