Review: DIG Curated boss Marronn spotlights Tbilisi's underground powerhouse Uvall aka Irakli Bregvadze, who has long been a key figure in Georgia's techno scene. His minimalist yet mysterious sound blends enigmatic synths with undulating tempos here, always with physical grooves established in the low end. Lead track 'Northern Lights' has earth-shattering drum loops and scurrying synth details that sketch out an underwater world dripping with sweat. 'Reminiscence' has more robust drums and eerie sound designs that make for a cavernous feel and 'Bleak' is more anxious, with kicks stacked closely and unnerving synths searching for signs of life. 'Sleepwalker' is a zoned-out roller to close in hypnotic fashion.
Review: 'Theme' is a 1999 techno classic from Mion aka Edit Select that was originally released on Music Man. 26 years on, it still sounds future and chimes with the deep tech sound of now, so has been remastered and offered up alongside new remixes from Vil, Earwax and Deniro. The original is a textured, loose and chunky techno stomper with fuzzy pads and imperfect edges. Vil's version has wispy synths and static electricity fizzing around a deep mid-tempo groove and cavernous sub bass. Earwax brings a widescreen serenity and supple depth, and Deniro ups the melodic quota with shimmering synth modulations.
Review: The Positive Reaction label is looking to build bridges between North Africa and the rest of the world with the music that it puts out. It has roots in both Tunisia and Berlin and has a healthy respect for 90s electronic takes on electro, breakbeat, techno and trance, which all shine through this new six-track VA. OA gets underway with hard-nosed techno, H0ney serves up lashings of peak time energy and BENKHLIFA drills down into the darkness with a blistering baseline and white-knuckle techno intensity. Elsewhere, MZA's 'Thelea' brings more low-end dirt and DEV's 'Love Affairs' brings lush euphoria.
Review: After a two-year break, Sticky Plastik returns with its third various artists release, offering a refreshed look and evolved sound. Side A features Corsican producer P.O., who delivers two standout tracks: 'Dodo', a melancholic yet hopeful journey through dark disco-tinged minimal techno, and 'Arcade', a groovy, 80s-inspired acid house cut brimming with energy. On Side B, Chinese artist B.AI teams up with Polish producer Marcelina (formerly Marcelina Wick) on 'Homesick', blending deep Asian atmospheres with a Slavic emotional edge in a lush progressive house cut. P.O. closes the release with a tougher, techno-driven remix of 'Homesick' that adds punch to the package.
Review: Belgian label Music Man Records has assembled Boccaccio Life 1987-1993, a 40-track compilation honouring the legendary Destelbergen club that helped shape Europe's electronic underground. Far more than just the birthplace of New Beat, Boccaccio championed raw, futuristic house and techno long before the genres went mainstream. Curated by resident DJ Olivier Pieters and regular Stefaan Vandenberghe, the collection features classy cuts that are also being served up on a series of VA EPs. This one hits hard with jams from QX-1, Fred Brown, Mr. Fingers and Laurent X all going dark, deep and moody.
Review: The third and final chapter of R3volution Records' 3volution trilogy is a powerful meeting point between past and future. Bridging sci-fi-laced techno with 90s minimalism, it features deep sound design and muscular drum patterns that combine for real club potency. UVALL from Tbilisi offers refined, deep rhythms with his cut, then Operator brings seasoned UK innovation and label co-founder Divide delivers precision and weight with global pedigree. Elsewhere, Belgium's PTTRNRCRRNT tunnels through textures with futuristic, conceptual drive. Each track is a standout weapon but together they make for a cohesive, forward-thinking statement from a label closing its vinyl trilogy on a high.
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