UTE.REC レコード& CD

Review: With their full-throttle approach, rave-igniting attitude and strong psy-trance and psychedelic influences, UTE.REC founders Accelerationism don't fit the usual profile of dance music creators from Norway. What they do is well worth checking, though, as this non-stop mix of cuts from artists associated with their labels proves. As atmospheric as a spring trudge through Norwegian forests and many times more energy-packed, the 13-track excursion is full to bursting with undulating acid lines, hypnotic beats, throbbing basslines, angular electronics, spacey melodies and throbbing bass. If you want another reason to pick up a copy, all proceeds from sales are being donated to charitable organisations in Ukraine.

Review: A collaborative project from Ute cornerstones Mikkel Rev and Oprofessionell, Omformer is the twinned result; their latest EP on the label is a cathartic, almost manic exercise in uplifting trance, containing four spiritual trance excursions peeled directly from various former live sets and jam sessions. Faster than most trance and indulging more creative sonics than most, our highlights are 'Point Of No Return' and 'Yengo 3AM', which succeed in far greater immersion than normal while also not sacrificing the most important dynamics.