Review: The cover of Ribe's new EP for Polegroup seems to depict the face of some Middle Ages king buried amongst the roots of a tree and surrounded by prying eyes. It's intriguing and very much at odds with the distinctly futuristic techno contained within. 'La Penumbra' is shrouded in fog and mist as deeply buried kick roll unhindered. 'El Metodo' is a soundtrack to static electricity passing through a factory floor and sending things into overdrive. 'Las Raices' then has heavier, more raw drum kicks and absorbing ambiance up top and 'Bajo El Olivo' closes out with pinging kicks underneath the cosmic sound of a distant universe. Exceptional designs and heady moods make this a well-crafted EP.
Review: Ribe and Roll Dann are two techno mastros from Madrid, already renowned for various past releases on labels including Semantica, Soma and Mord.Their minimalistic yet powerful style has seen them rub shoulders with esteemed figureheads among whom Ben Klock has been the most eminent - leading to this crisp four-tracker here. This is muted techno of the atmospheric, somewhat organic variety, and all tracks come with a slinky life feel that neatly complements the pair's live sets.
Review: Riccardo's a master of dance floor grooves that blend minimal, techno and electro into always fresh sounding new worlds. This latest release arrives on El Milagro Records and has a distinct edge and introspective moods that adds up to a reflective journey of depth and drive. 'H Dimension' is a speedy space-tech sound with nostalgic synth work and evocative mid-to-high frequencies echoing the spirit of '80s melodies. 'Hologram' is wrapped in a mysterious, emotive atmosphere with smart synth sequences and snappy low ends and 'Die Ritme Vertel' is a mechanical rhythm with blurts of synth, neon colours and freeform drums. 'Cosmodanza' shuts down with soft acid lines lacing up a more dreamy groove.
Review: BeAvantGarde Records have been away for a while but now makes an always-welcome return with the underground favourite that is Riccardo. He does his usual do of serving up four tracks of spaced-out invention. 'In Space' opens up with nice warped bass and insistent synth stabs with jacked-up drums and perc. 'Frequency' then has a more bright and cosmic sense of mood as the drums slow down and lull you into their hypnotic patterns. There is plenty of snap and crispy bass to 'Timeout' with its searching lead synths and gritty baseline while last of all is 'Kalapas' which cuts are loose and has ragged rhythms and textures for a more arresting vibe.
Review: For many artists the world over, the Castlevania anime, game and manga franchise is a huge source of inspiration. What's not to love about superhuman vampires and vampire hunters represented in gothic anime style? Here the UK producer Richer dedicates his latest EP for REM/Voyage to the series, by way of a four-track trans-Sylvanian-formation, through haunting self-dubbed vocals, eerily emulant gothic new wave percussions, and phasers set to a discernibly house and techno stun. Best on this bloodthirsty haul has to be the alternate take of 'Delomelanicon', which, through its preternatural pad harmonics and faint chain rattling sounds, plays back with the same sense of mistily cloaked drama as is best conveyed in a first edition copy of Bram Stoker's Dracula.
Review: Overground label co-founder Rickie is next up with four classy outings that operate in the worlds of minimal and tech house. First out of the blocks is the nice and futurist 'Foreknowledge' with its beeps and pulses colouring steely tech grooves. 'Controversial Sequence' is more zoned out with balmy pads bringing some far-sighted cosmic ambiance and 'Experiment X' on the flip does as all B1 cuts should - gets more loose and weirder for the late-night crew with wispy melodies and panning synth drones. 'Revolution' shuts down with a nice rueful and melancholic feel in the pads.
Review: This new one from Stefan Ringer on his FWM Entertainment combines two distinct releases in one: 3 tracks from his 2021 Meta Music EP and his darker alias Black Sued's 'Rogue' EP. It's a yin-yang journey of sound that shows his range and quality. 'Monotone' pairs signature deep chords and soulful vocals and distorted bass with minimal drums, while 'New Plan' is a driving, rhythmic workout of persistence and groove. 'YIA' offers meditative chords and affirmations set against a thunderstorm backdrop and the flip, the title cut explores shadowy jazz textures with a mysterious groove, 'Maze' marches forward with urgency and layered rhythm, while 'Deep Dirt' closes with gritty, broken-machine chaos. Together, these EPs make for a powerful emotional and sonic contrast.
Review: Rise Black is Maxim Gkikaev, a producer based in southern Spain who also goes under the aliases Mitjun or Ocitin, and is part of the duo Psevdonym. He has released for Fil-Lex, Moustache and locals Another Perspective in recent years, but It is indeed a case of Bad Robot on this new one for Adjacent Possible. From the snarling acid electro bite of opener 'Alania', to the minimal EBM muscle of the title track and the truly dystopian bass dynamics of 'Laser Gun' - Gkikaev is not messing around here. Over on the flip, there are some mighty fine remixes which are equally as worthy of your attention. Benvol's electro-industrial sounding rework of 'Alania' retains that sick 303 squelch throughout, while PX's re-rub of 'Bad Robot' has an utterly majestic style of sonic futurism in the vein of legend Carl Finlow.
Review: Motion Potion Records returns with a second release from the Australian label founded by Jono Xidias, Mehmet Alpdogan, and ritmiq. This collaborative project sees ritmiq teaming up with Lewba and Louis for the 'Signals' EP, a heady exploration of spacey club sounds. Standout track 'Transmitting From Space' (with Lewba) glides through cosmic synths, subtle breaks and hypnotic melodies so is sure to become a certified late-night burner. On the A-side, Louis and ritmiq deliver 'Interplanetary Prisoner' and 'Parallax,' which are both rich in mood and groove. ritmiq's solo cut 'Nebularae' closes the EP with high energy and dancefloor heat. Signals is a stylish, cosmic journey worth taking.
Review: Incensio is one of those labels that always gets you exited to hear what they have lined-up for us next. In this case it is Ben Ritz, an NYC based producer who takes us to the heart of the club with this fierce four tracker. He opens up with the wonky and retro techno funk of 'Feel The Rain' then the squealing synths of 'Firefly' take over with a hurried rhythm leading you late into the night. On the flip, things gets more wild and manic with 'Sos' and last of all is 'Rip' which layers up squealing synths and edgy chords, slamming kick and unrelenting energy for future raves.
Review: It's always exciting to hear from a brand new label and get to grips with that it may become way before the wider world cottons on. Side B is just that and this inaugural outing is a belter from Rkeat. 'Risky Endeavours' sets a heady tone with dubby, stripped back drums that remind of early Skudge. 'Whereabouts' draws on a similar aesthetic for some rather evocative late night tech rollers littered with glitchy sounds, and 'End Of Tips' then rolls on frictionless drums with deep space sounds roaming about the mix. 'Indol' offers a physical broken beat workout to close.
Review: Ukraine has been a hotbed of house and techno innovation going back a good few years now. Nechto is a label that has more than played its part in that and now kicks on with a new EP as it hurtles towards 30 releases in all. RMK is behind this one and opens up with some impassioned vocal cries over sleek linear beats. 'Vessel' is a tightly woven deep techno tapestry with soulful synth warmth lighting things up. There is no let up on 'Factory Streets' with its driving drums and pulling synths adding meat to the bones and last of all is 'Keys', another triumphant example of how both form and function can happily co-exist in the techno world.
Review: Arthur Robert breaks new ground with Particle Accelerator, the latest EP from The Third Room, a label known for its innovative techno releases and events. This four-track release marks the label's first full EP by a guest artist and showcases Robert's unique ability to blend deep, dynamic techno with crisp sound design and powerful drum arrangements. This EP pays tribute to the interaction of minute particles that unleash vast power, drawing inspiration from quantum mechanics. Robert's style is defined by fast-paced, hard-hitting club sounds that weave melodic elements and disruptive beeps into a foundation of compressed and, at times, distorted rhythms. His ability to craft intricate, sound-rich environments while maintaining relentless energy is on full display here. Describing the release as a sonic exploration of the universe's elemental forces, Robert channels minimal techno with nods to Detroit and a fascination with the cosmos. All and all, a powerful techno record that is as futuristic as it comes.
Review: The young Hereandthere label is back with a second release that again confirms it is very much an imprint to watch this year. Arthur Robert is behind the east and serves up a classically inclined techno out. His muscular drums make their mark from the off with 'Portals' underpinned by rolling bass. Icy hi-hats peel off the groove and keep things moving while 'Le Sense De La Vie (feat Aya)' has a darker energy and sensuous French spoken words. 'Antimatter' is a gorgeous melding of supple deep techno, dub and psychedelic synth colours that oozes class. 'Conformal Invariance' gets a little more trippy for the afters thanks to the way the synth loops twist and turn under some heavenly ambient pads. Pure and proper techno.
Review: It's been a minute since we last heard from Ste Roberts on a solo single, but now the Hypercolour chap is back with a drop for Alien Communications. Mutant electro is the order of the day, as Roberts mines his considerable experience to edge distinctive qualities into classic machine funk. A subtle sprinkling of discord here, a grubbiness in the signal chain there, and you have yourself a rock solid record which edges past the pretenders to hold its own as a legit slice of contemporary electro you'll actually want to pop and lock to.
Review: Clixx Records is a new Berlin-based label from Rocco.fx that makes a striking debut with this new four-tracker that dives deep into the complex, dub-laced edges of modern techno, guided entirely by modular synthesis. Side A delivers two floor-focused cuts: 'Amazonas' is speedy dub techno with chords that bounce up top but have great restraint, while 'Jungla Analogica' is an unstoppably direct and bouncy dub techno classic that showcases the Argentine producer's knack for sound design. Side B shifts inward, offering a more introspective exploration of texture and atmosphere without losing momentum. 'Fauno' is an anxious, psychedelic workout for body and mind and 'Our Travel Destination' is a more traditional dub techno cavern a la Basic Channel.
Review: Jack Roland invites us deep into his star-gazing world of "darkness and distorted cosmic visions" on this scintillating new EP for Lonely Planets. 'It Felt Like A Kiss' is one of those quietly intense tunes that trap you at the centre of the spiraling synths and douse you in warmth. There is an aloof feel to the breakbeats of 'Fresh' while 'The Eye Opening' brings subtle vocal sounds and smears them into the cosmic mix. '1994 Is Gone' rounds out with more deft designs and infinite deep techno horizons.
Review: After a decade-long hiatus, Blake Baxter (Underground Resistance, Tresor) and Marc Romboy (Systematic, Kompakt) reunite over their latest track, 'Muzik is Love'. More than just a song, it represents a philosophy, a mindset, and a tribute to 'authentic' techno, in their own words - this move follows on logically from the 'meta' arc of many of their more recent releases, which routinely focus titularly and thematically on the form of music itself, rather than using the form as a means to express another content. 'Muzik Is Love' follows up the likes of 'Muzik', 'Where Would You Be' and 'House Ya', and includes an excited set of rhythmic fixations on on the B-side, in the form of a locked groove take.
Review: Rosati's debut release on his new imprint, Global Pulse, heralds a bold venture into the future of techno. The Automatic Response EP is a four-track exploration of sonic innovation, blending powerful dynamics with intricate textures. From the hypnotic energy of Automatic Response to the atmospheric depths of Ufo Memory, each track pulls you in with the futuristic landscape of sound. 'Feeling' pays homage to the late 90s era with its percussive loops and funky bass lines. Global Pulse promises to be a platform dedicated to sustainability and authenticity in Electronic Music, setting the stage for a series of releases that push the boundaries of the genre.
Review: Berlin's Tobias Rosin aka Roseen makes a strong debut on the a.r.t.less label with four raw, club-focused tracks that channel classic Detroit techno energy. Each one delivers relentless rhythms and deep grooves, but with an all-important stripped-back sci-fi atmosphere that feels at once classic and forward-thinking. 'Re-Calibrated' is one that stands out with its broken kick patterns and shapeshifting synth filters that suspend you above the 'floor. 'Toxic Glitch' is more frenzied and 'Hyperdrive' doesn't let up either. This release also includes an endless loop and a locked groove and the X-side also features a rare 'parallel cut', a technique pioneered by Detroit legend Ron Murphy.
Review: The highly respected and busy ARTS label has released their latest What Will Remain When We're Gone by Paul Roux. The title track is a melodic burner that succeeds triumphantly with heavy percussion, anthemic crescendos and at a blistering pace. Amazing! 'Burning' is a fantastic as well. Dramatic and engaging, we love the way it favors melody over the supporting rhythm giving it a more atmospheric sound. On the B-side, 'Maybe It's Love' adds some soft-spoken female singing to it giving us strong 2000s era flashbacks. This is a really strong and perhaps underrated 12". Give this the opportunity to play through and you will want to revisit these often. ARTS continues to come through with excellent techno.
Review: The eighth missive from Alan Fitzpatrick's We Are The Brave comes from the ascendant Paul Roux, a Barcelona-based producer who follows up impressive efforts on Arts Collective and Rapid Eye Movement. 'Emperia' is an austere offering balanced by majestic Millsian style strings and underpinned by a steely rhythm department, while 'Cosmic Blues' conjures up an evocative and sensual atmosphere on this restrained cut, before returning to the main room with the pummeling peak time onslaught of 'Loveland' which will have you losing your mind under the strobelights.
Review: 'Workout' is a driving hard anthem with a relentless beat, ideal if you are looking for prime time techno. Veteran electro/techno fusionists The Advent deliver a remix that adds a chunkier, more loopy dimension, creating a powerful dancefloor weapon. Rodiaz takes a different approach with 'Space Methods', incorporating industrial sound effects and sci-fi elements into a hard-hitting techno groove. The Slam mix intensifies the track with a harder edge and a hypnotic loop, meaning that overall, this EP offers a dynamic blend of hard techno, a perfect addition to any techno enthusiast's collection.
Review: The Paper Cuts label has been doing a fine job in putting out head-tripping club and chill-out styles for a fair stretch now and following the Ivy mixtape released earlier this year they're back with this outstanding split release from Roza Terenzi and Furious Frank. Terenzi takes the A-side with her trademark line in electro-minded machine funk rhythms powering gorgeous back room moods, keeping the mix dubby and with plenty of ambient sparkle on top of the punchy drums. There's even space for a little d&b trippiness on 'Total Recall', which also features Noff. Furious Frank gets busy on the flip with 'Splash', a blissed out beatdowns with more than a little Balearic magic in its bones, while 'Moss Rock' turns the heat up for a distinctly 90s slice of acid trance. 'Dripp' seals the deal with another low slung roller from the chill-out room of your dreams.
Review: RP's 007 on Scharnhorst Records features two engaging techno tracks that are sure to grab people's attention. Side-1 presents '@(_)@,' a standout track that creatively incorporates samples from Depeche Mode's 'Everything Counts,' transforming it into a dynamic stomper. The innovative use of vocal samples adds a fresh twist, making it a unique and memorable listen. On Side-2, '(-_-')' offers a distinctive blend of techno with a Tangerine Dream-inspired vibe. This track builds steadily with an ominous, brooding atmosphere, providing a deep, immersive experience. Scharnhorst 007 is great for those who appreciate inventive techno with a touch of classic sampling influence.
Review: Scharnhorst is back with more house sounds that blend the past with the present thanks to the work of RP. The opener here is a super sleepy and low-key house sound with lazy drums that sink you into a reverie while some well-sampled and classic 80s vocals are slowly but surely introduced to awaken the dance floor. '13' is another dreamy and unhurried deep house cut with a languid groove and more 80s references, this time with the swirling pads that float up top. '12' has a more churchy feel with grand pads adding scale above the frayed drum lops and finger clicks. The final rough-cut diamond on this package is '11' with its smudged pads and time-stretched vocals.
Review: Following 2023's When A Worm Wears A Wig, Robin Stewart returns with Crinkle and delivers a set of warped dub techno tracks that apply advanced dub logic to precise, pointillistic rhythms. Channelling influences like Peder Mannerfelt and Rrose, Stewart revives classic genre tropes with a fresh perspective that dives deeper into the physicality of sound and focuses on bass throbs over aggressive kicks. Standout tracks like 'Stomach' surprise with lolloping off-grid beats soaked in lysergic textures while 'Compact' delivers a more traditional peak-time vibe with innovative processing. The title track brings everything together with mind-bending spectral rhythms.
Review: Each release on the Vacuity label follows a spiritual journey inspired by the chakra system. This third EP focuses on the solar plexus chakra, which represents self-confidence, action and inner power. Titled 'Chiron Key,' it also references the astrological symbol of healing and resilience and embodies a coming together of spirituality and rhythm that, hope the label, encourages you to connect deeply with your own inner strength through music. Cakkou's 'Missed Call' has tribal techno leads and trippy neon lines and Luca Ruiz's 'Safari FM' is a twitchy and futuristic world of minimal tech with sprawling bass.
Review: Rush Plus's Apollo EP is a sonic journey into the depths of techno. The title track, with its eerie synths and cavernous soundscapes, sets an ominous tone. The Amor Satyr remix adds an aggressive rhythm and dub step elements, creating a more wicked and tribal atmosphere. Side 2 offers a different soundscape. 'Flexibility/ is a mesmerizing, mid-tempo techno track with soundtrack-like qualities. 'Orange Turbo,' featuring Bordon, combines techy grooves, sci-fi sounds, and a mysterious melody. Overall, Apollo showcases Rush Plus's versatility shows the producer reaching farther into interstellar space for inspiration.
Review: Four new motoric Hardgrooves from the eponymous label, riffing off the back of a mountain of DJ support in recent months to bring three of the best formerly digital-only tracks to grace the label's catalogue, plus a brand new, previously unreleased cut from Ben Sims and Mark Broom under their infamous Roku guise. Sims and Broom whack up the velocity thruster to eleven on the As 1 and 2 respectively, with 'Snapshot '99' and 'WWWWWWWWork' providing little opportunity for exhalation or ease. The odometer hand is well and truly straining, nigh broken by the time we reach Mark Williams' 'Next 21s', with its hypey falsetto rave shouts, while the diminutive duo Roku round things off on a salacious acid smoke bomb, 'Acid Amnesia'.
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