OCTAL INDUSTRIES Schallplatten & CDs

Review: Ohm Series #10 continues to be a shining example of the remarkable work being done in the dub techno genre, consistently featuring top-tier producers who excel in their craft. On Side-1, Monomood kicks things off with 'Spring In Space,' a track that boasts deep sub-bass hits and long, blending chords. Its strong kick and clean production make it a powerful example of dub techno at its finest. Following this, Octal Industries delivers 'Rewind Repeat,' a piece that layers epic strings and a soaring melody over an abstract broken beat. Powerful and evocative! Side-2 opens with G-Prod and Taho's'"Light Forest,' an uptempo dub techno track with a techy edge. Its smooth production and dancefloor-ready vibe make it a seamless fusion of technical prowess and groove. Closing out the release is Gradient's 'Track 4,' which offers classic dub techno sounds. Gradient's exceptional craftsmanship is evident in this track, which epitomizes the lush textures and hypnotic rhythms that define the genre. Overall, Ohm Series #10 upholds its reputation by delivering high-quality dub techno that resonates with both purists and new listeners alike. This release is an ideal example to the innovative spirit of the genre.

Review: A compelling force in deep and dubby techno, Octal Industries were originally formed in 2004 by America's Michael Sickinger and Iceland's Jonas Thor Gudmundsson but are now helmed solely by Gudmundsson, also known for his ambient-leaning work as Ruxpin. This new three-track release blends his mastery of space, texture and restrained groove within the techno framework. Side-A features 'Arborea', a lush dub techno cut featuring Oxun. Airy pads and crisp percussion give it a floating quality, while the haze of reverb-drenched textures keeps things soft and enveloping. It's melodic and deep without ever pushing too hardilike watching light shift through morning fog. Side-B opens with 'Locked Down', a deeper, more rhythmic affair. Subtle, nearly inaudible vocal snippets flicker like shadows in the background, adding a layer of mystery. The track thrives on balance with its rolling bassline that supports delicate floating chords, creating a mood that feels expansive. Closer 'Alotook' steps away from the dancefloor entirely, offering a beatless ambient piece that serves as a gentle comedown. It's introspective and cinematic, reinforcing Gudmundsson's emotional depth as a producer. This release feels like a quiet triumph. Rich, detailed and deeply personal techno that rewards attentive listening as much as it does late-night sets.

Review: Bjarnar & Jonas's last album back in 2023 was critically well-received and now it is back in all-new form as a selection of four classy remixes. First up it is Seven Villas label boss Pablo Bolivar who gets all blissed out and paddy on 'Bara', while Merv brings some nice smeared chords to the rolling, hypnotic dub of 'Erebus'. On the flip, Philipp Priebe Saeti's take on 'Stratospheric Clouds' reworks it as a shimmering and bottomless dub lit up by some warming chords and last of all, Waage flips 'Anguta' into a dark, stark and punchy dub-tech monster that comes on like an unstoppable wall of noise. A quartet of seriously meaty sounds overall.

Review: Over the past couple of years the Ohm Series of 12"s has quietly become one of the best in the field of dub techno, always carrying a respectable range of artists pushing the sound forwards, and now carrying the kind of weight which tells you you're getting the best these artists have to offer. On the seventh entry we can hear Ohm himself, aka Bjarnar Jonsson and Octal Industries teaming up for the deeply submerged creeper 'System (vs Federson)', while Lee Holman brings something brighter, more Motor City-inspired to the table on 'Absorbed By The Elements'. Andrea Cichecki slinks into a mellow, swung house mood on 'Universe Blue' and El Choop leans in on the sound design around his chord sounds to create the rhythmic heat in his outstanding 'FORPOD'. As ever, the bar remains high with the Ohm Series offerings.