New releases this week: Electro

Review: RFXN kicks off life with a new single from David Agrella which has seen early support from Ricardo Villalobos. First off he offers up his own Acid Mix of 'Perro Balearico' and it's a supple, deep and dubby track with liquid synths and prog chords that sound both retro and future all at once. The original is a more dreamy and spaced-out sound for 5 am sessions. On the flip is a more punch but still silky and warmly melodic remix from Mario Liberti before last of all, Gabriel Rai gets darker. His drums hit harder and the synths are moodier as he takes dancers down a late-night path of mystery and intrigue.

Review: A rare case of a demo email turned release, as riser AR:MG from Mexico City delivers fresh new cut 'Cuerpo A Cuerpo' on 12", replete with a dub remix and follow-up takes by Radioactive Man and Sansibar on the B. 'Cuerpo A Cuerpo' is a reflective booty bass shoulder-sway, most notably topped off by its Latin femme-to-masc vocal line and slow transition into an exaggeratedly extraterrestrial build towards the end of its four minute runtime.

Review: Robert Witschakowski has been a man on an electro mission (as well as many other side mission, to be really quite honest) for as long as we can remember. His furtherment of electro knows no bounds and it has often come in association with Dutch label Clone and its offshoots, though here he has his They Arrive EP reissued by fellow Dutch label Creme Organization. It landed first back in 2011 but has aged like fine wine and sounds as good as ever - there are a mix of creepy and atmospheric pieces, sick dancefloor rhythms and plenty more to enjoy here.

Review: It is always hard to predict just what Nous Klaer Audio might serve up next. In this case, the always-fresh Dutch label looks to Mata Disk for four innovative and rhythmic techno workouts. 'Icon' is a busy one with kinetic rhythms and busy hits that pepper the groove and keep you moving. 'Diffusion' is just as much in a hurry with its squelchy synth blasts and sucky, looped drums but also there are more thoughtful and cosmic pads to bring a different energy. 'Two Sides Of The Same Coin' keeps the restless sense of rhythm alive - nothing here feels tethered to a strict grid. 'Space Brings Us Together' is a final off-kilter techno bumper with more sci-fi synth designs.

Review: Iodic Spirit Vol 1 presents a dynamic showcase of 90s-influenced rave genres under its techno umbrella, featuring five tracks that traverse various sonic landscapes. Side-1 launches with Public Request's 'Trust Your Instinct', an early 90s trance anthem exuding the essence of rave culture with powerful techno elements reminiscent of Belgium's scene, highlighted by a commanding acid line. Following is NND's 'Looser,' a mesmerizing fusion of acid and melodic techno that captivates with its beauty and coolness, painting a vivid sonic tapestry. Flipping to Side-2, Bassy Bee's 'Domo Arigatogozaimasu' delves into hardcore territory with Belgium influences, delivering an electrifying experience. Next, Flood's 'Stress Relief' offers an upbeat journey tinged with Cabaret Voltaire vibes, blurring the lines between techno and trance, while still maintaining an infectious energy. Concluding the EP is 'Acidity' by Public Request, diving deeper into heavy acid territory with harder sounds that command attention and evoke a sense of urgency. Each of these tracks on Iodic Spirit Vol 1 has a unique interpretation of techno, acid, and trance, making for an electrifying listening experience that pays homage to the golden era of rave.

Review: A sprawling, typically irreverent effort from the ever-prolific DMX Krew. With each unfolding track, Edward Upton charts a new tributary in the Detroit-Berlin-Sheffield pipeline, from the grouchy technoid stomp of 'Bathtime Bobby', to the hazy chillout room introspection of 'Escape To 92', to the dazzled machine funk of aptly named elektro quest 'Desperate Measures'. Another thoroughly satisfying entry in the ever-growing DMX catalogue, Spiral Dance is a sizzling hotplate of timeless electro wizardry.