Back catalogue: Balearic/Downtempo

Review: ?aru is a non-profit label from Romania that sits at the sharp edge of the minimal underground. This new double pack of striped back tech gems will see all proceeds donated to dog shelters and NGOs supporting stray pups. Sensek opens with a slithering and groaning groove, 'Machine Morality,' for shadowy afterparties and Gringow brings a haunting melody to 'Towards The Dark & Cold.' Broascka's 'Epitelius' is an abstract affair with microscopic details scattered over a deep, dubby grove and Dragomir closes with two cuts - 'Alone With You' is a woozy late-night roller and 'Illusions feat Adina Oros' is a blissed out downtempo sound for the post-club hours.

Review: DJ Koze's brings his signature blend of hypnotic rhythms and whimsical, melodic structures into full focus. The opener slowly unfurls, with a spacious, groove-driven beat that evolves into a richly textured arrangement. Tracks like take on a playful tone, using infectious percussion and subtle vocal samples to create a joyful, almost surreal atmosphere. Throughout the album, Koze's production is masterfulieach element serves a purpose, from the deep basslines to the delicate, almost orchestral flourishes. The record's unique mix of electronic dancefloor sounds and emotional depth ensures it resonates long after it ends.

Review: The new album from the German producer offers a captivating auditory journey, blending unique and genre-defying styles that transcend trends. Described as a 64-minute return trip to space, the album mixes psychedelic, unconventional elements with a rich tapestry of sound, showcasing the artist's ability to create his own musical universe. The work draws on a deep synergy between the producer and collaborators, offering slow grooves, treated vocals and passionate declarations in tracks like the flamenco-esque 'Pure Love'. The artist's approach to production is a slow-cooked, evolving process, allowing the music to transform over time. Known for his career in hip-hop and his involvement in electronic pop, the producer's distinctive style continues to shine, offering a profound and cerebral dance experience. Following a successful collaboration with Roisin Murphy, this new album promises to be another standout project in the artist's esteemed catalogue, delivering music that is both deeply personal and universally appealing.

Review: This debut album is sure to prove a solo breakthrough for DJ Narciso. It taps into Lisbon's rich reserves of kuduro and puts a devastatingly fresh new spin on the sound in the wake of pioneers like Nidia, N Fox and P. Adrix. Narciso pushes drill-adjacent rhythms and tresillo syncopations here and creates a unique European counterpart to Havana's wild sense of rhythm that is, at its core, deeply rooted in West African traditions. Tracks like 'Ziu Ziu (Reprise)' and 'Cabelinho' explore quirky textures and unpredictable grooves while 'Vai Estragar a Camera' echoes early Nazar's cantankerous vibe and '5 Do Jo' and 'Jogo' deliver heavy basslines and experimental sounds that cement Narciso's distinctive style in Lisbon's unique landscape.