Wave Modulation Series Malta Vinyl & CDs

Review: Part 2 of the Wave Modulation Series is here. This time the troupe presents a fine release from Gimmik, with remixes from Moy, Sound Synthesis and Naqare Lucid. The central number is 'Analog Dream Plants', which commands a uniquely well-rounded, full-bodied sense of space (it's so organic, even the hi-hats have bass) while reflecting the more repititious elements found in nature by way of lilting two-tones, analog synth ostinati, and, muted vocal murmurations. The quality is kept up almost effortlessly, with dreamy transitions into spacey electro from both Gimmik and Moy, all while Naqara Liquid indulges an equally lovely, but toothier, IDM interpretation.

Review: MmWave and Sound Synthesis step up to Doppler Shift here with a superb new split EP that explores acid, electro and breakbeat-infused sounds. MmWave takes care of the A-side firstly with 'Sequential Phonk,' which pairs nice elastic synth and basslines with snappy drums, while 'Signal' twitches with a more restless rhythm and 'Citadin' is a minimal, stripped-back electro rhythm that slithers through the night. Sound Synthesis's trio includes the cinematic 'Ambionic', starry melodies of 'Time_Rez_Bsline' and ambient atmosphere of 'Improv Landing 8'.

Review: Sound Synthesis has become a byword for the finest in contemporary electro, transmitting reams of synaptic machine funk code from his home base in Malta. We'd wager this new Maltese label Wave Modulation is his doing, given his previous exploits with labels like Wave Function. Hot on the heels of three albums released so far this year, he's teamed up with Spanish producer Uf0 for this split 12" which showcases three tracks apiece from these electro devotees. UfO's sound is warm and sentimental, with some space for roughshod breaks amidst the plaintive melodies. Sound Synthesis meanwhile plies acid, ambience and even a whisper of trance's melodrama in pursuit of yet more gold standard electro from a current scene leader.