Review: Basel-based experimental labels Amenthia Recordings and A Walking Contradiction join forces for their first collaborative release here in the form of the Flash Crash/Hack Crash EP. Both labels are known for pushing boundaries within their close-knit creative circles and this one features Agonis' heavy stepper and Konduku's whirlpool of low frequencies on the Amenthia side, while Lemont continues the low-end, tripped-out vibe. Varuna represents A Walking Contradiction and delivers swampy, slow-motion sounds in their signature style. This release embodies both labels' commitment to daring, unconventional electronic sounds.
Review: After the success of their last outing, A New Chapter, from this label, Balders Audio offers up a second various artists 12" with some punchy techno for loud sound systems. Audio Units opens up with the thrilling drum programming and intense synth textures of 'Transmodality.' Linear System then keeps up the pace with '0724am' which is a sleek, linear, heady techno roller marbled with eerie little cosmic details. Tangram's 'Variant Trials' shuts down with what is a deep, dark, moody acid-laced techno mind melter. Perfect 5 am tackle if you ask us.
Review: The Deeptrax series has so far turned out many delightfully head techno sounds for those who like to have their brains as busy as their heels when in the club. This one Deep Series 1.3, kicks off with Caim's impossibly smooth and cool electro-tinged trip 'Straight No Chaser' with its mellifluous pads and deft drums. Mathijs Smit offers a more physical but still warm sound with 'Abducted' and then Joey Anderson shows his class with a grimy and dubby roller, 'All Around Us.' Rich P/Lee's 'Clown Inc' (vocal mix) brings a little playful funk and Pim's 'Somethings On My Mind' is another breezy and cathartic cut.
Review: A compelling compilation that delves deep into the cosmos of techno, offering four tracks that each explore different atmospheric dimensions. On Side-1, Charlou's 'Hidefaces' sets a dark, spooky tone with its stomping beats, blending elements of techno, industrial and 90s rave sounds. It's a haunting journey that captures the raw, visceral energy of underground techno. Mar C follows with 'Wentron', a spacey breakbeat track characterised by its crisp production, which elevates the atmosphere with a futuristic edge. Side-2 opens with Lanzieri's 'Vogue', a track that brings a touch of goa-trance influence, combining ethereal melodies with powerful basslines, making it feel like a cosmic flight through sound. Kvrk's 'Haunted Illusions' closes the EP with a progressive house touch, providing a deep, entrancing groove that muystifies. Each track offers a unique exploration of techno's darker, more experimental side.
Review: Fearsome techni-techno through the Swiss futurists ENMODA, whose modus operandi is to actively promote and advocate for the local Swiss scene. With chilling textures and an ear for material, sonic grit, a cloister of ten producers are heard going full Eski-mode here, for the first instalment in their yearly compilation, Alpine Express Volume 1. Aptly described as a set of "dancefloor hurters", this is a record that proves the mid-European enclave still have their ears to the ground: pree the classic trance-techno of Marcism's 'Echo' or Ermatik's 'Funk Alt Delight', The Chronics' restlessly fight-or-flight revenant, 'Sonic Memory', and/or TIS' closing jit-tech piano weapon 'I Don't Mind'.
Review: Colossio and Luke Garcia combine on this new EP for Microcastle and offer up a mix of solo and collaborative cuts. Musically, techno is the foundation sound here but is explored far and wide. Colossio gets things underway with 'Amen' which is all fizzing pads and buzzy synths over tough drums. Luke Garcia's 'Ryen' is then an explosive mix of strobe lit and peak time tackle with writing lines and freeform energy. Then the pair combine for 'Situation' which is more white knuckle techno and finally 'My Body' which is a dark industrial cut for tense moments.
Review: White Fetish X, the latest release by enigmatic collaboration between Dataintrang and Luke Eargoggle on the Italian label Pareidolia Recordings, is a hypnotic and eerie exploration of the dark side of electronica. The album's six tracks veritably pulsate with a sinister energy, blending elements of EBM, electro clash, and sci-fi to create a truly unique and unsettling soundscape. 'Starting Shift' sets the tone with its menacing EBM stomp and early techno sound, while 'Mann Gegen Mann' ups the ante with its sinister electroclash beats. The title track is a hypnotic and eerie soundscape, with its sci-fi synths and demented, horror-like atmosphere. 'Radiowelt' is a heavy electro track with a pulsing body funk rhythm, while 'Audio Warrior' closes the album out with its dark and evil-sounding but funky bassline. Overall, White Fetish X is a challenging and rewarding listen for fans of dark electronica. Its sinister soundscapes and hypnotic rhythms create a truly unique and unsettling experience that will stay with you long after the final track has faded out.
Andrea Bertoli & DJ Bogdan - "Extremely On Line" (5:36)
Review: Exxtra Beats Records backs up its commitment to pushing things on with a new four-tracker of minimal and tech cuts. Edo Ecker's 'Extraluxxo' has warped synth lines that encourage introspection while the snappy beats make you move physically. Leff's 'Future Problems' has hazy and positive arpeggios that toot away over sustained chords and move at a nice inviting pace. Little Sea offers the snappy drums and gurgling acid lines of 'How I Wanna Feel' while Andrea Bertoli & DJ Bogdan's 'Extremely On Line' is a snappy and upbeat cosmic tech cut with wonky lines adding the charm.
Review: The Cimedirapax crew are back with another superb various artists collection that nudges at the borders of tech house and minimal. Eliaz's 'Enbaspremal' is an alien sound with abstract designs and trippy pads and Lapucci then gets deeper and darker on the menacing 'To Be On Top.' F_Phono brings some nu-disco energy and bright 80s arps to 'Sollievo' then Marco Biagioli heads into more occult worlds with the eerie and haunting 'Strange Mirror' before Equinox's 'Intergalactic Space' offers a caustic electro workout.
Review: Clarifying its vision ahead of its ambient and en-tranced origins laid out earlier this year, Sense Code's third release solidifies the Northern Italian label as a hub for introspective and refined electronic music. Following last winter's split EP, 'Sense 003' embraces a multi-artist approach, all the while further establishing Italy's baton-bearing role in deep techno. Formant Value's dynamic downtempo standout 'Deep Core' unfolds with ingenious, perpetual motive basslines set against penumbral textures, while crisper percussive nuances unfold across Biocym's dark forestation on the B-side, 'Forest Blackout'.
Review: Luigi Tozzi and Feral join forces on Aube Rouge for a seriously deep outing. The pair cook up four collaborative tracks that are sure to appeal to fans of techno stylists like Dozzy and Neel, such is the deftness of the designs and the heady, hypnotic nature of the rhythms. 'Neon' is first and is all sub-aquatic sound and rolling drums. 'Enigma' keeps you in a hypnotic state with subtle bell loops over pulsing drums and bass and the flip is no less involving: 'Third Eye' is minimal, ambient laced deep techno sophistication and 'Trip No Trip' rounds out with a little more propulsion but no less a cinematic design.
Review: Yay Recordings closes out another solid 12 months with a various artists' EP that showcases right where the label is at. Heavy Mental kicks off with 'Dabro', a colourful and loopy house jaunt for sunny days. Twowi's 'Metaverse' takes off to the cosmos on lithe electro rhythms with ice-cold beats and widescreen pads. Parchi Pubblici & Lucretio's 'Aladdin Sane' brings some wonky deep tech vibes with of-balance drums and muffled spoken words and Rinaldo Makaj closes down with a fresh party sound perfect for cosy floors. There's plenty of variety here, which makes this a great addition to your bag.
Lord Pusswhip - "Sveigth" (Bielefeld Murder Boys remix) (6:16)
Unwucht - "Back Da Fuck Up" (4:40)
Crouds - "Splinters" (4:50)
LAU - "Hangover" (5:01)
Review: Berlin party crew Aller Ende Anfang presents their debut release, featuring five diverse and energetic tracks. The first side begins with the bass-heavy computer funk of 'Hyperdrive' by Icelandic producer Jadzia, followed by Bielefeld Murder Boys' peak time techno remix of Lord Pusswhip's 'Sveigth' and Unwucht's 'Back Da Fuck Up' - and catchy mixture of donk and ghetto house tropes. Over on the flip, Crouds goes for a bass-heavy and off-kilter UK sound on 'Splinters' and one more sci-fi beat programme courtesy of Hungary's LAU om 'Hangover'.
Review: Luschn and Roman Khropko seamlessly blend their styles on 'Rozchyn', a bouncing, elastic groove that pulsates with energy, its hypnotic rhythms and infectious melodies drawing the listener into a world of sonic intrigue. 'High Hopes' takes a different approach, its smooth, tech-infused textures creating a hypnotic atmosphere, like a journey through a neon-lit cityscape at night. On the flipside, Luschn's 'Never Defeat Me' emerges as an anthem for the resilient, its driving rhythm and soaring melodies inspiring perseverance and determination.
Review: 'BOOOoo! VA2' delivers a four-track EP packed with otherworldly techno that's as imaginative as it is intense. Krijka kicks off with 'Kronos', a high-energy, sci-fi-infused techno journey that's both lively and atmospheric. Next, Lamalice's 'Ti Tac Trip Trap!' plunges into darker territory, with its creative vocal manipulation, growling bassline, and menacing vibesiperfect for late-night, sinister sets. On Side-2, Ludovic's 'Qosqo Time' brings a nostalgic 90s flair, mixing catchy techno rhythms with acid trance elements for an infectious groove. Rambal Cochet's 'Hot Chills', featuring Marzipan, closes the EP with addictive space techno, offering a blend of cosmic soundscapes and driving beats that pull you into another dimension. Altogether, this EP is a stellar example of futuristic, experimental techno.
Review: Island Beats welcome the return of Dani Labb for his second release 'Inclementia', converging sonic memory and dystopian fiction: the DJ and producer from Rio Negra culls his inspirations from the the many grim realms glimpsed in the video games that defined his youth, daubing a claustrophobic, hard-acid breaks pixel painting. Though the game realms aren't named, we're hearing hellish sonic level design in this one, be that in the Half Life security breach voices of 'Locked Away' or the dungeon crawling Doom acid of 'Hijack'.
Review: The fourth edition in 22Recordings' Capitulo series takes the name 'SueNos y Sombras' ('Dreams And Shadows'), blessed by none other than producer Lachina. Intended as a vinyl-only release - with the digitals priced at the exorbitantly high sum of €1,000 as of this time of writing - it's clear that the artist and label intend for these dark Italodance numbers to be heard via the naturally lossy medium that is wax, in all its crispy-crackly murk and dirt. From opener 'Attrazione Invisible', which pines after the eponymous long-lost celestial object that has puzzled astronomers and cosmologists since long last, to the closing 'Dialogo Perpetuo', which bedazzles with its harmonic arps, burgeoning melodies and wind-down synth fallers, you're in for a real treat here.
Review: New label Loopaina keeps impressing here with a split EP that offers up the talents of Swedish artist Lakej and Madrid's Biorc. The collaboration brings together the creative visions of both artists who weave together elements of Swedish and Spanish electronic sounds into rich, detailed soundscapes. 'Readjustment' is a rollercoaster though static-laced techno, 'Null Particle' is stripped back and eerie machine techno minimalism and then a Biorc mix brings more snaking synths and unsettling open space to his version of 'Readjustment' and Lakej's remix of 'Null Particle' is like being trapped in a storm in the arctic, and it sounds great.
Review: Laska returns to his and Re:Ni's RE:LAX imprint for the first time since launching it with 'Body Score' 18 months ago and once again it's a powerful dispatch that manages to hit so many spots without falling down any genre category trapping. 'Wonda' is a mystical, tribal weave of textures and energy underpinned by some booming, warm bass tones. For a slightly slower, more cosmic tango in the stars head for 'Kwaze'. Complete with guidance from Phelimuncasi, this is a beguiling trip into the dreamiest side of the dance without so much as lifting a toe from mother earth. Imagine if Andrew Weatherall and Muadeep once collaborated and you might be dancing the same dance...
Review: Lanzieri's latest release, Profecia, embarks on a journey through the realms of early 90s-influenced techno, showcasing a diverse array of sounds and atmospheres. On Side-1 'Profecia' harkens back to the early days of rave with its nostalgic techno vibe, invoking the spirit of the culture with its pulsating beats and infectious energy. Following suit, 'Nocturna' transports listeners into space with its ethereal soundscape, weaving together spooky elements that beckon to the dancefloor. Flipping to Side 2, 'Fetiche' dives into the depths of heavy acid sounds, creating a trancey atmosphere that is both eerie and sci-fi inspired. The track has a relentless hypnotic rhythm and otherworldly ambiance, drawing listeners into its sonic abyss. Closing the EP, 'Vamp Love' offers a journey into the unknown with its out-of-this-world sounds, pushing the boundaries of techno with its innovative approach. Overall, another strong techno release for this French label.
Review: This fresh four-track EP Reinos Elementales opens with 'El Descenso de Inanna' an electrifying piece featuring dark atmospheres and a powerful rhythm that is simultaneously energetic yet introspective. 'Uroboros' (named after the snake which eats its own tail and is a symbol of the cyclical nature of life) the EP's second track was the first that emerged from the duo's initial jam session and blends cyclical dub sounds with organic elements for a warm, vibrant feel. 'Malachite' delivers a fluid and urgent rhythm perfect for the dancefloor. Closing the EP, 'Stato Liminare' features deep but fractured rhythms and a hypnotic mantra in the composers' native language that creates a magical atmosphere somewhere between reality and the ethereal.
Review: Lawrence's Epiphany Remixes, a release from the German record label Giegling, presents four distinct interpretations of the title track. Each remixer brings a unique approach to the original piece, resulting in a diverse and captivating soundscape. Zoe Polanski's version transforms the track into a crystallized melody, creating a cold yet beautiful atmosphere. Lowtec's remix explores deep techno, delivering a smooth and dreamy ambiance with a touch of sadness. M Pittman Ladder's interpretation adds a gritty, chunky bassline, while Tobias' remix elevates the tempo, creating a pulsating and mechanical percussion elements. These remixes showcase the versatility of Lawrence's original composition, demonstrating how different artists can reinterpret and reshape it to create new and engaging experiences.
Review: Fresh, cruddy electro dreamatics from mysterious production outfit Lazer Worshippers here, joining the Atmosphere label to stake their claim to their very own 'theme'. A name like Lazer Worshippers gives off vibes of a apparent machine cult with a penchant for building sonic monuments to our AI-mech overlords. The music is similarly vaunting and numinous, with its synthetic choirs and trilling arps dancing between the left and rights like heavenly visions of a mechanized future. B-siders 'On A Rise' and 'Free Flight' are just as teary-eyed, yet bleepy, recalling the entrancing, oldskool breaksy trance work of Spooky or Digital Justice.
Antonio De Angelis - "Destination" (vinyl Only) (5:02)
Review: Good friends Arnaud Le Texier and Antonio De Angelis have been collaborating for many, many years now. Both long time veterans of the scene, each time they get together, fans get a big treat hearing the results. Peer to peer producer influence drives them to the same high level of what being competitive DJs also does. The Split EP, aptly named, has each producer taking a side of vinyl to themselves to express their current direction. Arnaud Le Texier's 'Chocked' is a no-nonsense warehouse techno banger. Fans of artists like Surgeon or Sandwell District, this is right up your alley. The track 'Discover' has a great liquid groove to it reminding us of classic 90s material off Primate Recordings. For Antonio De Angelis's side, 'Sicario' adds a bit of house elements to this big techno sound while 'Destination' has a great melodic approach to it. For those that say techno is safe and boring, tell them about this record.
Review: Lea Porcelain, the new wave retroverts from Frankfurt am Main could very well be the next big thing that you've never heard of. The original version of "Loose Life" itself is quite difficult to locate on the interwebs but we're sure it's hard to compete with local legend Roman Flugel's slow burning remix on offer here. Darmstadt's finest Benedikt Frey is onboard too, giving "Similar Familiar" a makeover that's as unique as pretty much all his other work: part techno, part cosmic or even industrial. It's brooding, wall of sound guitars and vocals drowned in reverb battle it out against pounding 909 snare attacks and screeching synth leads. Awesome!
Review: Is there anyone out there more profile that Legowelt? The Dutch wonder producer has got almost as many aliases as there are days of the year and nearly as many releases out in the world as there are grains of sand on a beach. And importantly they are all excellent, as is this new one which finds him turning on his machines and cooking up fine fusion of electro and techno that head off to the edges out our known universe. Colourful, characterful and potent for DJs and dancers, this is another essential 12" from the indefatigable synth king, not least because of the great track titles.
Review: Legowelt is one of the most prolific producers in the game and his back catalogue is packed with gems across several sounds and scenes. For that reason, Clone Records have been digging in them and now offer up 'Slam Jack Deep Chicago Ghetto Technofunk' tracks from the archives and have remastered them for the occasion. Originally crafted in the early 2000s as a tribute to the Yamaha DX synth, these tracks now sound better than ever and will jack any set. 'Dx Days' is a deep and mystic one, 'Bayville Cove' has swirling cosmic pads and chattery drums and 'Colorado Snow Music' is atmospheric and menacing.
Review: The Ownlife label reaches 20 releases here and does so in style with some mind-melting techno from Leiras. The title cut 'Vael Method' opens up with squealing electronics and scruffy techno drums all wired up with some elastic synths. The brilliant 'Routine Procedure' is another heavy roller that is run through with paranoid pads and sci-fi bleeps while 'Self Hitting Anvil' is another spitting, menacing mix of rusty sound designs and malfunctioning electronics over linear beats. 'Atavism' and 'Luminous Angle' shut down with more kinetic energy and twitchy futurism.
Review: Lenny San debuted on Planet Rhythm earlier this year with Fern Der Matrix EP, an impressive opening salvo of dub techno from a hitherto unknown name. Now Lenny is back with a follow up drop which leans into a thumping, crucially funky kind of peak time sound that holds true to the best kind of techno. 'Expansion' in particular is a bouncy workout of the highest calibre, while 'Disruption' is a straighter plug into the cavernous techno abyss. 'Eruption' brings that swing back in a subtle fashion, coming on like some of that early Skudge heat, while 'Dispersion' has a leaner sound palette and its own cheeky strut which offsets the steely sonics perfectly.
Review: Belgian-based producer Ilario Liburni brings some great sophistication to this new blend of techno, acid and bass. 'Tivoli' has a polished aesthetic - an air of serenity exudes from the bouncy drums and sleek synth pules that bring to mind the crisp Alpine air of the European Alps. 'Agree' is another smooth but not overcooked sound with more sonar-like synth pulses, dusty hi-hat adding a counterpoint and rubbery drums propelling things on. 'Wonderful Transmission' has a grubbier acid line and wonky leads while 'Haunted' is dubby, fulsome house with techno futurism and daubs of molten melody.
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