SYRTE レコード& CD

Review: Hybrid Collective is a new label set out to bring together all forms of electro. The first release is a powerful statement of intent that draws together a crack team of sonic explorers who are all hell bent on blowing up the dance floor. The brand of extra the opener explores is industrial and mechanical, with Kim Cosmik's 'The Ascent' twisting metal and contorting synths into a ragged rhythm. The Droid's 'Upgrade' is a more futuristic blend of cyborg funk and Broken Joe's 'Fallen Crane' is full of spooky lines and jittery rhythms. Ekata's 'Dark Drive' rounds out with a straight ahead banger.

Review: The superb Astra Spectra series has provided us with many magnificent new sounds so it's a shame that this is the last of the eight part project. Alas, all good things must come to an end and so it does with one more quality EP. Label co-founder Syrte steps up for this one with an artful EP that fuses IDM, electro and ambient synth designs into deep space journeys. All six tracks are brain frying, synapse twitching jams that take you into another dimension. Also included is a collaboration with Science Cult co-operator Aura Nox to round it out in style.