Mindhelmet レコード& CD

Review: The next release from Mindhelmet features another stellar cast of operators in the more playful end of the minimal tech house sphere. Kolter leads the charge with the full-fat, punchy 90s stylings of 'New Generation' before Agustin Barbei brings some sassy energy to the table on the shoulder-shaking 'Altare'. Henry Hyde shifts the focus to broken beat rhythms without losing the upfront melodies on his cut 'Covered In Purple', and Wink drops some cheeky organ chords and boxy drums aplenty on 'Cod, Chips N Curry Sauce'. If you like your 4/4 up for it and more than a little bit naughty, this record is a must-check.

Review: The label at the helm of the Minimal ship, Mindhelmet, is back with another dazzling release. Never has an artist's name so well reflected their sound - Velvet Velour's production is exactly as you might expect: smooth, effortless, yet party ready. The first track, 'The Waltzer' has an undeniable zero-gravity quality, zooming through the cosmos, encountering meteoric fields and spacious, star-studded vistas. 'Khaosan Rodeo' rushes through aqueous landscapes, embellished with water-muffled vocals, and oxygenated bubbles, this is a buoyant track for flowy, dancefloor moments. 'Wave Wizard' offers a broken, breaksy view into the Velvet Velour sound world. An excellent example of restraint from the producer - this track holds the perfect balance between substantial percussion and airy atmospheres. A mind-melting release from a standout label in the minimal scene.

Review: Mindhelmet is one of the freshest underground labels out there right now. It has excelled at mining a rich vein of electronic sounds where space music, techno, electro and minimal all combine into fresh new forms. Wickham is next up with some colourful and creative party sounds on this 11th label EP. 'Lost Grain' is all bouncy bass and splashy cymbals, 'Busker' is a stripped-back tech pumper and 'Crowded' has lively and playful synth stabs that will get any floor vibing. The flipside offers three more similar tight, vivid yet spaced out dancefloor gems.