Monkeytown Germany 黑胶唱片和CD

Review: Given the hype that surrounded the release of the first Moderat set back in 2009, we can surely expect more of the same for this second outing from Apparat and Modeselektor. Those familiar with the first album's woozy blend of IDM, Thom Yorke indebted vocal dreaminess, porchlight techno and post-dubstep rhythms will immediately feel right at home. Online reviews have focused largely on II's atmospheric warmth, and the way in which the Berlin-based trio seems to have refined their sound. Both are valid critiques; certainly, there's a maturity and musical complexity to the album that betters much of their previous works. It's not much of a dancefloor set, but that's entirely the point; this is locked-in headphone listening for the wide-eyed generation.

Review: Stark, uncompromised body music from one of the most interesting unapologetic duos to emerge in recent times - Sha Ru make their debut on Monkeytown with this outstanding five tracker. Visceral, political but, most importantly, fully physical; 'They Are Textural' flexes deep shades of electro, breaks and even d&b in provocative brew. An exploration of queer identity that sits somewhere between Madonna, Modeselektor and Massive Attack but through a brutalist, industrial lens; Sha Ru have a powerful and intoxicating vibe that's genuinely one of a kind. Essential.

Review: Sylvere completes his three part EP series from Monkeytown here with the final instalment and it might just be the case that he has saved the best until last. As is always the way, the Parisian producer known for championing marginalized sounds and communities mixes up heavyweight bass, dextrous melodies and snaking grooves. As vital as his music is, his radical arts collective La Creole is just as important as it provides safe space and floors and believes in "partying as a form of campaigning". And if any of these tunes are heard in such spaces, too can be sure of utter destruction.