BBBBBB レコード& CD

Review: Bjarki's BBBBBB label has carved out its own unique niche in the techno world and next to occupy it is core label artist Stian "EOD" Gjevik. The former Rephlex artist shows off his magnificently complex and busy yet harmonic and melodic sound across five fantastically restless cuts that has lead synths taking you down a number of rabbit holes. Calming pads vie for your attention on "(Untitled) (W-R6)" while the acid laced "The Battery Poles (Are Conic!)" is so bright and shiny it'll have you reaching for your sunglasses. Few people speak so freely through their machines as this man right now.

Review: Former Rephlex artist EOD (real name Stian Gjevik) has begun to blossom since transferring to Icelandic label bbbbbb back in 2017. For this reason, we were unsurprised to find that "Zone", his first vinyl release of 2020, is another strong collection of cuts. He begins by giddily sprinting through tuneful, digi-dub influenced brain-dance pastures on excitable opener "From The 1st Sound", before moving further towards mangled, off-beat electro territory on the equally manic and melodious "Shy". He opts for an acid and Italo-disco influenced sound on the bubbly and all-action "Mist Appeal", while "Emper" is a cheeky chunk of up-tempo IDM. Closing cut "Mule", a simple slice of organ-led ambience, is also worth a listen.

Review: Iceland's BBBBBB return with a second release by Volruptus, who in between presented a stellar 12" for Nina Kraviz's Trip imprint. The Berlin by way of Reykjavik based producer is highly regarded for his hardware-based live set and is widely considered a rising name in underground circles. He presents yet more tripped-out and bangin' jams (on a brazenly retro tip) on the Alien Agenda EP. If the hypnotic heads-down stomper "Svinastia 3000" or the breakneck electro bass of "Surmatur" on the A side doesn't float your boat, you can try "Misanthropy (Dark Stoff) v1" on the flip. This fierce and frantic thriller reaches a BPM to that of gabber and will knock your socks off!