Review: BOOM! Our favourites, Cititrax, roll the third editions of Tracks out onto our shelves, and the results are unsurprisingly strong on this excellent various artists comp. It's a mixed bag of skills, as per usual, and the sounds are those of a new NYC, fuelled by a new sort of post-industrial sensibility. Amato Y Mariana open with the tight beats and groove of "Queires Bailar", followed closely by the ominous compositions of the EBM-flavoured "Montgat" from The Sixteen Steps. On the flip, His Dirty Secrets bleeps out some morphed acid on "Structures", and "Another Stranger" from Further Reductions churns out a slow, mild-mannered house experiment with its roots clearly planted in the coldest of waves. Sick.
Review: There's a delightfully celebratory feel about this debut volume of Cititrax Tracks, a new 12" series from Minimal Wave offshoot Cititrax. As beautifully presented as we've come to expect, Tracks Volume 1 boasts a quartet of dancefloor-ready smashers from a blend of new faces and label stalwarts. Amato (aka The Hacker) kicks things off with the glistening EBM funk of "Physique" - all restless synth refrains and pounding bottom end - before LIES affiliate Tsuzing go all dark, psychedelic and twisted on the thrillingly intense, acid-flecked "King of System". An-I go all DAF (with a touch of Front 242) on the fuzzy and dystopian stomper "Mutter", before Cititrax regulars Broken English Club delivers a storming chunk of industrial-tinged analogue funk ("Glass"). Bravo!
Review: Sophie Sweetland and Daniel Rincon don't release that many records as Ambien Baby, and those that they do serve up - particularly their previous outings on Isla and Planet Euphorique - tend to be undeniably special. This outing on Tiga's Turbo label certainly hits the spot, with the duo offering up a trio of enticing original productions - the dubby, intoxicating and psychedelic deep house excellence of 'Jaulas En El Cielo', the extra-percussive Latin tribal house wonkiness of 'Baila', and the unflinchingly sub-heavy moodiness of 'Salseros'. Over on the flip, we're treated to two alternative interpretations of 'Bailia': an up-tempo, hot-stepping and subtly energy-packed version by the mighty Roza Terenzi, and a more intense, psychedelic and spaced-out rub by rising stars DNGDNGDNG.
Review: Rob Amboule makes a compelling debut on Raum... musik with his 'Digerital' EP, offering a fusion of minimal, techno, and progressive trance. The three tracks exhibit Amboule's mature musical ideas and finely tuned production skills, with 'Chairfix' setting expectations with its hypnotic intro morphing into stompy, pulsating techno, evoking a state of rave euphoria and the title track offering a more banging four-to-the-floor techno with atmospheric elements and nods to acid and progressive trance. Closer 'Klenkl', meanwhile, continues the hypno heady grooves and arrangements. Amboule pays homage to the golden age of ravey techno and trance, reinterpreting these genres for modern audiences. Raum... musik's 117th release solidifies its reputation as a quality label for introducing fresh talent and pushing boundaries in electronic music.
Review: This new one on mysterious UK label MoonVoid Records serves up a trio of previously unreleased tracks that were originally recorded in the early 90s on tape cassette by Benjamin Wetherill under the Amethyst Moon alias. Apparently this EP is the first of a few, which is great news once you hear them. 'Lifestheme' is a crunchy and wiry electronic workout with fizzing synths and dense beats. 'Human At The Controls' brings slower rhythms and snaking synths and hissing hits while 'False Alarm (Look Over Your Shoulder)' spins you out in silky cosmic synths and snappy metallic snares.
Review: After a brief hiatus, Synapsis Records makes a triumphant return with a standout 12" release from Iranian artist Siamak Amidi, complemented by reinterpretations from hm505. Synapsis-019, Crack A Love Ball, offers a sublime mix of minimalism and complexity, showcasing Amidi's deft touch for immersive sound design on the A-side. His original tracks, 'Crack A Love Ball' and 'Mess with You', are masterclasses in subtle intricacy, blending rich percussion with understated grooves. Meanwhile, the B-side sees hm505's reinterpretations take the originals in new directions, layering lush melodies and swirling arpeggios that pull at the heartstrings. Synapsis-019 is a sonic journey that demonstrates both Amidi's thoughtful craftsmanship and hm505's ability to transform tracks into emotive experiences.
Review: There is a murky underworld feel to these new techno sounds from Ireen Amnes. They come on the cultured KR3 label and soon hook you in as 'Images Of Us' is both deep and moody but dynamic and impactful. 'Surrounded' flips the script with more industrial drums and an unsettling sense of urgency then 'October' daisy it back to cavernous dub 'scapes with lonely vocal musings. 'KTO' brings lithe broken beats and 'I'd Rather Be Sleeping' is a suspenseful ambient sound.
Review: Amorphic and Tendal's latest release on Blueprint Records is a masterclass in cutting-edge techno. 'AT1' opens the EP with a heavy sci-fi banger, combining dark, industrial energy with a driving beat that instantly grabs attention. 'AT2' follows with crisp production and a fine-tuned techno loop that brings a big, commanding sound, building on the intensity with a precise, polished rhythm. On the flip side, 'AT7' takes things darker and edgier, with pulsating, minimal beats that maintain a restrained elegance while growing more aggressive as the track progresses. It's a perfect balance of tension and sophistication. Closing out the EP, AT8 strips things down even further, embracing a more minimal approach that complements the earlier tracks while adding a touch of subtlety. The release showcases Amorphic and Tendal's talent for creating forward-thinking techno, with each track offering a unique blend of aggression, elegance and innovation.
Review: Amorphic and Tensal hook back in to the machine to dialyse their crafts once more, with 'Highland Frequencies' offering up four, machine-numbered atoning lambs to our mech overlords, following up the equally arrayed 'Distant Landscapes' EP (2024) on Blueprint. Now bringing their distinctive cataloguing system to the discographic vanitas Mord, four more 'AT' tracks make for an irresistibly well-layered, synthetically one-of-a-kind release. Only 'AT4' gets a subtitle, 'The Sleepwalker', where a sandman's slumbrous, lollygaggling beats somehow, at the same time, betray a subconscious, paradoxical restlessness.
Review: Amplified People is a prolific French artist based in Paris who roams from minimal glitch to bleeping house and driving techno. Here he brings his class to the fledgling Arpanet label following a debut EP from founder and French veteran DJ Speep back in October last year. It's Ghost Black that opens up with sleazy and ghetto-friend tech complete with plenty of Motor City style. There are then melodic stompers like 'Canon Jack' and brilliantly deep and sleepy cosmic techno trips like 'Solitaire Wargames' to make this a real doozy.
Review: Hard, brash, EBM-informed EP goodness from 22Recordings' beloved AMQN, on an exclusive third outing by the artist for the label, and vinyl only at that. This elusive pusher of plaintive, grim new beat is a regular fixture of the label's Capitulo series, and only now does the artist see a full EP slot all to himself. A sophisticated sojourn in the distinctively janky pulse of new beat, an informed by the inexorably Italo rawness of tape-era coldwave, 'La Linea De La Vida' and 'Siempre Al Margen' hear AMQN command a bestial lyrical prowess and bring it to braggart beats, ending on the unabashedly squelchy denouement 'Inexplicable'.
Review: Earlier this year Minimal Wave offshoot provided one of this year's most visceral dancefloor weapons in Kino-I, the debut from Doug Lee's new An-I project. Taking inspiration from techno, jack, industrial and punk, An-I successfully drew a line under some of the Berlin-based artist's previous disco-flavoured endeavours. And then some! If you like the Kino-I 12" you will love the new triplet of An-I productions housed on this appropriately titled Gutz 12". The title track alone should come with a health warning; such is the furious onslaught of machine funk it contains, whilst the unnerving "Rut" is the most schizophrenic production you will hear this year. Best of all id closing track "Save Us" sounds like a cross between in Aeternam Vale and Silent Servant. Pressed on a rather thick and dashing slab of magenta orange vinyl!
Review: An-i is the alias of Berlin-based Korean-American Doug Lee, an artist with over two decades in the game already under several different monikers. This is the third EP to come under this name since debuting it in 2015 and finds him in an even more bold and adventurous mode than ever. Opener 'Rabble' is controlled techno chaos, a flurry of whirring machines and unrelenting drums that will frazzle your brain. 'Rubble' is just as intense, a big wall of rusted synth work and industrial noise mangled into something rhythmic and futuristic. 'Chapel Perilous' on the flip then offers up a spaced-out journey deep into the inner psyche. A welcome return from a truly singular artist that comes on fluorescent yellow wax.
Review: Anatolian Weapons has always brought intriguing influence to techno. His exploration of rhythm and texture is central to what he does and once more here he takes us on a winding journey through slow down techno and mind altering synths. There is a new age charm to the synths of 'Desert Sun' while the drums chug below. 'The Desert Track II' is a snaking techno sound with creepy sci-fi melodies and twitchy pads off in the distance and 'Ivan's Track' kees it celestial with more otherworldly melodies and rugged mid tempo drums. Two further unhurried sounds make a great mix of airy melody and metallic drum forms.
Review: Anatolian Weapons' 'Beyond' EP delivers six tracks that expertly blend vintage techno with a futuristic edge, reminiscent of a sci-fi film soundtrack. Opening with 'Just Dance,' the EP hooks listeners with an addictive groove and a techy, 90s vibe that sets the tone. 'All The Bones' dives into progressive house territory, offering lush, evolving soundscapes. 'Ego Naked' stands out as a fusion of EBM and darker techno, injecting an intense, moody atmosphere. 'Reality Check' plays with an 80s aesthetic, striking a balance between nostalgia and forward-thinking production. 'Acid Grind' slows the pace with a deliberate acid chugger, featuring a liquid acid line that oozes depth and intention. Closing out with 'STR,' the EP peaks with a powerful, sci-fi-influenced track that feels otherworldly, pushing the boundaries of techno. Throughout Beyond EP, Anatolian Weapons navigates through various electronic styles while maintaining a cohesive, futuristic vision, making it a compelling addition to any techno enthusiast's collection.
Review: Formerly run by both Michael Wollenhaupt and Conrad Protzmann, the Ancient Methods project is now run solo by the former producer, an artist who is clearly intending to keep the sound of the project going strong. This EP, however, launches the new Parsephonic Sirens label, and the sounds are very much grounded in something altogether more surreal. The opening "Remember Me" is a chilly, frost-bitten ambient affair, whereas "Born Of Ashes launches with a mean, fiery techno blow that sounds like the inside of a jet engine. On the flip, "I Am Blazing Sound" rolls out its deafening techno punch with melodies reminiscent of something Middle-Eastern, leaving "Now Come Closer" to offer a more traditional 4/4 stance in the most poignant of German fashions.
Review: It doesn't seem like the hard techno revolution is going anywhere any time soon. AnD (techno) is a label making sure of that and its sixth missive from the boss is another one to make the eyes water and the heart race. The white knuckle slammer that is 'I Got So Much' kicks off and then 'Screeching' does just that with a terrifying sense of anxiety and menace. 'Your Energy' is all glitchy sounds, squealing textures, hard techno drums and twisted sirens and the final part of this techno equivalent of a Monster energy drink overload is the rip-snorting 'On A Mission.'
Review: OHM is quickly becoming a quality imprint you can count on for techno and dub techno. The ninth addition in the series, it calls for an excellent blend of composers to balance this EP out. Veteran Jamie Anderson collabs with the brilliant Owain K on opener. The 'Aqua Dub' builds a euphoria for late night smiles. Smooth is an understatement on this linear gem. One artist on here that's been making strong appearances on many dub techno labels is the ever-talented Francisco Aguado. 'Balance' is a great tribal transition track for any DJ who can it creatively to build the means to an end. On the second side, Star Dub offers the very addictive and techy 'Forst'. Ending on a high note, the brisk and flighty 'Ever Growing' by Volpe completes the ninth edition in a rapturous mood. If you like deep techno, the OHM series is a must to collect.
Review: Inimeg Records label boss and general underground don Joey Anderson has always operated on the fringes of the deepest house and techno sounds. The New Jersey mainstay returns now with the Vanish EP on Obia Records while owner Wendel Sield also pops up with one tune. Anderson's trio ranges from the dusty, smoky basement dub of 'Vanish' to the ticking and glitchy minimal menace of 'Masked Ones' via the intense synth dystopia of 'Escape'. Sield's 'Cultivate' is a smeared, spacious cut with meandering pads and prickly percussion that zones you out for days.
Review: Over the last few years, Dario and Marco Zenker's excellent Ilian Tape has given us some of the purest and most bold-faced techno around. The label has built up a solid reputation as being all about the music, minus the hype, and Italy's Andrea has been there at the forefront of their growth. The Turin-based producer returns to the moody imprint with his third EP for the label, led by the thumping, hypnotic swings of "Outlines" - containing possibly the best kick drums we've heard since Head High - and the break-ridden journey that is "Rainbow", on the A-side. The flip sees "Machine" enter a no nonsense mode, where a fast percussive groove locks tightly within a sea of intergalactic pads, and dubby, broken pastures on "Choral". All in all, this is a fine selection of wild, dare-to-be-different dancefloor tracks that span many styles and influences. Tip!
Review: Ilian Tape staple Andrea returns to the imprint, marking a big one for the Munich-based operation with a massive album by Skee Mask also this week. As always, UK and rave influences are abundant throughout the talented producer's work and this one is no exception. This EP is called Sktch and features the cavernous, glacial and downright knackered dub techno of 'Sarec', followed by the sinister subterranean breaks of Auxl and the meditative deep dubstep frequencies of 'Kjones' which sees him delve deeper into off kilter territory.
Review: Dan Andrei is arguably one of the finest selectors of this generation and a master minimal producer who makes electronic music of the highest order. His latest outing sees him inaugurating his own brand-new label alongside Claudiu Stefan. Rainbow Hill is a platform for their more personal ideas and starts with four more of Andrei's brilliantly deft yet dramatic tracks. 'Numan's Touch' kicks off with rolling drums and bass and a fine eco-system of cosmic pads, twinkling keys and fizzing synths that are theatrical and involving. 'What Else?' then gets darker and more intense with heady loops and wispy pads, and again the ante is upped and the darkness pervades once more on the tense and taught dub-tech roller 'This Is What I See'. Last of all, 'Bluer Than Ever' floats above the floor with airy pads and radiant chords. A perfect 5am vibe.
Review: Chiwax welcomes Andrew Red Hand here for his third outing on the revered house label. We're told it is one of his most intimate and personal releases and there sure is plenty of deep and pensive energy to 'In The Cemetery (part III)' with its snappy electro rhythms but long-sustained and introspective chords. 'Summer Nostalgia' is raw, punchy techno and 'Autumn Nostalgia' gets more banging with a brazen bassline and celestial synth glow. 'Sorrowful Joy' closes down with a celebratory air in the happy chords but the betas remain heady.
Review: The cult Pillz label returns hot on the heels of a sold-out 12" last time around. For their next drop, they welcome Argentinian talent Stefano Andriezzi who is known for bringing great colour to his beats. This 'Elektronico' EP showcases his skill with four tracks that explore diverse underground moods with take cues from ravey electro, techno and hints of house. 'Elektronico' opens with turbocharged pads and bass making of an upright and urgent future tech house beat. 'Raves Weekend' is more fluid with a bouncing bassline and old-school rave sirens to get things going and 'Acid Computer' then pairs things back to a lovely organ line and 90s house vibe with colourful daubs of synth. 'Get Fanki' shuts down with a nice fist-pumping thump.
Review: ATF's first new release of the year has a little bit of everything across three different but all-powerful new cuts from Andromeda. Cole features on the first one, Cyberspace. which barrels along at 170 bpm and is a high-energy rush of driving rhythms and haunting dystopian samples. Bold, evocative melodies offer a striking contrast to the track's relentless pace then ' Waveride' is a more chilled trancer with lush melodies and delicate percussion. Lastly, 'Time' is a nice uplifting closer with dazzling melodies and a memorable vocal hook that means you get both emotional depth and soaring energy
Review: Rant & Rave Records have secured another fine EP from the highly touted Andromeda here. She has made waves as a resident at London club FOLD and with tunes on outlets like Ear To Ground, Natural Selection and Raw Quarter that all explore the outer realms of techno with nods of appreciation for the 90s sound. The title track unfolds a brooding soundscape of ominous synths that steadily rise in pitch and complexity, mirroring the vast, mysterious expansion of the cosmos. 'Lost Planet' follows, driven by hypnotic leads and an unrelenting rhythm section and 'Black Hole' has razor-sharp stabs and deep, resonant bass. Closing with 'El Abismo', Andromeda descends into darker sonic realms and offers an unrelenting force, where intricate synth patterns collide with commanding percussion and a relentless kick
Review: Nuno Dos Santos' Something Happening Somewhere label is back, revisiting a classic by a right legend of the scene: none other than Dave Angel. The UK veteran unleashed these surefire cuts back in 1993 and they have certainly aged gracefully. The A-side's 'Original Man' is soulful techno the way it's meant to be; a true zeitgeist of Detroit influenced techno with its DX sounds and syncopated 909 rhythms, while B-side offering 'Quarter Pounder' brings the future funk on this properly slamming cut. It also comes with B2 track '4th Symphony', an exclusive not featured on the original pressing.
Review: Dimi Angelis is back on ANGLS with the label's 12th release and offers up four hard-hitting, no-nonsense machine tracks that strike with cosmic intensity. Each one is crafted with precision while channelling a minimalistic approach that packs a maximum punch that's designed to shake any dancefloor to its core. Adding an extra dimension, Oscar Mulero contributes a remix that brings a psychedelic twist and elevates the track's hypnotic edge. This 12" balances form with function and offers relentless beats and intense atmospheres for all lovers of raw, industrial techno.
Review: A true exponent of the modern Dutch techno sound, Dimi Angelis has a fiercely formidable approach which is purpose-built for the sharp end of the night. His second EP for TH Tar Hollow results in some industrial strength clangers and bangers with all the 909 flaring a true techno head could wish for. 'Purify' in particular has a stern, drum-focused demeanour punctuated by metallic, loopy clangs which will send the right kind of dancer into blissful oblivion. The repetitive pummel into submission continues apace on the quick and cranky 'Drone Rider', as Angelis proves himself to be at the top of the game when it comes to hard and fast techno for the edgier kind of rave.
Review: There is plenty to love about this new EP from Dimi Angelis. It's well-made, fad-free techno from the 90s school of thought but with all the requisite modern techniques making it even more standout. 'Drifter' is just perfectly loopy, with ticking hi-hats keeping time, bongo sounds tumbling over themselves and the thudding kicks locking you in. 'Tyrant' ups the pace with frantic percussive loops and nice raw hi-hats peering another hunched-over and punchy low end while 'Limbo' is defined by its loose, whirring synth motif up top and tuning sounds that bring some dynamism to the rigid rhythm. 'Phantom' follows a similarly freaky path and will get massive reactions.
We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners who may combine it with other information that you've provided to them or that they've collected from your use of their services.