MUZMIN Schallplatten & CDs

Review: Muzmin's debut launches with four tracks that infuse old-school techno with contemporary flair. After his start playing in bands, the Rotterdam-based artist turned to production, and with this release, it's clear how well his experience has translated into club-ready compositions. Opening with 'Qrrom', a driving track with deep grooves and intricate rhythms, Muzmin sets the tone. 'Yucca' continues, layering hypnotic patterns over a powerful bassline. 'Bonky' is where things get playful, offering punchy percussion and quirky synths, while 'Bent' takes a more atmospheric approach, with twisting, off-kilter beats keeping the energy high. A fresh take on classic sounds, this EP is a promising start for the label.

Review: One of the most successful and enduring techno labels has been the Dutch based Planet Rhythm Records. For over 30 years now the label has helped launch and propel the careers of some of the biggest names in the genre. One such name that the label has helped grow is Muzmin and 'The Bulb' EP is his fifth release for them to date. These heavy, grooving rhythmic tracks have just the right amount of percussive elements to give the tracks some melodic moods, 'The Bulb' itself having an eerie, sci-fi mysterious feel to it giving us Purpose Maker impressions. On 'Yuklem', the loopier underlying is particularly sick. 'Kran' also does a great job of feeling aggressive yet reserved in some aspects. This gives the track an excellent laid-back sound or a very heavy one depending on what you want to hone in on listening. That is a hard balance to have in heavy techno so we give Muzmin major props for having that experience and skill to pull off. This is no nonsense techno that fits perfectly into the fabric of the sound that the label has fostered.

Review: When you call your label The Purist you pretty much lay out your statement of sonic intent from the off. This second outing is another one that offers up unabashed cosmic tech from the depths of some distant universe. Muzin is the artist at the helm and 'Woone' opens up with mind-melting synths and linear beats that will appeal to fans of the likes of Jeff Mills and Luke Slater. 'Kiln' gets more intense but still makes an art form of intertwining synths and drums to languid effect and 'Parsel' then has a more minimal design but equally heady impact. A trio of flipside joints tweak the template in subtle but stylish fashion.