Review: There's lots to get your teeth stuck into on this new and blistering collection of electro from Adepta Editions. And don't let the title fool you - it's not all accessible summer festival fare, in fact none of it is. It is all head down and serious tackle. 7053M4R14's '4 N3W HUM4N' is a driving, dark, visceral sound with raw breakbeats powering through the cosmos. Rec_Overflow offers a moment to catch your breath with some slower, dubby rhythms on 'Pocket Dial' and Pauk explores twitchy future synths capes and post-human transmissions on 'Shiawasena Fukushu'. Promising/Youngster shuts down with a sense of optimism and hope with the airy melodies and slithering electro drum patterns of 'Arbey.'
Review: Picnic tends towards flaunting the eclecticism of the British underground, standing in stark opposition to conformity. B Love, Rokko, Mathijs Smit and Herra come through for their latest V/A here, each with their own unique style and flavour to the four-way table - whether they work in deep house, techno, or the cheekier side of speed-garage-ambient. As 'Thumb Milk' says in the pre-drop moment of pause: "do what you feel, when you feel like it". Such is the exact feel of this EP, from the idyllic chordwork of Rock's 'Sunset Frequency' to the organic organry of 'Going Backwards'.
Review: Bristol's cultured Innate label is back with a first outing of the year and it returns to their various artists format with a mix of talents all making their mark. UK veteran Tom Churchill opens up with 'Unknown Unknowns (Edit)', which brings plenty of fuzzy and lo-fi aesthetic to jacked up drums and spaced-out pads. Rai Scott then shows her class with 'Suasion' that sinks down deep into immersive drums and is subtly lit up with simmering strings. Innate co-founders Owain K and Gilbert then hook-up under their brand new alias Curved Space and showcase their love of electro with 'Reverie,' a dreamy cut that glows with nice celestial melodies and will have dance floors in a zoned-out state. Last of all it's Lisbon mainstay Jorge Caiado who debuts with the chord-laced 'Floating Without Lifting,' a sophisticated and serene jazz-techno cut that takes you to the stars.
Review: Defekt's Cultivated Electronics presents For The Floor, a new series of split 12"s on its vinyl-only sister label CE LTD. Boldly, this is electro that refuses to stay as 'clean' as the Spotify algorithm or YouTube compression process would like it to be. Everything is distorted: 'Control Your Mind', for example, more or less sounds as though it's been run through an analogue master bus that's been half-corroded by nuclear fallout, with meditations on brainwashing and mind control repeating throughout. It's almost as if clipping and/or distortion is a metaphor for the mediated mind-frazzling that keeps us in check, that keeps us consuming.
Review: High-octane experimental trance via freetek via hardcore from Hamburg collective Phantasia, with an absolutely flooring, walloping debut release. The fact that four different artists might each bring their own mood to the table and yet hear their respective sounds unified bespeaks the brilliant mastering job held down here: Dolomea's 'Augural' and Rupert Marnie's 'Elastic Thoughts' commit to a mutual sonic trustfall, one seeming to writhe about in rhythmically unpredictable fashion through pressure-cooked, rubber-ballistic acids, and the other rootling its 4x4 kick snout into floors down under. The B-side goes electro, culminating on the brilliant brainwash by Finona Rider, 'The Impact', a track haunted by the voice in its own head.
Review: Spanish label Fanzine keeps its quality output coming with this 19th EP, and it takes the form of a various artists' EP and the fourth instalment of the Xuntanza series. The Exaltics open up with some moody and stripped-back downtempo electro on 'The End' and Robot City then picks up the energy with the snappy rhythms of 'TerrorVision.' Elektrotechnik's 'Autopilot' is a nice bumping, tightly programmed drum workout with sci-fi effects and rising arps, then Acidulant brings some manic 303 action and Roi shuts down with more industrial electro tension.
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.
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: Electric Tools Vol 1 ignites with a four-track electro explosion, showcasing the talents of four very strong producers for one electric 12". Side-1 kicks off with the dynamic collaboration of Latent & Retrolog on 'Super Villain,' a fusion of electro and breakbeats adorned with captivating samples and a bassline that hits hard. Bok.p follows suit with 'Creator,' channeling early UK techno and bleep-styled vibes reminiscent of the golden era, evoking nostalgia akin to classics like 'Rhythm is a Dancer.' Flipping to Side-2, Lamalice presents 'AAS,' a melodic journey through early 90s techno, intertwining lush melodies with driving beats for a nostalgic yet forward-thinking experience. Closing the EP, Dixia Sirong's '23rd Step' offers a catchy blend of early 90s trance and techno, guaranteed to transport listeners to the heyday of electronic music. Electric Tools Vol 1 is a great example to the enduring appeal of techno, seamlessly blending retro influences with contemporary production techniques to deliver an electrifying listening experience that will leave fans craving more.
Review: Killowat Hour is a collection of 90s-inspired gems that seamlessly blend new and old influences. On Side-1, LP Rhythm's 'Want Your Love' kicks things off with a nostalgic nod to prog and euro house, delivering a distinctly 90s vibe. Aida's title track, 'Killowat Hour,' ventures into futuristic techno territory, incorporating elements of new beat for a modern twist. Mance's 'Cross Reference' follows with bouncy techno rhythms, smooth melodies, and trance influences that keep the energy flowing. Other highlights include Hottpretty's 'Make Me Yours,' which takes listeners on a trancey, heady journey through early 90s techno, offering a vibrant and energetic experience. Mad Again's 'The Night' closes the collection with deep euro house vibes, adding a layer of sophistication to the nostalgic set. This compilation is idea for those who like deep house and those who appreciate the balance of classic and contemporary sounds.
Richard Rozen - "The Legend Of The Son Of The Perlman" (7:07)
Review: Carnedd Llewelyn (Llewelyn's Cairn) by Luis Luchetti and Richard Rozen is a compelling 12" release on translucent violet vinyl that offers a refined blend of techno with a late-night appeal. Side-1 begins with Luis Luchetti's 'Jeilalou,' a deep late-night groove that gradually introduces soft, beautiful chords, adding a layer of warmth to the track's atmosphere. 'Encantado En Conocerlas' follows with a smooth and airy techno vibe, characterised by its atmospheric and flighty blend. On Side-2, Richard Rozen delivers 'Spell Two Fifty Four,' a track that combines melodic tones with a high-tech rhythm, creating a hypnotic and engaging sound. The EP concludes with 'The Legend Of The Son Of The Perlman,' a catchy, late-night house track that merges subtle energy with an alluring groove. Carnedd Llewelyn is a another excellent record out from this strong label.
Review: The Berlin-based 432HERTZ crew kicks on here with a new various artists 12" packed with electro heat. Rinaldo Makaj gets things underway with the serene grooves of 'Computational Universe', which has some of the nicest snares we've heard in some time. Rickie's 'Mesosphere' is a nice off balance sound with thumping kicks and melodic bass, then it's time to get sleazy and more than a little ghetto with the raw Electric City jam 'Escape From Reality.' Pumio Space brings a little colour and playfulness to closer 'Mario's Juice'.
Review: Flexi celebrated 40 years of energising dancefloors and championing underground music back in 2024. What began as a haven for vinyl lovers and evolved into a cultural force dedicated to high-quality sound. To mark the milestone, Flexi's indie off-shoot Flexi Cuts assembled this limited-edition compilation across several 12". Minimono opens this one with some super smooth deep house on 'Before Morning' and Delphi then switches it up with more twitchy, synth-laced and tense house while DJ Rou's 'Elastic Body' brings acid charm to steely mid-tempo beats. Relative's 'The Piece' shuts down with a darker heart and prying synths.
Review: London label Fourier Transform welcome back Rekab (James Baker) and label debuter Mre for 'Ace High'. 'Armadillos' rolls up its chassis for a serious exercise in minimal weight, reconstituting tuned percussions as it trundles along, while Rekab's 'Always Having Fun' posits an ideal life-mode: a steady, direct current of enjoyment, set to hedonically calculated beats. 'Climbing High' rebates the percussions for a subtle lark's ascent in deep acid, while 'Ace' complementarily descends across cross-rhythmic breaks and harmonies.
Review: Kumquat returns with their second release, his time a various artists' EP packed with sleek tracks perfect for all sorts of movers and shakers. Four standout artists from the legendary French party scene deliver an irresistible blend of wonk and bounce across four groovy cuts. Noiro keeps it slinky and minimal on 'Yougoslash' then Belic & Mani get more stark and twisted with their tech sounds on 'The Flow.' Rancel's sound is laden with a libidinous sax line over clipped and crisp beats and Paradise City Breakers close down with the future tech of 'Mentalist.'
Review: If the Spanish know how to keep one thing alive, it's community; in the spirit of this truth, Xuntaza, the name of Fanzine's latest EP series, is a Galician word that means 'the action of gathering of a group of people to discuss an issue or have fun'. Not overthought beyond the simple xuntanzing of its brightest artists, Vol. 1 in the series functions as a fantastic meeting point between dub techno, tech house, and experimental electro.
Review: SIKU's various artists offerings always result in a nice and varied sound across two sides of vinyl and the sixth such drop is another one worth of attention for techno heads. Onoffon opens with 'Matter What' which rides on raw drums with slapping hits and stark synths, while Sebastian's 'Dreams Metaphors' has a ghoulish energy and dark, twisted synth menace. Rufo brings some cosmic wonder and bleeping melodic sequences to 'Mr Wonderful' and Brian Topham's 'Expressive Dimension' is a straight up tool with burrowing leads.
Review: Extramusical hugeness from Texas's best experimental electro outing, Science Cult. A name like 'Commuting Observables', when lent to a V/A mini-album, is abstract enough to immerse us in the implied concept; it conjures a mental image of a glaucous laboratory of sorts, in which a cadre of sonic mad scientists toil tirelessly to yield the batch of effervescent sense-smushers you hear here. Be warned, this isn't your bog-standard, one-or-two-part acid-analog jam EP; no, every track and alias here plays out like a different iteration of some carefully spliced yet still egregious biogenetic experiment; monster faunamechs bursting free from their respective vitreal nutri-vats, and embarking on respective misanthropic rampages, all leaving trails of mimetic polyalloy gunge behind them. Were we to choose one of said bio-beasts as our fighter, it'd have to be Syrte's 'I'm A T-Shirt', shortly run up by a tie between Fleck Esc' 'Unrefined Intentions' and Ben Pest's 'From AU'. But we have to say, none of this music is standard fare techno: all of it is really quite wild.
Review: Rain & White Transit Van kick off a new collaborative project with this first EP on Damo B's Emotec label, and what an inspired cosmic trip it is. 'Cliffdive' is a subtle opener with thinking cosmic leads and lazy mid-tempo groves sweeping you up and depositing you amongst the stars. 'Castaway' then puts crunchy drum breaks front and centre, waiting around the edges with mystic chords and melancholic emotions. There is high-speed electro slickness to 'Park' complete with flashes of acid and 'Sin' closes with a mix of muted synth modulations, warped metal surfaces and bumping electro beats.
Review: Kulture Galerie is back with more wax and the third time proves a charm here with Doc Sleep, Rambal Cochet, The Jaffa Kid, Mesmerist, Jack Bags and Undsidedly all coming correct under the stewardship of label head Filippo MSM of Metropolitan Soul Museum. Cochet kicks off with some trance-infused prog techno, Doc Sleep offers jacked-up and analogue house, there is lithe cosmic tech from The Jaffa Kid and twisted machine sounds from Jack Bags, while Undsidedly's dreamy electro and The Mesmerist's peak time synth techno close down in style.
Review: If you've ever wondered what Breakfast In Mars might sound like, wonder no more. This excellently entitled label has another soundtrack to your fantasy morning eats, this time courtesy of Random Alias, which is a moniker so post-modern it hurts. The sounds are electro-based and uncompromising from the off: 'Keep Me High' hits harder than a quadruple espresso with its thumping kicks and squirreling synths. 'Fast Rate' is another slamming, tightly programmed electro workout and 'Solo In Space' will twist your mind inside out with its warped bass before 'Restless' is a glitchy and expressive monster.
Review: London underground night train riders Deadbeat Records prioritise techno-breaks handmade for late night and early morning dancefloors, times when both the best and worst comes emerges from each of us. Their inaugural Deadbeat Breaks compilation hears six out of ten full digital curations brought to a shadowy, space-invaded black vinyl truncation, with modern talking synth vomits from Olly Rant, booty bass hups from Hunter Starkings, hackney parroting hurtles from Rnbws, and a closing breakstep broil from Hooverian Blur.
Review: This electrifying release offers a compelling journey through futuristic and otherworldly soundscapes. Side-1 opens with 'Yeli Mtkiva', a demented, sci-fi-inspired blend of techno and electro, pulsating with eerie textures and mechanical rhythms. It's a track that feels ripped from a cyberpunk dystopia. Following it, 'Triponfish' shifts the tone with celestial melodies and shimmering chimes, underpinned by an acid-tinged groove reminiscent of The Exaltics' atmospheric craftsmanship. On Side-2, 'Derealize' introduces crisp production with subtle trance elements, creating a hypnotic flow that's both driving and ethereal. The closing track, 'Story About The Murderer', stands out with its narrative-like progression. It's a dark, cinematic piece, evoking the tension of a sci-fi thriller. Each track offers a unique layer to the record's overarching futuristic vibe, making this an enjoyable trek into outerspace.
Review: With both his experimental yehyeh and dancefloor focused ninih labels, founder Pieter Janson prefers to space out releases. This quality over quantity approach has thus far paid dividends, with the slim catalogues of both labels simply bursting with quality. Remarkably, this outing from sometime Kalahari Oyster Cult contributor RDS is only the sixth ninih EP in total. Predictably, it's superb, with the Amsterdam-based producer flitting between moody and ghostly breaks ('Bfc01'), lightly bleep-inflienced tech-house purism ('Vnecktechtheme'), heavily psychedelic late night intoxication (the alien-sounding chords, immersive pads and hallucinatory electronics of 'Tpssty'), and deep, spaced-out, hip-hop tempo electro ('Bfc04'). By jove, Janson's done it again!
Review: RDS's latest collaboration with Polychrome brings us a collection of atmospheric and emotive techno creations. The A-side kicks off with 'Laak,' a deep and driving track inspired by RDS's recent DJ set in Den Haag, with its resonant reese-bass forming the track's core. The two producers decided to dedicate the entire A-side to this cut, paying homage to the classic 45-side format. The B-side delves into more introspective territory, with 'Underwater (Dream Mix)' featuring ethereal pads and trancy melodies, before 'Reassociate' caps things off, a nod to early 2000s IDM with its intricate rhythms and nostalgic vibe.
Review: Thousand Yard Stare marks re:ni's third 12" release and her debut on the RE:LAX label which is also the name of the club night she co-runs with Laksa. Following previous releases by Harba, Jurango and Laksa himself, the EP continues the label's exploration of high-tempo club music that blends the hardcore continuum's energy with precise sound design and technical craftsmanship. The title references the dissociative state caused by trauma and explores how music expresses emotions beyond words. Sonically, the EP follows a signature bass-driven, vocal-led style in the 140-150 BPM range. It bangs, for sure.
Review: Italian artist Recut is back with a new four-track outing that comes steeped in the lovably mad energy of acid, the enduring rawness of the Chicago underground and the drum sounds of New York. He has been active since the 90s so has a great through-line to these foundational styles but makes them his own here. Interestingly he started producing with turntables and mixers after being inspired by DMC champion so brings a real live feel to his sounds. 'Narcotic Tango' is a full-throttle pumper, 'Acid Street' layers undulating 303 lines into silky and elastic drums and 'Jack O Acid' gets more intense and in your face. 'Feel The Heat' shuts down with some trippy synth colours.
Review: Move quick on this one as its a super limited red vinyl of rugged and ragged electro sounds from French label Radio Mars. It finds Red Arremer exploring new ground on some distant interplanetary body on 'La Forge D'isengard'. Busted kicks scuff along the ground while circling synths ride up and down the scale, while 'Masters Of Steel' recalls 90s video game soundtracks with its pixelated melodic rain. The variation continue on 'The Dark Mines Slave', a naught bit of bass driven electro with oversized sounds jumping from the speaker before a closing bonus takes off on a serrated bassline and crisp, crashing hits.
Review: Jack Playmobil is an Antwerp-based record label, which returns this week with a new one from label staple T. Redrey aka Redray, with more killer Chicago inspired hardware jams. Part III opens up with some deep late night mood music on 'You Love' followed by the eerie heads-down groove of 'Chicago A/D Schelde' on the A side. Flip over, and you've got some nice and wobbly acid of the more understated variety on 'Come Into World' and finally the mandatory Mr Fingers tribute on 'Nebalennia'. Limited pressing.
Review: The Reflektor is a lesser known alias of U.S. based producer Gabriel Reyes-Whittaker, aka The Abstract Eye/Gifted & Blessed. Some of you may have heard his release under this moniker on Kyle Hall's Wild Oats label a little while back. Technoindigenous Studies serves as a platform for his many alter egos and side projects with this new EP titled Taino, a tribute to his own indigenous Caribbean ancestors. Whether it's the heady electro sounds of opening cut 'Bajacu' (Morning Light) on the A side, or the mesmerising deep techno cut 'Mucaro' (Night Owl) on side B, or the introverted late night computer funk of 'Karaya' (Moon) - this is what makes Gifted & Blessed what it is
Review: Sydney producer Will Regan has the task of serving up Xadenx Records's first ever vinyl release, and he doesn't fall short. His blend of storytelling electro and techno is both packed with detail to occupy your mind as well as coming with some fine, floor-ready rhythms for your feet. 'Haunted Quest' is a spacious one with searching pads to get things going, then 'Malevolent' has a frost synth texture and plunging bass that locks you into a steady rhythm. 'Overdrive' off-sets more pixelated synths and raw machine rhythms and last of all, 'Reverie' has a sense of impending doom that keeps you very much locked in.
Review: WeMe has a fine tradition of offering up music from emerging talents. They follow that MO again here with a debut EP from Rehab333, a creative newcomer and graduate of the Rephlex School Academy. Trained under the guidance of one other than Aphex Twin aka Richard D James and Dr. Chris Jeffs, Rehab333's mastery of analogue machines shines from the off. He packs in plenty of innovative melodies here which makes it all the better than this previously cassette-only release now comes on vinyl. Next to those zippy, reflective, pensive melodies, he lays down plenty of corrugated and funky electro rhythms, acid flashes and warp-speed drum patterns.
Review: To celebrate one year of Lirica, the young but impressive label is starting a new sub-series that kicks off with a special reissue of this highly sought-after album by UK duo Relative Progress. This edition has been remastered and features a fresh design that still honours the original aesthetics. Musically it is a timeless tech house infused with elements of dub, techno and minimal. Opener 'New Horizons' wastes no time in getting going with fizzing pads and crisp drums, and other highlights include the lithe rhythms and deft chords of 'The Onlookers Chant' and the deeper cosmic melodies and dubby beats of 'Heart 'N' Soul'.
Review: "Hope is not passive. Hope is not blah blah blah. Hope is telling the truth." So said the world's most visible climate activist Greta Thunberg in her pre-COP26 speech in Milan, blasting world leaders for inadequate (or near-non-existent) responses to the environmental crisis. Given we're 12 months down the line and the vast majority of promises made at said 2021 climate summit have not been actioned, with emissions continuing to climb, it's unsurprising direct action has turned much more direct and disruptive this year, and people are now sampling the young orator to amplify her message through music.
If that sounds like it may lack subtlety, fear not. Renude19 have managed to achieve something pretty difficult - a protest dancefloor track that doesn't ram things down your throat and works very well without you knowing that context. Essentially a dystopian-vibed broken beat synth workout with electro-pop vocals and occasional "Blah blah blah" hook, it's timely and well executed.
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