Humanoid Recordings レコード& CD

Review: Humanoid Recordings co-founder 4d lays down another four-track 12" for the label, scouring the weightier and scrapier ends of minimal and acid house, all while teasing out a retro-robotic edge. Only an artist with a real sense of humour can invoke ideas of 'Stupidity' and 'Quantum Theory' in the same breath; both tracks betray the unified whimsy and intelligence that a successful acid house and techno artist must portray in order to win hearts. The latter uses a particularly sticky, hard-to-pin-down 4x4 kick style; contrast to B1 'World In Our Head', which portrays a psychic model of the outside world through trilling trance lines, and the meek glissandos of 'Sowie Lockers', securing an indeterminate but funky mood.

Review: It's been a big breakthrough year for Aerofunk, who follows up recent releases for Silias, Fraise, Party Tricks and Subsequent to bring his snappy neo-rave gear to Humanoid. There's an almost big beat quality to some of the production flair here, as gnarly hardcore ingredients collide with some serious production chops in pursuit of serotonin-mashing thrills. 'Call Me' is rubbery acid techno with a playful demeanour and plenty of bleeps, while 'FOU' keeps the breakbeats up with a fierce intention which brings Plump DJs in their prime to mind. 'Bumpin' is rough and ready techno, but it's also sporting a plethora of snappy edits to keep things crafty.

Review: Following up that great inaugural release with 4D and Krunky earlier this year, Liverpool's Humanoid Recordings returns with its second edition this week courtesy of DMC, with four old school techno cuts on HMND 002. From the bleepin' and funkin' space transmissions of 'The High Rip' and the emotive Detroit-ish vibe of A2 cut 'Afternoon Snacker', turn over and are treated to the neon-lit euphoria of 'Vallyrie' and the low-slung house groove of 'Same Way As The Stars'.