Back catalogue: Minimal/Tech House

Review: Radial Records is the product of the friendship between the two artists Cosmjn and Lizz, coming together here to promote their sound, musical ideas and passion for electronic music. The two said that they want their record label to lead to cultural exchanges and a blending of musical influences, enriching the electronic music scene and promoting cross-cultural exchanges and for the first release on the label it makes complete sense for them to share top billing and set the tone. Simply called 'Radi 001', the EP has each one doing two tracks of all new music. Cosmjn's first track 'Touchstrip' is a dark tribal tech builder that has some prog house and a perfect amount of jackin' in it. 'Systems' is an electro funk party track that is perfect for poppin' and lockin'. Lizz's two tracks 'Restore Your Fear' and 'Future', meanwhile, are house burners that show the way forward in house music. If this is sign of what's to come on the label, than make sure to keep tabs on this project.

Review: Christopher Ledger continues to broaden the scope of his sound as a producer by bringing unabashed breakbeat acid into the folds of his broader tech house trajectory. There's still a pervasive deepness to 'Access Denied', no matter how big the beats or how wriggly the synth lines are. 'Nala's Groove' has a proggy tint to it, and 'From Above' rolls along in gorgeous blooms of synth work and deft percussion. Clearly the inspiration of classic 90s-styled beats worked their way into Ledger's production process, and he's made them his own.

Review: Radio Slave's Rekids welcomes a Detroit house master in Monty Luke for what is a comprehensive excursion into deep house across nine exquisite new cuts. Dub, techno and more all help colour these soundwaves and first up is the shimmering electro rhythm of '40 Acres & A Terabyte' while 'Nightdubbing' gets more zoned out and smooth as it comes alive with shimmering synths over rolling beats. Elsewhere are more grinding groves like 'Starstorms' which recalls the early work of Carl Craig and 'Avant-Garde Dance Hall' is a deft dub workout.

Review: This EP's four tracks explore a range of styles within the house genre, from driving grooves to more ambient-tinged. The A-side opens with 'Mind Floating' (Ruffy Pagan Renip), a hypnotic track with a deep bassline, psychedelic synths and a driving beat, followed by 'Chcem Strongly' (Ruffy Surf N' Turf), a more relaxed and ethereal track with cosmic ambient techno and early trance influences. The B-side features two remixes of 'Mind Floating'. The Special Character Peaky Renip remix is a chord-heavy take on the original, while the original 2010 Secret version is a more electro-oriented interpretation. Carnedd Dafydd is a strong release from Luv Jam and Maria Slovakova, showcasing their versatility and skill as producers. The heavy balance of psychedelic and chill out is premier.

Review: Swiss producer and DJ Lea Lisa gathers together some of her favorite tracks to play out with in a double pack compilation for Favorite Recordings. As you might be able to tell from some of the artists and tracks on here, Lea likes her house music deep, tracky, sometimes soulful and verging on proper techno. Featured here are key tracks like 'Ekeyz' from Pure Science, the club mix of 'Be There' by Kerri Chandler and 'Blax Thanxs' by Abacus. One very desirable addition is the early 90s gem 'Emotional' by Think. This very strong gathering of deep house tracks may be one of the best this year. Act quick and grab a copy.