Str Mrkd

Given that Star Marked is a new sub-label from legendary Detroit Techno stable Axis, it's perhaps fitting that boss man Jeff Mills presents the debut release. Mills has yet to fully explain the ethos behind this new spin-off imprint, though by the sounds of the four contained tracks we're guessing a sharp dancefloor focus is part of the blueprint. There's plenty of variety on show, too, with the slamming, hypnotizing intensity of opener "Albali" - think metronomic kick-drums, sci-fi sweeps and a restless, minor key motif - being followed by the deep, melodious and dreamy, house-tempo goodness of "Patterns In Nature". There's a similar approach on the flip, where the dystopian techno throb of "Helix Nebula" makes way for the off-kilter deep space electro of "Aquarius". It's all superb, of course, but we expect little less from the masterful Mills.

Mental Vibe Construction, Mimi, Kid Who, Juno Recommends Techno, Ali Renault, Ney Faustini, Bloody Mary (Dame-Music, Missile)