Back catalogue: Minimal/Tech House

Review: Purple Print Records Compilation 3 is a rich exploration of minimal and tech house, bringing unique textures and groovy rhythms to the forefront. Side-1 opens with He Did's 'Mientras Tanto', a fun and infectious groove. The track's deep, rolling bassline and lively percussion make it an instant mood-setter. Following is DeWaal's 'Iceshade', a bouncy, upbeat track that balances playful energy with a steady, deep tech groove. Side-2 moves further into introspective territory with Raz's 'Rora', a smooth and melodic track that drifts along effortlessly, blending subtle harmony with a deeper bassline. Yama Music's 'In My Space' rounds out the collection with a broken beat approach, delivering techy, spacious vibes that add depth and variety to the mix. Altogether, this compilation is a refined showcase of tech house cuts that'll resonate with dancefloor times.

Review: Freerange's City To City series returns with its second edition, this time spotlighting Lisbon. Known for its stunning views, beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife, perhaps one of the city's best-known hotspots is the iconic Lux Fragile, which has shaped the city's sound since the late 90s. Longtime resident DJs from Lisbon are now gaining global traction; to butterfly-net the essence of the coastal metropolis, this new mix LP hears six original tracks from local talents, chief among whom are Megatronic, progressor and ambassador for the city, and Yen Sung & Photonz, two names closely tied to the circuit's deeper-underground corners.A

Review: The debut album from Ukrainian collective Noneside unites musicians and visual artists under the inspiring words of poet Taras Shevchenko, who said 'Make love, o dark-browed ones.' Framed by a painting from contemporary artist Iryna Maksymova, the music explores the trance and tech house that is destined to bring souls together on the dancefloor this summer and beyond. Shjva opens with fresh and mashed bass and sleek trance pads that are subtle but effective. Lostlojic layer sup deep, bubbly techno drums and bass with an angelic vocal tone and Saturated Color's 'Trancia' is a speedy, scuffed-up tech groove for late-night cruising. Peshka and Yevhenii Loi offer two more future-facing trance-techno fusions packed with feels.

Review: Six dance tracks skillfully blending old-school vibes with contemporary sounds, spanning acid, breakbeat, electro and house, inviting listeners to dream of underground raves and enigmatic gatherings where ethereal battles against soulless algorithms unfold amid nocturnal dance. Highlights include Trabuco's 'Happy Spliff, a vibrant mix of New York house and early 90s-inspired techno, setting a nostalgic yet fresh tone. Trabuco's 'Signals' follows, delivering a spacey techno experience that feels both futuristic and retro. Yepecc's 'UFO Camp' seamlessly combines electro and acid for a sci-fi romp that transports listeners to otherworldly dimensions. Kevin Kendall's 'Volca Three' stands out with its rich analogue bass, adding depth and warmth to the compilation. The album closes with Victor Reyes' 'Inspired By Nature,' which offers a cool, bouncy finale that leaves a lasting impression. Overall, The Sciences of the Artificial is a refreshing take on retro styled techno and it is perfect for those seeking a blend of nostalgic and fun.

Review: Yamen & EDA return after two years with a five-track offering that pushes minimalist house to its most refined form. The 'Giseigo EP' opens with 'Possibly Possible', a buoyant yet minimal track that relies on its sharp synth work and punchy rhythm to set a forward-driving tone. It's upbeat, understated, and perfectly designed to get the feet moving without needing too many layers. Then comes 'Technologie Tropicale', a funkier number, cleverly stitched together with playful sound clusters and effects that give it a quirky, infectious energy. It's a groove-heavy selection that feels tailor-made for those laid-back but still energetic sets, where simplicity wins over complexity. Flip to the B-side and 'Tournure 2000' delivers a soft, soothing melody. The beauty here is in its restraint, with just the right balance of elements to keep it light and breezy while still anchoring itself in the groove. This one's all about feel - simple yet captivating. 'Mickey Mousse' is the heavyweight of the release, with its chugging bassline and direct appeal to the dancefloor. It's a bass-driven force that stands firm without feeling overbearing. Wrapping it up is 'Clicker Of The Year', where funky basslines meet acid undertones, creating a track that plays with texture and depth without ever losing its cool. There's a laser focus on keeping things stripped-back, yet each track is detailed enough to hold its own. For anyone dialled into the nuances of minimal house, this EP has all the subtle power needed to carry a dancefloor without ever showing off.

Review: Lviv native Yaroslav M helps Chat Noir launch its newest V/A series in full force, bringing four acid house vinyl slab-segments to their so far alkaline, and thus wanting, repertoire. Somewhere in the gap between dark tech house and new-beatific trance come 'Hit It' and 'Affairs', whilst the anime namesake 'Champloo' is a comparatively bleepy one, easing up on the human side of things, and letting the automatons run their course, by way of more arpeggiations and cyberspatial FX. Finally, 'Things Between' rounds things off on a dark acidic prance-off.

Review: Yatut's Vahue EP on Minor Notes Recordings is a nostalgic journey through early 90s techno and breakbeats, capturing the essence of a vibrant era. Side-1 opens with 'Vitamin,' delivering a classic UK techno sound that transports listeners back to the golden age of rave culture. Its pulsating beats and retro vibes set the tone perfectly. Following this, 'Learn The Code' continues the homage with melodic techno reminiscent of early 90s UK scenes, blending harmonious layers with driving rhythms. Side-2 begins with 'Natural,' a standout track that fuses early 80s electro rhythms with rave elements. This unusual combination works remarkably well, creating a unique and engaging soundscape. The EP closes with 'Yokamon,' an uptempo house track interwoven with breakbeats. Its sweeping, breezy melody makes it a perfect end-of-the-night anthem, leaving listeners on a high note. Vahue EP showcases Yatut's skill in blending nostalgic influences with modern production, making this a gem for fans of classic techno and breakbeats.

Review: Ilkay Yeler serves up a debut EP that explores a fresh house sound that is perfectly suited to the Mood Waves house sound. Up first is 'Donations Feed' which is a kicking tech cut with wispy synths lashing about next to snappy snares. 'Ghost House (Dyson dub)' then gets deep and freaky with a marching beat and meandering pads that bring a ghoulish vibe. There is more kick to 'Space Lounger' but no less depth with more cavernous pads and a turbocharged bassline. Last of all is the more sci-fi leaning 'Wait A Minute' with eerie cosmic energy and a grubby, unrelenting bassline.