Review: Clut deliver a specialised clout-glut with a fresh split EP from rising artist Alric Aerial, who here teams up with yet another artist who's so far flown under the label's radar - Electrodynamique. Here the pair deliver four electro-dancefloor tracks primed for every situation: sleazy bar, backlit festival stage, ironic doomsday scenario, you name it. This EP's cascading sixteenths flow like metallic droplets, their acid lines and FM blurps splurging forth with increasing restlessness and impertinence, and decreasing self-control. Particularly squelchy is Aerial's 'Tough Cuts', which moves trigger-happy on the cutoff filter whilst dungeon-bound sine tones splay across the top edges of the track, like ectoplasms left behind after a string of Zeno's paradoxes have been solved. 'We Are The City' by Electrodynamique indulges a final emery note, abrading its curveball electro mix to a grinding, apocalyptic oblivion.
Review: By far one of the most inventive deep techno releases we've encountered in recent years - one that can no less still command the pace and expectations of a driven dancefloor - Ahmet Altinbas blows us away with 'Verlucent'. We'd hazard a guess that 'verlucent' is a portmanteau of 'vermillion' and 'translucent', but the irony is - and we're sure anyone with synaesthesia can attest to this - that this one ripples a brilliant blue, not a virulent cinnabar red. Perhaps Altinbas can set the record straight; whatever the case, opener 'Waves' is a fantastic track, seeming to sinusoidally collapse the many Thames barriers blocking off sound wave and ocean wave with its squeezy top-end ebullitions, which sound like bubble and froth collecting on the top layer of a tide. Second only to this is 'Serenese', which captures a push-pull groove through hotly restrained hats and marred backing pads, suggesting an unbreathable but beautiful ocean voyage. Sub-dirged.
Review: BOOM! Our favourites, Cititrax, roll the third editions of Tracks out onto our shelves, and the results are unsurprisingly strong on this excellent various artists comp. It's a mixed bag of skills, as per usual, and the sounds are those of a new NYC, fuelled by a new sort of post-industrial sensibility. Amato Y Mariana open with the tight beats and groove of "Queires Bailar", followed closely by the ominous compositions of the EBM-flavoured "Montgat" from The Sixteen Steps. On the flip, His Dirty Secrets bleeps out some morphed acid on "Structures", and "Another Stranger" from Further Reductions churns out a slow, mild-mannered house experiment with its roots clearly planted in the coldest of waves. Sick.
Review: William Arist's Chronicles Of Civilization EP is a six-track exploration into the primitive and tribal roots of techno, released by Emerald Holland. Highlights include 'Nataruk' which stands out with its heavy tribal groove and primal techno energy, setting a raw and powerful tone for the EP. 'Mousike' offers a creative looped feel, adding an engaging and hypnotic rhythm. Side-2 opens with 'KwaZulu,' a hard roller that evokes memories of Primate Records, Ignition Technician, and Umek from circa 2000. The EP wraps up with 'Aboriginal,' maintaining the deep, tribal essence throughout. Chronicles Of Civilization EP by William Arist captures the foundational sounds of techno with its robust and authentic approach. One for those who like aggressive looped and tribal grooves that verge on hardcore.
Review: Polish label Moonshine Recordings kicks off a new series that is helmed for the first time by Bukkha. It's a potent two tracker that opens with 'Planet I-N-I' which is a heavily dubbed out cut with bottomless subs and ice cold hits, tons of reverb and ricochetting sounds as well as some dub-wise vocals that drift in and out to heady effect. On the flip side is 'Night Out' (feat Roger Robinson), another smooth, serene and hypnotic dub techno cut marbled with static and vinyl crackle as well as some pensive words from Robinson. Both of these need to be heard as loud as can be for maximum impact.
Review: For all his innovation, Burial has historically shied away from delivering full-throttle, mind-altering club bangers. Certainly, we can't remember him serving up anything as rhythmically intense as the two dystopian techno slammers showcased on this 12". Both feature many of his usual sonic trademarks - oodles of vinyl crackle, end-of-days aural textures and creepy ambient electronics - but are underpinned by bombastic 4/4 beats rather than sparse, post-dubstep rhythms. A-side "Pre-Dawn", a dense and incredibly intense affair, is the more energetic and instant of the two, though weirder and looser flipside "Indoors", which contains some pitched-up rave-era vocal samples and woozy riffs amongst its highlights, is also very impressive.
Review: Sometime Trilogy Tapes and Zodiac 44 artist Buttechno (real name Pavel Milyakov) arrives on Minimal Wave offshoot Cititrax with his fourth album-length excursion. It could well be his best to date too, as we can confirm it has very few flaws, but plenty of atmospheric, ear catching fare to enjoy. He begins with the fuzzy, metallic mid-tempo techno creepiness of "March Cherskogo", before proceeding to flit between smooth horror-techno ("Back 2 The E"), melodious and spacey electro ("Elektroshirka", the foreboding "AXF"), mind-altering intergalactic chug ("Slow Durk") and sparse, crackling industrial techno (L.I.E.S-ish closer "808 Exec Dirty").
Review: The musical synergy between Cromby and Sally C shines in Cromby's latest contribution to Big Saldo's Chunkers. Cromby's tracks, adored by both Sally C and notable DJs like Job Jobse and Bambounou, have garnered widespread support. The standout track, 'Pump It,' is an atmospheric roller, perfect for maintaining post-peak energy levels. 'Free' marks Cromby's vocal debut, driven by a punchy bass and 303 flourishes, offering a rugged yet balanced vibe for after-hours sets. The EP closes with 'Best Not Miss,' a hoover-led track that transports listeners back to a mid-90s dancefloor, delivering a thrilling, nostalgic experience. This release cements Cromby's elite status and shows his knack for creating irresistible, dancefloor-ready anthems.
Review: In the Strugatsky brothers' Roadside Picnic - and its ensuing film adaptation by Andrei Tarkovsky, Stalker - "the Zone" is a forbidden area lying somewhere in a post-apocalyptic, post-Soviet wilderness, in which manifold unspeakable evils and anomalies lurk, in wait of those bold enough to brave them by riskily attempting to reach the wish-granting, power-bestowing oracle at its heart. Producer CT Kidobo channels the noxiously wish-fulfilling, but also toxic gases and atmospheres native to the Strugatskys' Zone, via four waste-scouring 4x4 electro heaters, described by the Neuma label as channelling 'highly emotional content'. A chillingly formative journey is conveyed through the opening 'The Last Run', the sticky, hands-dirty drama of 'Into The Zone' and the half-lived bonus beats of 'Just Use Your Imagination'.
Frameworks (part 1 & 2 - Don Williams remix) (5:43)
Extract 2021-02 (6:35)
Boiling Point (DisX3 remix) (5:56)
Constant Gravitation (Border One remix) (5:24)
Review: Decka and Roseen’s Imaginary Places Remixed offers a worthy collection of techno remixes that will resonate with any fan of the genre. Side-1 kicks off with the Don Williams remix of 'Frameworks' (Part 1 & 2). This track blends catchy minimalism with a harder, more intense edge, making it an ideal opener. Following it, 'Extract 2021-02' lays down tribal grooves that are both intricate and primal, pulling listeners into a rhythmic trance. On Side-2, the DisX3 remix of 'Boiling Point' delivers a punch with its hard percussive chords and driving, hypnotic rhythm that doesn’t let up. Border One’s remix of 'Constant Gravitation' closes the record with a sci-fi-inspired soundscape, creating a sense of otherworldly tension and movement. Each track on this release is finely tuned to keep energy levels high and the dancefloor moving.
Review: Dojo Zone's Smoke & Shadows, released on Cabaret U presents a compelling exploration of moody and futuristic techno. The EP opens with the title track, 'Smoke & Shadows,' a dark and gripping groove that pulls the listener into a shadowy world. The track's eerie atmosphere, punctuated by a deep, resonant bassline, recalls the brooding style of artists like Recondite, making it both addictive and powerful. Following up on Side 1, 'Lights Out' ventures into high-tech territory, offering a forward-thinking sound that feels both sleek and cutting-edge. It's a futuristic masterpiece that pushes the boundaries of techno with its intricate production. Side-2 begins with 'Slow Release,' where Dojo Zone delves into otherworldly sounds, crafting a track that feels like a journey through uncharted sonic landscapes. Finally, the 'Sobre Tierra' (Osaka mix) closes the EP with a groovy twist, incorporating subtle house elements that add a fresh layer of rhythm and movement.
Review: The low-key but high-class Acquit label is back with some more brilliance from DX 9 press dup to nice translucent orange vinyl. 'Beans' (Owen Ni remix) opens up with elastic deep house beats and heady pad swirls. In original form the cut is a weight dub house pumper and elsewhere is the quick-stepping deep house of 'Galaxy', stripped back and scruffy dub house of 'Greed' and the cosmic trip that is 'Orange' with its swirling synth clouds and wispy lead lines over a deep, meaningful bassline. This is hi-tek soul with a timeless edge.
Review: Fi-Lo returns with his fourth release on Alphaville Records and it might be his best yet. Drawing from 90s tech house influences, the artist adds his own signature spin to a set of four dynamic tracks designed for the dancefloor. The cheekily named 'Shaggin' Wagon' is a fluid blend of light and shadow, with acid and breaks setting the tone. 'Toro Bravo' on the A-side offers deep, expansive rhythms and a robust groove and over n the flip is 'All Work, No Play (Pressure Mix)' which unfolds as a relentless, evolving proggy weapon with a playful edge. Closing the EP, 'LA-Z BOY' introduces a laid-back vibe enriched with eclectic samples and a nice smooth flow.
Review: Forest On Stasys has cooked up a captivating EP here featuring four tracks that all tap into a nice compelling psychedelic narrative. The journey begins with immersive techno on 'Neotropico' which is run through with warped lines and rolling beats. 'Supersticion' is the sound of an automaton lost in its own business and 'Autoctono' is a dubbier, slower cut peppered with dry hits and jumped percussion. 'Atlantico Sur' then zones you out on some blissful ambient pads and suspensory chords. A meditative closer, for sure, after the heady intensity of the first three cuts.
Review: The debut Ghost Dubs album emerges on The Bug's Pressure label as the artist, also known as Michael Fiedler and Jah Schulz, follows up two prior experimental dub LPs put out via his 'Dub Over Science' series, the title of which tells you all there is to know about his approach to music production. Dub was never an entirely empirical process: though the archetypal dubbing engineer was historically often deemed just that - an "engineer" - this terminology is ironic since intuition, or "vibesmanship", is also essential to the craft. Bringing twelve zygomatic arse-zappers to our left and right canals (and, in the bass region, to our bodies), Ghost Dubs homages the blueprint drafted by the infamous Chain Reaction label, whose pioneering works laid the ground for all low-reg, factoryscape experimental dub records to follow. Best of this bunch are the least rhythmically deadlocked, 'Soul Craft' standing out in its use of freeform shark-caged resonances, and 'True To Life' going steady but confidently on the triplets and alien gurgles.
Review: GiGi FM continues to shape out the sound of her Sea Rene label with another round of intricate, distinctive techno workouts which speak to her non-conformist style. 'Gabriella' is a fierce, uptempo cut with tumbling percussion that feels indebted to a Motor City energy, capped off with some dramatic jazz piano flex which is frankly spine-tingling. 'Tempelhof' has a lighter feel, even as the densely packed drums continue to drive the track forwards at a rate of knots, while 'Awakening The World's Heart' maintains the pressure by balancing sizzling hats and low end thrum with gorgeous streaks of arpeggio and a restless, infectious joie de vivre. High impact techno with a delicate soulfulness - this is truly outstanding stuff.
Review: Greyscale unveils its latest endeavour, the Spectrum Series, as a way to continue to evolve its offerings and this time it is with something that makes a vibrant departure from its traditional black-and-white aesthetic. The inaugural release features the iconic Lithuanian dub track 'Kasdienybes Sventykla' by grad_u & Eazystyle MC as a way of commemorating its 15th anniversary. It came as a double CD in 2011 but now gets a first vinyl pressing on a nice 10" slab of wax. The track itself taps into the earliest roots of dub in the 70s and traces a line through the 80s with its heavyweight drums and endlessly echoing bass topped by great mic work. A pared-back instrumental features on the flip of this latest crucial drop from the dub dons at Greyscale
Review: Belgium's history with electro is almost as rich as that of the Motor City, so this coming together of Detroit native Kenny Hooper and the Elypsia Records label is a fine one. It marks Hooper's debut release on the label and is one EP of three-part series that shows off his serious skills. Cybotron and Model 500 influences abound, of course, with fresh cyborg funk, slick contemporary production and a mix of grooves from driving and cosmic to more physical and banging. The tight drums and freaky vocals of 'Encrypted' are a particular highlight for us.
Review: Ignez's latest release, SMV 010, is a four-track exploration of techno that takes listeners on an extraordinary journey. This offering from Somov showcases Ignez's ability to craft compelling and distinctive sounds within the genre. Side-1 opens with 'Wounded Healer,' which features a strong beat and addictive elements that mesh perfectly with the groove. The track's tribal and darker undertones set a powerful tone. Next is 'Tavisupali,' a slightly demented and ominous builder that adds heavy movement and depth to the record. Flipping to Side-2, 'Ascend' delivers an epic groove, maintaining the momentum with its addictive rhythms. Finally, 'Lightworker' brings a haunting and eerie atmosphere, with melodic and unique strings that elevate the track to a new level. This is a very inventive approach and skillful execution. The seamless blend of dark, tribal, and melodic elements work great together.
Review: After a headturning debut release which soon sold out back in May, Detroit Basics is back with more magnificent machine music. And once again it is JR Disc who is serving up the sounds. 'Beautiful Blue Pillow' kicks off and sounds like Kraftwerk making funk electro complete with vocoder vocals and silky grooves. 'Mean Mugg' is a more rough and ready deep house sounds with frazzled synths growing ever more prominent and last of all, 'Under The Ground' shuts down with some stomping drums and glistening melodic pixels that rain down the face for a futuristic feel.
Review: The Rose Island blooms into life for the first time with a strong first release that features four different artists taking one tune each on this 12". Judy's 'Aqua' is a mind melting loop techno cut that rocks back and forth on its heels and will have you frothing at the mouth. Symbiosis's 'Terra' is dry, economical loop techno made from few elements but each one makes its mark as this loose jumble of rhythm and sound grows in intensity. Alexandre Laeddis's 'Ignis' ups the ante with the sort of oversized drums and front loaded hi-hats that wash over you like a tsunami and last of all R 010 brings some high speed industrial tech house with throwback synth leads and funk in the drums.
Review: Renowned Russian producer Anton Kubikov presents the Attic Eccentric EP, a showcase of his mastery in minimal and tech house. On Side-1, 'Last Days' delivers a moody, ominous minimal techno journey, rich with atmospheric tension. Following is 'C'est Anna,' a deep and dubby techno track that weaves in eerie, haunting elements, perfect for those late-night sets. Side-2 features 'Last Days' (Ferlin Crossroads mix), a remix that injects an upbeat, techier energy into the original, offering a bouncier, more dynamic groove. Kubikov’s EP demonstrates his adeptness at blending minimal and techno with a distinctive edge, making it a noteworthy addition to any collection.
Richard Rozen - "The Legend Of The Son Of The Perlman" (7:07)
Review: Carnedd Llewelyn (Llewelyn's Cairn) by Luis Luchetti and Richard Rozen is a compelling 12" release on translucent violet vinyl that offers a refined blend of techno with a late-night appeal. Side-1 begins with Luis Luchetti's 'Jeilalou,' a deep late-night groove that gradually introduces soft, beautiful chords, adding a layer of warmth to the track's atmosphere. 'Encantado En Conocerlas' follows with a smooth and airy techno vibe, characterised by its atmospheric and flighty blend. On Side-2, Richard Rozen delivers 'Spell Two Fifty Four,' a track that combines melodic tones with a high-tech rhythm, creating a hypnotic and engaging sound. The EP concludes with 'The Legend Of The Son Of The Perlman,' a catchy, late-night house track that merges subtle energy with an alluring groove. Carnedd Llewelyn is a another excellent record out from this strong label.
Review: The Cabaret label is one of those buy-on-sight outlets such is the consistency of the output it puts out. Michelle steps up for this latest EP and immediately hooks us in with a raw, mysterious tech sound filled with rugged bass and curious melodies over sharp metallic drums. 'Glowforge' ups the ante with razor-sharp spinning hi-hats and edgy sustained chords that keep you very much on the edge of your seat. 'Fake Trance' is a punchy one with skittish perc and dramatic oversized hits before the urgent synth stabs come in and closer 'My Sweet Universe' pairs wild and zippy synths with marching drums for that 5AM magic.
Dracula vs Frankenstein (Kenny Hooper remix) (6:53)
Dracula vs Frankenstein (G-Prod remix) (7:44)
Review: Swiss label Acquit Records has got a couple of superb outings lined up this month and Nate Nubia is behind this one which offers up a single and three different mixes of it. Original cut 'Dracula Vs. Frankenstein' is a warm analogue world of smeared synths and dusty drums over a crisp broken beat. It's full of machine soul and melancholic moods. The Info Remix is more edgy and driven, while the Kenny Hooper remix layers in extra light and melody. The G-Prod remix is one with its head amongst the stars and plenty of celestial synths.
Review: Indira Paganotto is one of the biggest stars of the new school scene. The Spanish artist has had a massive couple of years and is currently curating her own room at Amnesia in Ibiza. It is there she can showcase her dark, driving blend of trance, techno, Goa-inspired euphoria and plenty of hardness in between. This new EP also encapsulates all that with its Indian vocals and hyperdrive drums all run through with sweeping filters, plenty of mad FX and exotic sound sources that will no doubt send the younger, more wide-eyed ravers out there utterly mental.
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