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: Welcome to the Slippery Yard, a new label out of Spain which is sure to turn heads with this fine first release - a psychedelic blend of techno from various artists. A Morgan's 'Air' is urgent and cosmic a la Jeff Mills, Dc11's 'It's All An Act' layers up deft synth details with sleek linear rhythms and Judy's 'Bide Luzea' is a hurried, pulsing, late-night mental techno trip. A further deep and heady trio of tunes features on the B-side with Bassywax's sub-aquatic sound world on 'Amona Left Us Overnight' taking the headlines for us.
Review: Emerald's 25th outing takes the form of another superb compilation with four artists who have already released on the label and plenty of new names making an equally good impression. ANNE kicks off with the deep, thudding kicks of 'Coral Reefs' complete with lush hits to smooth the groove. There is more weight and intensity to the oversized hi-hats ringlets on Mike Konstantinidis's 'Apocalypse', DJ Plant Texture layers in plenty of gritty and grime to his gritty 'Swingers' and Jarrod Yeates goes for a twisted after-party vibe on his intense and unrelenting 'Sesh Gremlin', with many more highlights besides.
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: '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.
Review: A compelling compilation that delves deep into the cosmos of techno, offering four tracks that each explore different atmospheric dimensions. On Side-1, Charlou's 'Hidefaces' sets a dark, spooky tone with its stomping beats, blending elements of techno, industrial and 90s rave sounds. It's a haunting journey that captures the raw, visceral energy of underground techno. Mar C follows with 'Wentron', a spacey breakbeat track characterised by its crisp production, which elevates the atmosphere with a futuristic edge. Side-2 opens with Lanzieri's 'Vogue', a track that brings a touch of goa-trance influence, combining ethereal melodies with powerful basslines, making it feel like a cosmic flight through sound. Kvrk's 'Haunted Illusions' closes the EP with a progressive house touch, providing a deep, entrancing groove that muystifies. Each track offers a unique exploration of techno's darker, more experimental side.
Happy707 - "Where Does That Noise Come From" (4:28)
Review: Menacing EBM and dark synth billows from a Netherlands hinterland; our heralds speak of an esoteric encampment by the name of Espectro Oculto, said to be the remote incantators of an unstoppable curse in sound. Six shadowy emissaries have been sent to spread the pestilence; Trenton Chase, Martial Canterel, DJ Nephil, Exhausted Modern, Fragedis and Happy707. Clearly, the faction have recruited only the best, trusted and yet most nefarious of spies from as far-flung regions as Czechia and Argentina in the administering of such a sordid sonic plague. We're left most quivery at the centrifugal doom drones of Exhausted Modern's 'Fear Of Focus', across whose breakdown banshees are heard wailing and snarling, and Fragedis' 'Landing In Reality', a lo-fi techno freakout and sonochemical anomaly, channeling militant two-way radio samples and hellish FM synthesis.
Santonio Echols - "Piano In The Light" (Emanuell Echols mix)
Brian Kage - "This Saturday Night"
Ryan Sadorus - "Down Below"
Review: Upstairs Asylum is kicking off the year in some style with a couple of killer new EPs. This one is the first in what is presumably a new series to showcase the talents of the Motor City. Mike Clark & Marcus Harris get things underway with 'Hey' which has a subtly uplifting feel thanks to the bright, sustained chords and cuddly drums. Santonio Echols's 'Piano In The Light' (DJ Emanuell Echols mix) is laidback, playful deep house with magical chord work and Brian Kage brings his classy depths to the smooth grooves of 'This Saturday Night.' Ryan Sadorus brings things to a close with the smoky 'Down Below.'
Chris Coco - "Yawa Ze Asfos" (instrumental) (4:02)
Jake Slazenger - "168B" (3:47)
Global Goon - "Untitled" (4:39)
Ruckus (4:47)
Jodey Kendrik - "Thanx" (5:56)
Gavin Masih - "Unknown Track 1" (6:55)
Monika Subrtova - "Alata" (7:08)
Review: Furthur Electronix's first two Furthur Journeys Into compilations tune plenty of heads and shift plenty of copies. The third one keeps the quality levels high with more explorations around the periphery of underground electronics. Chris Coco opens with a soothing synth sound before Jake Slazenger brings crystalline synths and abstract modulations to the mid-tempo '168B.' There is more pace and twisted acid energy to Global Goon's untitled contribution and then old school jungle comes to the fore on the super stylish and atmospheric Gavin Masih cut. Monika Subrtova's 'Alata' is a serene and widescreen ambient synthscape that brings things to a suitably poignant close.
Our Life With The Wave (Cv313 + Federsen dub) (7:07)
Our Life With The Wave (Intrusion dub) (6:49)
Review: Originally released in 2007, 'Our Life With The Wave' stands as a prime example of the late great Detroit producer's deep, soulful approach to electronic music. Crafted entirely with the Waldorf Wave i a synth Huckaby often called one of his favourites i the track captures his distinctive blend of warmth and precision. This reissue, featuring the original alongside new remixes, is both a tribute and a celebration of his legacy. The original version remains as hypnotic as ever, its rich textures and subtle groove sounding timeless. On the Federsen live dub, the track takes on a more fluid, organic character, with shimmering layers unfolding over a sturdy, pulsating rhythm. Side-B opens with the Cv313 + Federsen dub, a deep, aquatic reimagining where ambient chords ripple over a taut, rolling bassline i a perfect dive into weightless, dubbed-out techno. Finally, the Intrusion dub stretches the track into a more expansive, airy space, full of atmospheric drift and slow-building, epic emotion. Together, these versions honor Huckaby's spirit while expanding his vision. Each dub feels reverent but also full of life, ensuring that 'Our Life With The Wave' continues to ripple forward through the evolution of deep electronic music.
Review: Charlotte de Witte returns with the 'Sanctum' EP, featuring vocals from Marion Di Napoli. Dropping just after Amsterdam Dance Event and before her all-night set at LA's City Market, the EP showcases de Witte's unique sound. Known for her dark, hard-hitting beats and trance-infused synths, she's reshaped the techno landscape, headlining global stages and earning millions of streams. The EP's title track, Sanctum, brings pulsating drums and acid-tinged synths, enhanced by Marion's ethereal vocals. Fourth Dimension blends hypnotic rhythms with soulful vocal loops, while Fugato offers a cinematic, ambient closer. Another standout release from this techno heavyweight.
Review: The Stay Up Forever label hits release number 13 but there isn't a bit of bad luck in sight - instead, this is a potent EP of eyes-wide techno from Sam DFL who links up with a quartet of different collaborators and aims, it seems, simply to blow your brains. These jams are laden with hard techno tropes and distorted, fuzzy bass as well as video game signifiers, trance-techno pads and bright, visceral, vibrant melodies. Hammer Mode & Sam DFL's 'Bad Time 4 Acid' is a particular standout here for its high speed and compelling acid grooves.
Review: With over 15 years of history behind it, Detroit's Cryovac label is run by producer Andy Garcia - who also happens, conveniently enough, to be an employee of the local pressing plant, Archer Record Pressing. They've released countless V/A and split 12"s, inevitably of high quality, with this one being no exception. Divided between Drivetrain on Side-1 and a certain A Garcia & M Kretsch on Side-2, it achieves a dynamic equilibrium between foundational Motor City sounds and inventive exploration and innovation. Drivetrain's '3am' is a driving electro-infused track that merges funky rhythms with melodic touches, crafting an atmosphere that is futuristic and engaging. 'Discipline' follows, bringing a raw, classic techno energy that feels timeless, with its steady groove serving as a reminder of the genre's impactful origins. The flip sees Garcia & Kretsch delve into different sonic territories. 'Ai_me' pulses with influences from Detroit and Chicago's late 80s underground, delivering a rhythm that's robust and propulsive. Rounding out the EP is 'Squeaker', a brooding piece that creates an unsettling yet intriguing landscape, blending eerie tones with an alien-like ambiance. Bridging techno's historical essence with forward-thinking creativity, this release's balance of nostalgia and innovation ensures it will resonate with listeners from across eras.
Review: Drumcode presents the second iteration of their soon-to-be-long-running 'Elevate' series, which in their usual audacious fashion features no less than eight label debutantes take the reigns on huge room techno production duties. The compilation's manifesto is simple: platform a broader range of emerging artists on Drumcode and help elevate the next generation to make strides in their careers. With that, we have the delight of selecting our picks of the bunch (all personal preference, of course, though you can trust our picks are educated guesses): in this case, it's got to be the slightly wonky and out-of-the-ordinary ones, those being Simina Grigoriu's 'Global Soldier' and Marie Vaunt's 'ADSR'.
Review: FOXBAM INC is back to build on the momentum of their first EP with a second one that packs a mighty punch. This one kicks off with EBY, who this year has been cooking up acid for 40 years and here offers the warped low ends and garage-techno power of 'Goldtooth'. Foxtrot vs Ma Bla then mashes up old school samples with earth-shattering bass on 'Deep Down Inside' and bRz vs Stije is a double-time hard techno stomper with warped synths and twisted bass that is inspired by and named after ISCO, a concept from Einstein's general theory of relativity that makes predictions about the dynamics of black holes.
Review: Ida Engberg's contribution to this release marks a striking departure from the Swedish techno DJ and record producer's usual sound, an unexpected, lush journey through the world of 2 step genre that's definitely not typically seen in her catalogue. The track is at once sensual and booming, designed for the late-morning hours when the dancefloor shifts from peak-time frenzy to more reflective, intimate moments. It pulses with a calm intensity, creating a smooth yet exhilarating rhythm that invites the listener into an immersive experience. On the flip side, 'Pink Monkeys' is a true sonic adventure, blending elements of EBM and sawtooth trance to produce a thrilling, psychedelic atmosphere. The track is a festival-ready anthem, charged with energy and unrestrained sound, allowing Ida to stretch her creative muscles even further. Meanwhile, Marco Resmann delivers two tracks that showcase his deep-rooted versatility. 'RIMA feat. Laatz' is a high-octane techno rollercoasterimenacing, frenetic, and impossible to ignore. Its relentless drive and chaotic energy keep the listener on their toes, offering a new, radical take on techno. Then, 'Dimensions' shifts into a more intricate, electro-driven vibe. Its low-slung groove is filled with subtle details, creating a balanced equilibrium that simultaneously engages both the mind and the body. Resmann's approach is detailed and meticulous, ensuring each sound has a purpose and brings the track to life. Together, these four tracks exemplify a mastery of genre-blending, pushing boundaries while still maintaining an infectious, danceable core that connects with listeners on a deep, visceral level.
Review: Shout out to Greek powerhouse Kinesthetik Recordings for making it all the way to a half a century of releases there. They celebrate in the best way they know - with more tranced-out sounds from artists in their orbit. Giorgio & Andreas open things up with 'Nice One' and its thudding tech drums and cosmic synth lines. Diskinesia gets much more raw and moody with the edgy drums of 'Back & Forth' and Interphase then drops a pair of industrial tech thumpers. Giorgio & Andreas reappear with a raw, roughshod and deep groove and Marcelino Sanchez's 'Motive One' offers dub techno to close.
Review: Capybara France returns with its second ever release, splitting a six-track sonic bay between acid house and techno lowriders Guile, Francisco Fresen, F&I, Marcos Coya, Andre Arruda and Raff&rod. All hail from Latin America, for which the rotund marsupial mammal that this label names itself after is likewise the spirit animal. This release pairs a rather arid and minimalist tonal palette with surlier, deeper sonic gateways. Best of the bunch has to be F&I's 'Streets', which blends industrial punk percussions, pitch-drooping dreamatic pads, and street-smart affirmatives in the vocal register.
Review: Released only a year on from Jacidorex's Unfaced, an acid techno tumbler of big proportions, now comes a new V/A sourced from many a peer in the upstart Belgian artist's orbit. First, we've the collaborative 'Midnight Express', a cleanly tenebrous slink through twinkling, bubbling, upstream synths and hypotense builds, before the hardcore-informed 'Krazchen' by Acidus serves to harrow dancefloors worldwide with evil banana slip synths and cavernous kicks. A melodic turn is marked thereafter on the call-to-dance 'Into The Floor' by Ansbro, while Mahtal 'All In This' continues this trend into hardstyle techno, with its especially clever use of pitched-up and resampled kicks.
Review: Four new prangers from France's BOOOoo! crew, startling our ears with audio-apparitions by ghosts of the resident French sceno-system: Jamahr, Mooglee, Jucid and Odeon. 'Black Loops' and 'Flex (Booty Mix)' invade elastic terrains of bass and flicky synth, churn them back through meshes of gradated beats and rond-squelching stab notes. 'The Question Is' eliminates much of the A-side's establishing layers and overdubs, harking rubbery and slip-tastic FX design, countered by the equally sticky 'Jimbeldance'.
Review: Swedish producers Alexander Johansson & Mattias Fridell get back to the drafting board - Blueprint Records - for a third release, following their 2023 EP 'Geometriska Strukturer' and the 'Marvatten' EP the year before. Active collaborators since the early 2000s, the pair have steadily contributed their precision-honed techno to labels such as Symbolism, Audio Assault, ARMS, XXX Records and H. Productions, alongside their own imprint, Lomsk, since 2022. Their latest 'Bentik Zone' comprises three hot, mode-choked techno tesla coils, themed after the topical Benthic zone: the lowest level of a body of water such as an ocean, lake or stream, where deep-sea crustacean dwellers known as benthos lurk.
Review: Alexander Johansson and Mattias Fridell deliver a stripped-back techno workout across four focused cuts. The A-side leads with a thundering rhythm section that drives forward with a sense of urgency that feels both raw and precise. The second track shifts gears slightly, folding intricate percussion into a rolling groove that keeps the energy simmering. On the reverse, the duo ventures into more atmospheric territory, layering subtle synth textures over a steady, hypnotic pulse. With its tight execution and unrelenting focus, this EP solidifies Johansson and Fridell place as stalwarts of the Swedish techno scene.
Review: The legendary Lagoa club in Menin is a real techno institution that this year marks its 34th anniversary. It does so in part by dropping LAGOA TRAX Vol. 1, an exclusive vinyl compilation featuring four unreleased tracks by its famous resident DJs Manu Kenton, DJ HS, Jamie Dill and Max Walder. These celebrated artists honour Lagoa's spirit with compositions that echo the club's distinctive style-driving beats and electrifying sounds. Each track embodies the energy and legacy of Lagoa's unforgettable nights and gives fans a chance to reconnect with the intense rhythms that have defined the club's reputation.
Review: Swedish techno heavyweights unite on this special EP led by the legendary Cari Lekebusch, who brings over three decades of experience to the table. Alongside two equally forward-thinking producers, the result is a fine example in minimal yet infectious techno, driven by rhythm and sonic finesse. The A-side opens with 'Brassa Pa Lite', a mechanical techno cut that sounds like a dystopian engine room in motion. Its sci-fi sheen is matched by intricately programmed percussion and eerie synth flourishes that add a cinematic drama. 'Tant Gredelin' follows with a more primal energy, marked by crisp drum programming and an unusually playful yet deliberate sense of timing. Flip to the B-side and 'Hojtarolja' kicks in with a sharper edge. Futuristic and propulsive.. 'Mega Meckaren' comes out with a stomping warehouse feel and a subtle house swing. Definitely an exciting release from these three producers.
Review: Killowat Hour is a collection of 90s-inspired gems that seamlessly blend new and old influences. On Side-1, LP Rhythm's 'Want Your Love' kicks things off with a nostalgic nod to prog and euro house, delivering a distinctly 90s vibe. Aida's title track, 'Killowat Hour,' ventures into futuristic techno territory, incorporating elements of new beat for a modern twist. Mance's 'Cross Reference' follows with bouncy techno rhythms, smooth melodies, and trance influences that keep the energy flowing. Other highlights include Hottpretty's 'Make Me Yours,' which takes listeners on a trancey, heady journey through early 90s techno, offering a vibrant and energetic experience. Mad Again's 'The Night' closes the collection with deep euro house vibes, adding a layer of sophistication to the nostalgic set. This compilation is idea for those who like deep house and those who appreciate the balance of classic and contemporary sounds.
Review: Gerald Mitchell is as respected as they come. His vast catalogue of releases has helped shape techno and electro many times over and amongst his many seminal EPs is this one from back in 1999. It came on the Metroplex label and has been long out of print but now makes a welcome return thanks to Rawax Motor City Edition. 'Celestial Highways' is rough, pacey electro-techno with trippy synth sequences. 'Dream Traveler' gets even more raw and ragged and hurried and 'Astral Ancestors' then pairs jacked drums with sci-fi synth modulations. It still sounds future.
Review: Maara's debut on her very own Ancient Records lifts the lid on long-hidden truths and buried queer histories. Rein-whipping the steed of techno to redirect it towards better representations for lesbian communities in dance music, 'She's Startin' and 'Unbearable Delight' are heard resurrecting forgotten, seventh-hell secrets on a furious A-side. Faustian pacts tempt us to indulge a diabolical knowledge, while Maara holds out hope for a sapphic world, extracting simmering, fluid desires against a background of staid complacency. The Montreal producer ends on a slippery note with 'Scissor Me Timbers', where the sound design morphs into something eerily glottal, with bellowing voices, alarming hooks and knocky percs promising a ceaselessly hedonic alternate future.
Review: Italian DJ and producer Luigi Madonna sources high-technical pressure on his latest release for Planet Rhythm. The Shinto torii on the front cover appears in stark contrast to the EP’s otherwise manic mechanics, with the sonorant ‘Red Gate’ - if it is to reflect any kind of religiosity at all - bringing meaty, dreaded kicks and a reflective lead stab, as of a doomsday techno-cult, not a decentralised polytheism. Hardly the peaceful image we’re met with on the sleeve! ‘Untuned Harmonics’ files back the A1’s textural bark for a more dynamic calculation in sound, while ‘Over The Sky’ ravels automatic growls and yaps around seething hats.
Review: After releasing some non-club music on his own label The Yellow Zone, Lenny Mailleau steps into the dancefloor world with his first solo record for High Ends France. Known for his work as Zendid on High Ends, he returns to the French label with three tracks that mix up dubby house and techno. This release marks a new chapter in Mailleau's journey and showcases his versatility and skill in crafting infectious rhythms designed to move a crowd. 'Intense City' is a dubby one with lithe synths, 'Papiers Ciseaux' is icy and abstract dub and 'GGG' brings a melancholic and percussive touch.
Review: Antoni Maiovvi returns to Cosmic Club with an EP destined for classic status. Drawing from 15 years of experience, his fusion of disco, synth beats, and Italo influences shines. 'Lucidario' opens with Moroder-esque grandeur, cinematic and mesmerising. 'Cenotaph' echoes Legowelt's spirit, blending pop sensibilities with intrigue. 'Cyberia' closes the Side-1, mysterious and alluring. On the Side-2, 'Ghosted Again' ignites the dancefloor with dark Italo-disco energy, while 'Levitation Technique' explores ethereal realms. 'Today Is Yes' brings a satisfying conclusion to the album in an impressive way. Each track is a sonic journey, showing Maiovvi's diverse influences woven into a coherent whole. His work resonates alongside Gesloten Cirkel and Dopplereffekt, solidifying his future classic status.
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