Back catalogue: Techno (すべて)

Review: As part of Oscar Mulero's Unknown Landscapes mix CD his label Pole Group has done the right thing and released the first of several various artist samplers. This first body of music is opened by the rusty pings of DVS1's "Strobe", while up and coming Spanish techno producer, Kwartz, earns his Pole Group stripes with a deep and blipping "Hate". Long-time label cohort Reeko provides the elongated mind trip that is "Enlightenment Process", and the last spot is of course reserved for industrial demigod Adam X who doesn't falter with the voltage charged "Meridien Arc".

Review: The legendary 'Solaris' is a standout tune from Kareem's 1997 release CICLOP on Berlin-based label Zhark. Originally, CICLOP combined diverse styles including industrial hip-hop, cinematic ambience and dub techno and created a unique, gritty soundscape as a result. Solaris stood out for its raw, brutally minimalist approach and now these new remixes from cult favs Orphx, Rrose, SHXCXCHCXSH and Kareem breathe new life into them with lots of lo-fi synth designs, muggy atmospheres, dense, foggy drones and plenty of rolling and dubbed out rhythms.

Review: Keppel was last on this label with a contribution to a various artist collection but now steps up with a full solo EP of his own. His unique take on techno is exhibited from the off on 'Stanley Knife' with its scurrying synths, drunken synth loops and drums that go nowhere fast but still draw you in. '194' is awash with kinetic synth sequences and distant dub chords that bring colour and 'Life Takes Rise' rides on another inventive and alluring rhythm pattern while the warming synth work gets you lost in thought. Closer 'Diesel', meanwhile, is tough, frosty, and more techno-leaning.

Review: Well Street continue to offer up some of the most inventive gear on techno's multi-faceted outer limits, this time welcoming South London's Kincaid to the table. There's certainly a vaguely defined style around the label now, and Kincaid fits right in with a dexterous line in rhythmic programming and hi-def sound design, but like all the other artists he's got plenty of individual personality as well. 'OOO' quivers and surges with a braindance demeanour, while 'Nothing Is' deals in a swampy, dislocated kind of soundsystem music. This is dense, brilliantly rendered club music for those who require the freshest of the fresh ideas.

Review: Jonathan Kusuma makes his return to Cocktail d'Amore with a love letter to his Indonesian homeland. Each song steeped in the ancient textures and timbres of the gamelan yet only brought to life through modular synthesis. Awalan opens the EP with a delicate touch, imbued with otherworldly chirps and the aural colours of an early morning sunrise. Roda Rodi as Mr. Kusuma explains is his interpretation of interlocking as a traditional Indonesian way of life. "Gotong Royong" or "Mutual Assistance". The idea of mutual assistance is sharing of burdens between the member of community. Modular sequences tightly fitting into one another, helping to support one another in the structure of their momentary existence. "Kerontang" and "Racacak" are two cuts which have Jonathans signature sound design printed all over them. Big, booming and full of enraptured percussion. We're treated to a haunting close on "Lorong K". Menaced tones rising and falling, small fragments piercing through as to be bits of disintegrating concrete falling off the walls of a lost city.