Review: A Trifle Too Far, the collaboration between Essex natives Simon Ward and Tony Grimley, crafted this forward-thinking duo of tracks, inspired by their explorations of the acid house scene and rave culture. Catch Your Ear and Meringueatang embody the innovative spirit of early 90s prog-house. Engineered by Evren Omer of Strategy Records and Matt Clayden of X-Gate Records, respectively, these tracks remain a rare and exhilarating find. Mint Condition is reviving the essence of classic house and techno with their latest reissue: the elusive 1992 EP 'Catch Your Ear/Meringueatang' from A Trifle Too Far. This release is a thrilling addition for collectors and DJs, rekindling the excitement of a bygone era.
Review: Basel-based experimental labels Amenthia Recordings and A Walking Contradiction join forces for their first collaborative release here in the form of the Flash Crash/Hack Crash EP. Both labels are known for pushing boundaries within their close-knit creative circles and this one features Agonis' heavy stepper and Konduku's whirlpool of low frequencies on the Amenthia side, while Lemont continues the low-end, tripped-out vibe. Varuna represents A Walking Contradiction and delivers swampy, slow-motion sounds in their signature style. This release embodies both labels' commitment to daring, unconventional electronic sounds.
Review: Religion, and specifically gospel music, always played a key part in shaping the sounds and emotions of easy house music. It is clearly going to have just as much impact on this new label God Iz Enough which debuts with an EP of the same name from Tomi Ahmedeus. His style on the opener is to lay down raw and dusty beats with an early Windy City feel and infuse them with evocative, guttural gospel vocals that really bring them to life and make them inescapably emotive. 'The Rise Of The Guttersnipe' strips things back a little and brings a shuffling tech vibe with some glistening melodies while 'Ms Ludus' is a gorgeous ambient closer.
Review: The Danza Nativa label is fresh off the back of a fine fifth birthday celebratory 2 part compilation but wastes no time getting back to business. Alderaan is the man in charge with his second for the label and 'Transition' kicks off with some mad LFO business melting your mind. Psyk remixes it into a more paired back and spooky subterranean techno prowler. With 'Vortex' there is yet more nocturnal menace with ticking hi-hats seeing rhythm as squelchy, unsettling sounds peel off the beats. 'Futurismo' closes down with a gurgling lead line and distant sci-fi sounds that complete this most futuristic EP.
Review: Anatolian Weapons' 'Beyond' EP delivers six tracks that expertly blend vintage techno with a futuristic edge, reminiscent of a sci-fi film soundtrack. Opening with 'Just Dance,' the EP hooks listeners with an addictive groove and a techy, 90s vibe that sets the tone. 'All The Bones' dives into progressive house territory, offering lush, evolving soundscapes. 'Ego Naked' stands out as a fusion of EBM and darker techno, injecting an intense, moody atmosphere. 'Reality Check' plays with an 80s aesthetic, striking a balance between nostalgia and forward-thinking production. 'Acid Grind' slows the pace with a deliberate acid chugger, featuring a liquid acid line that oozes depth and intention. Closing out with 'STR,' the EP peaks with a powerful, sci-fi-influenced track that feels otherworldly, pushing the boundaries of techno. Throughout Beyond EP, Anatolian Weapons navigates through various electronic styles while maintaining a cohesive, futuristic vision, making it a compelling addition to any techno enthusiast's collection.
Review: Asymetric80 is a really versatile producer. He's proven that with several fresh EPs in recent years on a range of different labels and they have explored everything from menacing electro to dark techno via industrial and noise. This new outing on Oraculo somewhat blends all that together into something new and fresh. 'Rara Avis' opens with stomping drums and EBM synths, 'Instant Manifesto' is a metallic techno workout and 'Plenary Indulgence' layers up scuzzy noise and gothic designs into something stark and strobe-lit. 'Innocent Stigmanta' and 'Internal Tears' bring more late night terror.
Review: John Beltran, the iconic Detroit ambient techno producer, returns with the Il Ritorno EP on Roots Underground records, offering four new tracks of emotional techno that reaffirm his legendary status in the genre. It starts off with 'Il Ritorno,' a track featuring a heavy Detroit groove, atmospheric rises and delicate melodies sprinkled with keys. Following this is 'City Sunset,' an uptempo, melodic gem that epitomizes Beltran's signature style, evoking a sense of nostalgia and delivering goosebumps. On thje flip, 'Finally Home' stands out with its memorable melody, reminiscent of the beloved Ten Days of Blue era, bringing back the essence of his 90s work. The EP concludes with 'Carrettera,' a high-energy track that leaves a lasting impression and closes the EP on a triumphant note. Beltran's Il Ritorno EP is a great blend of emotive techno that showcases his ability to evoke deep feelings through his brand of techno.
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: X-factor garage and deep house from London's Capracara with 'Realtime Emoji'. Wielding a growling, reese-not-reese bassline and pitting it contra nunchuck future garage percs, the rising producer brings a brainy yet not overthought hoohah to the nascent What About Never crew, fully earning its place on the 12" and subsequent turntable. If the track were an emoji, it would be a melty face for certain; its slowly pitch-drifted leads and rotary cabinet-ed hits both glide overhead and slang down below, neither never quite allowing the listener to settle into any one headspace, insinuating restlessness at every turn as priority numero uno. Meanwhile, producer Secondo jolts us from our draggy catchup play with a much straighter 909 jam.
Review: The new four-tracker from Chicaiza through Kimchi Records is decidedly impressive, finding reams of emotive expression in a knowing, but well-wrought gaudy-trance rawness. We clock we're in for a trippy one from the off; 'Frgil Bodies' hears an opening vocal natter with the intonation of a leprechaun under the influence of some lab-bought compound; and not long before the crudest of crude yet rudest of rude drum flows ensues. Then 'Metaphorical Nihlusiions' follows with a continually janky, but frankly wicked still, tunnel-toss through noetic synth flicks and gurglingly good bass groundings, throwing shade on false nihilations in the process. The understory opens up considerably with 'Shinobi', with trophic psychic layers and bushwalking sproutings-forth, culminating in a canopied trance lead atop. Finally, 'No Way' flushes an excess of chitinous, skin-shedded beats and leftover bass nacres, depositing them on the forest floor like lap-up fruits ripe for the taking.
Review: Cruz returns to Griffe with the new EP 'La Pasion Paga', delivering a wicked set of five elements in the form of neon-drenched electro and wearable wetware Italo. The title track throws us into an extrasensory fervour, serving visions of streaklit motorbikes burning phosphenic light trails onto our retinas, be this due to the various LED filter-cutoff stabs, flash-photo gated snares or two-tone melodic glow discharges heard thereupon. 'Music Addicted' furthers this sense of lubricious but psychotic drive, as we're continually bewitched and bedazzled by murderous murmurations and piquant flicks and guttural saws, glued by the clever working of police sirens into the mix's distance. B-sider 'Always My Illusion' finds a moment of brief respite, deploying a detuned synth xerogel that glues each otherwise sparse, janky electro element into a well-soldered prosthetic. 'Los Atajos Del Delirio' builds on similar themes of futural disillusion, yet ramps things up to yet another accelerative exponent, ending on a juddering but bittersweet note of finality.
Review: Deluka's Mind Games EP on SK Eleven delivers four tracks of pulsating, rhythmic techno that showcases a tech-driven edge. The EP opens with the title track,'Mind Games', a minimal yet powerful techno cut that thumps with primal energy. The seductive rhythm draws you in, building layers of intensity as it moves forward, making it perfect for late-night club sets. Braunschweig follows with a subterranean vibe, featuring intricate, morphing beats and a sci-fi atmosphere. The complex rhythms keep listeners on their toes, pushing the boundaries of techno's sonic palette. On the second side, 'Everybody Talkin' brings raw drums and a rolling rhythm, packed with an infectious energy that makes it an undeniable banger. It's a track that commands the dancefloor with its relentless drive. 'Bunker' closes the EP with a futuristic, techy vibe, driven by broken beats and mechanical rhythms. The track's edgy, forward-thinking sound makes this a sharp record for bold, innovative techno.
Review: Dolly's TS series looks to the sounds of Italian duo Dynamic Forces here and they come through with a perfect blend of slamming body music and heady synth work across four visceral new cuts. 'Before We Die' kicks off with lashings of sheet metal synths and turbocharged beats. 'Virus' then gets a little larceny with some suspensory pad and icy ringlets of hi-hat over liner beats and 'Ending' then gets deeper and a little more paired back which allows the cosmic synth work to shine. 'Panacea' shuts down with a tight percussive number and high speed dub chords that will rattle walls.
Review: Frankey & Sandrino's 'The Moment' EP is a big sounding fusion of techno, infused with elements of trance that are sure to get people's attention. Side-1's title track, The Moment, skillfully blends trance-like elements with a big breakdown and drop, all set at a house or lower techno BPM. This slower tempo gives the track a refreshing twist, with melodic elements that build and create a captivating atmosphere. On Side-2, 'Intrinsic' takes center stage as a techno builder, offering a serious burner that's primed for peak-time play that has you on pins and needles. It's intense, driving, and perfectly crafted for big room impact. Motivation closes the EP with another powerful techno burner, featuring major sounds that push the energy even further. 'The Moment' EP is a well-rounded offering, balancing melodic depth with dancefloor-ready intensity.
Review: Ghost in the Machine takes it back to the start with a searing new acid outing on Zodiak Commune Records. This is a special poster edition of the 12" and it's packed with dark and unsettling moods and monstrously heavy kicks. Opener 'Wall of Fire' is just that with an assault of distorted drums and barrage of prickly percussion and warped synths that blow your brains out. 'Flame Grilled' is another textural and chaotic sound with fizzing textures and ear-splitting acid lines then 'Inferno' picks up the pace with lashings of 303, hammering hits and unrelenting drums. 'Heartburn' shuts down this raw warehouse carnage with pulsing synths and driving drums that leave you exhausted.
Review: Layton Giordani's latest release Freaks At Night on Drumcode Sweden delivers two heavyweight tracks that are sure to ignite any mainfloor. On Side-1, 'Freaks At Night' pulses with high energy, seamlessly blending sci-fi elements with big room techno. The track's standout feature is its clever use of the classic house sample, 'the way we used to do it,' adding a nostalgic twist to its futuristic vibe. Side-2 introduces the 'New Generation' (Space 92 Remix), a dynamic track that feels like a journey through deep space. The menacing bassline and powerful rhythm create a sense of unstoppable momentum, making it a go-to choice for peak-time sets. Both tracks are built to command attention, offering DJs a tough decision on which side to unleash. Whether you lean towards the energetic nostalgia of 'Freaks At Night' or the dark, driving force of 'New Generation,' this release is a strong addition to any techno collection.
Review: The Kyoto EP by JSPRV35 on Global Pulse delivers a cutting-edge vision of hard techno with four intense, forward-thinking tracks. Kicking off with 'Process', the EP sets a high-energy tone with its pulsating, uptempo beats and rolling loops, creating a techy, peak-time banger that's sure to ignite the dancefloor. 'Kyoto' follows, casting an eerie, ominous vibe with its sickly hypnotic looped groove, drawing listeners into its dark and immersive atmosphere. On the flip side,'Pakai' steps up with a stomping rhythm, driven by powerful, chord-heavy motifs that give the track a commanding presence. Closing out the EP, 'Seduction' delivers a wicked, fitting conclusion, leaving a lasting impact with its intensity and forward-thinking sound design. This is an EP that points to the future of techno, pushing boundaries with its innovative approach and relentless energy.
Review: KANZ's artist alias, when reversed, becomes ZNAK, meaning "SIGN" in Bulgarian. He hails from Lyulin, a district known for breeding either crime or art, and thankfully Kaloyan embodies the latter. This outing on MELMAK is opened with '25% Personality (with Dickie)' which is deep and atmospheric dub techno. 'Low Orbit' is just as deep but more driving with some pad laced beauty up top, 'Trench Music' then brings frosty Berlin dub techno vibes, 'Dub Tool A' has conscious vocal mutterings and 'Splais' is a slow motion gem for late night contemplation. 'Kopriva (Opa Kanz Rerub)' is a spine-tingling closer with angelic vocals.
Review: The independent techno label ARTS hits a half-century here and rather than make a big fuss they just do what they have always done: serve up more quality music. 'How Does One' is pent-up techno funk with lashings of synth details and static electricity, 'Towers Reach' then keeps things tight and kinetic with squirrelling leads and sleek bass, while 'Sirkel' gets deep, dark and more menacing. Timo Konings's mastery of loop tendon carries on through the urgent 'Covert' and skittish grooves of 'Double Split'.
Review: Ever reticent contemporary ambient techno artist Nthng shares 'Two People', their latest EP to hit the shelves. Building on their always wordless sound - one native to a certain "mysterious" corner of the techno world, one that implies that words are insufficient in capturing both breadth and depth of sound - 'Two People' is a minimally stirring EP, one that relies on the bare associations of just two visual indicators of theme: snow, unity. Imprinted on the planar white surface shown on the front cover is a lowercase trace of the title track, which, in sound, hears a vocal recollective of a baby's gurgle, and a lonesome pad lilt that only ever so much as teases a movement, ghosted by the absence of (and so haunted by the promise of) a beat. When beats do interpellate the scape, they do with the textural quality of stalactites, breaking and dropping to the floor in step on both 'Echo Trak' and 'In Statik'. Nthng's filtrated percussion and long-release tails serve to dust the surface snow off many ambered, glaciered memories, preserved in the unspelunked caves of an antarctic psyche. Closer 'Don't Be Scared' plods forth, steppers style, with the stridency of an epiphanic polar walkabout, its swells contrasting to the many radiophonic FX peppering the mix: they give the sense of the odd "do you read me?", grounding the far-yonder miracle pads in telecommunicated reassurances from the outpost.
Review: New label Art Max kicks off with an inaugural EP from Bruno Sanchinoi that really suggests it means business. This is intense, dense techno from the off and after 'Texas Dancing ' locks you in, 'The Moon Sacrifice' layers up fizzing lines and undulating bass with warped synths from another paint. 'Dark Cloud' birds a sleek linear techno style with percussion detailing the beats and spoken words adding a cinematic feel. 'Infinity Dream' closes down with some more expressive and wild arps that ride rough up and down the scales to mesmeric effect.
Review: Second Tension invites us into a singular world of industrial tech menace with the new yellow-marbled EP on Persephonic Sirens. Right from the off there is a heavy metal feel with screeched and snarling vocals over screen baselines and flashy trance synths. 'Lust From The Eyes Drips' is lit up with searing laser-like synths over ragged, squared-off drums and bass and 'No Rejoicings Of Joy Shall Ever Be Tasted' is another white knuckle, teeth-gritted stomper. 'Punishments Of Tainted Light' rounds out with more machine gun synths and hellish vocals for a dark and thrilling experience.
Review: SPD makes a striking debut on Sneaker Social Club with a four-track EP designed for powerful systems and refined style. Will Sheppard has long established himself on labels like Keysound, EC2A, and Roska Kicks + Snares and here he channels UK bassweight while infusing it with a futuristic edge. First cut 'Genbu' features stripped-back, snaking sequences that keep dancers moving while 'Systema' delivers a bleep-speckled roller with a firm grip on deep, snarling bass. 'Willman' introduces a choppier groove that shows Sheppard's patient approach before leading into the emotionally rich 'OK'.
Review: Ramon Tapia has long since established himself in the techno world as someone who makes the proper tackle that heads love to hear in a darkened club space. 'Silent Assassin' perfectly fits in with that MO with its perfectly designed drums and sandpaper like hi-hats which grate over the top. 'Cathode' picks things up with more off-balanced drums and big dusty hi-hats and 'I'll Fix It' then brings some funkiness to the drum programming as well as some trippy vocal hooks. 'Fear' shuts down a timeless EP with more dark and menacing vibes.
Review: Thimble makes a strong debut on Germany's legendary Innervisions label with The Verb EP, delivering three top-tier techno tracks that are both deep and melodic, perfect for the dancefloor. The EP showcases Thimble's ability to blend classical house elementsivocal samples, catchy hooks, and rich basslinesiinto a vibrant, contemporary soundscape. The lead track, 'Get Me,' has already become a favorite in the sets of Dixon and Ame, proving its impact on the dancefloor. However, the other tracks, 'Stronger' and 'Blue Zone,' are equally potent. 'Stronger' channels high energy with its driving rhythm, while 'Blue Zone' offers a more atmospheric vibe, yet both tracks demonstrate how traditional elements can be reimagined with a fresh, innovative twist. With The Verb EP, Thimble not only introduces himself as a promising new talent but also reinforces Innervisions' reputation for pushing the boundaries of house and techno.
Review: Since 2016, Italian producer Younger Than Me has been a rising force with an ever-growing fan base after releasing on top labels like Bordello a Parigi, Tusk Wax and Dischi Autunno. He is someone who blends trance, breakbeat, techno, and progressive house in his own unique way and that has earned him widespread recognition alongside sets at venues like Berghain and Hor Berlin. His latest EP comes on Skylax and features six tracks including collaborations with Kiara Scuro on 'Ghost in the Rave' and remixes by Mahkina and G?eg. This is another great window into his genre-defying sounds.
Review: UK artist David Duncan recorded only one EP as Ability II and it recently got reissued and soon snapped up. Now, much to the delight of fans of the man behind the classic tune 'Pressure Dub' he is back. This album features an exclusive collection of tunes he made back in his heyday in the 90s, none of which were released at the time, and none of which you will have ever heard before anywhere. They feature his signature sound designs across seven cuts that sound as futuristic now as they ever could as they combine jacked-up house, techno and tech into scintillating and dub-weighted sounds for the club.
Review: It's beyond the basics with a fresh new dub excursion for the premium customer; Another Channel amp up the form pioneered by the patently referent Basic Channel with a worthy widescreen dub upgrade. This eight-tracker from the Polish outfit nails the latter's original formula, whose essence lay in the irresistible combo of muted low end scoop-out drums, faint squinty noises, and Renaissance-perspectival ricochets, each component of which never once settled into rhythm or sound interpretable as a copy-paste prescription. Yes the flavours here are all analogue and none 'generative', as was the original intent of the dub techno pioneers. Another Channel's emulation of the sound is as faithful as a blindfolded chaplain, the strongest testament to which has to be the tricky sizzler known as 'Solid'.
Review: Ben Bohmer's upcoming album Bloom marks a significant milestone in his musical journey, offering a reset from the pressures of his previous successes. The album, shows his growth as an artist, emphasising spontaneity and a return to his improvisational roots. The lead single, 'Best Life,' featuring Jonah, explores themes of life's fleeting nature and the importance of cherishing each moment. 'Best Life also represents a sonic departure for Bohmer, signaling his intention to break free from predefined musical boundaries. The album promises a diverse range of styles and tempos, featuring collaborations with artists like Lykke Li, Oh Wonder and Enfant Sauvage. Overall, Bloom appears to be a deeply personal and musically adventurous project that reflects Bohmer's evolution as a musician.
Review: Decka's impactful style has always been a go-to for techno DJs. Here he offers up a wealth of new tackle on his album Exit for TH Tar Hallow. In between a series of laced grooves are the main meat of this album such as the wispy synths and rusty drum sounds of 'Intake', the searching sonar blips of 'Dense' and the dense techno futurism of 'Keeps Rising'. The title cut 'Exit' is a more subdued and spacious affair that is stripped back to lush synths and deep beats and 'Emaciated' then picks things up again with some real techno urgency.
Rodhad - "Nightlife Experiences" (feat Theo Nasa) (6:46)
Inox Traxx - "DSF" (4:38)
VRIL - "Pump Out Kids" (5:27)
Out Of Place Artefacts - "Science Faction" (5:31)
Review: Flame haired techno talent Rodhad has been at the heart of the Berlin underground for more than a decade now. His sound is based in loops, darkness and melodic melancholy and that's exactly what he serves up here on his superb entry into the long running and legendary fabric mix series. As well as a couple of his own subtle mind melters, there are plenty of sci-fi sounds, masterfully minimal grooves and intergalactic techno offerings packed in to what is a compelling mix for both mind and body. It's a great statement of his sound and is sure to prove a timeless mix.
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