Cocoon Germany 黑胶唱片和CD

Review: 'Ascension' is the dramatic new techno EP from Riccardo De Polo, and a worthy addition to the discog born of Frankfurt's Cocoon Recordings crew. Though just three contrasting suites of airlocked and airborne ambiences come kick-pummellings, 'Ascension' bedazzles with its ability to evoke the theme of space exploration despite not ever uttering a word. Opener 'Ascension' is a fine exposition of alien smoke-outs and ambient bursts of gas, while follow-ups 'Wahnstimmung' and 'Inception' are the more danceable meats on the bone; cortical jams for intelligent exo-lifeforms.

Review: Midway through 2021, Sven Vath delivered his first single in well over five years, the squelchy, warming and melodious goodness of 'Feiern'. Here he begins 2022 in style via a two-track missive that's every bit as rushing whilst opting for a more abrasive, angular and foreboding sound. 'Mystic Voices' is particularly potent, with its combination of panicked TB-303 acid motifs, throbbing electronics and emotive chords recalling the majesty of Orbital circa the Brown Album. Flipside 'Butoh', meanwhile, is a much more hushed affair, with long, atmospheric ambient build ups dropping into dark techno grooves, pots and pans percussions and more high-register, Orbital style electronic flourishes.