Back catalogue: Trance

Review: In celebration of their tenth birthday, Selador marks the occasion in style with a four-track collaborative EP, featuring tracks from 3D, Robert Owens, Olivier Giacomotto, Quivver, Dave Seaman, Hernan Cattaneo, Argia, and Jepe. The opening track, 'Known Love', is a deep, pulasting house tune that feels like an instant classic, perhaps thanks to the soulful, pop-tinged vocals - think LCD soundsystem meets Four Tet. 'Snailblazer', the second track on the EP, takes a much darker turn, with a chugging, EBM-esque feel. Full-bodied and complete with obscured vocals, this is the kind of track to pull out your bag when it's time to really get stuck in. On the B-side, 'Napkin Knowledge' draws on the glistening synths of eurodance, yet still securing the melodies to a grounded bassline and rhythm section. 'Salitre' is the perfect closing track, rising up in a gleaming, ecstatic melody, before delicately returning to ground level. A varied yet firmly cohesive collaborative release - the perfect way for Selador to kick off their 2023 catalogue.

Review: A deliberate exercise in Y2K aesthetics and cyberpunk electrance comes in the creative output of DJ Natural Nate - his latest EP for Hoodwink Recordings, 'Notes To Jiggabot' - which consists of four tracks eulogizing his cybernetic partner-in-crime, Jiggabot (several releases from this pair have come out since mid 2018) and seemingly the object of his fantasmic affections. Whether the likes of new numbers 'Chasing The Rhythm', 'I Will Shine For You' or 'Far Away' originate from some angelic conceptual otherworld or this banal material one, it's hard not to love the signifiers poured into the EP: US freestyle jaunts, pure femme vocals doused in reverb-reverbs and melismatic hums; hyper-compressed, lightsabre-sculpted beats and visual cues reminiscent of childhoods spent lost in postmodern futuristic fantasies, such as those of Deus Ex or Blade Runner.

Review: The French label Metallic States' first EP sees fellow countryman Joking Sphinx aka Christophe Marcourt take the helm. A veteran of the Goa and psy scenes of the 90s, he infuses those original sounds with different a new level of understanding for this timeless sound. Take 'Rainbow Nation' for example that chugs along at a more reasonable 124 beats per minute, showing a new maturity, while side two, 'Chasing Invisible Man', sticks to a more classic trance meets progressive house sound and finds a great balance. A label to watch, for sure.

Review: Offering five tracks of captivating Italian techno and trance, JP Energy's Strano EP, resurfaces with a timeless allure, Originating from 1993 Italy, Side-1 opens with 'Down To The Moon,' exuding early 90s trance and techno vibes, hinting at the emergence of intelligent techno that later evolved into IDM. With celestial undertones, it sets a hypnotic tone. Following is 'Dolphin Dance,' blending techno with shades of darker 80s Italo house, crafting a compelling sonic journey. Flipping to Side 2, 'Alvorada' unfolds as a smooth, ambient techno gem, showcasing melodic intricacies that enchant the listener. The EP concludes with the E-Talking remix of 'Alvorada,' displaying a fresh and updated interpretation of the original. This remix maintains the track's smoothness while injecting
a contemporary flair. Overall, Strano EP is a great example at a timeless sound that is being enjoyed today.

Review: Jacidorex is a techno producer who has been active on the scene since the mid-noughties and known for his signature acid-infused sound. He has released numerous EPs and albums over the years on various labels including Acid Night, Obs.Cur, and Smashead Records and is back with another album - UNFACED01. This one sees the Belgian DJ/producer pushing the boundaries of the genre even further, with his signature brand of dynamic hypnotic acid patterns. It begins with a cinematic introduction before opening into a hip-hop track, which then swiftly transitions into electro, industrial and trance influences throughout.

Review: Reissued on vinyl for the first time, here comes Juno Reactor's 1997 LP Bible of Dreams, also newly remastered and available on double black vinyl. Juno Reactor's fourth album, Bible Of Dreams came with a staunchly different sound compared to the group's previous albums, and moved away from the traditional dance beats by implementing tribal influences. The band collaborated with Amampondo, a traditional South African percussion act, on the single 'Conga Fury'. Watkins and Amampondo went on a five-week tour of the US, opening for Moby. With many of its tracks appearing in acclaimed pop culture soundtracks - the likes of The Matrix Reloaded, Animatrix, Mortal Kombat Annihilation and Beowulf - its composer, producer, musician and performer Ben Watkins has gone on to become an essential innovator of modern electronic music and a pioneer of trance.