Search results: BPM

Review: Releases on the Ilian Tape label are nearly always two things - a) shrouded in mystery, and b) a little unconventional. Given that the painter who created the artwork gets a credit on the 12"s label but the musician or musicians themselves get no mention, it's fair to assume a) has been fulfilled. The music itself fulfils b) too, as hard edged rhythms clocking in closer to electro than techno provide a vehicle much softer, more sensitive musical flourishes. 'WantU' is probably the overall highlight, with its crystal clear arp riffing and Kraftwerk-esque bumping, but 'Chiemgau606', the rawer 'OSC' and 'Sinister808' should all appeal to those who like their grooves esoteric and full of personality - but ultimately still dancefloor slaying.

Review: As far as we can tell, Cyril The Great is relatively new on the scene, and certainly this is the first release on the Brave Potatoes label. In the absence of hard facts, we must zero in on the sound, and Cyril's got that on lock. If you appreciate hardware jams which sound like someone speaking through the circuitry, you're going to dig this record. Ostensibly this is braindance-esque electro with a home-listening sensibility, but it swerves any particular genre tropes to become its own idiosyncratic thing, which is of course the pathway to the most interesting music. If you love 303s given a proper workout until they truly sing, you'll be more than satisfied with this plucky spud.

Review: The Shot of T label serves up a versatile new split EP with CV Smiles kicking things off. A long, drawn-out and emotive synth opens up on 'Home-schooled' and comes layered with bubbly pads and serve effects that soothe the mind. Then comes a rap mix that is detailed with louche bars and more 909 production to make it pop. On the flip side, the masterful Porn Sword Tobacco flips the script with a gurgling, pulsing, deep and linear techno roller in the form of 'Techno Story' which is perfect for late-night sessions.

Review: Few labels have as unique a house sound as Ka Alce's Atlanta imprint NDATL. It is deep, smoky, warm and with jazzy chords and soulful vocals that are all rooted in Black music. Miranda Nicole is next up with a new single that comes with some superb remixes. DJ Beloved's BPM mix is a supple roller that lets the vocal take centre stage. As well as an instrumental is the gorgeous original with its loungey chords and plaintive melodies. On the flip is a more driving but just as deliciously musical Jihad Muhammad Bang The Drum mix plus a final dub. Exquisite.

Review: Victor Simonelli's house music legacy is assured - he more than made his mark on the genre back in the 90s with plenty of iconic cuts and legendary DJ sets and now that is all being highlighted by this ongoing multi-part series from Unknwn. The comprehensive collection looks at the early years here with some of his top mixes including those that have not previously been released. There is an in-depth almost hour-long audio and written interview between BTG founder Alex Rose and Victor to go with this release that is well worth finding.

Review: The Human League signed to the Papillon label after a compilation of their greatest hits in the late 90s. At that time the band consisted of Philip Oakey, Susan Sulley and Joanne Catherall and together they recorded the Secrets album along with assistance from Neil Sutton, who not only played keys but also took care of plenty of the writing. It was released in 2001 but didn't get much promotion as the label got into financial difficulties. This new double album version has been mastered at half speed and pressed in its original sleeve. It's the sound of Human League as you know and love it, but better.