Review: Berlin duo Ame share the delicious progressive future house polyp bloomer 'Asa' through their home imprint Innvervisions. In the label's own introspective words, the duo of Kristian Beyer and Frank Wiedemann are a regular fixture of the international festival DJ circuit, and have managed to retain the freshness of their image despite technically not having released any new music in just over three years - until now. Released with little accompanying context besides the dripping-wet, papillary form depicted on the front cover, 'Asa' is an arylide sonic yellow, made up of variably filtered stabs and rattling, naturalistic percussions; the track conjures the image of a lively marine gala, and recalls the extenuated disco-house blooms of Maurice Fulton especially, its buzzsaw leads helping the track along to a dazzling pre-climax at around the five minute mark.
Review: Anatolian Weapons' 'Beyond' EP delivers six tracks that expertly blend vintage techno with a futuristic edge, reminiscent of a sci-fi film soundtrack. Opening with 'Just Dance,' the EP hooks listeners with an addictive groove and a techy, 90s vibe that sets the tone. 'All The Bones' dives into progressive house territory, offering lush, evolving soundscapes. 'Ego Naked' stands out as a fusion of EBM and darker techno, injecting an intense, moody atmosphere. 'Reality Check' plays with an 80s aesthetic, striking a balance between nostalgia and forward-thinking production. 'Acid Grind' slows the pace with a deliberate acid chugger, featuring a liquid acid line that oozes depth and intention. Closing out with 'STR,' the EP peaks with a powerful, sci-fi-influenced track that feels otherworldly, pushing the boundaries of techno. Throughout Beyond EP, Anatolian Weapons navigates through various electronic styles while maintaining a cohesive, futuristic vision, making it a compelling addition to any techno enthusiast's collection.
Review: With his nom de plume, producer Anoesis - returning to Cyphon Records - posits an age-old philosophical question. Are there forms of knowledge that we can access independently of consciousness? Besides perception of phenomena, and by the use of reason, how else can we know things? One answer is "anoesis", which is the reception of impressions or sensations - sensory input, pure qualia - by the brain, prior to any intellectual (aka. noetic) work being done. As a form of 'Metacognition', anoesis is innate, paralogical, and before reason; such motor inputs are exactly the kind that electro and its adjacent styles hope to simulate and stimulate. 'Vision Off' and 'Do Don't Don't Do' seem to reflect something of this latent potentiation of thought, with patterned, helical beats, and bouncy neuronal noises, seeming to represent the ludicrousness of the unconscious and somatic mind. 'New Style Of Life' just as oxymoronic - irrationally rational - proving that the dancing body also follows its own, paralinguistic form of reason; sci-fi, Forbidden Planet-style, billowing synth note ascensions blend with clacky hats and snares, representing the forward-facing yet untempered drives of such a precognitive, subjective mental state.
Review: An enviously sick, fidget-dub-minimal-tech blastoff from Into The Woods, the London imprint whose efforts to push the genre, in a city where it may indeed need more force behind it, are admirable. The first V/A of a new series, ITW have hand-picked an impressing array of artists here; choose your fighter: Crihan, Jay Tripwire & Miller, Vlad Arapasu, and the fast-rising T.Na all feature. First up, it's Vlad, with 'Hidden In The Chaos', whose title invites us to decipher the message coiled about the technical scytale: the track's so-said "chaos" betrays its mad method, its impish persona portrayed through random-modded bass pitch bobs set against a fizzing backbeat. Tripwire and Miller add much texture to the proceedings, sweeping our ears unto a journey into what sounds like frayed cabling and clairaudient voices; then T.Na seriously impresses with truly, properly balanced beat and bass elements, with evil demonic gurgling and laughter aplenty, on 'Nicky'; and finally, Crihan rounds things off on a note of gruff, grit-laid wizardry with 'Hocus Pocus'.
Review: Multi Culti presents a captivating full-length release from Peruvian artist Aristidez, cofounder of Lima's Casa Locasa and the nonprofit label Behua Icara, which supports indigenous culture. Now based in Berlin, Aristidez has been steadily building his reputation with releases on labels like Calypso, Disque-Discos, and Kebrada, as well as notable remixes for Amplio Espectro and Playground Records. His music, praised by Matias Aguayo and the late Andrew Weatherall, stands out for its deep rhythmic sensibility and subtle nods to indigenous influences, all while avoiding cliches. This album showcases Aristidez's ability to blend a wide array of electronic influences into a cohesive, hypnotic experience. Across its seven tracks, listeners are treated to a sonic journey that spans breakbeat-driven 90s rave, 80s proto-trance, cult dub, and downtempo grooves. Tracks like 'Gastonia Dub' and 'Make Flutes With My Bones' reveal a mastery of rhythm and atmosphere, creating an immersive, kaleidoscopic soundscape that is both danceable and introspective. This collection is a testament to Aristidez's skill in crafting timeless electronic music that resonates with both the dancefloor and the discerning listener.
Review: Parisian minimal house hero Lowris launched Aeternum Music back in 2013 with Jennifer and like fellow local Cabanne, has been quite influential in the resurgence of the quirky and experimental sub genre known as microhouse: which still holds a flame to seminal late noughties work by Force Inc and Perlon. They've presented great work by local Le Loup, Romanian impresario Nu Zau and Russian up and comer Denis Kaznacheev. Now the label's ninth release comes courtesy of upstart Ashac; who presents a full length release which presents a great snapshot of the current it sound in minimal that crossover over from rreducitonist mini-funk grooves into eletcro territory. On the first disc you've got quirky and bumpin' blip-blurp grooves like "Jazz Machines'n'skulls" or "Bad Drummer" which would make even Dimbiman stand up and notice, Motor city influenced electro-funk on "Mistery sciences" or tracks wich sonically describe that perfect space between like on "Time Traveller" which nails it just as well as Saverio Celestri or Binh have too of late.
Review: The icy techno sounds of Cologne's Barnt make their way across Europe here to Studio Barnhus's Swedish bunker. Across five fresh cuts, he brings plenty of experimental flair but also some playful rhythms to a forward-thinking EP that sounds like little else. 'Aqua Melopella' is an unsettling opener with glistening synths scurrying like ants over a sparse rhythm, 'Aqua Breeze' establishes a marching beat and 'Aqua Bass' brings twanging synths and frosted loops that keep you on your toes. 'Millennium Silver' is another tune blend of dystopian synth sounds and distorted lines that speak of human destruction and last of all 'Millennium Melopella' offers moments of ambient reflection.
Review: Henri Bergmann and Wennink's Guardian Angel marks an impressive debut on Crosstown Rebels, delivering a track that expertly fuses melody with depth. Bergmann's knack for sculpting rich, atmospheric landscapes is matched by Wennink's haunting vocals, creating a piece that feels both expansive and intimate. It's the kind of collaboration that hints at a shared vision without ever losing individual identity. The original track opens with textured percussion, slowly unfurling into an emotive soundscape as Wennink's vocals hover above like an ethereal guide. There's a melancholic undertone, but it's balanced by an uplifting drive, showcasing their ability to blend light and dark seamlessly. The remixes take Guardian Angel into uncharted territories. Stimming strips things back, opting for a more minimalist approach that sharpens the focus on rhythmic intensity, while his subtle use of effects amplifies the track's ethereal quality. It's a remix that feels lean but still full of intent. Hardt Antoine, on the other hand, plunges deeper into the shadows, pushing the bassline forward and letting synths stretch into eerie, sci-fi realms. His reworking is darker, stranger, and ultimately a satisfying close to the EP. With this release, Bergmann and Wennink add another strong entry to the Crosstown Rebels roster, proving that their partnership is one to keep watching.
Review: Ben Bohmer's upcoming album Bloom marks a significant milestone in his musical journey, offering a reset from the pressures of his previous successes. The album, shows his growth as an artist, emphasising spontaneity and a return to his improvisational roots. The lead single, 'Best Life,' featuring Jonah, explores themes of life's fleeting nature and the importance of cherishing each moment. 'Best Life also represents a sonic departure for Bohmer, signaling his intention to break free from predefined musical boundaries. The album promises a diverse range of styles and tempos, featuring collaborations with artists like Lykke Li, Oh Wonder and Enfant Sauvage. Overall, Bloom appears to be a deeply personal and musically adventurous project that reflects Bohmer's evolution as a musician.
Review: Still-rising new electronica artist Ben Bohmer shares his first new studio album in three years, Bloom. Coming off an ambitious world tour in support of his previous album, Bohmer made a point to take time to himself afterwards, returning to the peace and quiet of his studio; the return would also help him process the heartbreak and grief that drove the inspirations of the record in equal measure. The artist embraces his imperfect journey thus far on the forthcoming album's first single, 'Best Life', featuring Berlin-based singer-songwriter duo JONAH. "Life is short and fast," JONAH remarks on the track. "You try, you fail, and sometimes we lose a special person along the way who is irreplaceable, but the memories stay with us, shaping who we are. 'Best Life' is all about that rollercoaster ride of trying, failing, and a reminder of the importance of living each moment to the fullest." The album features a swathe of styles and tempos that earlier tracks in his career feel like breadcrumbs to.
Review: A welcome return to action from Studio Barnhus boss man Axel Boman, who has been surprisingly quiet since the release of his excellent Luz/Quest For Fire double album in 2022. On the Space Drag EP, Boman showcases the depth, variety and imaginative eccentricity of his deep house productions to the full. For proof, check side A, where the ghostly, stab-happy hedonism of 'Acid Left and Right' - all bubbly TB-303 motifs, synth-strings, digital woodblock lines and repetitive bleeps - is followed by the druggy, dubby and percussively dense Latin house quirkiness of 'Forever Latino'. He throws in a fine curveball in the shape of 'Space Drag', where looped-effects laden Swedish vocal samples and woozy chords ride a tight kick-snare pattern and deep, warm bass, before closing things out via the picturesque breakbeat house deepness of 'Ohh Baby'.
Review: CYAN85's PRZ 7SEVEN EP is a vibrant journey through the realms of tech house, filled with lively grooves and inventive beats that bring a fresh energy to the genre. Side-1 opens with 'Don't Phone Me', a track that effortlessly reintroduces fun into tech house. It's lively, energetic, and groovy, with positive vibes carried by infectious keys. 'Cocolint Dreams' follows, a melodic gem that leans into hi-tech jazz, offering a beautiful, dreamy soundscape that stands out with its lush textures. On Side-2, 'Thriller' takes a sleazier, more futuristic turn with a herky-jerky beat that's both catchy and unpredictable. It's a track that grabs attention with its off-kilter rhythm and edgy vibe. 'TST' then brings minimal tech with house elements, delivering a stylish and bouncy groove that's perfect for the dancefloor. Closing the EP, 'JD800 Nonstop' merges groovy tech with New Order-esque drum patterns, creating a balanced and dynamic finale that bridges classic and modern influences. PRZ 7SEVEN is a masterful blend of fun, groove, and innovation in tech house.
Review: Midge Thompson branches out with his own new label, Dance Protocol, named after his latest alias. He has made some killer jams before as TMS but now steps things up with a quartet of sounds that delicate baleen minimal, dub, tech and garage. 'Under The Bridge' is a blend of warbling synth lines and airy pads that keeps you afloat in a world of gooey sound. 'Inbound' has a little more kick to it and slows things down so the drum sounds and synths really shine, then 'Up North Down South' gets more raw and punchy with some swirling synths softening the razor sharp drums. 'Full Fat' is another mysterious and intriguing late night tech sound full of class.
Review: Four technical scratches from Joe Davies, who asks us forgiveness for his "late response"; he's been toiling away in the studio since at least his last EP for Smallville, 'Shields In Full Sunlight', and now returns to the fore for yet another punchy and arresting new EP. 'Errol Dub' and 'Unknown' provide the first intersonic tension, the former track building low chord pulses and nautical beats around an encircling "what'd I do?" sample, and the latter proving swangier, more acidic and low-slung. Thereafter come the two latter, more pisciform trax, with '1234' bringing a submersive Drexciyan steeze to a metallic pulse, and the latter 'Hi Life' moving more waterboarded breaks and minimal, providing a ruinous undersea vision of the German city of Frankfurt, post sea-level rise.
Review: The third installment of the Split EP series brings together the talents of Dutchman Michel De Hey and DJ Steaw, offering four dynamic tracks ready to ignite the dancefloor. The A-side kicks off with 'Hot Like That,' delivering thumping warehouse house music infused with serious 90s house sounds. 'Pressure You' follows with a more upbeat vibe, blending high-energy house elements with deepness and a tracky vibe, ensuring a fun experience. Flipping over to the B-side, 'Northern Line' introduces deep bass, fun house music, and a hypnotic groove, accentuated by chords of beauty that mesmerise the senses. 'Don't Care' rounds off the EP with deeper house vibes, boasting addictive smoothness that keeps listeners hooked. Together, De Hey and DJ Steaw masterfully fuse nostalgic elements with vibrant synths and buoyant house rhythms, crafting four musings that are primed for the clubs. Four groove-inducing tracks that will undoubtedly captivate audiences on any dancefloor.
Review: As Syncrophone Recordings offshoot Phongramme edges towards a half century of releases, the French imprint is casting its net far and wide for inspiration. Initially dedicated to producers from within the French scene, Phonogramme now regularly showcases music by producers from further afield. Here's another, courtesy of long-serving German artist Sascha Dive. He begins in ultra-deep mode via 'My Definition of House Music', a 4am special that boasts dub-flecked synth motifs and an atmospheric spoken word vocal courtesy of hip-house mic man Mr V. 'In Real Time' is marginally brighter and sunnier whilst still sounding deep and hypnotic, while 'We Went To Africa' is a tech-tinged affair full of gentle acid lines, echoing vocal snippets and suspenseful chords. Closing cut 'Artificial Intelligence', meanwhile, is a tracky, deep tech-house excursion tailor-made for pitch-black basements.
Review: DJ Deep's Connected EP on Gettraum from France is a refined collection of deep house tracks that beautifully explore emotion. On Side-1, 'Sunday Loop' stands out with its melodic and groovy elements, embodying the classy house sound DJ Deep is known for. 'Cable Guy' follows with a deep, immersive vibe that pulls you in with its rich layers while 'The Third Man' rounds off the side, delivering a strong, resonant track. Side-2 brings a fresh take with Traumer's edit of 'Sunday Loop,' which amplifies the energy with a stomping house beat and lush organ keys, adding a new dimension to the original. The version of 'The Third Man' strips the track down slightly, offering a more focused yet still powerful interpretation. Connected EP is a perfect example at melodic house music that resonates on multiple levels.
Review: DJ Quiz poses some great questions on his new EP for Super fresh, a fledgling label that is already sounding like one with keeping tabs on. Opener 'Waterbounce' has twitchy synth work and silky metallic drums which come with bursts of radiant synth light and hooky vocals. 'Light Expressions' has more thudding drum foundations but plenty of bounce and bright colours and 'Can I Open A Bank Account?' is a fave here with us for its grubbier bassline and more heads direct and direct groove. 'Waterbounce' (Tro remix) closes with a techno leaning sense of soul.
Review: Fortunea Records's 33rd release features two esteemed Italian producers, DJ Rocca and Mike Riviera. Their 'Night Jamz' EP offers up four vibrant tracks on the Austrian label and they are sure to energise dancefloors all winter lingo with their with raw, snappy warehouse grooves. DJ Rocca has been a legendary figure since he began his career in the late 1990s producing drum & bass, breakbeat and future jazz under the Maffia Soundsystem brand, while Berlin-based Mike Riviera is known for his Italo disco-inspired productions, and it is the combination of all of those backgrounds that makes this such a fresh EP.
Review: Second-wave Chicago house mainstay DJ Sneak has been around for years but is currently at the top of his game after an almost decade long hiatus. He nods to that in the title of this new EP, 'Still Jackin'', on In The Future. It kicks off 'Going Back To My House' and with some underlapping bass and nice roughshod kicks while industrial metal hits up top bringing some balance. 'Still Jackin' has reverb-drenched drums and crispy hits that make for perfect mid-tempo body music and 'Can I Get Ahhh Feeling' brings some more diffuse, soul-infused vibes and late-night warmth. 'String Me Up' shuts down with a blend of textured stabs, winky beats and uneasy atmospheres.
Review: Winds from remote eastern lands swirl through Dorothy's Dream's latest offering, the 'Blue Bus' EP, a collection that immerses listeners in a realm of minimal mystery. The three original tracks weave hypnotic patterns reminiscent of ancient rituals, where the drums of liberation pulse steadily, drawing you into their rhythmic embrace. The opener, 'Devendra', sets the stage with its captivating groove, layering ethereal synths and whispering vocal snippets that create a trance-like atmosphere. The track unfolds gradually, building an intensity that captures the listener's imagination. Next, 'The Blue Bus' takes a more introspective approach, combining sparse instrumentation with a sense of longing. Its haunting melodies evoke a dreamlike state, inviting reflection and exploration of the inner self. 'Padang Padang' emerges as a standout, featuring rolling percussion that dances alongside shimmering textures, conjuring images of distant shores and forgotten ceremonies. Rounding off the EP, US-based producer Chklte delivers a remix of 'Arambol', infusing the original with punchy 909 drums that elevate the energy without losing the underlying mystique. The Blue Bus EP is a compelling exploration of sound, showcasing Dorothy's Dream's ability to create immersive sonic landscapes that resonate deeply, leaving listeners entranced long after the final notes fade.
Review: This EP is such a favourite that it gets repressed on the regular but still always sells out in quick time. Now it's back once again, this time on a nice white slab. Drewek and Nevada collaborated extensively in the mid-2000s and honed in on their own distinctive electro-techno hybrid as they gained attention with 'Done In 2 Days' which featured on Slam's popular Nightdrive mix album. The original EP containing this track also features other tunes that have aged gracefully while retaining a spiky attitude that resonates with modern dancers. It showcases a range of sounds, from the rubbery acid grooves of 'Follow Me' to the edgy tech vibes of 'More CPU Please.'
Review: Time to Play's latest release, "Midnight Love," marks a significant addition to their catalog, courtesy of Japan's DJ Dreamboy. The EP's title track is a masterclass in Japanese deep house, capturing a sound that's minimal yet intense, balanced yet dreamy. The choice of Brazilian producer Zopelar for a tough remix only underscores the track's impact and versatility. On the flip side, "Vibe" kicks off with a minute of atmospheric build-up, gradually exploding into a whirlwind of kicks and acid arpeggios. It's a journey from suspense to euphoria that's bound to ignite any dancefloor. Following suit is "Dream Town," which retains a softer, more contemplative edge, echoing the vibe of the title track while adding a layer of subtle sophistication. The EP wraps up with "My House Style," a high-octane trip through Tokyo's nocturnal landscape. It's a relentless romp featuring deep basslines, ethereal atmospheres and a rhythm that demands you keep moving. If you've ever dreamt of a non-stop dance odyssey, this track's your ticket. DJ Dreamboy's "Midnight Love" not only showcases their signature sound but also sets a new standard for modern deep house.
Review: James Priestley has always been known as one half of Secretsundaze but is now the sole artist working under that moniker after parting ways with Giles Smith. Here he branches out with a new label 9FINITY which takes its name from his young daughter's mispronunciation of 'infinity'. He says the name aims to capture the label's MO, which is to offer up "no-nonsense, discerning dance records from artists at the vanguard of modern club music." The first outing is a fine various artists collection with Eoin DJ's 'Red Rubber Roses' going deep yet driving, DJ Life twists melons with his cyborg house stomper, Luca Attanasio explores a futuristic tech house sound with a killer bassline, Coffintexts lays down filthy bass and Latinx club sounds and E-Talking cruises through the cosmos with some turbocharged prog-techno. Superb.
Review: Frankey & Sandrino return to their house roots with their latest EP 'Love Complete' on the Sum Over Histories label. Released on their own imprint, the EP captures the essence of the early 2000s dance musical zeitgeist, blending classic soulful house vibes with a modern production sheen, defined by an ultra-clean, untainted synthetic palette. Having reunited with singer Charlotte Riby, who also featured on their acclaimed track 'Memories' for Innervisions, the pair dare to deliver a delectable duo of ditties here, drumming up moods of conjugal anticipation and dreams of fulfilment on 'Love Complete', while a vibeshift makes itself apparent in terser form on 'Contrary', which plays back a more weightless and green-roomed sound by comparison.
Review: Frankey & Sandrino's 'The Moment' EP is a big sounding fusion of techno, infused with elements of trance that are sure to get people's attention. Side-1's title track, The Moment, skillfully blends trance-like elements with a big breakdown and drop, all set at a house or lower techno BPM. This slower tempo gives the track a refreshing twist, with melodic elements that build and create a captivating atmosphere. On Side-2, 'Intrinsic' takes center stage as a techno builder, offering a serious burner that's primed for peak-time play that has you on pins and needles. It's intense, driving, and perfectly crafted for big room impact. Motivation closes the EP with another powerful techno burner, featuring major sounds that push the energy even further. 'The Moment' EP is a well-rounded offering, balancing melodic depth with dancefloor-ready intensity.
Review: GAEG, featuring Monkey Timers and Keita Sano, brings a vibrant mix of sounds on Anarcho Disco Vol 2, a heady blend of wide ranging influences. Side-1 starts off with 'Fountain,' an exhilarating track that merges Italo house, post-disco, and leftfield house elements into a fresh and dynamic sound. It's a track that immediately draws you in with its energetic and eclectic mix. 'Blue Fusion' continues the momentum, offering a similarly bold approach that showcases the duo's flair for blending genres. Side-2 opens with 'Brother,' a standout with its wild drumming and distinctive house vibe, creating a track that feels both innovative and unpredictable. 'Crazy Pa Pa' wraps things up with a psychedelic touch, using varied sampling and unique effects to craft a subversive sound that's both vintage and anarchic. If you are looking for something unqiue, Anarcho Disco Vol 2 is perfect for anyone seeking a fresh, adventurous house music experience.
Review: We don't know much about the freshly minted Worm Records, but we can tell you that proceeds from the imprint's debut release will be donated to the Livetolove campaign, which raises funds for food banks. The EP itself is a corker, with a mix of rising stars and established heads providing genuine dancefloor goodness. Bristol-based Gallegos kicks things off with 'Rockin', a deliciously dreamy fusion of Balearic deep house loveliness and snappy, Chicago house-influenced machine drums, before long-serving producer The Mole goes deeper, smoother and jazzier and the wonderfully tactile 'Festern'. Over on side B, Tartan Records chief drops the extra-percussive, off-kilter drum workout 'Booster', while Ruf Dug drops a previously unheard rework of his Italo-disco inspired fave 'Manctalo Beach'. Top stuff!
Review: Giralda's PVC 02 on Pirka Vinyl Cuts is a diverse and vibrant collection of tracks, drawing from a variety of influences across minimal, tech, disco and Balearic house. Side-1 opens with 'Stages', a fusion of techno and disco that brings a fun, upbeat groove while maintaining a deeper, moody edge. It's a modern twist on classic disco, blending dancefloor energy with a thoughtful vibe. 'Jack The Groove' follows, paying homage to house anthems with solid drum machine programming and tribal drums. The track is high-energy and playful, perfect for peak-time moments. Side-2 kicks off with 'Vogue', a techno rework of the iconic Madonna track, retaining the full vocal for a familiar yet fresh club experience. Rounding out the EP is 'I Want You', a nod to early 90s house with lively sax and an infectious groove, radiating feel-good vibes. This EP is a versatile blend of house flavors, with something for every mood and moment.
Review: Personality Disorder Music is only early in its adventures in the label world but is already turning some heads. The fourth outing from the crew brings together some accomplished underground mainstays for four tracks of twisted tech. There is an edgy vibe to the opener 'Deception' with its throwback breakbeats powering along warped bass, and spoken word snippets adding a sultry twist. 'What Are We Doing' is a stringy and skeletal minimal groove peppered with twangs and hits, sine waves and toms. The B-side melon twisters are just as good with 'Chaos' (feat Mari Kvien Brunvoll) in particular having a nice occult cosmic edge.
Review: Since making his first appearance on Shall Not Fade off shoot Lost Palms in 2018, Harrison BDP has become one of the imprint's most consistent and reliable artists. Here he returns with his second missive for the label of 2024 and his ninth in total. The Cardiff-based producer channels the spirit of the deeper and more dubbier end of turn of the 90s bleep and bass on the alien-sounding excellence of 'Dialled In', before reaching for bumping garage beats, more weighty sub bass and psychedelic motifs on the locked-in excellence of 'Finished'. Over on side B, he wraps colourful and attractive synth sounds around a retro-futurist deep house groove on title track 'Vanishing Act', while 'Space Invaders' sounds like the missing link between Roger Sanchez's deep bleep explorations as Ego Trip, and the rubbery jack of early Chicago house.
Review: Any discerning deep house heads will be familiar with Yossi Amoyal's work as the head of the cultured Sushitech label, and now he steps out with a new imprint, Endell Street, alongside co-founder Nils Hess. This one is named after a busy thoroughfare in the heart of London that was home to the Eukatech record store and will be focussed on reissues of work from the Eukahouse archives. First up we some prime tech house from genre pioneer Nathan Coles who serves up a kicking and unreleased mix of the Housey Doingz classic 'Kitchen Spasm'. Then comes a garage-tinged bumper in the form of Soggy Plop's 'Hairy Scary' (Get Fucked remix) and last of all, Flunky's 'Love Song' brings low-slung sleaze.
Nicole Moudaber - "Rise Up" (feat London Community Gospel Choir) (8:13)
Armand Van Helden & Mark Knight - "Down To Earth" (6:37)
Review: NEM 100.1 Vol 1 isn't your standard deep house compilation. With heavyweight contributors like Danny Howard, Nicole Moudaber, and Armand Van Helden, this release feels like a meeting of minds with a shared purpose: to push familiar boundaries into unexpected places. Danny Howard and Eli & Fur's If You Were sets the tone with a blend of understated house rhythms and finely layered vocals. There's nothing overblown here - it's precise, refined, and confident in its restraint. PAX and Rui Da Silva's Touch Me follows, reviving the iconic anthem with modern production sensibilities. The track is driven by its deep, chugging bassline and stabs of melody that feel like a nod to the original, but also refreshing in their approach. Nicole Moudaber brings a more atmospheric element to the fold with Rise Up, featuring the London Community Gospel Choir. It's expansive, combining gospel depth with Moudaber's signature techno edge, resulting in a track that demands attention without feeling heavy-handed. Closing things out is Armand Van Helden and Mark Knight's Down to Earthia production that melds classic house tropes with a contemporary spin. Its punchy, syncopated rhythm and laid-back groove avoid the typical tropes, instead offering something warm, slightly off-kilter, and entirely captivating. This is a collection that doesn't fall into the trap of overused house formulasiit's bold without overstating, intricate without being pretentious. A strong reminder that these artists still have a few tricks up their sleeves.
Review: American producer Huerta is one of the contemporary tech house world's most standout talents. He has a great range of moods and grooves and his sound designs are second to none, no matter how many jams he kicks out. This latest outing on Leizure is a four tacker with some serious heft: 'Box Of Slicers' is one for the peak of the night with its old school breaks jostling for attention next to pulsing bass, 'Get Your Cave In Order' then hits hard on stripped back, dusty kicks drums that skate along the floor of the club and 'Nx 2 U' brings some slinky percussive deftness and silky pads. 'Cool Frijoles' (feat CJ) is a nice playful beat with super cool charm.
Review: RAWAX welcomes Janeret to their artist bank, also delivering the EP 'Muba' in the process. From the entrancing, tropical greens of 'Kan' to the agri-synth undulations of 'Huk', Janeret paints a distinctively future-organic sonic picture, in which posthumans speak in monosyllabic tongues (as of the track titles) whilst biomech bots handle the entire food commodity production process, from tilling to threshing to logistics to stocking. The music here is like the minimal-tech scrimmage call of a bird of paradise to its flock, all of whom together find themselves happily locked, but still aviatory, inside one of many of these future greenhouses. 'Yubu' and 'Muba' soothe the soul further, the latter especially with its abstracted funk, its synthetic gazes outside casements, through to the world outside.
Review: Jhobei, an emerging artist with a growing reputation in the electronic music scene, is set to make his mark with the Age Of Virality EP on Enzo Siragusa's label. Known for his deep and expansive sound, Jhobei kicks off this EP with 'Swarming,' a dynamic track that uses a slithering bassline to lead a garage-influenced journey through punchy lows and catchy vocal snippets. Following this, 'Machine Language' blends playful, sweeping melodies with a dose of robotic funk, creating an engaging auditory experience. On Side-2, 'Defusion Solution' takes listeners on a late-night odyssey with its syncopated percussion and cosmic vibes, while 'Rising Sun' offers a refined, laid-back progression with smooth organic rhythms. Overall. a very enjoyable record with a lot of creativity.
Jive Talk & Just Jam - "The People's Elbow" (5:32)
Redshift - "Whateva" (5:32)
Sakro - "Vocalistic" (5:14)
Turnero - "Gimmicks" (5:57)
Review: Gene on Earth's Limousine Dream label starts a new sub-series here, Limo Trax Blue, and offers four cuts from different artists. Just Jam & Jive Talk link up to start off with on the low-key house bumper that is 'The Top Turnbuckle' complete with its many deft sound designs. Redshift's 'Whateva' has a militant up right beat and anthemic vocal hooks, and Sakro then gets down to business with a cosmic, tough tech workout in the form of 'Vocalistic'. Turnero's closer 'Gimmicks' layers up wobbly basslines and sensuous vocals.
Review: The Advanced Rhythm Generator EP by Juaan and Richer on Melcure Spain offers a compelling blend of minimal and tech house with nostalgic undertones and modern flair. This EP is a perfect example to the enduring appeal of 90s techno, EBM, and industrial vibes. Side-1 opens with Juaan's 'Ninero,' a track that channels the spirit of Cabaret Voltaire and Severed Heads with its gritty 90s techno influences and EBM-industrial edge. The raw energy and intricate layering create a dancefloor champion. Next, 'Mafia' by Juaan takes us into a vintage realm, merging house and techno with a standout groove and meticulous drum pattern. Juaan's expertise in programming grooves shines through, making him one to watch. Side-2 features Richer's contributions, starting with 'Machina Marina,' a blend of techno and futuristic italo house that feels both innovative and retro. The track's rhythmic complexity and melodic elements create a great soundscape. Closing the EP, Richer's 'Einzendark' (Future mix) captures the fun, rave spirit of the early 90s, reminiscent of Meat Beat Manifesto and Manufactura. The fusion of industrial techno and new wave sounds is both nostalgic and forward-thinking. Advanced Rhythm Generator is a dynamic release that skillfully bridges past and present.
Review: Planka Records invites the listener to lend an ear to a life story with the 'Clandestine Club' EP, likening the enjoyment of the act of meeting to rave with that of hatching a gunpowder plot, doing swell justice to the motif of "underground" music. The music is apt enough to evoke this, with its cold waves of all-hallowed icesynth and analog horror motifs - instantly reflected in the opening tracks, Juaan's 'Perdido' and Natural Goofy's 'Voces Del Futuro' - truly giving off the sense of this being some apocryphal occult style having been driven underground. The B-siders, Alfred Holanda's 'Haribo' and Mas' 'Dangerosso', continue to post notes from down there, continuing the mood of a driven embolism, an involuntary movement of joy and feeling, despite the misanthropy that suffuses the record's hard skeletal, nigh existentially carapaced sound.
Review: Johnny Kick's Come On EP on Rawax Germany is a vibrant homage to the early 90s rave sound. On Side-1, things kick off with 'Burnin,' a track that blends classic house and techno with strong melodic stabs, reminiscent of MK or Nu Groove. 'Come On' follows with a fun and clever UK breakbeat style that echoes the energy of 808 State. On Side-2, 'Alright,' is a perfect recreation of the early 90s techno rave sound with classic samples. Closing the EP is 'Everybody,' a breakbeat dancefloor destroyer with keys that pay huge respect to Outlander's 'Vamp.' Each track captures the nostalgic essence of the rave era while delivering a modern punch. Massive!
Review: Paddy Lee's PICNIC 009 on Picnic UK delivers a stellar showcase of progressive house infused with trance, synth wave, and disco elements. On Side-1, 'Drive By' stands out with its terrific laser gun bassline and melodic breaks, maintaining a high-class trance vibe reminiscent of Oliver Lieb's work as L.S.G. Side-2 begins with 'Zero Control,' a bassline-driven mainstage anthem that echoes the grandeur of Funk D'Void's Heavenly Mix of 'Diabla,' packing a powerful punch. 'The Goodbye' concludes the release with a futuristic take on progressive house, blending trance, techno, and EBM influences into a cohesive and sophisticated sound. Paddy Lee demonstrates a masterful command of genre-blending and production prowess on PICNIC 009, making it an essential addition to any progressive house enthusiast's collection. Picnic UK continues to deliver quality releases that push the boundaries of electronic music.
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