Review: Utter wildness ensues, and the dancefloor is left tarnished. After the success of their last release together, 'Mirazh', Thomas Schumacher and A.D.H.S. reunite for a potent follow-up, both bottling and jarring the essence of Berlin techno. Simplicity abounds on 'Ex Machina' - perhaps alluding to the portentous Alex Garland film of the same name whose artificially intelligent omens will never leave us - as repetitious carnival drums blend madly with a semaphoric, high-octave melody. 'Umbra' and 'Morbida' are of course wicked techno accompaniments to boot, but in our view, it's really the A that risks most for the biscuit; we're sure you'll love it.
Review: Ellen Allien remains at the top of her game for big, pounding Berlin techno with a deviant edge, and that's no more apparent than on 'Rave Luv'. Chopping up vocals and messing with the synth shapes, she proves that just a few tweaks can take a tried and tested formula into wild and weird new territory, which is why she's such a vital artist after all these years. Backing up that consummate A side is 'Lust', a more melancholic affair balancing menacing undercurrents with mournful melodics in the middle distance, strapped, of course, to a 4/4 beat.
Review: Amorphic and Tendal's latest release on Blueprint Records is a masterclass in cutting-edge techno. 'AT1' opens the EP with a heavy sci-fi banger, combining dark, industrial energy with a driving beat that instantly grabs attention. 'AT2' follows with crisp production and a fine-tuned techno loop that brings a big, commanding sound, building on the intensity with a precise, polished rhythm. On the flip side, 'AT7' takes things darker and edgier, with pulsating, minimal beats that maintain a restrained elegance while growing more aggressive as the track progresses. It's a perfect balance of tension and sophistication. Closing out the EP, AT8 strips things down even further, embracing a more minimal approach that complements the earlier tracks while adding a touch of subtlety. The release showcases Amorphic and Tendal's talent for creating forward-thinking techno, with each track offering a unique blend of aggression, elegance and innovation.
Review: Anatolian Weapons has always brought intriguing influence to techno. His exploration of rhythm and texture is central to what he does and once more here he takes us on a winding journey through slow down techno and mind altering synths. There is a new age charm to the synths of 'Desert Sun' while the drums chug below. 'The Desert Track II' is a snaking techno sound with creepy sci-fi melodies and twitchy pads off in the distance and 'Ivan's Track' kees it celestial with more otherworldly melodies and rugged mid tempo drums. Two further unhurried sounds make a great mix of airy melody and metallic drum forms.
Review: Polish label FOMO_ debuts with the first in its news Spectral series, and who better to kick off with than the ever innovative ASC. He is a master of musical tension and abstraction and shows that with four tracks that build up the pressure and never let it go. 'Calm Under Pressure' is soothing up top with its smeared, spectral pads, but there's pent-up tension in the low end that keeps you on edge. 'Dark Arches' soundtracks an underground cavern with haunting pads and icy, watery droplets and 'Maelstrom' gets more direct with jostling broken beats, hissing trails and unsettling deep space mystery. 'Torsion' is the most maximal of the lot - an in-your-face collage of loopy, snappy drums and sordid synth sludge.
Review: One of a long continuum of electro artists drawing their name from military tactics, new outfit Attack & Disperse power up 'Three Dimensional Effect', emerging from the shadows with a rough-and-ready approach to the sound, a three-pronged triangular onslaught, from which the possibility of the enemy's escape is minimal. The titular A-sider burrs and wobbles with refreshing variety, its communicado voxxes and quick sine bursts mirroring the excess energy releases and telecoms of an automatic utility belt, the kind worn by cyborg infantry. Then the two-parter 'VNS' follows up with a robust, phalanging arriere-garde, taking on the form of two 4x4 squelchers, sporting twin sonic bioweapons in both arms.
Review: BBC Radio 6Music favourites Tom Ravenscroft and Nemone are already backing +33JOY's The Wellness Remixes, a year on from Bopperson & Bikbaye's original Wellness Project. This 12-inch release sees four UK-based producers reimagine the message for the dancefloor. Frankson brings an atmospheric, found-sound collage, perfect for closing sets, amplifying Bikbaye's powerful words. K15 takes 'Consumption' deeper, blending Rhodes melodies with shuffling percussion and sub-heavy basslines. Titeknots flips 'Changes' into a tropical journey, all hypnotic guitars and infectious grooves. Michael J. Blood wraps things up with a 15-minute, cavernous techno stomper, pushing boundaries and commanding the B-side in style.
Review: An EP packed with eight innovative, rhythm-driven tracks that push the boundaries of the genre. This release shows Broom's decades of expertise, blending raw energy with precision-engineered grooves to create a dynamic and forward-thinking collection. Opening tune 'Romance' is a colossal banger that sets the tone with its relentless drive and pulsating beats. 'Dated' is a contrasting minimal approach, anchored by a heavy, hypnotic rhythm. 'Movement' shifts into alien sci-fi territory, its propulsive energy and otherworldly sound design creating a cinematic atmosphere. Other highlights include 'Post' with Broom's ability to craft inventive drum patterns - a truly unique rhythmic experience. The EP closes with 'Ranger', a tribal powerhouse that's the most intense cut on the record, combining heavy beats and primal energy for a track destined to ignite dancefloors.
Review: Originally released in 2023, this record quietly turned heads with its singular blend of UK-rooted rhythms and forward-leaning sound design. Now reissued, it finally gets a second life and the wider attention it deserves. The producer, a longtime figure in the scene with more than twenty releases under different monikers, brings a depth and precision that only comes with years behind the boards. 'Fathom' opens with a fast broken beat that feels equal parts urgent and submerged. The textures are mechanical and murky, like a deep techno transmission beamed up from under the floor. 'The Cusp' follows with a completely different angle. This one leans into the IDM side of things. It's spare and skeletal, filled with deep bass swells and a structure that feels more like a shifting sculpture than a club track. On Side-B, 'Markers' blends fast dub mechanics with intricate programming. There's a trace of Autechre here, but filtered through a system more grounded in soundsystem culture. It rolls and unravels in unexpected ways. 'Trooper' closes it out with cinematic flair. Strange melodies stretch through space, evoking science fiction landscapes and distant worlds. It's not just club music. It's sound architecture for curious minds and adventurous ears.
Review: First released in 2006, 'Ceerial Port' is the ultimate wildcard in the electro profligate Ceephax's towering discography. The seven-or-eight track album does things with the electro form that few of Mr. Jenkinson's contemporaries would dare ever indulge, were it not for this initial fatherly stamp of approval. lead reissue cut 'Acid Whorl' is the foremost case in point, hard-limiting and soft-clipping a cyclonic 'whorlwind' of pitch-whacked acid effluence. Further 8-bit playtimes come in the form of 'Acid Highway' and 'Acid Causeway', recalling the feeling of scouring the outer edges of an Atari Kart game and encountering nothing but rolling, pixelated skies; 'Tough Grugoy Acid' and 'Woodlice Acid' make up the longer wavelengths on the spectrum, stomping and echo-rimshotting to ever-weighty, yet jolly ends.
Review: Ceri's 'Don't You Wanna' is a cult cut that has now been remixed several times. Following in the footsteps of the likes of Mr. G and Fred P and D'Julz, this one features four more on-point artists adding their own spin. It's Paul Rayner who goes first brings old school 90s synth lines that bubble up through the mix. The Zombies In Miami remix is more buoyant with raw stabs and drums, Cici then hammers home a tribal techno groove with psyched-out synth patterns and last but not least is a warped, ritualistic and tribal dance rework from Dee Diggs with her excellent Whisper mix.
Review: The prolific Dutch powerhouse that is Conforce (aka Versalife aka Boris Bunk amongst other things) is in techno mode here with this new green-marbled 12" on Syncrophone. Commuting Part 1 opens with the quick-stepping and deep dub techno rhythms of 'Octave Echoes' which is delightfully fluid. 'Stable Velocity' then bids up impossible smooth dub loops and watery pads into something buoyant and stirring both physically and emotionally, and 'Self Assessment' then ups the pace with thudding, infectious kicks and plenty of rippling synth details. 'Highway Hypnosis takes a more paranoid and stripped-back approach and closes out Conforce's finest EP in some time.
At Les (Christian Smith Tronic Treatment remix) (9:44)
At Les (Christian Smith Hypnotica remix) (9:14)
Review: Christian Smith revisits Carl Craig's iconic ambient masterpiece 'At Les' with two exceptional remixes, originally crafted in 2010. This reissue on Tronic revives the deep house genre with a fresh perspective on a track that first appeared on Craig's 1997 album, More Songs About Food and Revolutionary Art. On Side-1, the 'Tronic Treatment remix' injects a pulsating energy into the ethereal original, blending rhythmic depth with the serene atmosphere that made the track a legend. Smith's remix maintains the emotional intensity while adding a driving beat that propels the listener forward. On Side-2, the 'Hypnotica remix,' where Smith delves into a more immersive, trance-like state. This version is all about loops and intricate layers, creating a soundscape that feels both expansive and intimate. Smith's reimagining of 'At Les' pays homage to Carl Craig's genius while introducing new sonic dimensions. Still, 14 years later...this is a club ready peak time record.
B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition
Rave On Time
There's No One Left To Trust
The World Inside
Common Era
Wahr Ist Sie Dann
Review: ***B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition***
On Rave On Time, her third EP of 2020, Charlotte De Witte giddily pays tribute to the throbbing, warehouse-ready techno sound of her home city of Ghent - and particularly the intense, mind-bending brand particularly associated with R&S Records in the early 1990s. De Witte sets the tone via the razor-sharp and insanely heavy title track, where ragged acid lines and spiky synth stabs leap above a stomping techno groove, before opting for drums, drums and more drums on the restless 'There's No One Left To Trust'. Acid techno is the order of the day on 'The World Inside' and 'Common Era', while triple-time closing cut 'Wahr Ist Sie Dann' is an odd, alien-sounding treat.
Review: Charlotte de Witte returns with the 'Sanctum' EP, featuring vocals from Marion Di Napoli. Dropping just after Amsterdam Dance Event and before her all-night set at LA's City Market, the EP showcases de Witte's unique sound. Known for her dark, hard-hitting beats and trance-infused synths, she's reshaped the techno landscape, headlining global stages and earning millions of streams. The EP's title track, Sanctum, brings pulsating drums and acid-tinged synths, enhanced by Marion's ethereal vocals. Fourth Dimension blends hypnotic rhythms with soulful vocal loops, while Fugato offers a cinematic, ambient closer. Another standout release from this techno heavyweight.
Review: A masterful exploration of techno that showcases a range of styles across its four tracks. Side-1 opens with 'Phylyps Frequencies', an epic techno monster that pays homage to Basic Channel with its deep, resonant beats and atmospheric textures. Following this, 'Eternal Source' delivers heavy chord progressions reminiscent of Steve Rachmad, creating an expansive and emotionally charged soundscape. On Side-2, 'Forgotten City' brings a melodic Detroit techno influence, combining nostalgic elements with a driving rhythm that captivates from start to finish. The EP concludes with 'Frost Will Never Come', a brisk and clean tech house track that feels light and flighty, evoking a sense of soaring through the air. This energetic finale rounds out a release that perfectly balances depth and dynamism, making 'The Forgotten City' EP a standout in Ecilo's discography.
Review: Believe In Records is a division of MixCult Records and this new EP is an extraordinary one that unites two broken-beat heavyweights, Electrosoul System and Dawn Razor. Drum & bass legend Electrosoul System channels his vast expertise in broken-beat rhythms, while Dawn Razor adds a distinct mutant edge to the tracks. The release is elevated by an on-point remix from the talented context, aka Dissident, who seals the deal on this dynamic, destruction four tacker which is perfect for every moment of the night with its unique, bass-driven sound.
Review: An EP that's as hypnotic as it is forceful, with each track contributing to a dark, almost oppressive soundscape, merging bleeps, gritty textures, and throbbing rhythms that move like clockwork machinery. The EP is a focused exploration of tension and release, with each cut showcasing Endlec's ability to sculpt vast, minimal layers while retaining a heavy, metallic edge. The sound is cavernous yet controlled, filling the space with an intense, meditative energy, perfect for late-night immersion or darkened rooms.
Review: Enter The Void's 303 Acid EP is a powerful four-track collection that delivers relentless acid techno energy, perfect for the dancefloor. Released on Planet Rhythm, this EP is an excellent listen for fans of the genre. Side-1 kicks off with 'Track 1,' a heavy techno acid track reminiscent of Hardfloor. It's packed with rave energy and a big club sound that's sure to ignite any set. 'Track 2' follows with sci-fi acid sounds and a liquid 303 workout that's both futuristic and hypnotic. Side-2 opens with 'Track 3,' where acid lines call dancers to the floor like sirens, supported by a bassline-heavy, crushing beat that demands attention. The EP closes with 'Track 4,' an epic track with rising acid notes that pay homage to the pioneers of the past. The intensity and emotion in this track verge on legendary, making it a fitting tribute to the acid techno legacy.
Review: US label Lemos kicks off a new limited series here and it comes in 12" form with FadeFace at the controls. 'Grids' gets things underway with thumping kicks and brain-numbing synth lines burrowing deep, while 'Planar (V2)' pulses with low-key sonar blips and deft percussive rattles. 'Amazonia' brings a more heavyweight rhythm that is alive with outer space synth sounds and dubby undercurrents not to mention some deeply buried vocals. A remix from Rene Wise closes out the EP with more tension and texture. All four of these are masterfully stripped-back yet effective and stylish offerings.
Review: Italian artist Mirko Felicioli steps up to the Sentaku label under the moniker Tsukuyomi, named after the Japanese moon god. What he cooks up are sounds steeped in mystery and introspection while traversing deep techno and electro textures with raw underground spirit. The title track sets the tone with crisp and snappy drums and hits and murky pads, while 'Analong Time' offers a minimalist groove layered with electro-tinged loops. On the B-side, 'Air Felix' shines with futuristic flair and fluid synth play, while 'Fantasy' closes with dreamy yet propulsive force that rounds out a moody, refined journey for body and mind.
Review: The cultured ESHU label has pulled other some more tasteful talents for this four track 'Conrexture' EP. It opens up with Julien Fuentes's 'Jah Justice' (Klaridub Ambient mix) which is a nice atmospheric opener with some conscious dub mutterings and sci-fi pads. Jocelyn & Yasin Engwer then kick on with some watery, sub-aquatic minimal dub tech bliss in the form of 'Sticks & Stones', Voal gets even more dark and dirty with some grubby dub basslines on 'Eight Ball' and Ivano Tetelepta/Christine Benz layer up watery droplets, melodic whistles, static electricity and rubbery rhythms to mind-melting perfection on 'Supreme.'
Review: GiGi FM's Virgo Space Acid is another mystical techno odyssey. Channelling "2025's energy," she fuses acid textures, reworked 909s and mantra-like vocals across four transformative tracks that range from the hypnotic opener 'Calibration' to the soaring tension of the title track and the emotional dubscape of 'Floresta.' Each cut explores healing, intuition and self-empowerment through sonic minimalism as GiGi refines her craft into a deeply expressive language that merges an urge to move with real moments of introspection. This is not just club music-it's ritual and release from the forefront of experimental techno.
Review: GiGi FM continues to shape out the sound of her Sea Rene label with another round of intricate, distinctive techno workouts which speak to her non-conformist style. 'Gabriella' is a fierce, uptempo cut with tumbling percussion that feels indebted to a Motor City energy, capped off with some dramatic jazz piano flex which is frankly spine-tingling. 'Tempelhof' has a lighter feel, even as the densely packed drums continue to drive the track forwards at a rate of knots, while 'Awakening The World's Heart' maintains the pressure by balancing sizzling hats and low end thrum with gorgeous streaks of arpeggio and a restless, infectious joie de vivre. High impact techno with a delicate soulfulness - this is truly outstanding stuff.
Review: A dynamic fusion of ghetto electro, trance and techno, this record is a fresh spin on familiar sounds. The title track, 'Booty Trance (feat Detroit's Filthiest)', is sure to stand out with crisp production that blends high-energy trance melodies with the raw edge of ghetto electro, creating an electrifying single. 'Another Time' shifts gears, drawing on 90s influences to craft an electro-techno hybrid that feels both nostalgic and forward-thinking. Its futuristic vibe and driving rhythm make it a standout for fans of classic electro with a modern twist. On Side-2, the Rawtakes Refix of 'Booty Trance' strips back the trance elements, leaning deeper into electro with a nod to Cybotron's iconic 'Clear'. The result is a grittier, street-smart version that feels grounded yet innovative. Closing the EP, the remix by Aura T-09 and Wheez-ie transforms the track into a hardcore techno anthem. The stomping beat and reimagined trance melodies elevate the energy, blending celestial tones with raw intensity. This EP is creative within the techno genre with diverse interpretations that will resonate across dancefloors and playlists alike.
Review: Warg Records welcomes Habgud for a blistering new five-track EP that goes straight for the jugular. 'Backtrack' kicks off with catering drum funk and lashings of synth energy while 'Pulse' gets deep and strips things right back to moody and compelling rhythms. 'Ektenia' has glitchy drum hits and fulsome low ends designed to boom in basement spaces. 'Fleeting Feelings' then brings some weighty dub techno feels and spine-tingling vocal touches while 'Organised Crime' is dark and menacing throughout its onward march. A powerful EP that pairs form with function perfectly.
Review: Hackney Electronica is a collective of underground stalwarts who came together during COVID. It comprises the mad prolific Quinn Whalley of Paranoid London, Warmduscher and Decius, as well as Unai Trotti from Cartulis Music and Margo Broom of Hermitage Working Studios. They deal in acid-laced sounds which are a perfect fit for Dark Entires and here explore twisted late-night club sounds that are alluring yet austere. As their name suggests, they capture the vibe of Hackney's backstreets in their music with 'H.E. Nuestro Circuito' and 'Whispers from the Depths' bringing 1980s DIY electronics to a contemporary dancefloor, while 'Efecto Perfecto,' 'The One' and 'Nueva Ola' deliver potent electro powered by big breakbeats. It's a superb EP of tension and transcendence.
Review: Kessell (Spain's Valentin Corujo) returns with his new EP 'Savage Garden' on Polegroup. The EP's name is certainly not to be confuddled as a reference to the boyish queer-affirmative trip hop duo of the same name; the emphasis here is rather on a truncated techno paradise, with a five-horned satyr gracing a classically styled front cover. It marks but one of many pummeller techno releases put out by the artist since 2013, though it's only his second after 'Nothing Left To Say' (Pole, 2023) to surrealise academic or Renaissance cover art. 'Hidden Echoes' and 'Seeing Beyond' stand out as the main darkened, textural edenics to saturate this utter floor stressor of a record, as though a giant hydraulic press were menacing the crowd from above.
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