Last year saw Ukranian producer Mikhaylo 'Vakula' Vityk drift away from the house and techno mysticism he was renowned for to focus on a pair of esoteric and conceptually heavy albums inspired by Scottish writer David Lindsay and Jim Morrison. This Modulations EP for Moscow's Arma label sees Vakula fully embracing a deeper strain of techno, and it's a fine addition to the Ukrainian's bulging discography. There's a breathless intensity to all four tracks here (all titled "Modulations" in numerical order) which find Vakula narrowing on the perfect balance between abstract sound design and the capacity to shake walls. Fans of the Prologue and Geophone approach will love this 12"!!

Brian James, Flori, Ethyl, Tripeo, Basic Soul Unit, Richard Zepezauer (RZ-1), Sai Aka Blend Architect, Joe Drive, Deep'a & Biri, HVL