Review: Heavyweight quattro-techno from A Paul, DJ Dextro, Red Rooms, Ramon Tapia and Arkvs for Planet Rhythm. Each track serving as merciless hoisters in the vein of 'Rough' techno, the A1 is deserving of the name, bringing scraping hi-hat blurs and gulping knocks to a mean mix. Deadened, unfeeling, callous calculation follows on the follower 'Binary Codes', while Tapia tabulates a 'Ratio' on the algo-rhythmic bleeper that ensues on the B1. Finally, 'Decoration Drugs' brings a prime movement, its facelessly numbered breakdowns and shuffles assuring us that there is indeed no end to off-planet production processes such as these.
Review: Portuguese producer A Thousand Details is back on Hayes four years after his 'Mirage' EP and shows a smart evolution in his sound. With releases on labels like Knotweed 51, Tar Hallow and EarToGround, he's built a reputation for blending technique with creative vision and his decade of techno expertise is evident in his production here. He uses hardware like the Digitakt, TR-909 and modular systems to cook up emotive, chord-driven motifs that balance harmony with techno's raw energy. The 'Unrestful Mind' EP blends nostalgia and innovation and draws from Detroit's heritage while introducing fresh, glowy textures to melt body and soul.
Review: US house legend and deck technician A Trak is back with a third volume of 10 Seconds on his own Fools Gold label. This latest 10" comes on red wax and features for wonky and characterful tunes. 'Like I Said' is all low slung and funky bass guitar riffs and slick soulful house drums. 'Jyeah' brings a more cut up rhythm with warped sub and bleeping synths. 'Riiide' is another infectious house vibe with busy chords and daubs of synth, loopy vocals and hurried beats that call to mind French filter house classics and it's the same story with the brilliantly immediate thrills of 'JustCantLive'.
Charles Wright & The Watts 103rd Street Band - "What Can You Bring Me?" (2:45)
Review: You just cannot miss with this superb label which is now up to release number 33 in this series. And the latest is a golden-era classic featuring legendary mic men A Tribe Called Quest and top soul boy Charles Wright & The Watts 103rd Street Band. The A-side features the track taken from A Tribe Called Quest's Love Movement album so is packed with their signature beats and bars. On the B-side, you are treated to the funky original sample source from Charles Wright & The Watts 103rd Street Band which delivers a raw, infectious groove. If you love classic hip hop and funk, and why wouldn't you, this is a great pairing.
Review: Oslo's A:G has been doing his thing successfully for some time, side-stepping expectations of music from his home city by delivering music that's frequently heavier and more mind-mangling. Here the Norwegian delivers the debut release of a new label, Nocturnal Expeditions, beginning with the restless acid lines, deep bass, vintage progressive house motifs and semi-bleeping lead lines of 'Beyond The Veil'. He opts for more stomping beats and LFO-inspired bass on the similarly psychedelic 'Patient Paradox', before reaching for rave piano stabs on the nostalgic excellence of 'First of 22'. Best of all, though, is closing cut 'Gone Full Circle', where ethereal melodiesm spacey pads and squelchy TB-303 tweaks ride a psychedelic house groove.
Dream A Dream (ID edit - Cryptic Retouch By Che & Matica) (7:14)
Review: After five years on ice, Greg Wilson has rebooted his long-running A&R Edits imprint, an outlet the UK electrofunk pioneer founded back in 2013. As usual, the edits come not from the man himself, but rather mates and collaborators. Ian Ossia steps up first with 'Papa Stoned', a deep, driving, dubby and lightly acid-flecked rework of 'Papa Was a Rolling Stone' with tightened, beefed-up drums and heaps of peak-time potential. Over on the flip, Che and Matica provide a 'cryptic retouch' of a familiar disco-funk favourite (titled here 'Dream a Dream'), foregrounding heady horn blasts, sprawling and spacey synth solos, and another sweat-soaked disco groove.
Review: A² was the electro, breaks and tech house duo Andy Panayi and Alec Stone, and this outing on R.A.N.D. Muzik Recordings is a four-track collection that comes years after the tragic passing of Panayi so serves as a poignant tribute from his close friends and family. Honouring Andy's legacy, the release captures the duo's innovative electronic spirit and is both a celebration of their work and a touching farewell. Musically 'Street Renegade' is a lithe breakbeat sound, 'Upton Park Breaks' is more dark and textured and 'Electro Boogie' is just that while 'Reckless' closes on a more spaced out and cosmic tip.
Heavy D & The Boyz - "Don't Curse" (DNA edit) (4:41)
Review: You have to liov these 45s that elegantly bridge the lineage between the original and the sampled while also highlighting hip-hop and r&b, showcasing the seamless interplay that defined the 90s. On Side-1, 'Back & Forth (DNA Edit)' gets a UK remix treatment from the legendary DNA crew, amplifying the track's smooth groove and youthful energy, silky vocals and laid-back charisma shining even brighter under the remix's refined production.. Side-2 features 'Don't Curse (DNA Edit)', transforming the posse cut into a sharper, more rhythmically dynamic experience as playful, feelgood verses and the crew's lyrical finesse are elevated by the remix's polished beats.
Review: Phonogramme is in the middle of a fine series of releases that highlight the great work of legendary US deep house don Abacus. Analog Stories Vol 3 opens with the lush depths of 'It's Bubbling (Short Stories)' then gets more busy with 'Beautiful African Girl' which features humid pads and jazzy keys with dense percussive layers. 'After The Disco' (Submariner edit) sinks back into smooth grooves with light sprinklings of percussion and nimble drums and last of all 'Take A Trip' (feat Keitajuma) closes out with ambient laced and late night sounds.
Now Is Your Time (A Lost Story) (feat Jenifa Mayanja) (7:07)
Review: This three-track release from a legendary Toronto house producer is a cream example in deep house sophistication. 'Kickstarter (Mainpass)' opens with jazzy, melodic elegance, its slick, clean production exuding class and warmth. The track's deep grooves and epic progression make it very appealing for DJ's. 'Music For Table Tennis' shifts gears with an electro-tinged beat, enveloping listeners in a lush, deep soundscape that radiates beauty and warmth. Closing the EP, 'Now Is Your Time (A Lost Story)' featuring Jenifa Mayanja, blends deep house and techno into an atmospheric masterpiece. The production here is next level, with intricate textures and a hypnotic flow. Rooted in the spirit of New York house but imbued with a contemporary finesse, this is a refined and essential deep house release.
Review: While much of the material they release is brand spanking new, Phonogramme is not averse to reissuing choice gems from the 1990s. That's the case here, as the French deep house label offers a new edited - pressed to striking pink marbled wax - of Analog Trks Vol 1, a 1997 EP from former Prescription Records artist Abacus (real name Austin Bascom). This edition varies from the original, featuring two of the four cuts and a previously unreleased take of another. Check first 'We Cookin' Now', a deliciously deep, slow-building masterpiece of smoky late night sonics, stripped-back percussion, Chez Damier motifs and subterranean bass, before admiring the tech-tinged deep house bounce of 'Opinion Rated R'. Rounding things off is 'Black Thanxx (Instrumental)', a kind of deep house/deep acid fusion workout rich in spacey chords, analogue bass and prototype tech-house bleeps.
Review: What's that, a new year means a new label from Burnski? We'd expect nothing else. The man has more imprints than a beach has grains of sand, but importantly they all serve a purpose and all kick out killer jams. Mikasa starts with this lush and lithe prog house EP from Abdul Raeva. Stylish opener 'Cream' is a bouncy, feel-good and sleek electronic house sound for peak time fun. 'Helico' is laced with acid and 'Tex Mex' has psyched-out lines rising through the uplifting drums while 'Vanguard' shuts down with a percussive edge and a killer bassline.
Review: Abdul Raeva's 'No Risk No Reward' EP captures the spirit of minimal and tech house with four dynamic, dance-ready tracks. Side-1 kicks off with 'Spazza', a lively, upbeat tech house track primed for the dancefloor with an infectious groove. It's followed by 'Eurotech', which brings in a high-tech, acid-tinged vibe, nodding to the ravey energy of the 90s with an irresistible, driving beat. Side-2 transitions to a more introspective energy with 'Phaselock', a melodic and flighty piece that leans into late-night techno territory, with a hypnotic, trance-adjacent sound perfect for deeper, immersive moments. Closing the EP, 'Crystal Palace' dives into heavy acid rhythms, blending elements of acid trance to create a powerful, pulsing finish.
Curtis Baker & The Bravehearts - "Fried Fish ’n’ Collard Greens" (2:40)
The Native Yinzer - "The Hip Strip" (2:33)
Review: The fourth edition in Original Gravity's Down In The Basement series, which gathers instrumental soul and swing cuts onto worthy 7" slabs, resounding the fervent 1960s decadal gap in which mod reigned supreme. With juleps flowing and kneecaps knocking, Abramo & Nestor bring newfangled electric pianistic swing with 'Dig It!', while a twinned "hit it!" injunction is heard from Floyd James & The GTs on the reissued 'Work That Thang'; James' voice is tubed and speed-delayed to terrific effect, achieving a sprung intonation. Curtis Baker brassifies the bonanza with the lively 'Fried Fish 'n' Collard Greens', while The Native Yinzer's exiting excitation 'The Hip Strip' quilts our ears with a mnemic, down-feathery Hammond-breaks bit.
Review: An electrifying journey through relentless acid and high-energy techno as Acid Asian goes in hard. The title track, 'Deep Soul', sets the pace with a fierce acid trance vibe, pulling listeners into its hypnotic rhythm. 'Space Colors' escalates the energy with epic, pounding euphoric trance, creating a sweeping sense of exhilaration. Side-2 kicks off with 'Ain't Nobody Like Us', a hardcore techno banger that's percussive, catchy and impossible to ignore. Closing with 'Humans', the EP dives into heavy, intense techno, wrapping up with a powerful and gritty finish. From start to finish, a high-octane, genre-blending ride that masterfully mixes acid, trance and techno, creating a standout release for those who like their beats pulsating and energetic.
Review: Acida Dominga makes their debut with 'Imagination Creates Reality', making their intentions clear: "(this) is my very first track, my very first EP and debut project as music producer, transforming music into a multi-sensory holistic journey." As she strikes a candid pose on the front cover, we're left puckering our lips at the pH levels on this one, with 'State Of Consciousness' and 'Lost Highways' sounding off raspy acids, while theming them after a psychedelic, hyperstitious consensus reality. Closer 'Coin Of Heaven' ends things on a wild harmonic layering over the acid sixteenths, with Twilight Zone radio murmurs swirling over the machinations.
Review: This release presents a dynamic exploration of electro and techno, blending fast-paced, acid-driven energy with atmospheric depth. Side-1 opens with 'Destruction Industries', a heavy, dramatic track that pulses with acid electro, creating an intense, alien vibe. 'My Vision Of Space' follows with a futuristic, Carl Finlow-esque feel, offering a sleek, forward-thinking electro sound. The Belaria Remix of the track slows things down, providing a lower BPM version that retains the original's spacey atmosphere but with a more subdued, deeper groove. Side-2 shifts gears with 'Ammoniax', diving into otherworldly techno with a hypnotic, immersive quality and 'We Come For Acid', a darker, trancey track that builds tension with heady, layered acid sounds, perfect for late-night listening. Overall, this release offers a varied, yet cohesive mix of high-energy electro and atmospheric techno.
Review: Acid Sessions Vol. 3 is another white-knuckle journey into the world of acid with five top talents in the field all pushing their own limits. Acidulant opens with "Serpentacid' featuring hypnotic 303 grooves and relentless energy, then Sarufaromeo & Papaverhof deliver 'Acid Nihonshu' which blends atmospheric depth with chaotic acid vibes. G303 takes you beyond with 'Live Long and Prosper,' an interstellar anthem filled with cosmic acid and resonant grooves. Paul Renard closes with 'SO36' which is all about the fat rhythms and powerful dancefloor drive. Long live acid is what we say.
Review: A new take on a Jonathan Richman classic from 1977 which has lit up clubs for 45-odd years, especially during the punk era. The track's infectious rhythm has inspired various reggae remixes but now it's getting a fresh cumbia twist. Cumbia and reggae share a common groove, making them a perfect match for DJs to mix and this one was recorded in Lima by Pancho Acosta, founder and guitarist of Company Quinto, who transforms the track into an upbeat cumbia gem. The flip side features Acosta's 'Carnaval de Jujuy' blended with Money Chicha's modern take on Peru's fuzzed-out chicha sound.
Every Pleasure, Every Sin (Ivan Iacobucci's remix) (6:02)
Review: Acoustic Vision crafts an exceptional EP bursting with rich techno personality. The opening track, 'Peyote Country Club' grabs attention immediately with its infectious rhythm, sharp percussion, and irresistible flow. A light yet captivating melody hovers over deep, bouncing basslines, building into a perfect storm of dancefloor energy. It's a standout cut that seamlessly blends a cool vibe with driving momentum. 'Human Endeavour' ventures into darker territory, offering a tribal groove layered with eerie, hypnotic elements. The haunting melodies create a sense of being swept into a deep, mystical rave, where the rhythm pulls you in. Subtle house influences sneak in as the track progresses, with distant keys adding a sophisticated touch that leaves an impression on you.
'Every Pleasure, Every Sin' shifts gears, delivering a refreshing blend of ambient house that feels like a breezy summer afternoon. The track is pure elegance that harkens back to the vintage early 90s. The remix of the same track turns things on their head, adding a wicked bassline, playful breakbeat, and a more ominous vibe. The inclusion of an acid line gives it a nostalgic, classic feel, ensuring this version stands out with its playful edge.
Definitely an artist to watch in the future."
B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition
Sense Of Future (6:18)
Strummer (7:00)
Nightcreeper (7:05)
Cold December (6:35)
Review: ***B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition***
For the latest missive on his Up The Stuss label, Chris Stussy has joined forces with fellow Dutch star Locklead for a first collaborative EP as Across Boundaries. As you'd expect, it's a bouncy, chunky and melody-rich affair whose four tracks remain focused on the dancefloor throughout. Title track 'Sense of Future' is warming, dreamy and undeniably summer-ready, with talkbox vocals, elongated chords and bubbly electronic lead lines leaping above a thickset bassline and energy-packed beats. 'Strummer' is a more tech-tinged affair - check the meandering, TB-303 style motifs, sci-fi sounds and rolling drums - while 'Nightcreeper' is a foreboding peak-time pumper and 'Cold December' sits somewhere between classic deep house and elastic European tech-house.
Review: Actress is one of those names that invokes equal parts notoriety and hero worship. Like so much of the music he is associated with, the producer and DJ, studio experimenter and synth explorer doesn't have a reputation for being the easiest artist to predict. A creator who seems determined to push boundaries, even if that sometimes means abrasive and uninviting to the uninitiated, or anyone who would have preferred to hear something less abstract, if not altogether safer. Grey Interiors is a case in point. Dropping on the always-incredible Norwegian outlet Smalltown Supersound only emphasises the fact this is going to be an exercise in boldly going... Pressed onto a single-sided white 12" reinforces the notion that this occupies a place very much unto itself. The drones, distant sound of stardust falling, and whirs of tech that make up this spacey drone experience confirming we've boarded the shuttle and are now exiting Earth's atmosphere.
Review: Actress released a mix for Resident Advisor in June and to everyone's surprise, it was filled entirely with new, unreleased music. When asked if this was a new album, Darren S. Cunningham, aka Actress, responded simply, "It's a collage - Braque." Call it what you likeia mix, a mixtape, a collage, or even an albumiit's unmistakably another bold statement from Actress. Cunningham's approach defies labels and formats, creating music that exists in its own space, evolving without concern for conventional definitions or boundaries. It's just pure, unfiltered Actress, doing what he does best.
Review: Acusmouse and Ab Show's collaboration on Line Conductor offers a deep dive into the intricacies of minimal and tech house. While grounded in familiar rhythms, the EP brings forward an unpredictable flow, with each track layering textures that evolve with each listen. Acusmouse's 'Topass' anchors the release, its unyielding pulse driven by a hypnotic bassline, allowing the surrounding elements to form fluid, almost organic movements. Ab Show's side introduces a more cerebral take, with 'Subminimal Message' building tension through sparse percussion and unsettling atmospherics. Together, the two push the boundaries of the genre, never fully conforming but always offering something compelling, fresh, and deeply engaging.
Review: This new solo outing from Aussie talent Ad Nauseaum has it all - acid, rave, techno, hardcore and more. 'Omega System' sets a pretty brutal tone to get things underway with filtered synths and blazing acid lines searing about the mix over raw, hard, flat drums. 'Alpha System' is even quicker and brings serrated synth madness to video game motifs and slamming kicks. Last of all is 'Always Acid,' a track that was made back in 2004 but doesn't sound in any way out of date. It's another one to blow the roof off any party.
Review: This hidden gem from 1975 was self-released on Glen Adams' Capo label out of Brooklyn, New York. 'Stay Dread' rather flies under the radar but is a must-listen, especially the outer limits version on the flip which is a brilliantly psychedelic dub with a mad cosmic lead that takes you into all new realms. The original is a great example of reggae's raw energy and experimental spirit with Adams' distinct vocal style adding a unique touch to proceedings. The rare original has become a sought-after find for reggae heads so do not sleep on this reissue which is unpolished yet powerful.
Review: ViGis opening salvo for 2025 brings together four artists from four continents who all blend their own diverse cultural roots and influences into a superb collection of cuts for the club. This is a 12" that offers a refreshing take on familiar sounds and delivers subtle yet punchy variations in style and rhythm. Adema keeps it nice and clean and slick on the deep, bubbly tech of 'Jm Glavio' while Red Pig Flower's 'Stardust' is a zoned-out roller. Artur Nikolaev's 'New Edition' is a deft minimal soundscape with warped lines and bubbles dub undercurrents. Cladu shuts down with 'No Name' which is a more propulsive cut.
Review: ***B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged, record slightly warped***
ViGis opening salvo for 2025 brings together four artists from four continents who all blend their own diverse cultural roots and influences into a superb collection of cuts for the club. This is a 12" that offers a refreshing take on familiar sounds and delivers subtle yet punchy variations in style and rhythm. Adema keeps it nice and clean and slick on the deep, bubbly tech of 'Jm Glavio' while Red Pig Flower's 'Stardust' is a zoned-out roller. Artur Nikolaev's 'New Edition' is a deft minimal soundscape with warped lines and bubbles dub undercurrents. Cladu shuts down with 'No Name' which is a more propulsive cut.
Review: We are real fans of the PIV label out of the Netherlands for the way they have bright plenty of new thinking to house and tech. Their Limited label off-shoot is even more forward-thinking and this time welcomes ADR for some of their signature sounds. 'Daft Excluder' gets underway with flappy snares and a nice nebulous ecosystem of neon synth details and snappy drums. The Casey Spillman remix gets more punch with wet clicks and a garage tinge to the drums. 'Professor Magnet' sinks you into a bulbous bass line that is warped and fluid under snappy claps and 'Infinity808' brings nice and trippy electro vibes and a kinetic rhythm to close. It might be the best of the lot.
Review: AgainstMe makes a powerful debut on 47 with four tracks of deep, spiralling techno rooted in Berlin's famous underground energy. The Greek producer showcases his signature multi-dimensional sound design well here as he fuses dynamic rhythms and immersive atmospheres with great precision. Each track builds on a foundation of undulating basslines and intricate textures, which takes you on a trip through shifting sonic terrain. From hypnotic momentum to cavernous depth, there is a balance between raw propulsion and detailed production that makes for a bold, immersive statement that positions AgainstMe as a key rising voice in forward-thinking techno.
Review: AgainstMe makes a powerful debut on Renegade Methodz with 'Diagonal Prism', a four-track EP that offers up his refined minimalist approach to techno. Known for meticulous sound design, AgainstMe brings a fresh yet distinctive style to this Greek label and is sure to pick up plenty of new fans as a result. The EP opener 'Drama' introduces dense grooves and subtle yet impactful drum patterns that build tension, while a throbbing synth weaves in and out. The title track relies on hypnotic repetition and driving rhythms, while '4PM' brings peak-time energy with crisp, dynamic beats. Closing with 'Spasmoi' AgainstMe delivers a compelling club groove that masterfully balances intensity and rhythm.
Review: Ron Morelli's long-running and always forward-thinking L.I.E.S label looks to prolific producer Orion Agassi who hails from Spain and has proven himself as a real house mainstay. He backs up that reputation with six cuts of "straight up beat tracks for the club." They are inspired by the legacy of early WBMX mix shows and come with a hint of Latin flavour, with hammers percussion, snappy drum patterns and fiery vocals all making for a nice and wonky workout across a range of inviting tempos. A very useful album that has something for a wide spread of dance floor moments.
The Age Of Love (Charlotte De Witte & Enrico Sangiuliano remix) (8:10)
The Age Of Love (Jam & Spoon Watch Out For Stella mix - 2021 Remaster) (6:46)
The Age Of Love (Solomun's Renaissance remix) (8:11)
Review: One of the most legendary trance anthems of all time, 'The Age of Love', continues its reign with a fresh set of remixes that bridge generations of dance music fans. On Side-A, Charlotte de Witte & Enrico Sangiuliano inject their signature techno power into the track, transforming it into a driving, hypnotic beast. Charlotte has championed this remix in her sets and for good reasoniits retro synths and rolling energy make it a festival weapon, modernising the track while keeping its euphoric essence intact. Side-B opens with the 2021 remaster of Jam & Spoon's Watch Out For Stella mix, the definitive remix that catapulted the track into trance history. With its sprawling, cinematic breakdowns and timeless atmosphere. Rounding things out, Solomun delivers his Renaissance remix, a deep and unique take that shifts the track into a melodic house and techno hybrid, offering a fresh perspective without losing the original's magic. This re-release is both a tribute and a reinvention, proving that' The Age of Love' remains unstoppable on the dancefloor more than 30 years later.
Review: Agonis' debut album Neutropia receives a well-earned remix treatment here. Originally released in 2021, the album showcased Agonis' evolution beyond deep, hypnotic techno by incorporating half-paced drum & bass, rolling amen breaks, trip-hop and futuristic techno. Neutropia Remixed broadens this palette further with four distinctive reworks. Carrier slows 'Thermo' into a half-time rhythmic masterpiece, Christina Vantzou crafts a mesmerising drone trip, upsammy injects shimmering dynamics into 'Algoflash' and Felix K transforms 'Pyrchid' into an intricate drum workout.
Living On My Memories (feat Giulia La Rosa) (4:12)
Serenade (4:35)
Review: Ahead of his second upcoming album For Today, Etnean artist Agosta presents two unreleased tracks on a new 7" featuring Giulia La Rosa's poetic vocals. These gems blend chill-out electronics with Balearic vibes that are perfect for the brighter days ahead. 'Serenade' offers a sophisticated mix of elegant dance and relaxed atmospheres with inspiration taken from artists like Felipe Gordon and Nutty Nys. Its fluid groove, gentle percussion and dreamy synths create an immersive intimate vibe and both of these tracks evoke sunset serenity with real warmth in the vocals.
Review: After spending the majority of his 20-plus-year career flitting between the Kompakt and Coneme labels, Matias Aguayo makes a rare outing on another label - a delayed debut for Matt 'Radio Slave' Edwards' REKIDS imprint. In its' original form (side A), 'El Internet' is a typically off-kilter affair in which his own poetic, spoken word vocals (in Chilean, of course) and fuzzy, elongated synth sounds ride a beefy but wonky bassline and the long-serving producer's usual South American-tinged, hand percussion-enhanced hybrid house/techno grooves. It comes accompanied by a vocal-free instrumental mix, where the full breadth and depth of Aguayo's production can be heard, and a useful acapella DJ tool.
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