Back catalogue: Progressive House

Review: Rebirth kicks off its 2024 with a remix EP that serves as "a tribute to the Brescian music scene in its many facets and declinations." The full original project is a complete 12-track album that brings together many different sounds, scenes and generations, with the best bits now assembled on this new 12". The revered deep house master Fred P opens up with some texture spiritual synth depths, K-Lone brings some nice house swing to his version of 'Paline' and edit maestro Rahsaan also keeps it paired back and late night on his soulful take on 'Scent Of An Old Life'. A great reimagining of some moving musical adventures, then.

Review: Given that both producers are underground titans, traversing the blurred lines between disco, acid, deep house and wide-eyed dreaminess, you'd expect this two-track collaboration between Eddie C and Keita Sano to be pretty darn good. It is, of course, with the pair carving their own mind-mangling, breathlessly energetic niche on 'Disco Universal' - a certified throb-job in which trippy noises, exotic instrument samples and pulse-racing electronic motifs rise above a thumping beat and Italo-disco style sequenced bassline. It slows down midway through, 'French Kiss' style, before the duo brilliantly bring it back to a peak-time tempo. They explore sub-heavy, garage-influenced deep house and breakbeat pastures on the dreamy, weighty, impactful and acid-fired 'Joy Joy Joy', once more showcasing the diversity of their musical influences.

Review: Malta-based label Lost & Found has put a real spotlight on the hot little islands fertile music scene. Not up with a fine entry in the series is Khen who shows a mastery of synths and a penchant for lush melody that has your head amongst the stars. 'Levantine' (with Freedom Fighters) has delightfully delicate melodies that leave neon tails in their wake as the soft drums shuffle on. 'Angel's Share' is a little busier, with loopy drums and chords all intertwining to great and meditative effect and 'Cumulus' closes with wispy synth clouds, gently broken beats and a spine-tingling sense of serenity.

Review:  A year on from Antoine losing what was going to be his debut album, he decided to reform his concept-based project Mise En Place into a vinyl-only label. This is the first outing on it and is a work inspired by the hit TV sitcom The Office (US). 'Australian Reds' is part progressive workout and part stripped back minimal rhythm, 'Colombian Whites' is a 90s-inspired house cut with sparkling synth arps and glitchy claps while 'Cafe Disco (AK's Rare Groove Dub)' takes the B-side into after-hours territory. 'Threat Level Midnight' is an atmospheric closer that take things deep.

Review: For its ninth release, Gamine knocks it out of the park again with Konerytmi's new five-track EP. This release is a heartfelt tribute to the 80s, but it offers more than just nostalgia-it's an interpretation of the era's distinct musical style. The tunes capture the iconic timbres, drum sounds, melodies and harmonies of the 80s so take you back to that time on a wave of killer electro rhythms that are both vibrant and fresh but driving and club ready. If you're longing for the 80s but don't have a time machine, this 12" is the perfect way to relive the music of that decade.

Review: This compilation delves into the depths of electronic music, showcasing a diverse range of artists who blend retro influences with futuristic sounds. It's a captivating journey through hypnotic rhythms, atmospheric textures, and captivating melodies, with each track offering a unique perspective on the ever-evolving landscape of electronic music. Kosh's 'Back To The Future' sets the tone with its pulsating energy and nostalgic synth lines, while Christopher Ledger's 'Steady Process' creates a mesmerizing atmosphere with its hypnotic rhythms and evolving soundscapes. Reflex Blue's 'Super Sweet Feeling' injects a dose of Italo-disco-infused energy, its infectious melodies and driving bassline guaranteed to get bodies moving. Luca Attanasio's 'Mystery Freak' closes out the compilation with a darker, more experimental vibe, its haunting melodies and intricate textures leaving a lasting impression.

Review: Theo Kottis embarks on his Space Dust odyssey with a 3 track EP providing an array of ample peak-time dancefloor moments. This debut collection of tracks for the label draws largely on Kottis finding nascent inspiration in 90s prog house, and deploys the 303 acid topline as its main sonic vessel. 'Solar' & 'Dreamscape' deliver euphoric breakdowns surrounded by stabbing synths, while 'Cosmic Drift' is a slower burn, building through its chuggy baseline. With Theo onboard, we look forward to exploring more of this musical direction through future releases on Space Dust.

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.