Review: DIG Curated boss Marronn spotlights Tbilisi's underground powerhouse Uvall aka Irakli Bregvadze, who has long been a key figure in Georgia's techno scene. His minimalist yet mysterious sound blends enigmatic synths with undulating tempos here, always with physical grooves established in the low end. Lead track 'Northern Lights' has earth-shattering drum loops and scurrying synth details that sketch out an underwater world dripping with sweat. 'Reminiscence' has more robust drums and eerie sound designs that make for a cavernous feel and 'Bleak' is more anxious, with kicks stacked closely and unnerving synths searching for signs of life. 'Sleepwalker' is a zoned-out roller to close in hypnotic fashion.
Review: Now on his fourth release, this anonymous artist continues to craft beautifully sun-drenched Balearic downtempo on his own label. With no name or face to tie to the music, the focus remains purely on the vibe-and what a vibe it is. 'Better Place' is a warm, feel-good anthem that effortlessly fuses pop charm with mellow house grooves. Its uplifting vocal and euphoric melodies radiate positivity. It reflects the spirit of a late afternoon dance on a Mediterranean coast. It's breezy yet punchy, a great blend of accessibility and sophistication. 'Couples Therapy' takes a more intricate path, combining soft island percussion, post-disco shimmer and touches of softwave. A slow tempo leaves room for a swirling acid line to evolve unexpectedly, adding a psychedelic edge to this otherwise dreamy beach gem. This is melodic, unclassifiable downtempo at its finest. These catchy tracks are hard to ignore.
Review: Croatian producer Umbo makes a raucous return to Breakbeat Paradise with this two-tracker of throwback funk edits. A-side 'No Sugar' is a no-nonsense breakbeat soul cut, filtering vintage vocal hooks through crisp drums and rubbery basslines. On the flip, 'Saoco Root' cranks the tempo and energy, fusing jazzy brass, hype vocals and Beastie Boys swagger into a fast-cutting party tool. A continuation of BBP's long-running Toxic Funk series, this latest volume slots right into the label's wheelhouse: dusty, high-energy edits with bite.
Review: The third and final chapter of R3volution Records' 3volution trilogy is a powerful meeting point between past and future. Bridging sci-fi-laced techno with 90s minimalism, it features deep sound design and muscular drum patterns that combine for real club potency. UVALL from Tbilisi offers refined, deep rhythms with his cut, then Operator brings seasoned UK innovation and label co-founder Divide delivers precision and weight with global pedigree. Elsewhere, Belgium's PTTRNRCRRNT tunnels through textures with futuristic, conceptual drive. Each track is a standout weapon but together they make for a cohesive, forward-thinking statement from a label closing its vinyl trilogy on a high.
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