WATA IGARASHI レコード& CD

Review: To date Wata Igarashi has released most of his work as singles. The Japanese techno producer has steadily risen in profile thanks to releases for the likes of The Bunker New York, Nidgar, Bitta and Delsin, but now his trajectory shifts into a different gear as he offers up his first fully-fledged artist album outside of Japan for the mighty Kompakt. It's clear from the offset he's relished the opportunity to stretch out on an album and we're treated to some stunningly rendered ambient and downtempo soundscapes - just listen to the slow rise and fall of 'Searching' and you'll be instantly sold. There's space for drama and accomplished composition as on 'Ceremony Of The Dead', jazzy exploits on 'Burning' and much more besides, showcasing the unbridled imagination of one of Japan's brightest talents.

Review: Infamous Tbilisi club Bassiani is one of the hallmarks of the emergent Georgian party scene, and its in-house label is adding to the respected reputation of the place with a strong cast of characters occupying each release. There's a distinct Japanese bent to the third volume, leading in with Wata Igarashi's verdant synth-fest "Stratosphere", a truly cosmic slice of modern techno. Takaaki Itoh takes things in a darker direction with the super-linear "Monobehaviour", while Iori breaks things up with the atmospheric offbeat kick of "Mist". That leaves it to scene leader DJ Nobu to complete the circle with a tripped out set of twinkling notes and off-kilter grooves like only he can do.