DRUNKEN KONG レコード& CD

Review: Drumcode presents the second iteration of their soon-to-be-long-running 'Elevate' series, which in their usual audacious fashion features no less than eight label debutantes take the reigns on huge room techno production duties. The compilation's manifesto is simple: platform a broader range of emerging artists on Drumcode and help elevate the next generation to make strides in their careers. With that, we have the delight of selecting our picks of the bunch (all personal preference, of course, though you can trust our picks are educated guesses): in this case, it's got to be the slightly wonky and out-of-the-ordinary ones, those being Simina Grigoriu's 'Global Soldier' and Marie Vaunt's 'ADSR'.

Review: Massively motivational big-room techno truncators here from Germany's Terminal M. Towering over the rave with an august majesty, we kick off with Kaspar's Rocky-sampling 'Sunshine & Rainbows', which overloads the dance with extra-layered sixteenth progressions and infra-textured stabs. Then come Mark Reeve's 'Move Up' and Drunken Kong's 'The Final Night', equal parts devilishly energizing - Belze-bubblers - before a thoroughgoing sendoff from Zafer Atabey with 'Align', which has a paradoxically calming feel, post-drop. Four select cuts from an expanded 10-track compilation, the aptly named 'Bangers Vol. 9' is sure to pulverise you to mash.

Review: Up-and-comer techno stalwart Bart Skils drops two new rather exciting menace-mongerers for Drumcode, 'Nexus' and 'Set It Right', both of which make up the brilliantly Japanese music-infused 'Sakura' EP. Bringing pentatonic scales and synth koto emulations to an impressively towering pair of propulsions, the selection is fittingly frenetic and yet remains sure to be a unique standout in the Drumcode catalogue; listen out for some prime vocal work on the B-side too, giving rise to a supreme pluck-led drop.