Semantica Spain 黑胶唱片和CD

Review: We have long been fans of the specific sort of techno that Spanish label Semantica deals in. It is always artful and superbly well-designed and this new Artefaklt record totally fits in with that vibe. It finds Dutch pair Robin Koek and Nick Lapien layering up hypnotic drones and linear deep techno drums to perfectly escapist and heady effect on 'Diorama', while intricate sound designs add the sort of details to 'Natura' that make this miscue as suited to home listening on headphones as losing it in a club. 'Natant' is another undulating mix of electronica, ambient and techno that casts your mind free. 'Floodplain' is a heavenly closer.

Review: After 2024's 'The Stranger', a new, impressionistic techno-electronica record from Oscar Mulero betrays in the Madrid artist an honest naivete, as titular techno cosmic impressions contrast a homespun, motion-blurred front cover. Can we hear the wood for the trees? 'New Horizons' and 'Invisible Star' would certainly seem to suggest not. We're always in the thick of it, even as intergalactic wow-signal comms traverse repetitive aeons, light-year, and as we travel further and further 'Outside The Time Zone', further and 'Further Away'. A cool, armrest-clenching continuation from the Spanish fave.

Review: Spanish mainstay Sverca is one of those techno producers who very much has his own signature sound. You probably already know that if you're reading this, and the latest on his Semantica label finds some top talents all adding their own remix spin on his originals. Stanslav Tolkachev goes first with the booming, loopy kicks of 'AW08' and searching synth blips. Felix K flips 'Utero' into a rumbling bit of lurching deep techno that echoes through empty industrial spaces and after the original comes a CONCEPTUAL remix of 'Seda Muerta' that sounds like a train on a track pushing on through a stiff wind. Another version is also included that is more physical and Sverca's 'Jade' closes with warm and tense ambient winds.

Review: This latest Semantica compilation sees the cultured Spanish label continue to shine a light on the familiar sonic paths explored by Svreca's label, all while maintaining its signature refusal to be confined by any one specific sound. But of course, despite this resistance to labels, there is still a recognisable core that defines the label's sound and that is deep, heady techno. Iridescent builds on this heritage as he smoothly transitions from ambient and electronic textures to more driving techno. This release really stands out amongst this label's already fine array of quality EPs and LPs.