Review: Budde & Osti of 100 Records presents an experimental "playground" that offers listeners a unique perspective on their work. The sizzling six-track EP blends jazz and house and features experimental highlights from the Trash Archives, which is a collection of 99 tracks available for free on Bandcamp. All pieces were recorded live in the studio utilising, on the whole, analogue gear that best shows off the duo's raw and unfiltered creativity. From the opening jazz dance of '40' to the closing jazz-funk-techno of '57' this is a beguiling collection.
Review: If you were a young production twosome growing up in Cologne, you'd aim high and send your demo recordings to the city's most storied techno label, Kompakt. That's exactly what Mourad Kehalia and Sebastian Fischer AKA 90ASE did, and it led directly to this quietly impressive debut EP. The headline attraction is 'Streetpoet', a dreamy and colourful slab of breakbeat-house gorgeousness smothered in elongated church organ chords, tactile pads and auto-tune enabled Arabic vocals. The mighty Axel Boman remixes, delivering a 'Trancehall' mix that ups the dreaminess levels further while employing squelchy synth bass and pumping, tribal house style beats. To complete a rock-solid package, Kehalia and Fischer offer-up the maximal deep house headiness of 'New Ballad', which is as gorgeous as it is dancefloor-ready.
Review: Heavyweight quattro-techno from A Paul, DJ Dextro, Red Rooms, Ramon Tapia and Arkvs for Planet Rhythm. Each track serving as merciless hoisters in the vein of 'Rough' techno, the A1 is deserving of the name, bringing scraping hi-hat blurs and gulping knocks to a mean mix. Deadened, unfeeling, callous calculation follows on the follower 'Binary Codes', while Tapia tabulates a 'Ratio' on the algo-rhythmic bleeper that ensues on the B1. Finally, 'Decoration Drugs' brings a prime movement, its facelessly numbered breakdowns and shuffles assuring us that there is indeed no end to off-planet production processes such as these.
Review: Portuguese producer A Thousand Details is back on Hayes four years after his 'Mirage' EP and shows a smart evolution in his sound. With releases on labels like Knotweed 51, Tar Hallow and EarToGround, he's built a reputation for blending technique with creative vision and his decade of techno expertise is evident in his production here. He uses hardware like the Digitakt, TR-909 and modular systems to cook up emotive, chord-driven motifs that balance harmony with techno's raw energy. The 'Unrestful Mind' EP blends nostalgia and innovation and draws from Detroit's heritage while introducing fresh, glowy textures to melt body and soul.
Review: Valerie Ace solidifies her rising status in techno with her third vinyl EP, 'Givers & Takers', on her Hardwon imprint. The title track sets an ominous tone with a slow breakbeat and interlocking percussion, building tension before a heavy bass climax. 'Eat Dirt' lives up to its name, switching between breaks and straight sections to pound the floor with relentless intensity. 'A Moment Lost' wastes no time, charging out of the gates with rapidly evolving snares and filtered bass punches driving the track over atmospheric background sounds. The afternoon or afterhours vibe of '3PM' is enhanced by seasick synth layers contrasting against malignant drums, creating a sense of uncertainty. Each of the four tracks offers a hard-hitting techno experience, showcasing Valerie Ace's skill in crafting intense workouts. Givers & Takers confirms her premier place in contemporary techno and this EP is a great example to her ability to push boundaries and keep the energy high on the dancefloor.
DAVE The Drummer & Phil Kershaw - "Bassline Sunset" (6:55)
Review: Hydraulix Records continues to push the boundaries of ravey techno with Va03, a four-track EP that transports listeners back to the early '90s warehouse scene with its infectious energy and relentless beats. Side 1 kicks off with Acerbic's 'Deep In Your Mind,' a heavy sci-fi pounder that channels the essence of early '90s techno rave vibes. With nods to the big Belgium sounds and a prominent Hoover sound, this track is an instant banger that commands attention on the dancefloor. Following suit, Minor Dott's 'What You Callin Acid' delivers a menacing and sinister atmosphere, characterized by its mechanical and demonic undertones. It's a track that exudes raw power and intensity, perfect for those craving an adrenaline-fueled sonic experience. On Side 2, Andreas Kraemer & Shadym team up to bring us 'Reflect,' a percussive and loopy journey through hardcore rave sounds. The track pulsates with energy, immersing listeners in a hypnotic groove that's impossible to resist. Finishing things are Dave The Drummer & Phil Kershaw's 'Bassline Sunset,' a big room rave techno anthem that hits all the right notes. With its infectious bassline and euphoric atmosphere, this track is destined to ignite dancefloors worldwide. Each track on this EP offers a unique sonic experience, making it a must-have for fans of the early 90s rave scene.
Review: Acid Sessions Vol. 3 is another white-knuckle journey into the world of acid with five top talents in the field all pushing their own limits. Acidulant opens with "Serpentacid' featuring hypnotic 303 grooves and relentless energy, then Sarufaromeo & Papaverhof deliver 'Acid Nihonshu' which blends atmospheric depth with chaotic acid vibes. G303 takes you beyond with 'Live Long and Prosper,' an interstellar anthem filled with cosmic acid and resonant grooves. Paul Renard closes with 'SO36' which is all about the fat rhythms and powerful dancefloor drive. Long live acid is what we say.
Review: This new solo outing from Aussie talent Ad Nauseaum has it all - acid, rave, techno, hardcore and more. 'Omega System' sets a pretty brutal tone to get things underway with filtered synths and blazing acid lines searing about the mix over raw, hard, flat drums. 'Alpha System' is even quicker and brings serrated synth madness to video game motifs and slamming kicks. Last of all is 'Always Acid,' a track that was made back in 2004 but doesn't sound in any way out of date. It's another one to blow the roof off any party.
Review: Adlas steps up to the Hayes label here for the very first time and impresses while doing so. His take on techno is economical and stripped back but never light on impact. 'Deadstock' opens with glitchy textures and creepy, subterranean sonic echoes while a linear beat rolls on. 'Magnetic' is a little more punchy and is powered by a pulsing bassline while 'Open Question' is a dubbed-out cut with beats that skate along and twanging hits reverberate throughout. 'The Rumors Are True' shuts down with another glitchy broken beat and coarse claps with some tripped-out synth work up top.
Review: AgainstMe makes a powerful debut on Renegade Methodz with 'Diagonal Prism', a four-track EP that offers up his refined minimalist approach to techno. Known for meticulous sound design, AgainstMe brings a fresh yet distinctive style to this Greek label and is sure to pick up plenty of new fans as a result. The EP opener 'Drama' introduces dense grooves and subtle yet impactful drum patterns that build tension, while a throbbing synth weaves in and out. The title track relies on hypnotic repetition and driving rhythms, while '4PM' brings peak-time energy with crisp, dynamic beats. Closing with 'Spasmoi' AgainstMe delivers a compelling club groove that masterfully balances intensity and rhythm.
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: Ibrahim Alfa Jnr has been making and releasing techno ever since he was just 17 years of age. At that time he had already been playing piano for over a decade and since then he has secured a master's degree in the sonic arts. He is a live act and DJ who has played across the world and now lands on the Swiss label Acquit Records. This new and translucent red 12" opens with the sonorous bells and drones of 'Red Lights' over crispy, metallic, broken techno drums. 'Eternity' is another brash bit of broken beat techno, 'Rattle' does just that and 'Metal Mikey' cuts loose on some spangled synths and tribal drumming. 'Commodities' is a low-key drum track that will make 'floors jack.
Review: The sixth release in the 303 Pattern series marks the first time artists' identities are revealed. What doesn't change is the fact this is a powerful 12" of hard-hitting, hypnotic and atmospheric acid techno with the legendary Roland TR-303 at its core. Alien Rain makes his debut on the label with 'Holosexual's' raw drums and distorted acid lines, Akkaelle's 'Acid Mood' delivers funky, bouncy techno energy with atmospheric depth and Sour returns with another hypnotic, high-intensity bomb. Closing in style is Dima Gastroller who drops a banger of an acid techno track that should come with a health warning for anyone with a weak heart.
Review: Ellen Allien remains at the top of her game for big, pounding Berlin techno with a deviant edge, and that's no more apparent than on 'Rave Luv'. Chopping up vocals and messing with the synth shapes, she proves that just a few tweaks can take a tried and tested formula into wild and weird new territory, which is why she's such a vital artist after all these years. Backing up that consummate A side is 'Lust', a more melancholic affair balancing menacing undercurrents with mournful melodics in the middle distance, strapped, of course, to a 4/4 beat.
A four-track exploration of darker, vintage late-90s-inspired techno. The title track, 'Voyage', opens with sci-fi-infused melodies and an epic atmosphere, setting the tone for an immersive journey. 'Stygious Night' follows, offering crisp subterranean techno with an edge that feels both modern and timeless. On the flip side, 'Venus Ballroom' channels an otherworldly energy, reminiscent of Surgeon's intricate and industrial soundscapes. Closing the EP, 'Psychosphere' dives into tribal territory with percussive grooves and alien textures, creating a hypnotic, dancefloor-ready vibe. A unique blend of melodic, tribal, and industrial influences, not to mention a masterclass in contemporary techno sounds.
Review: Altone, an emerging talent in dub techno, delivers the Invincible Nature EP on Denmark's Echocord Records, a label revered for over two decades. The EP showcases Altone's knack for crafting deep soundscapes. Side-1 features 'Naturally Unnatural,' presenting two distinct takes: the first is sparse and minimal, epitomizing classic dub techno, while the second version is more techy and aggressive, adding an edge to the composition. Side-2 brings remixes of 'Unnaturally Balanced.' Thomas Fehlmann, a legendary producer, lends his expertise to the 'Naturally Flowing' remix, infusing it with a fluid, dynamic quality. The 'Another Channel' version rounds out the EP with a quintessential dub treatment, staying true to the genre's roots. Invincible Nature EP is a compelling showcase of versatility in dub techno and Echocord's enduring influence in the scene.
Review: Planet Rhythm's back with its special series and the third instalment is another techno trip into another dimension. Toni Alvarez is the man on the buttons and for the opener 'The Renegade' he pairs panel-beating 90s techno drum loops with classic 90s dance samples to make for something equally intense, nostalgic and futuristic. 'The Jam' is expertly designed techno with pristine hi-hats and hurried kicks all superbly well defined, smooth yet powerful, with another 90s vocal dropped in for some extra throwback fun up top. Two brilliant bangers.
Review: Danza Nativa is rightly celebrating its fifth anniversary recently and now follows up the first part of its anniversary compilation with part two, featuring tunes from across a broad spectrum. The first side delves into tribal rhythms and strident synths with Amandra keeping it stripped back and minimal and Dino Sabatini going deep and dubby on 'Danza Tribale'. Polygonia and Plants Army Revolver then set your mind free to wander among lush sound designs and captivating rhythms that head deep into a humid and futurist jungle.
Review: Amorphic and Tensal hook back in to the machine to dialyse their crafts once more, with 'Highland Frequencies' offering up four, machine-numbered atoning lambs to our mech overlords, following up the equally arrayed 'Distant Landscapes' EP (2024) on Blueprint. Now bringing their distinctive cataloguing system to the discographic vanitas Mord, four more 'AT' tracks make for an irresistibly well-layered, synthetically one-of-a-kind release. Only 'AT4' gets a subtitle, 'The Sleepwalker', where a sandman's slumbrous, lollygaggling beats somehow, at the same time, betray a subconscious, paradoxical restlessness.
Review: Anatolian Weapons has always brought intriguing influence to techno. His exploration of rhythm and texture is central to what he does and once more here he takes us on a winding journey through slow down techno and mind altering synths. There is a new age charm to the synths of 'Desert Sun' while the drums chug below. 'The Desert Track II' is a snaking techno sound with creepy sci-fi melodies and twitchy pads off in the distance and 'Ivan's Track' kees it celestial with more otherworldly melodies and rugged mid tempo drums. Two further unhurried sounds make a great mix of airy melody and metallic drum forms.
Review: Dan Andrei is arguably one of the finest selectors of this generation and a master minimal producer who makes electronic music of the highest order. His latest outing sees him inaugurating his own brand-new label alongside Claudiu Stefan. Rainbow Hill is a platform for their more personal ideas and starts with four more of Andrei's brilliantly deft yet dramatic tracks. 'Numan's Touch' kicks off with rolling drums and bass and a fine eco-system of cosmic pads, twinkling keys and fizzing synths that are theatrical and involving. 'What Else?' then gets darker and more intense with heady loops and wispy pads, and again the ante is upped and the darkness pervades once more on the tense and taught dub-tech roller 'This Is What I See'. Last of all, 'Bluer Than Ever' floats above the floor with airy pads and radiant chords. A perfect 5am vibe.
Review: Dimi Angelis is back on ANGLS with the label's 12th release and offers up four hard-hitting, no-nonsense machine tracks that strike with cosmic intensity. Each one is crafted with precision while channelling a minimalistic approach that packs a maximum punch that's designed to shake any dancefloor to its core. Adding an extra dimension, Oscar Mulero contributes a remix that brings a psychedelic twist and elevates the track's hypnotic edge. This 12" balances form with function and offers relentless beats and intense atmospheres for all lovers of raw, industrial techno.
Review: There is plenty to love about this new EP from Dimi Angelis. It's well-made, fad-free techno from the 90s school of thought but with all the requisite modern techniques making it even more standout. 'Drifter' is just perfectly loopy, with ticking hi-hats keeping time, bongo sounds tumbling over themselves and the thudding kicks locking you in. 'Tyrant' ups the pace with frantic percussive loops and nice raw hi-hats peering another hunched-over and punchy low end while 'Limbo' is defined by its loose, whirring synth motif up top and tuning sounds that bring some dynamism to the rigid rhythm. 'Phantom' follows a similarly freaky path and will get massive reactions.
Review: You always know what you're gunna get with Planet Rhythm and that is classically inclined techno that is economical in design but never less than high impact. Antic Soul contributes to that fine legacy with this new EP which opens with the high speed and dubby techno lushness of 'Crd Expression' before 'Borderlands' gets more raved up and injected with some raw textures and wobbly stabs. 'Fallout' is wall-rattling, panel-beating dub techno and 'Serenity' is more icy and nimbler, with bouncy drums and stabs all making you move your body at the whim of the machines.
Review: This is the first in a new collaborative series between Derailed Records and Planet Rhythm who have teamed up for a new vinyl series that launches with Rotterdam's ARKVS. 'Sonus' rumbles with low-end threat and fizzy static that locks you in the moment. 'Deviate (feat Ronald Nels)' is more sparse with claps echoing out to an event horizon as supple acid tones linger in the air. 'Amphibian Velocity' layers up gurgling synths and pent-up drum tension and 'Crashing Rhythms' is a punchy but deep closer and a fourth and final evocative and sophisticated offering which gets this series underway in style.
Review: Arkvs presents his latest record for Planet Rhythm, 'Moment To Breath', capturing the essence of the function of the human lungs in a short, waxen pulmonary burst. The emotive range of techno lends it many capabilities: for example, it can either provide the sense of filling the space, or it can provide a kind affective vacuum in which people might chill; Arkvs knows this instinctively to be the case, fusing the titular breathing room with a nonetheless extended motive to dance. 'Moment To Breath' (not breathe, apparently) plays up the purely roomy under-movements of techno, leaving much headroom for our excesses of somatic energies to fill the gaps; 'Conditions' carries out some of this work, working in a comparatively percussive modular drum sequence; 'Exodus' is the most jam-packed, but still conserves its 'breathing room' with thoracic stabs and bronchitic bursts. Is it possible to relax while dancing? Yes. Take a breather, but don't stop moving.
Review: The ASHPPE series has been nothing if not unhurried. It started several years ago but always results in essential outings when they do come. The fourth transmission from the techno talent emerges from subterranean shadows with three tracks aimed squarely at the club. 'Judge' is tightly looped and edgy without letting you settle and 'Deeper' then brings muscular broken beat patterns, glitchy textures and raw hits into a futuristic techno soundscape. 'The Box' brings bright and shimmering synth smears to more contorted and twisted drum patterns that demand your more inventive moves.
Review: This bumper 12" covers plenty of thrilling techno ground in a variety of different ways. Raffaele Attanasio goes for the jugular from the off with steely, tightly packed drums and synth surges that electrify the groove. Markantonio brings layers of wailing diva emotion to his 90s-sounding drum funk and Mattia Trani offers the unrelenting warehouse density of 'Dogtown'. Elsewhere there are more lithe and funky cuts from ZIPPO and a synth-washed roller from MUTE8. All of these are high-impact sounds for the peak time.
Review: After the success of their last outing, A New Chapter, from this label, Balders Audio offers up a second various artists 12" with some punchy techno for loud sound systems. Audio Units opens up with the thrilling drum programming and intense synth textures of 'Transmodality.' Linear System then keeps up the pace with '0724am' which is a sleek, linear, heady techno roller marbled with eerie little cosmic details. Tangram's 'Variant Trials' shuts down with what is a deep, dark, moody acid-laced techno mind melter. Perfect 5 am tackle if you ask us.
South Of The Clouds Part 2 (Gregor Tresher remix) (11:25)
South Of The Clouds Part 2 (Extrawelt remix) (6:23)
South Of The Clouds Part 2 (2025 remastered edit) (5:53)
Review: Aural Float's 'South Of The Clouds' first evaporated, then fell as rain in the form of a two-parter progressive trance track released on a wider EP out on Elektrolux Records in 1995. Said to have effortlessly captured the feel and fervour of the Frankfurt trance zietgeist, the creative trio of Alex Azary, Gabriel Mastichidis and Pascal Dardoufas were over the moon to have heard their EP opener claimed as a scene favourite. Now after almost 30 years of cloud residence time do we hear two further precipitations of the already 26-minute (in total) track, by Gregor Tresher and Extrawelt respectively.
Review: The always eminent Daniel Avery shares his latest two-track single through Fabric Originals, and describes it as his very own personal take on "broken euphoria... the other side of Room 1 that will crush your skull and fill your soul in equal measure." Following on from the 'Wonderland/Running' EP released back in March, 'Digital Rain' leads as the torrential breaks-sodder, palpitator, tear-conductor, you name it... the track dashes expected tempos for a middling 160, square between techno and jungle. 'I Miss You' on the B hears Avery push things far further, breaking the throttle and locking it into permanent top gear; perhaps Avery can help popularise this sound of angelic overdrive, more commonly heard on the net.
Review: They don't call him Bay Boy for nothing - Bad Boy Pete is indeed that and shows it here with four fierce cuts of blazing techno for grotty, strobe-lit warehouses. Kicking off this wild and in your face ride of anarchistic bangers is the unrelenting 'Is That All You Got?' with its manic saw tooth synths spraying about over hard, edgy drums. 'What Shall We Say' is another one that fires out of the speakers with some menacing leeds and kinetic drum funk, 'Filthy Dark Bass Techno' then hammers it home with more hundred mile an hour drums and 'Morning Warehouse Techno' is pure sleaze and filth. Brilliant.
Review: Bashman is something of a Glasgow legend to those who know and after some stellar outings on Tom Carruthers' Non Stop Rhythm and Data Sync labels, he is back with more techno power. 'Corker' is a frenzied and caustic assault with unrelenting percussive hardness and 'I Want It' then pairs things back a little for some jumbled 909s and buzzy synth pressure, but the standout is the impish synths that dart about the mix. 'Gimme' then goes hard and raw again with eye-wateringly stark sounds and textures and 'Opening Hour' ends with a gurgling, swampy mix of messed-up drums and synths.
Review: Planet Rhythm bring a high-energy, percussion-driven EP from this hot new Brazilian producer. Side-1 launches with 'Latin Hot Sauce', a tribal-infused, mysterious techno cut that rides on rolling drums and deep, hypnotic grooves. 'Small Talk' follows with relentless, loopy energyidriving, hard-hitting and built for peak-time chaos. On Side-2, 'Locking Collar' dives into darker territory with subterranean bass and pounding beats, creating some heady atmosphere. Closing things out, 'Overcharged' brings a playful, high-voltage energy, balancing intensity with a sense of movement that keeps dancefloors locked in. A dynamic ride through modern techno's heavier side, built for DJs who thrive on pushing momentum forward.
Review: 'OHM Series #11' presents a vibrant mix of techno with contributions from four talented producers, adding depth to the ongoing series. On Side-1, Christine Benz's 'Sunset' opens with warm, enveloping chords, creating a serene atmosphere that feels like a sunset on a tropical island. Following that, Brizman's 'As We Should', featuring Linn, shifts the tone with a lighter, dub-infused house sound, perfect for a more relaxed vibe. Side-2 kicks off with Hidden Sequence's 'Dub Cycle', a darker, more ominous track, weaving catchy dub techno rhythms that pull you in. Finally, Martin Jarl's '02_37 AM' brings a smooth, ambient dub feel with a traditional techno edge. This airy composition evokes the timeless sounds and reminds us of Model 500's Starlight. This edition of OHM Series showcases diverse approaches to dub techno, balancing the atmospheric with the rhythmic - and all delivered with precision.
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