Xistence Vinyl & CDs

Review: The recently started Xistence Records, is dedicated to being a beacon of quality Detroit inspired techno. The label is the home base for Phil Robertson and his own music (so far). Under the name Arbilla, this is the third release on the label. The Movement is a massive classic sounding Detroit techno that would could easily be found in the UR camp. This is that large futuristic, dystopian hi-tech jazz type sound. The B-side features remixes by Biz and then Microworld. The Biz remix is more pronounced on the rhythm and works out a few additions to the original melody successfully. Australian veteran Microworld puts a bit more muscle into the groove while still keeping things melodic and up-tempo. For fans of Detroit techno, you are going to love this.

Review: Dublin's Xistence Records is well known for its authentic Detroit-inspired techno. Bossman Phil Robertson is responsible for that and here brings a collection of tracks under his Arbilla guise infused with classic Motor City influences. He kicks off with 'Parallel Universe' with its galloping groove and chimey chords with occasional French Kiss-style stabs. 'Sleepless Night' is more soulful and raw machine music, 'Lonely Moments' is more percussion and bright in its lush harmonies, and the release includes a standout remix by John Beltran who reimagines 'Lonely Moments' with a beautiful acidic twist.

Review: Dublin's techno master steps out with a release that feels both emotionally charged and technically razor sharp for his own label Xistence. Balancing precision with heart, these tracks echo the roots of Detroit techno while reaching boldly into the future. 'The Fear Of Failing' leads with a crystalline melody that feels like it's been beamed in from another dimension. The production is slick and spacious, but there's warmth in the detail, and the main motif is hard to forget. 'Homecoming' drifts in with a deep rolling groove that's part celestial drift, part afterhours love letter. Everything about it feels smooth and elevated, like watching the sunrise from orbit. Claude Young steps in on remix duties and delivers something raw and gritty. His take on 'The Fear Of Failing' strips things down to a lean acid framework. It's a trip back to techno's skeleton while still sounding sharp in the now. 'Mirror Reaction' rounds things off with pure Detroit class. Built with intent and clarity, it's the kind of track that moves both head and body. A graceful, thoughtfully crafted EP from a producer clearly in control of his sound.

Review: The Xistence label has coaxed some brilliantly Detroit style techno out of Arbilla here. It is a still relatively new alias for Hungarian-born, Dublin-based Phil Robertson who has long since proven himself but is imaging to reach new heights here. This one follow sup his last outing here in December and kicks off with the dusty analogue drums of 'Moving Forward' which then comes as a more thumping and Motor City-slanted Suburban Knight remix. 'Windjana' is a synth laced hi-tek soul cut and 'Life Scenario' is a more driving and thumping techno sound with a groaning lead for darkened clubs.

Review: Hungarian-born, Dublin-based Phil Robertson has some pedigree but Arbilla is a new name he's operating under, and indeed there seems to be a slightly more musical, less relentless angle to his once defiantly minimal sound to go with the new moniker too. He provides three of the four tracks here, from the chunky and dramatic 'Stranger Things' and the breezy, spacious 'Fragrance' to the EP's glorious title track, with its Plaid-like syncopation and spiralling melodies. Mysterious techno 'supergroup' from Detroit, Scan 7 remix 'Virtual Reality' and they whip it into thunderclapping Underground Resistance shape. Greatness in evidence whichever way you turn.