Guidance (reissue) vinyl

Originally released in 1993 and finally being reissued now, this techno gem stands as a bold and exploratory debut that merges the pulse of Detroit techno with the UK's rich multicultural sonic landscape. The UK trio Jamie Bissmire, Lucien Thompson and John O'Connell channeled the spirit of early techno pioneers while weaving in dub, tribal rhythms, trance atmospheres and UK rave culture, creating a distinct, genre-defying sound. Tracks like 'Messenger' and 'Pacekeeper' shows their rhythmic intensity, with rolling basslines and echo-laden percussion that nod to both dub and techno traditions. 'Revelation' floats into ambient techno territory with celestial synths, while 'Earth 6' hints at what Goa trance might have sounded like had it taken cues from Detroit rather than industrial sounds. 'Better Nation' has a mesmerising rework from none other than Carl Craig, lending his Detroit touch to Bandulu's already genre-fluid sound. The album's opener, 'Guidance', blends tribal percussion, progressive structure and a mammoth bassline into something uniquely its own. Though the production bears the unmistakable marks of early 90s UK techno with its raw and experimental sounds, it's precisely this era-specific charm that gives Guidance its enduring appeal.