Back catalogue: Techno (すべて)

Review: Inimeg Records label boss and general underground don Joey Anderson has always operated on the fringes of the deepest house and techno sounds. The New Jersey mainstay returns now with the Vanish EP on Obia Records while owner Wendel Sield also pops up with one tune. Anderson's trio ranges from the dusty, smoky basement dub of 'Vanish' to the ticking and glitchy minimal menace of 'Masked Ones' via the intense synth dystopia of 'Escape'. Sield's 'Cultivate' is a smeared, spacious cut with meandering pads and prickly percussion that zones you out for days.

Review: Henri Bergmann and Wennink's Guardian Angel marks an impressive debut on Crosstown Rebels, delivering a track that expertly fuses melody with depth. Bergmann's knack for sculpting rich, atmospheric landscapes is matched by Wennink's haunting vocals, creating a piece that feels both expansive and intimate. It's the kind of collaboration that hints at a shared vision without ever losing individual identity. The original track opens with textured percussion, slowly unfurling into an emotive soundscape as Wennink's vocals hover above like an ethereal guide. There's a melancholic undertone, but it's balanced by an uplifting drive, showcasing their ability to blend light and dark seamlessly. The remixes take Guardian Angel into uncharted territories. Stimming strips things back, opting for a more minimalist approach that sharpens the focus on rhythmic intensity, while his subtle use of effects amplifies the track's ethereal quality. It's a remix that feels lean but still full of intent. Hardt Antoine, on the other hand, plunges deeper into the shadows, pushing the bassline forward and letting synths stretch into eerie, sci-fi realms. His reworking is darker, stranger, and ultimately a satisfying close to the EP. With this release, Bergmann and Wennink add another strong entry to the Crosstown Rebels roster, proving that their partnership is one to keep watching.

Review: Granada's Cosmic Tribe know the definition of "electro" in its broadest sense; their new Xtrictly Electro comp keeps the dystopian sound endemic to the genre's most present incarnation, but refuses to restrict itself to one tempo: the standard 130-ish that has sadly infected the otherwise genius genre as a necessity. An international splinter cell of spec-ops and mercenaries are recalled from retirement here, as we hear Calagad 13, Nachtwald, EC13 and many more mechanoid ilk lay down all manner of slick utilities, making up a morbid multi-tool. 5zyl brings further lasery Lithuanian steeze on 'Vilnius Bass', whilst Spectrums Data Forces betrays the existence of a sinister corporate entity, whose business model works towards the object of instilling 'Darkness In My Head' through giant, killer mozzy basses.

Review: An innovative EP emerges from the collaborative work of two accomplished music producers in Stockholm's Weirdvin, founder of the thriving Maraton label and here making a debut on Lyssna with the label's own Flord King. Their music finds a perfect common ground between electronic minimal funk and atmospheric textures, with overtones of ocean-faring trips on a voyage to the depths of the Baltic Sea. From the snappy percussion of 'Navigation' to the ambient synths of 'Oyster' via the nice and delicate drum loops of 'Telefunken' the more warped lines and turbulent bass of 'Bende' this is an EP with a unique sonic aesthetic.

Review: Oyster Ass return with their Italian brothers for a third round of mind-bending techno. This EP is a retreat into altered worldsirigidly organised, timeless and often inescapable trance-like states. Public Request and WAS take charge of the correction, guiding listeners through a sonic landscape of hypnotic rhythms and disorienting soundscapes. 'C'MON' by Public Request sets the tone with its pulsating energy and infectious groove, while WAS's 'Spoon My' dives deep into a hypnotic abyss. 'Ego' and 'Tunnel' further explore the depths of this sonic odyssey, each track offering a unique perspective on the theme of mind-body dislocation. This is one for those who like their techno with a touch of the surreal and a healthy dose of sonic exploration.

Review: Rain & White Transit Van kick off a new collaborative project with this first EP on Damo B's Emotec label, and what an inspired cosmic trip it is. 'Cliffdive' is a subtle opener with thinking cosmic leads and lazy mid-tempo groves sweeping you up and depositing you amongst the stars. 'Castaway' then puts crunchy drum breaks front and centre, waiting around the edges with mystic chords and melancholic emotions. There is high-speed electro slickness to 'Park' complete with flashes of acid and 'Sin' closes with a mix of muted synth modulations, warped metal surfaces and bumping electro beats.

Review: Waage is a firm favourite amongst dub techno fans. The Icelandic producer has long been turning out icy and atmospheric rollers for the heads and here he works alongside a fresh name, Quantal, who is sure to go on to big things. Here they land on Thule Records, a legendary label in its own right with roots going back to 1995. They kick off with the textured dub of 'WQ1' which has glitchy sounds paying over the rolling drums. 'WQ2' is much more smooth and streamlined, with an underwater current that sweeps you off your feet, then 'WQ3' leans into the wind with hypnotic techno drums and vamping chords that melt the mind. Last of all comes 'WQ4', a timeless dub with infinite horizons and the most frictionless drum loops.

Review: Anna Wall has been making moves for a while now and has released a wide range of sounds on some top labels. She has finally decided to go it alone as she launches her own self-titled outlet here with a new two-track 12" of blistering and club-ready sounds. 'Escape Velocity' is a punchy number that will enliven any floor with its bold bass notes and prickly acid lines screwing throughout the mix as the snappy drums keep things moving. On the flip, takes a slightly different path with fulsome tech house, dubbed out low ends and nagging leads that rise up through them and towards the cosmos. Very effective stuff.

Review: Shimpei Watanabe's latest release is a slick blend of acid house and dub, with 'No Cab Around Here' leading the charge. The track serves up a deep, pulsating 303 bassline paired with atmospheric dub chords that anchor its infectious groove. On the flip, 'Yamate Ride' takes a more mellow approach, offering a smooth, rolling rhythm that keeps things groovy without losing energy. The Stikdorn remix of 'No Cab Around Here' adds an extra layer of depth, stripping back some of the original's intensity to reveal its hypnotic core. An engaging exploration of Watanabe's versatile production style.

Review: Overthink Records marks its 10th release milestone with Waveratio 618's blend of techno and EBM. Following his standout contribution to the label's Split Series, the Italian producer delivers an intense collection crafted entirely from live jam sessions that capture the raw energy and spontaneity of such an approach as he translates hardware explorations into dynamic grooves filled with tension and drive. With a mix of analogue warmth and digital waveforms, this one is perfect for both dark dancefloors and more introspective moments.

Review: Takuya Sugimoto AKA Web is an electronic innovator who released a slew of essential albums in the mid-nineties. This new EP - except for a re-issued track that first appeared in 1995 - is a continuation of his fusionist style where he layers up wonky rhythms, detuned synths, IDM, ambient and techno into something new, something spiritual, something utterly fresh. Everything from Herbie Hancock to Larry Heard to Yellow Magic Orchestra can be heard if you listen closely to these rhythmically complex tracks, and you really should, because there are all kinds of magical sonic sorcery to be found.

Review: While most party DJs lament their wedding gigs while lauding their fun cool jobs, Wedding Acid Group - the openers of this latest V/A by Undersound Recordings - marks a point of going beyond mere cultural Stockholm syndrome, not just making light of our matrimonial masters, but redirecting those cheugy energies into a killer beatific-corrosive intro.AThen come three more riveting uplifts of a blissful and bouncey variety, from 'Do As I Say' by Albert Ess to 'Singlestranded' by Systelman to 'Love2' by J. Mono, seguing from industrial anvil clankage to a nightbus-bound house closer.

Review: The Worm burrows deep with this evocative new outing on Deep Cub label, which continues to turn plenty of heads before it has even got to release number 10. '12 Days Of Squirm' is dubby, mid tempo and slow motion techno for early evening warm ups. 'Lisa' brings a more cid laced and percolating sound to up the energy levels and '808 Verb Talk' is darker, more heavy, with bright acid leaving a menacing mood in its wake. 'Pytch1' is another deft and atmospheric wedge of slow, purposeful techno.

Review: After initially reserving much of his music for his own Tartan label, Wallace has been on plenty of fine sojourns to other top labels of late including CWPT's from Palms Trax, Studio Barnhus and Rhythm Section. Now he makes his biggest statement yet with a double album on Mule Musiq that draws on everything in his arsenal. His deft melodic touch and innocent synth work defines the first couple of clean and airy cuts while his knack for an unusual rhythm defines the loopy and hypnotic 'Midnight On The Mountain,' 'By The River' is a gorgeous deep house cut with eastern melodies and 'Bubbles' is pure dreaming material for zoned out sessions. A fine work from the talented Wallace.

Review: A deeply mysterious label from Barcelona, Withhold specialise in impactful trance-breaks and IDM that tend towards the vanguard, prioritising "hidden artists" whose proclivites might not be so self-promoting. This self-effacing, anonymizing tendency in dance music is often indicative of good quality, especially when done for the right reasons. It's not really something you can work out rationally, in fact; you just have to go by your best senses. And we get a good vibe from Withhold, not least from this latest long-player of curious, gushy delights. We're not sure which artists (whether individual or many) lie behind each track, but perhaps this rejection of authorship encourages deeper listening: highlights include the cleverly tricksy 'Achanhuwlmx' and the quaintly-imaged 'Order Of 11'. This album is best received by the listener at its most emotive, most cascading moments.