Tags: Minimal Techno

Review: REPRESS ALERT!: Trelik returns with a repackaged edition of one of the catalogue's most treasured releases. "Overcome" and "Lady Science (NYC Sunrise)" need little introduction, and now come sporting the new TR11:11 matrix number. Written and produced by Thomas Melchior and Baby Ford aka Soul Capsule, these tracks came from one of the many sessions recorded at the West London Ifach Studio in 1999. On the A Side "Overcome" is stripped back and energetic, driven by rolling and shuffling garage style beats, tight bubbling bass and atmospheric synth pads. The intermittent vocal samples and the release's signature organ set you up for the flip, "Lady Science (NYC Sunrise)". Possibly one of house music's most emotive pieces, the track builds slowly with the introduction of each part building a story of soulful optimism based around a sparse palette of deep synths, uplifting keys and warm analogue bass. The understated beauty of the main vocal riff never seems to grow old or tired with the track lending itself perfectly to either main room, peak-time play or after-hours sessions alike. Remastered by Rashad at D & M.

Review: The Mancunian tones of Swamp81's resident MC Chunky are well known to those who tune in to the label's Rinse FM show on a regular basis. However, this debut EP, forwent any kind of vocal showcase for the kind of hefty, refined fusion of garage and techno we've come to expect from Loefah's empire. Arriving as a 12" doublepack featuring four tracks, The Chunky EP shows Chunky to have the production chops to match his skills on the microphone, showcasing a wide range of influences channeled through a uniquely dark mood; "Decca" is a straight up piece of rolling deep house with a shadowy basement vibe, while "Experiment 727? recalls the syncopated techno of Bambounou or Boddika's leaden beats, while on the second 12?, "Thang" is a masterclass in stripped back garage mechanics, and "Rugged" provides a lo-fi beat that ploughs the darkest recesses of instrumental grime for inspiration.

Review: Given that Ricardo Villalobos was one of a handful of guest producers who featured on Oren Ambarchi's recent Hubris album - a krautrock-influenced minimalist techno exploration that also boasted contributions from Jim O'Rourke and Mark Fell, amongst others - it seems fitting that he's been roped in to provide two new remixes. The Chilean's contribution to the album was largely rhythm-based, and his two lengthy Variations - each stretched across one side of wax - promote undulating, heads-down dancefloor hypnotism above all else. Naturally, his drum programming and use of subtle stylistic shifts is as on-point as ever, with Ambarchi's original textures being manipulated into mind-altering new shapes.

Review: The sound of the San Francisco producer C.L.A.W.S. has come a long way since his debut "C.L.A.W.S. Theme" - rather than the booty house that made his name, this new 12" on fledgling US imprint Discaire (who impressed with their debut release from Discodromo) explores significantly deeper territory. "Cave In" as its name suggests is a cavernous affair, where thundering rhythms intertwine with a bumping bassline and muted neon synths, whilst the "Nightdubbin" version of the same track takes things in a more stripped back jackin' direction. On the flipside "Glass Monkey" is a druggy descent into dark crevices with only the trilling of a few firefly synths to provide any illumination. As if that wasn't enough, Discaire have included a cryptic inlay sheet and free pen to help you decipher a secret message on the label itself.

Review: Norwegian imprint Continually welcomes Ruton for a second outing that brings all new and supple deep techno class to the young label. 'Crazy Cat' kicks off with a warped bassline bending its way around dynamic drums as curious pads unfurl up top. 'Red Moon' is alive with withering melodies that are pixelated and bright, and 'She Might' pairs more fresh synth work with another potent low end that drives onwards with warmth and soul. There is extra depth to the cavernous sounds of 'Slightly Hitting' with its liquid chords melting over the kinetic kicks and 'Sick 85' then slows things down to a dubbed out crawl for some back-to-yours relaxation once the club has closed.

Review: The second offering from the Infrequent label comes from the assured and esteemed mini man Dubtil. This limited 12" kicks off with a silky mix of dubbed-out but paired back minimal tech drums with watery synths and loopy swirls that lock out into the moment. 'II' is clean and perfect for cruising along to thanks to the supple and succulent kicks that are oversized and delicious under the balmy synth smears. 'III' cuts loose with a more warped lead motif and snappy, militant tech house drums below and last of all 'IV' gets freaky with some bubbling and tightly programmed kick and bassline combos. Serious stuff, for sure.