Review: CFRT's fourth release features early productions from Sven Rohrig under his acclaimed techno and house alias, 3 Phase. These tracks were originally released on Push back in 1996 and offer a window into his innovative approach, even though he was in his formative years. All these decades on, they still bang. 'Moon' is textured, edgy techno with restless drum rhythms and metallic percussive sounds, 'Other Edge' is a psyched-out number with bleeping melodies and thudding drums and 'Magic Edge' strips tings back to deep, pulsing bass, lashings of synth detail and a paranoid mood while 'Stash' shuts down with more slow motion sounds for the post-rave comedown.
Review: Artificial Owl Recordings welcomes aboard New Yorkers Satoshi Tomiie and Naotake Gunji for the label's fifth release; a recording of their collaborative A_A project and live show, which first came to light at the Fridman Gallery in Manhattan. A_A, an ongoing audio project, explores the visceral tension between floor-centric ambient electronica and improvised sound/audio performance. Here, found and object-activated sounds fire a collective dub trigger, producing a distinctly somatic regrounding across five original works.
Review: A aka Mika Vainio's 'Fermionit' is a significant release from the late Finnish producer, who passed away in 2017. Originally featured in a Belgium Detuned 6x12 boxset just before his death, the track received critical acclaim from collectors and fans. Now, it returns to Mika's own Sahko label for a well-deserved 12" release. 'Fermionit' embodies the essence of Finnish techno with its minimalistic, cold and stark sound. The track's passive-aggressive edge showcases Vainio's signature style, blending raw, unfiltered textures with a profound sense of depth. This release not only honors Vainio's legacy but also offers a chance for new listeners to experience the pure DNA of Finnish techno. An essential listen for fans of minimalist and avant-garde electronic music.
Review: A Trifle Too Far, the collaboration between Essex natives Simon Ward and Tony Grimley, crafted this forward-thinking duo of tracks, inspired by their explorations of the acid house scene and rave culture. Catch Your Ear and Meringueatang embody the innovative spirit of early 90s prog-house. Engineered by Evren Omer of Strategy Records and Matt Clayden of X-Gate Records, respectively, these tracks remain a rare and exhilarating find. Mint Condition is reviving the essence of classic house and techno with their latest reissue: the elusive 1992 EP 'Catch Your Ear/Meringueatang' from A Trifle Too Far. This release is a thrilling addition for collectors and DJs, rekindling the excitement of a bygone era.
Review: Shlomi Aber & Kashpitzky join forces once again to make their Blueprint Records debut with four formidable techno tracks on the 'Sonic Underworld' EP. Sharing production duties on each side, Aber and Kashpitzky bring experience gleaned from prior releases on the likes of CLR, Drumcode, and BPitch Control - dropping clout like bombs - to this ultimate moment, on whose A-side we now hear 'Immersive' fusions of broken beat and far-flung techno atmospheres amount to a tittilating 'Saga'. The B-side's 'Rust' and 'Bazement' are equally as synthetic yet also hear the EP grow increasingly crazed, with the former indulging an entrained trance despite an equally adamant kick-drive, and the latter moving pure tweezy and swirly.
Review: UK artist David Duncan recorded only one EP as Ability II and it recently got reissued and soon snapped up. Now, much to the delight of fans of the man behind the classic tune 'Pressure Dub' he is back. This album features an exclusive collection of tunes he made back in his heyday in the 90s, none of which were released at the time, and none of which you will have ever heard before anywhere. They feature his signature sound designs across seven cuts that sound as futuristic now as they ever could as they combine jacked-up house, techno and tech into scintillating and dub-weighted sounds for the club.
The Truth (feat Bella Hardcover - acappella) (3:41)
Review: The Kwench label is back with more tasteful and timeless house and techno fusions here as Ad & The Persuader link up for The Truth EP. The title cut opens up with some lazy, wavy, dubby grooves with heady pads and then a dub version makes it even more fleshy and horizontal. 'Strolling' keeps things classy and deep cut with pillowy kicks toped with starry-eyed melodies and some glitchy perc. An cappella closes out the EP for DJ use. This is a quietly excellent 12" that oozes quality.
Review: Basel-based experimental labels Amenthia Recordings and A Walking Contradiction join forces for their first collaborative release here in the form of the Flash Crash/Hack Crash EP. Both labels are known for pushing boundaries within their close-knit creative circles and this one features Agonis' heavy stepper and Konduku's whirlpool of low frequencies on the Amenthia side, while Lemont continues the low-end, tripped-out vibe. Varuna represents A Walking Contradiction and delivers swampy, slow-motion sounds in their signature style. This release embodies both labels' commitment to daring, unconventional electronic sounds.
Review: Religion, and specifically gospel music, always played a key part in shaping the sounds and emotions of easy house music. It is clearly going to have just as much impact on this new label God Iz Enough which debuts with an EP of the same name from Tomi Ahmedeus. His style on the opener is to lay down raw and dusty beats with an early Windy City feel and infuse them with evocative, guttural gospel vocals that really bring them to life and make them inescapably emotive. 'The Rise Of The Guttersnipe' strips things back a little and brings a shuffling tech vibe with some glistening melodies while 'Ms Ludus' is a gorgeous ambient closer.
Review: The Danza Nativa label is fresh off the back of a fine fifth birthday celebratory 2 part compilation but wastes no time getting back to business. Alderaan is the man in charge with his second for the label and 'Transition' kicks off with some mad LFO business melting your mind. Psyk remixes it into a more paired back and spooky subterranean techno prowler. With 'Vortex' there is yet more nocturnal menace with ticking hi-hats seeing rhythm as squelchy, unsettling sounds peel off the beats. 'Futurismo' closes down with a gurgling lead line and distant sci-fi sounds that complete this most futuristic EP.
Review: Naarm-based producer Sam Alfred shows no signs of slowing down as we continue to be impressed by the material coming out of Australia right now. After releasing the energetic 'Suzuka' EP, completing a sold-out headline tour and playing a packed set at MODE Festival, he's now back with more full flavour beats. This one disk off with a real house anthem inspired by 90s club music with punchy piano, airy synths, and a driving cowbell rhythm. 'Care 4 U' has carefree garage house vibes a la salute, 'Keep It' brings some euro dance and trance energy and 'Distance' is a peak-time acid-laced pumper. Brilliant stuff.
Review: After a brief hiatus, Synapsis Records makes a triumphant return with a standout 12" release from Iranian artist Siamak Amidi, complemented by reinterpretations from hm505. Synapsis-019, Crack A Love Ball, offers a sublime mix of minimalism and complexity, showcasing Amidi's deft touch for immersive sound design on the A-side. His original tracks, 'Crack A Love Ball' and 'Mess with You', are masterclasses in subtle intricacy, blending rich percussion with understated grooves. Meanwhile, the B-side sees hm505's reinterpretations take the originals in new directions, layering lush melodies and swirling arpeggios that pull at the heartstrings. Synapsis-019 is a sonic journey that demonstrates both Amidi's thoughtful craftsmanship and hm505's ability to transform tracks into emotive experiences.
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: The Hyperdrive label is back with a third outing which once again offers up some exciting and forward-thinking new artists. Anderson's 'Sweet Psylow' kicks off with some psychedelic synth loops over crisp tech house drums that hark back to the 90s prog heyday. HearThuG's 'Back To The Future' is a darker sound with whistles, snappy snares and eerie chords and Luis Malon & Seb G then combine for the bouncing techno rhythms and acid-laced pads of 'Extasis Nebular.' Last but not least, Jamie Leather's 'Strange Commodities' is a surging cosmic techno trip with dynamic drums and perc and majestic leads. This is another fine release from this young label.
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: It's beyond the basics with a fresh new dub excursion for the premium customer; Another Channel amp up the form pioneered by the patently referent Basic Channel with a worthy widescreen dub upgrade. This eight-tracker from the Polish outfit nails the latter's original formula, whose essence lay in the irresistible combo of muted low end scoop-out drums, faint squinty noises, and Renaissance-perspectival ricochets, each component of which never once settled into rhythm or sound interpretable as a copy-paste prescription. Yes the flavours here are all analogue and none 'generative', as was the original intent of the dub techno pioneers. Another Channel's emulation of the sound is as faithful as a blindfolded chaplain, the strongest testament to which has to be the tricky sizzler known as 'Solid'.
3500 Miles Away From Detroit (The Beginning) (7:36)
Dark Moonlight (6:29)
In A Circle (6:30)
Brighter Swallow (Westgate mix) (6:41)
That Bond (You Are Not Alone) (7:01)
D Mecca (6:03)
Unborn Life (7:43)
The End (3:59)
Review: Acquit Records are setting out on an ambitious one, presenting their latest foray into vinyl releasing with this incredible new LP from Arbilla. Both label and artist move incredibly low-key, but unearthing the info was worth it. Arbilla aka. Phil Robertson and his own adjacent imprint, Xistence Records, follows up prior greats such as the 'Movement' EP with this full-length, which takes after Detroit techno and catapults it to ever further cosmic reaches. Zooming out to the macro-point of galaxy filaments and Bootes Voids, we begin with the brukky opus '3500 Miles Away From Detroit' before seguing into the percussive workouts of 'Brighter Swallow' and 'Mecca'. A real sense of expanse is given off from the otherwise raw and up-close analogue sound; the cosmos is, of course, airtight.
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: First Cut has tapped up Giles Armstrong for a superb new 12" in the form of his 'The Activity of Sound' EP. A pivotal figure in Dublin's bubbling underground scene for over 20 years, Armstrong has long been a respected techno selector and has also made his mark by co-founding the much-loved Electric City club night. Now he is also showing his chops as a producer to complete the circle. The 303-fuelled energy of 'Caged' and the equally acid-driven weapon that is 'One Foot In The Rave' cannot fail to electrify any set and then the closer 'Waldorf Salad' (named maybe after the synth that was used to make it?) is a superbly melodic cut with heavy bass for the more late night hours. With this outing, Armstrong shows there is little he cannot do in the electronic realm.
Review: Asymetric80 is a really versatile producer. He's proven that with several fresh EPs in recent years on a range of different labels and they have explored everything from menacing electro to dark techno via industrial and noise. This new outing on Oraculo somewhat blends all that together into something new and fresh. 'Rara Avis' opens with stomping drums and EBM synths, 'Instant Manifesto' is a metallic techno workout and 'Plenary Indulgence' layers up scuzzy noise and gothic designs into something stark and strobe-lit. 'Innocent Stigmanta' and 'Internal Tears' bring more late night terror.
Review: Zafer Atabey shares 'Orbital Overdrive', his latest for Terminal M. With two solemn but still exhilarating euphorisers - destined for the turbine dancefloor - Atabey riffs on the idea of a sped-up revolution of planets around their solar axis, resulting in an overload of syzygies, novas and eclipses, to sheer, stellar celestial breaking point. The title track abounds with odd cockpit interface sonata and cavernously verbed gut-hits, which sound like the exaggerated gurgles of an octopoid monstrosity worming its way through the ducts and vents of an onboard oxygen dispersal system. Meanwhile, 'Sonic Synthesis' offers a brighter sound, its firmly bedded kicks acting as foils for enveloping, toppy synth flora, which scatter about our ears like bionic petals until the various rises and falls of the track combine to form one colossal movement.
Review: French modular wizards Atomic Moog step up the Transmigration sub-label Crystal Ceremony here for some otherworldly and psychedelic techno sounds. 'Variable Pulse' kicks off with some low key deep tech sound and rumbling bass that are topped with sci-fi details. 'Brainwave' then has more wispy synth details lashing about over an aquatic dub the no rhythm. 'Model' is slow, purposeful deep techno for heady moments and last of all is the Konduku remix of 'Brainwave' which is minimal, kinetic and full of pent-up funky.
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: It has been a hot minute but after five years away, Basic7 is back on Tripmastaz's Respect The Craft Enterprises sub-label. He is someone celebrated for his edgy live sets and taps into some of that sonic invention here with four thumping minimal cuts. 'Time' is our favourite with its bleeping melodies ranging down the face of the track as a stiff bassline grinds away beneath crisp kicks and raw hats. 'Last From Live' is another gem that pairs rhythmic invention with great sound design and 'Future' and 'Fogtrak' also offer expressive minimal sounds and late-night freak-outs.
Review: John Beltran, the iconic Detroit ambient techno producer, returns with the Il Ritorno EP on Roots Underground records, offering four new tracks of emotional techno that reaffirm his legendary status in the genre. It starts off with 'Il Ritorno,' a track featuring a heavy Detroit groove, atmospheric rises and delicate melodies sprinkled with keys. Following this is 'City Sunset,' an uptempo, melodic gem that epitomizes Beltran's signature style, evoking a sense of nostalgia and delivering goosebumps. On thje flip, 'Finally Home' stands out with its memorable melody, reminiscent of the beloved Ten Days of Blue era, bringing back the essence of his 90s work. The EP concludes with 'Carrettera,' a high-energy track that leaves a lasting impression and closes the EP on a triumphant note. Beltran's Il Ritorno EP is a great blend of emotive techno that showcases his ability to evoke deep feelings through his brand of techno.
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: Billian hails from Bosnia and Herzegovina and is and film and game music sound composer currently working on the Scorn game and his first film, Fugitive. He has also found the time to craft this new full length on the Vision (drum & Bass) label land it comes on nice green and blue marbled vinyl. He draws heavily on his work making sounds for films and manages to cook up an array of evocative soundscapes that play out like a mental movie. The likes of 'Uncanny Valley' are kinetic, tightly woven affairs alive with static, and 'Different Eyes' has a more serene feel with swirling pads and distant melodies hinting at a brighter future. Great stuff.
Review: No Signal Records' tenth release features legendary producer Jamie Bissmire. A key figure in techno since the 90s, Bissmire's solo work and collaborations, like Bandulu and Space DJz, have very much helped to shape the techno sound of recent times. His new EP does so once more and opens with the ambient track 'Subteranium' setting a moody tone with subtle synths and basslines. 'In Temporal' then kicks things off properly with a distorted 4/4 beat, while 'Lore & Order' creates a darker and more hypnotic vibe. 'The Tapestry of Fate' is a signature Bissmire track for the way it blends dark energy with relentless pressure. The EP closes with 'Woven Whispers' an atmospheric ambient piece that sends you away on a high.
Review: Cologne native Blauert steps out here with his debut EP and in doing so offers up a sound that feels remarkably seasoned. His music blends influences from dub and Detroit techno but also has something more, something extra, which lends it a distinct quality often missing in many contemporary releases. These are silky and serene soundscapes for late-night heads who love it deep and with only the most deft of pads to hook onto as the beats roll to infinity and beyond. These are high-class and timeless tracks that make a lasting impression.
Review: Bloody Mary's Alternate States Of Reality on Dame Music delivers a powerful exploration of techno's diverse sounds. Side-1 opens with 'Reality One' (Acid mix), a heavy-hitting track drenched in mid-90s acid energy. The buildup is intense, leading to an explosive release that captures the essence of classic acid techno. Following it is 'Reality Two' (alternative mix), which shifts the vibe with a breakbeat/electro twist, introducing a darker, moodier melody. Flipping to Side 2, 'Reality Three' (909 mix) brings in a more percussive and straightforward warehouse techno feel. It's a banger designed for peak-time moments on the dancefloor. The 'Reality Three' (Slam mix) remix adds a Detroit flavour, playing with tempo shifts that keep the listener on their toes. Blending different styles while keeping the energy high, this is a strong addition to any techno enthusiast's arsenal.
Review: Body Mechanic has been turning out definitive Motor City techno on solid labels like Cryovac, and GASS for several years. This time out he lands-on Detroit Techno and serves up, well, some electro. It's classic 313 tackle though - heavy on the kicks, snappy snares and filthy dirty basslines that make you want to move. Ghoulish vocals add extra grit to the opener and from there 'Dance' gets more playful with jittery drum funk and scratching, 'Beautiful Bum' has a gorgeously tender and reflective vibe thanks to the minor chords and smooth electro rhythms, 'Magic (feat Tay) ' slips into a deep and soulful house groove and 'Househead' is jacked up, loopy and well swung amongst several more timeless cuts. All in all, a killer double 12".
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: X-factor garage and deep house from London's Capracara with 'Realtime Emoji'. Wielding a growling, reese-not-reese bassline and pitting it contra nunchuck future garage percs, the rising producer brings a brainy yet not overthought hoohah to the nascent What About Never crew, fully earning its place on the 12" and subsequent turntable. If the track were an emoji, it would be a melty face for certain; its slowly pitch-drifted leads and rotary cabinet-ed hits both glide overhead and slang down below, neither never quite allowing the listener to settle into any one headspace, insinuating restlessness at every turn as priority numero uno. Meanwhile, producer Secondo jolts us from our draggy catchup play with a much straighter 909 jam.
Review: The new four-tracker from Chicaiza through Kimchi Records is decidedly impressive, finding reams of emotive expression in a knowing, but well-wrought gaudy-trance rawness. We clock we're in for a trippy one from the off; 'Frgil Bodies' hears an opening vocal natter with the intonation of a leprechaun under the influence of some lab-bought compound; and not long before the crudest of crude yet rudest of rude drum flows ensues. Then 'Metaphorical Nihlusiions' follows with a continually janky, but frankly wicked still, tunnel-toss through noetic synth flicks and gurglingly good bass groundings, throwing shade on false nihilations in the process. The understory opens up considerably with 'Shinobi', with trophic psychic layers and bushwalking sproutings-forth, culminating in a canopied trance lead atop. Finally, 'No Way' flushes an excess of chitinous, skin-shedded beats and leftover bass nacres, depositing them on the forest floor like lap-up fruits ripe for the taking.
Review: Techno has become ever more coloured by trance and hard dance in recent times and this new EP from The Chronics taps into that. It opens with the bright sounds and retro-future 90s energy of 'By My Soul' with its hundred-mile-an-hour drums catchy vocal stabs. The Tommy Holohan remix) is even more physical and direct and slamming and 'Body Harmony' then sinks into a groove that feels like it floats, with reversed snares and flappy kicks. Obscure Shape remixes with more low-end heft but still some nice catchy funk.
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