Arts レコード& CD

Review: From THEM to REKIDS and now on Arts, Berlin-based Ukrainian producer Chontane has covered a lot of ground in the few years he's been releasing music, arriving at a hi-octane sound that doesn't sacrifice depth and atmosphere in the process. 'Tiama' is a fierce and energised juggernaut bolstered with thick waves of dub tech chords that swirl and surge like a volatile storm cloud about to burst. 'Moellex' creates a similar mood with a different set of tools, using less conventional percussive elements and getting knottier in the groove. There's also bomb-blast garage-techno devastation on 'Apeth' - the kind of heavy-duty gear you could picture Objekt having some fun with.

Review: The no-nonsense Arts Collective is back with another of its potent techno 12"s, this time from Deas who got our attention good and proper with his first outing of the year on Bau Muzik back in April. He is in scintillating form again herewith the urgent percussive clatter and bleeping synth madness of 'Format'. 'Burning Space' then has wispy synths peeling off the train track grooves and booming low ends to rattle any warehouse to bits. 'Focus' is a classic mind melter with sonar blips looping ad infinitum over rumbling drum funk and 'Vortex' then ends in in a swirling blizzard of frenzied synth intensity.

Review: Next up on Emannauel's ever reliable ARTS imprint is Japanese DJ/producer Hiroaki Iizuka with the Recall EP. Featured on this fierce four-tracker is the powerfully moving title track which recaptures the zeitgeist of late 90s techno's glory days, while the hypnotic loops of 'Mystique', also on the first side, entrance you by way of its tumbling and broken beat and vocal chants in the vein of classic Oliver Ho. Over on the flip, 'Kura' goes for more of a Motor City hi-tech funk vibe, followed by one more peak-time style workout in the form of 'Behind The Frame'.

Review: The influence of trance on techno continues to grow throughout Europe. Introversion embraces that on the first track on his new 12" for Arts. It's build on classic techno drums but overlaid with bright chords that are subtle yet infused with euphoria. There is a similar sense of heart on sleeve emption to 'Heavy Heart' which makes an art form out of high speed melancholy. The title track brings more fizzing texture and trippy synth patterns that bring their own sense of tension and 'Error' closes down with the most paranoid melodies of the lot. It all adds up to a captivating and emotive take on techno.