LUCIANO Schallplatten & CDs

Review: For several years Luciano was one of the kings of the underground. The Swiss-Chilean rode the crest of the minimal wave and had his own distinctive Latin edge that marked him out in a class of one. Now he is back to DJing - often with his equally heralded brethren Ricardo Villalobos - as well as producing. Rawax has the latest goods from the man in the form of this suitably epic two-track EP. 'Assanti Sana' is all subtly shifting grooves and stringy percussive lines with some textured, expressionistic synth lines. 'In Xs' is deeper, and warmer, with ever-evolving rhythms and lots of stringy lines all woven together in an intricate fashion.

Review: Are there any more iconic names in underground electronic music than Swiss-Chilean Luciano? He might not be at the peak of his powers but still has a wealth of skills and experience that mean his every release is always well worth checking. Here popping up on Germany label Basic he offers up the brooding atmospheres and floating pads of 'Nature Reverance' atop a rugged and raw drum line. 'Trance Ilvana' is dialled back a notch to ear-tickling frequencies and bubbling bass and drums that are only loosely defined but fully hypnotic.

Review: Hector's Vatos Locos label has slowly but surely put out a steady stream of contemporary minimal and tech house cuts but now it might have the biggest EP on its hands yet? the main man, Swiss Chilean innovator and menial pinup Luciano makes his mark in collaboration with Dani Ramos on two new cuts. 'How Soon Is Now' is all gurgling synths, dark cosmic tech funk and meandering basslines that are designed to warp your mind at 5am. 'Ufo's Call' is an even busier flurry of whirring machines and raw percussive hits, balmy circular pads and punch drums. Two Dewalta remixes seal this great deal.