SK Eleven レコード& CD

Review: Since emerging at the beginning of the last decade, Berlin-based Spaniard Kwartz (real name Mario Campos) has become a reliable source of dark, atmospheric, clandestine techno. He specialises in combining dense, thickset grooves with mildly creepy melodic motifs, minor-key riffs and bags of unabashed energy. All those sonic traits can be clearly heard on his latest EP, which marks Campos's first vinyl outing for two years. We're particularly enjoying the panicked urgency of 'Fast Focus' and the entrancing heaviness of 'Impulse', where weirdo electronics and echoing melodic loops catch the ear, but all four cuts are undoubtedly tried and tested peak-time treats.

Review: Strap in for a classic ride into the realms of techno's future here with a spellbinding EP from Falcon on SK Eleven. The opener is one of those perfectly designed and frictionless tunneling techno mind melters that you never want to end. 'Aerial' also hurries forward urgently but this time with bells and percussive texture for company. 'Outer Edge' then gets more dirty with a grubbier low end and hunched-over kick drum loops that keep you on edge. 'Circadian' shuts down with a sense of urgency and unsettling synth energy that will have you looking over your shoulder.

Review: Changa Brighton-based producer Rene Wise is next up on the SK11-X offshoot run by Setaoc Mass. He has had a fine run of form recently with big outings on labels like Luke Slater's Mote Evolver and a recent collab with Rodhad. Here he shows off his versatility across four powerful cuts starting with 'Fuego', a fiery track that powers onwards. 'Tell Me' is up next and is a driving, linear and hypnotic workout with bubbling bass and paranoid vocals. 'Tizer' then ups the ante with more irresistibly pinging kick drums and coarse claps. The high speed sounds of 'Speeding' close out this release in entrancing techno fashion.