SHJVA Schallplatten & CDs

Review: The debut album from Ukrainian collective Noneside unites musicians and visual artists under the inspiring words of poet Taras Shevchenko, who said 'Make love, o dark-browed ones.' Framed by a painting from contemporary artist Iryna Maksymova, the music explores the trance and tech house that is destined to bring souls together on the dancefloor this summer and beyond. Shjva opens with fresh and mashed bass and sleek trance pads that are subtle but effective. Lostlojic layer sup deep, bubbly techno drums and bass with an angelic vocal tone and Saturated Color's 'Trancia' is a speedy, scuffed-up tech groove for late-night cruising. Peshka and Yevhenii Loi offer two more future-facing trance-techno fusions packed with feels.

Review: Ukrainian artist Shjva and Seoul-based French producer Pyramid of Knowledge, despite the geographical distance between them, seem to have found a common language on this collaborative 12". It's a language built on hypnotic rhythms and ethereal melodies, effortlessly drifting between the intricate programming of IDM and the pulsating drive of techno. Shjva's 'Labirynth Of Circles' sets the tone, its intricate percussion and haunting synth lines conjuring a sense of late-night exploration. But it's on the flip side where things get really interesting. Pyramid of Knowledge takes the reins, offering a diverse array of soundscapes. 'Life Of Satchidananda' fragments and reassembles breakbeats with a deft hand, creating a sense of constant motion and shifting perspectives. 'Flusion' dives deeper, swirling textures and pulsating basslines enveloping the listener in a hypnotic embrace. And then there's 'Back On Earth', a track that somehow manages to be both dancefloor-ready and strangely introspective. Its hypnotic groove and melancholic undertones linger in the mind long after the needle lifts from the record. Terra Magica Rec's tenth release, it's all about the power of collaboration, intricate rhythms and atmospheric textures.