Back catalogue: Techno (すべて)

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: Medellin producer Marck D (Charlie Escobar) is a new Planet Rhythm poster child, though his digital releasing repertoire is nonetheless colossal even without them, his many affairs including Illegal Alien, Phobiq and IAMT. Shocker it is, then, that 'Dune' is Escobar's first ever 12"; the record brings ultraphonic chord slurries ('Behind The Chord') and federated, intergalactic-dynastic codes of techno honour ('Atreides'), riding the sand-wormed thematics of the Frank Herbert sci-fi classic.

Review: Serious seriality from the OHM Series, an imprint and sole patent owner of the rare, aurally administered chemical known as Omega X. The alphabetic Greek letter ohm determines impedance / resistance in an electrical circuit, and so too do each of the dub techno tracks released on the OHM Series amount to tergiversating transductions, their chillout chord-knocks and hardened beats never quite letting us settle. Though titles like 'Innocence' and 'Downtime' persist here, the tracks perhaps inadvertently prove that flow is impossible without resistance: Separation's track is especially unorthodox in its strange reordering of phaser, pan and saturation effects on the pad-stab, which produces an unusual swirling effect.

Review: Merv keeps it super deep here with a trio of supremely tasteful techno cuts doused in dub culture. 'Sliver' is first and awakens the sense with some gentle rattling chords that sound like distant thunder rolling in with a storm. 'Embrace' is airy, with big kicks and frosty pads shimmering across the airwaves and crisp hi-hats cut right through. 'Strain' is last up on the flip and is an elongated journey through some sugary melodic pixelations, a frosty dubscape and hints of melancholia. All are perfect for those late-night and intimate back room sessions.

Review: This superb EP from Metapattern, who has already impressed dn Hayes Records and MORD, is a bold reflection of his identity as an artist. It draws on classic techno but repurposes it with a contemporary edge that belies the producer's mastery of the genre's foundations at the same time as finding him pushing its boundaries. Inspired by Berlin's dark energy, these tunes are minimalistic yet deeply purposeful as they emphasise real restraint, which allows every element to really make its mark over heavy grooves.

Review: Mihail P's 'Multitudes' EP on Analog Concept is a gem for those who appreciate techno with ambient and emotional undertones, aligning with the subtle artistry of Nuron, John Shima, Derek Carr, CIM and Future Beat Alliance. The opener, 'East At Dawn', sets a delicate tone, weaving beautiful ambient techno melodies with hints of electro. Its graceful synths and deep bass resonate with a sense of introspection, creating a lush atmosphere. Another name in this style that is making waves is the fantastic Gilbert. His remix of 'East At Dawn' shifts gears slightly, infusing an upbeat energy and a more tech-focused rhythm while maintaining the Detroit-inspired warmth of the original. On Side-2, 'Paradox Of Automation' balances gentle beats with an intricate, celestial melody. The track's refined production and harmonious layers lend it an otherworldly quality. The EP closes with 'Ghosts Of Tomorrow', a triumphant, melodic composition that feels both uplifting and ethereal, like a final, hopeful transmission from another realm. 'Multitudes' showcases Mihail P's talent for blending ambient techno with emotive depth. Another winner in his discography.

Review: Mono Junk only loosely uses techno as a foundation for exploration of various different forms on this new EP on Cold Blow. The opener has jacked-up beats with an electro feel and prying bass that brings great bounce. 'Gamma' is brilliantly dark and moody with domineering synth notes and shuffling hi-hats getting heads down and feet marching. Katerina's Mind mix of the opener then opens it up into a more expansive and widescreen synth world and the Sansibar is pure muscular rhythm.

Review: Utrecht's MRE makes his debut on 200 Records here and in doing so shows a passion for Detroit-style techno sounds. His rhythms draw from techno and breaks and ambient also helps cloud these classic, timeless grooves. 'Corizen' opens on a deep, dubby tip with languid chords for inward reflection, 'The Upper Room' then brings some gorgeous synth work straight from the Motor City and 'Do You See The Lighthouse Yet' is a lithe mix of wispy pads and elastic rhythms that ooze class. 'Zero Three Zero' shuts down this most sophisticated EP in a melancholic fashion.

Review: Serenity is a mental health charity label that is now back with more sonic gold, this time in the form of a reissue of Marco Bernardi aka Octogen's 'The Journeyman' from 2008 on Soma Recordings. It is an immersive, emotive sound with lush and ethereal pads and a moody bassline that keeps you locked. The B-side offers two original tracks from Bernardi 'Travelling to the Sun' is one to hypnotise floors with its hypnotic chimes and raw drums, while 'Little Tiny Crickets' delivers a fast-paced IDM twist with some killer synth work. As always, proceeds go to charity this time Papyrus UK who support youth suicide prevention and MusicSpace.

Review: Eindhoven underground acidcore distributor and label Flatlife generate yet another mind-melter for the nitty masses, supercolliding tracks by four of the foremost DJs come sound-summoners on the subterranean scene. Flatlife have dispatched rapid-response rave Apaches since 2009, and A-siders 'Septic' and 'Lord Of Darkness' bring a fittingly mid-noughts feel to things, during which time the roughage of hard dance fused with the encroaching gloss and finesse that came with digital sound tech that defined the decade. The mood is horrific, with 'Saure' climaxing to apocalyptic, territorial levels through waspish yamps and kick crushings, while the aggro is not lost on the ensuing 'Out Of Order', somehow the most relaxed of the four.

Review: Viewfinder returns to Rescan Records with their third release on the label, a four-track journey through house and techno. The A-side offers two straight-up house cuts, 'Solace' and 'Let Go', featuring infectious grooves, sampled percussion, and catchy stabs. Flip the record over for a techno turn, with 'Roxtone' pushing the BPMs higher and delivering a high-energy workout. Mihail P closes out the release with 'Natural High', a hypnotic blend of breaks, bleeps, and ethereal pads. With its diverse range of sounds and infectious energy, this release is a must-have for any fan of quality electronic music.