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: 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: We shall never apologise for our love for the work of Steve O'Sullivan. His contributions to the world of dub techno are second to none. They are also mad consistent both in style and quality which means they never age. Here he steps up to Lempuyang with his Blue Channel alias alongside Jonas Schachner aka Another Channel for more silky smooth fusions of authentic dub culture and Maurizo-style techno deepness. Watery synths, hissing hi-hats with long trails and dub musings all colour these dynamic grooves. They're cavernous and immersive and frankly irresistible and the sort of tracks that need to be played loud in a dark space. In that context, you'll never want them to end.
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: 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: Analog Concept Vol. 3 delivers a striking collection of forward-thinking deep techno, blending electro, acid, and sci-fi elements to push boundaries across its four tracks. Fasme opens with 'Crying Robot', a standout acid electro monster that's both raw and energetic, setting the tone with its sharp, robotic intensity. CCO's 'Solar Sail' follows, bringing a darker, sci-fi edge to the mix. Its blend of EBM and new beat creates a timeless, futuristic trip that feels immersive and cinematic. Side-2 kicks off with Unwonted's 'Frontier', a high-energy electro track laced with trance elements, adding a hypnotic, rave-ready vibe. Serge Geyzel closes the compilation with 'Flash', a heavy-hitting deep electro cut that dives into darker, alien soundscapes. Its deep techno undercurrents enhance the track's sense of foreboding and mystery. Overall, Analog Concept Vol. 3 captures a thrilling array of deep, futuristic sounds. Take a journey through techno's more experimental and atmospheric realms with this Russian label. Each track stands strong on its own while contributing to the cohesive, forward-thinking vision of the compilation.
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: Chris Liberator's experimental techno label Maximum/Minimum forms part of the Stay Up Forever Collective umbrella, which has been going for a heck of a long time (since 1995-ish), charting untouched terrains of teratological UK hardcore techno. An offshoot imprint dedicated to the "creative corruptions" of the Stay Up Forever crew, Liberator and co. would originally release these ones without catalogue numbers, that is until the market beseeched them to behave more conventionally. Now, well past their 65th V/A release, comes their latest, a decapitatory pummeller fronted by Sonico's 'Did You Say Acid?' and Zyco Seon's 'Citric Frequencies'.
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: AcidLab is back with a fourth dose of medicine and this one comes on translucent red vinyl with various different artists behind the beats. Musikaddikt's 'Acid War' is a straight-up techno banger with oversized hi-hats. Tassid & Eski offer up the best named tack of the year with 'Ok You Cunts' which is raved-up hard techno, Acidrats & Skandal get even more wild and unhinged with their barrage of wind-up melodies and hard-edge and flat-footed beats on 'Massive Murder' and last of all comes Crime with 'Knife Blast which is a big distorted wall of white knuckle rave-techno, not for the faint-hearted.
Scalameriya - "I Am Soloing Your Egregores" (4:51)
Cam Lasky - "341-B" (Pt 2) (5:06)
Review: Italian techno label Void+1 Recordings' newest release, 'Convergence Chapter 1', is one for those who like their techno extreme. Four tracks from artists not known for techno of deep introspection. These tracks are minutely produced, influenced by EBM, breakcore & harsh electro. The first cut, 'Loose Fit (Tensal remix)' is a fast-paced, four-to-the-floor rocket of a remix by prolific German techno artist Tensal. The next track by Australian CTSD sounds like a dark, modern interpretation of early 2000s breaks. Serbian hard techno artist Scalameriya's track 'I Am Soloing Your Egregores' mixes a cut-up beat with harsh feedback noise. The last track by Japan-based Cam Lasky sounds like techstep slowed down, No U-Turn meets Ancient Methods.
Review: Roseen, Dold, Hurdslenk and Slight Function are in full-on battle mode here as they offer up a collection of four high-class techno weapons aimed purely at the dancefloor. Roseen goes first with he pulsating synths and glitchy drums and claps of the mind-melting 'Model 2813' and Dold backs that up with the panel-beaten loops and urgent sense of funk that underlines 'Cave.' Hurdslenk's 'Span' brigs more in your face energy with its pounding claps and Slight Function shuts down with 'Misery' which takes you into the farthest recesses of deep space.
Review: Modwerks hear producer Saag deliver a second spicy round of floorshakers, all four of which are tangentially inspired by Brazilian music. Don't get confused, though, as the rhythms on this one remain starkly rooted in techno through and through. 'Puxa' and 'Void Searching' lead the charge by way of two unchanging techno stasises; unrepentant walls of fidgeting sound, which reach a head at the hard-claps and blurting chords heard at the second track's end. 'Orie' and 'Reverie' flesh out the textures moreover, with the latter track especially going especially filter-happy on the fidget lead.
Review: A captivating exploration of futuristic and otherworldly techno. Side-1 begins with 'Peuceus', a spacey techno journey filled with alien effects and an immersive atmosphere that feels like navigating a cosmic expanse. Following this, 'Dryalus' takes on a tribal techno approach, layering intricate rhythms with a forward-thinking, futuristic edge. On Side-2, 'Perimedes' delivers a heavier, driving beat, propelling listeners into a sci-fi romp that balances intensity with precision. The finale, 'Antimache', delves deeper into experimental territory, weaving alien-like textures and unconventional rhythms into a truly unique listening experience. This release masterfully combines spacey sound design, tribal influences and experimental beats, creating a soundscape that feels both adventurous and meticulously crafted.
Review: Pi Electronics bring four classy artists together on this new 12". It marks the start of the Limitation series and opens with the deft, moody broken beat techno and unsettling synth ambience of Sam KDC's 'Dominion.' Interviews then ups the intensity with the frosty and rusty loops of 'Crawler' which lurches back and forth with real menace, and Zevla's 'Yours Is Mine' then keeps the pressure on with more tight drum loops, lashing of synth static, corrugated low ends and general dystopian vibes. Slave To Society's 'Biosphere' is the brutalist broken techno banger to close down with.
Review: The self-contained Sammler label welcomes founder Scheermann back for more stripped-down and atmospheric techno sounds. His MO is to establish minimal sound scars that hypnotise with their rolling drums and immerse you in a world of ethereal pads and watery effects. It's emotional tackle that also makes the right physical impact and sounds nicely futuristic while nodding to the history of this particular sub-genre. 'Magu' is our pick for the way it pairs introspection with forward motion so stylishly.
Review: Mainrecords returns with the 'Radiation Dance' EP which is the newest outing from co-label owner Matthias Schildger. It opens with the sleek electronic lines and Kraftwerkian hypnosis of 'CH Dance' on icy rhythms and lush synth chords. 'Radiation' is a more rugged techno sound but still artful in its pads and widescreen melodic scope. There is a retro 80s feel to 'Divine Divide' while 'Rzwodzwo's Brain' birds some more buffed metal textures, tripped-out FX and jittery rhythms. Last of all is 'Datapoppers' which is a great blend of analogue kits and drums, retro-future synths and curious cosmic moods.
Review: American talent SCRIPT makes a bold entrance onto the esteemed Afterlife imprint with 'On The Low', a track that's already been making waves in the electronic music scene. It marks a significant milestone, as SCRIPT becomes the first American artist to grace the label's catalogue with a stand-alone single. 'On The Low' is a captivating blend of pulsating rhythms, mesmerising synth layers and a catchy vocal hook that's been echoing through clubs and festivals alike. Its journey from a humble Splice sample to a genre-defying anthem is a testament to SCRIPT's production prowess and his ability to craft music that resonates with both discerning DJs and enthusiastic crowds.
Review: The third drop on Tonske's Cogo label welcomes another grip of high-functioning techno freaks to the table. The mighty Jeroen Search leads the charge with the loopy, Hood-flavoured pressure of 'Observer' before Border One throws down a primal mind-warper which is built for creative blending and psychological submersion. ORBE heads up the flip with a deadly, simmering workout built from densely interwoven threads of drums and synth, all the better to open a wormhole up with. Tonske's own sonar bleep stylings offer the deepest foil to the intensity of the other tracks, favouring minimalism as a vessel for pure, eyes-closed techno escapism.
Review: Based in the Amsterdam area and banging out his take on techno since around 2016 on some fine labels, Bob Semp is back on previous home Planet Rhythm. His sleek style is classy and sophisticated as shown on 'Dilemma', a pulsing linear roller with plenty of depth and drive. The drums on 'Moisty Mire' get a little more robust and muscular but are still looped to hypnotic effect and 'Fable' brings a drunken synth line to the fore for some nice off-balance funk. A trio of smart, evocative tunes come on the B-side to make this a brilliantly useful and coherent EP.
Review: German loop specialist Shed is a perfect match for the expertly designed breakbeats of Munich's finest, Ilian Tape, so we're delighted to see this one happen. His 'Applications' EP is bulky and brilliant from the off: 'EMCZ' is all skittish hits and dusty drums barrelling along with speed and energy. 'TLSQ' is doused in dub chord work and has a warming glow as the weight basslines roll on and the drums hit hard. Last but not least is 'UFO2' which is more menacing, with darker atmospheres and prying synth lines paired with physical and forceful kick patterns.
Review: Planet Rhythm's brand of techno is utterly timeless and always futuristic. The latest trip around the stars is a various artists EP that varies in mood and tempo. Shekon's 'Hypno' (Phara remix) kicks off with big, boisterous drum loops full of bounce and swirled with coarse synths. Gotshell takes a more deep approach with gurgling basslines making for a subterranean sound on 'Sindrome De Volar.' KaioBarssalos's 'Detroit' then taps into a classic 313 techno style with shimmering pads and earth-shattering drums. Netty Hugo's 'Ecxtrem' is a pulsating cosmic closer.
Review: Raw and its many different sub and sister labels had always worn its love for Chicago house and Detroit techno proudly on its sleeve. This series is specifically dedicated to that and now finds Signal to Noise Ratio serving up the Detroit Is Burning EP. 'Collision' (A Rage In Brooklyn mix) opens up with glitchy electronics and scuzzy basslines over raw house beats. 'Rave Signal (A Rage In Eindhoven mix)' is all caustic synths and shiny metallic drums thudding away over a dark bassline and the title cut then evokes the sounds of aliens trapped in a machine and keen to get out. Closer 'Hypnomatic' is a more heady and dubby cut with pulsing synth tones and a busy bassline bringing the funk.
Review: While techno has become increasingly difficult to define in recent decades - the term is applied to such a wide range of records that it's become almost meaningless - long-serving German duo Skudge have always delivered music rooted in classic techno sounds - think the shimmering, intergalactic electronics of Detroit and hypnotic, locked-in grooves. 'Tryptic', their latest sensational single, continues in this vein - think deliciously bittersweet chords, wiggly TB-303 acid lines and snappy TR-909 drums. It's majestic, melancholic and mind-altering in equal measure. It comes backed by two tasty remixes: a more hectic, dark, intense and percussive rub by Temudo, and a gorgeously positive, sun-kissed re-make - all colourful chords, soft-touch beats and mangled synth stabs - courtesy of Amadou.
Review: SL Jung may not be particularly prolific - this two-tracker marks the Berlin-based producer's fifth vinyl outing since 2018 - but what he does put out tends to be strong and steady. For proof, check dub techno influenced A-side 'W1', where echoing melodic motifs and liquid synthesizer flourishes bubble along atop a sturdy dub-wise bassline and snappy drum machine beat. It's as hypnotic, locked-in and quietly attractive as you'd expect, with plenty of low-end weight to counter to prettier top-end elements. Title track 'Coherence' is another slab of tech-house/dub-techno fusion, though this time blessed with more off-kilter, effects-laden riffs, Villalobos noises aplenty and deep, warm bass.
Exhibit (1 - BOHM & The Unborn Child remix) (6:42)
Review: Slam's Exhibit series on Soma presents a compelling showcase of techno talent, focusing on the raw and hypnotic end of the genre spectrum. The inaugural release, featuring Slam themselves, delivers three parts of pulsating techno energy. 'Exhibit 1' kicks things off with deep, sub-heavy vibrations, setting a formidable tone. 'Exhibit 2' follows suit with high-energy intensity, while 'Exhibit 3' offers a more sci-fi-infused variation. The remix by BOHM & The Unborn Child adds an intriguing twist, elevating the soundscape with subtle enhancements. Overall, Exhibit is a perfect example to Slam's commitment to championing techno's fundamental frequencies, offering a diverse and electrifying listening experience for aficionados of the genre.
We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners who may combine it with other information that you've provided to them or that they've collected from your use of their services.