Review: No whimpers, all bangs... Monika Kruse's Terminal M brings another four Richmonds our way, as the label celebrates its silver anniversary (25 years) of releasing. Ignacio Arfeli and Kaspar bring Portuguese fire and German glaciations to a unipolar techno A-side each, with 'Never Look Back' shooting a hideous glower at Orpheus especially with a "don't you ever look back" jet-breakage of the sound barrier, precipitating a massive techno drop, of course. A felt sense of continuation is heard on the strobing 'Masterpeace' by Chris Bekker, before 'Alhalma', where Drumcomplex and Frank Sonic lead us to a cruddy close.
Nathan Haines - "U See That" (feat Vanessa Freeman & Marcus Begg - Atjazz Love Soul mix) (5:12)
The Realm x Atjazz x Kelli Sae - "On The Road" (vocal mix) (7:58)
Review: Back ion 2021, the relaunched Foliage Records imprint offered up a killer mix from NYC house legends Mood II Swing, the must-check Deep Rooted. Soon, the revitalised label will release a sequel, with long-serving British deep house don Atjazz at the helm. This sampler EP boasts six of the highlights from that set - all remixed and reworked by Atjazz himself. There's much to enjoy throughout, from the tense, slowly building deep-tech shuffle of Halo''s 'Glorty (Atjazz Galaxy Art Remix)'and the sun-splashed 6am bounce of Atjazz's remix of Dominique Fils-Aime's gorgeous 'Sun Rise', to the dreamy dancefloor wooziness of Ralf GUM's 'AWA' (re-imagined by Atjazz as an Osunlade-esque spiritual house workout) and the jazzy, bass-guitar-propelled broken house excellence of 'On The Road (Vocal Mix)', a three-way collab between Atjazz, Kelli Sae and The Realm.
Review: Burnski and Kepler, two names synonymous with the deeper shades of house music, converge on Chris Stussy's Up The Stuss imprint for a collaborative EP that showcases their shared passion for dancefloor-focused soundscapes. 'Solstice', the title track, sets the tone with a hypnotic swing, its subtle rhythmic shifts and infectious bassline weaving a mesmerizing tapestry of sound. 'Contemplate', the second collaborative effort, offers a more introspective vibe, its bumping rhythms and melancholic melodies suggesting a moment of reflection amidst the dancefloor euphoria. The flip side sees the duo explore their individual artistry. Burnski's 'Give' is a late-night gem, its shimmering textures and hypnotic rhythms conjuring a sense of blissful introspection. Kepler's 'Transcend', on the other hand, lives up to its name, its vibrant energy and captivating melodies transporting the listener to a higher plane of dancefloor consciousness. It's a confident opening salvo for 2025 from Up The Stuss, a label that continues to champion the most vital strains of contemporary house music.
Review: A compelling compilation that delves deep into the cosmos of techno, offering four tracks that each explore different atmospheric dimensions. On Side-1, Charlou's 'Hidefaces' sets a dark, spooky tone with its stomping beats, blending elements of techno, industrial and 90s rave sounds. It's a haunting journey that captures the raw, visceral energy of underground techno. Mar C follows with 'Wentron', a spacey breakbeat track characterised by its crisp production, which elevates the atmosphere with a futuristic edge. Side-2 opens with Lanzieri's 'Vogue', a track that brings a touch of goa-trance influence, combining ethereal melodies with powerful basslines, making it feel like a cosmic flight through sound. Kvrk's 'Haunted Illusions' closes the EP with a progressive house touch, providing a deep, entrancing groove that muystifies. Each track offers a unique exploration of techno's darker, more experimental side.
Border One - "Organoid" (Jeroen Search remix) (5:47)
Review: Binar's fifth outing looks to a selection of talented remixers to add their own spin to some stylish techno originals. First, it is Decka's 'Alignment' that gets reworked by Efdemin, who we haven't heard from for a while but are glad to do so now. He flips it into a straight-up and smooth techno pumper with fuzzy pads softening the edges. Next, Amotik brings some urgent synth pulses and hunched-up drum funk to 'Remains Mystery' and The Lady Machine remix of 'Run' is all fat, drunken synths tumbling about with jacked-up drums and analogue hits. Jeroen Search brings some signature future cosmic energy to his take on Border One's 'Organoid.'
Review: UK legend Dego and killer keys-man Kaidi Tatham have been in a rich vein of form of late, dropping brilliant EPs on Eglo, Sound Signature and Rush Hour (the latter under their 2000Black alias). Here, they return to Eglo with four more slices of warm, rich, soul-flecked fluidity. As with previous outings, much of the material has a laidback jazz-funk feel, particularly "Orbiting Uhara" and the delicious "The Vault Descends" (think bustling bruk rhythms and darting boogie synths). They also offer up some tougher, synth-laden bruk-funk in the shape of "Man Made", while "Black Is Key" sees them unfurl a head-nodding vocal roller.
Review: Japanese talent DJ Koco aka Shimokita is a hardcore 45rpm devotee. They are his chosen tools as a beat-juggling DJ who can do logic-defying things with his grooves. He is a regal on Bloom and already dropped serious heat in January with 'World Famous'. This time he is back with a fresh take on 'Made In New York' which is a 1985 classic by renowned Brazilian funk and jazz pianist Tania Maria. He brings his signature hip-hop flair and creativity with his trusted crew, 45trio, and enlists the dynamic saxophonist King TJ (DA-Dee-MiX) to elevate things further.
Kool & The Gang - "Give It Up" (DJ Soopasoul edit) (4:02)
Aretha Franklin - "Rock Steady" (DJ Soopasoul edit) (3:30)
Review: Jalapeno jive maestro Soupasoul had another standout year, in 2024 and only heightened his reputation for crafting exceptional edits that bring new life into funk standards and hidden gems. With a sharp focus on the groove-rich breaks, he is back once again with another instalment that will ignite dance floors everywhere. This time his scorching rework of 'Give It Up' spotlights dynamic horn interplay and soulful jazzy choruses and 'Rock Steady' celebrates Aretha's powerful vocals paired with a killer breakbeat. These finely tuned edits honour the originals while adding fresh energy.
Review: Part one of Refuge's new La Decima V/A 12" series hears select tunes from select artists, all of whom have made significant contributions to the label's catalogue over the years. Spanning everything from firmly driven nu-disco to scratch n' sniff garage house to Chi-style stompers, we're more than enthralled by this well-rounded resonator. The best of the bunch has to be Demuir's 'Vibez High', which moves unabashed and stringy, its clawing claps, freeze-locked funk licks and scraping open hats painting a vivid street scene set outside the house.
Klima Project - "Velvet Moon" (Patrice Scott Reshape) (7:48)
Review: Sole Aspect takes us around the world and to the studios of artists based across Madrid, Switzerland, Los Angeles and Detroit on The Mystic Embrace EP. Opening it up is Ernes Joey & Robbin Hauz with 'U Should Know' (feat Shea Doll - Age Of Rage remix) which is a version by Dubbyman alongside Dan Piu with some delightfully jazzy keeps, seductive deep house drums and aching vocals full of heart. The original is a stripped-back sound with less melodic luxuriousness but the still superb vocal front and centre. Dubbyman then mixes Klima Project's 'Sweetback' into a mid-tempo, cuddly back room deep house sound and Patrice Scott Reshapes it with some crystal-cut synth lines that bring cosmic charm.
Review: What would it take to universalise disco so that every brain sandwiched between two ears could hear and take to the sound like glue? Eddie C and Keita Sano continue a protracted research study in the pursuit of an answer, bringing three new dream-heaters to contrast to their original two in the series' debut, 'Disko Universal' and 'Joy Joy Joy'. Here, 'Not This Time' stands out among a trifecta of well-doused house rousers, steeped in the attenuated, bubblier deep end of a soulful disco-garage-house tradition.
Review: Given that both producers are underground titans, traversing the blurred lines between disco, acid, deep house and wide-eyed dreaminess, you'd expect this two-track collaboration between Eddie C and Keita Sano to be pretty darn good. It is, of course, with the pair carving their own mind-mangling, breathlessly energetic niche on 'Disco Universal' - a certified throb-job in which trippy noises, exotic instrument samples and pulse-racing electronic motifs rise above a thumping beat and Italo-disco style sequenced bassline. It slows down midway through, 'French Kiss' style, before the duo brilliantly bring it back to a peak-time tempo. They explore sub-heavy, garage-influenced deep house and breakbeat pastures on the dreamy, weighty, impactful and acid-fired 'Joy Joy Joy', once more showcasing the diversity of their musical influences.
Review: Swedish label Borft has been digging in its archives again to assemble another volume of what it sees as its most classic cuts. And we don't disagree with these, which are taken from releases that originally landed between 1998 and 1999. Egglady's- 'Prinsessan Och Agget 1' is well-swung and deftly dubbed out with lovely analogue drum sounds cutting through. Nikolas Rowland's 'Headspin' is another smooth one with molten chords and a firm low-end drive. 'Puffy Nipples' from Kord is a wonky number with an unhinged charm and stomping groove that will stand out in any set while Crinan closes with the classy and raw house, dub and tech fusion that is 'Suit 61'.
Dennis Ferrer - "How Do I Let Go" (feat TK Brooks)
Rain: A Lil Louis Painting - "Give It Up" (Masters At Work club mix)
Mood II Swing - "Sunlight In My Eyes"
Kimara Lovelace - "Misery" (Lil Louis club mix)
Review: Now under new ownership (international dance music powerhouse Armada Music, fact fans), long-serving New York house imprint King Street Sounds is doing a good job in showcasing gems from its vast archives. This second label sampler contains four more genuine must-have cuts. First up, there's a chance to admire the deep, soulful house wonder that is Dennis Ferrer's 2008 hook-up with honeyed vocalist K.T. Brooks, 'How Do I Let Go'. It's followed by Masters at Work's deliciously loose, disco-influenced deep house revision of 'Give It Up' by Lil' Louis' Rain project (first released in 2000), Mood II Swing's DIY Soundsystem favourite 'Sunlight In My Eyes' (easily one of the greatest deep house jams of all time) and Lil' Louis's swinging garage-house rub of Kimra Lovelace's 'Misery'.
Fisher Vs Kita Alexander - "Atmosphere" (extended mix) (7:24)
Fisher Vs Kita Alexander - "Atmosphere" (acappella) (1:42)
Fisher Vs Kita Alexander - "Atmosphere" (extended instrumental) (5:56)
Fisher Vs Kita Alexander - "Atmosphere" (3:24)
Review: 'Atmosphere' is an all new and highly effective earworm pulled from the depths of a tequila bottle. It is sure to be another mega-hit for EDM royalty and pro surfer-turned-producer FISHER who is best know for his last anthem, 'Losing It.' Featuring ethereal vocals from Brisbane's Kita Alexander, the track blends ecstatic synths with massive, pogoing bass and has already got tens of millions of streams and a gold certification. Various mixes all tweak the drums and synth but the original is the one you will be hearing all year long.
Review: Only a hard techno label would be brazen enough to call itself Danger Wank. There is much more worth investigating here though than just the semantics: Fist Of Fury grabs you by the throat with its overdriven percussive loops and flat, slamming drums on 'Minimaythm Demoniae.' It sounds like what happens when you have too many windows open on your computer with sound playing from one that crashes. Al Core brings squealing synths and horrorcore sleaze to '007 Bald Frenchcore' and Celsius tickles the inner war with the abstract sounds and malfunctioning drum patterns of 'L'Appel Du Vide.' Kyo_O's 'Releaser Fucking' gets a brutal LeeloO Hardcoholics remix to close down this serious sonic assault.
Review: French synth-dub duo Froid Dub return with a fresh sonic exploration on their new six-track album, taking their blend of synth wave and dub to new depths. Known for their organic-meets-digital sound, they push the boundaries even further with this release. The album features the unmistakable rhythms of the TR-808, now more submerged than ever in the thick, swirling echoes of digi-bass, creating a hypnotic atmosphere. Perfect for fans of experimental electronic and dub, this latest offering is another testament to Froid Dub's ability to fuse genres in a way that feels both timeless and forward-thinking.
Review: First unveiled on his fine 2023 album Bruno & The Birds, 'Let Me Go' is one of rising star Jullian Gomes' most sumptuous and effortlessly soulful tracks to date - a gorgeous blend of shuffling deep house drums, star-lit chords, gentle melodies and eyes-closed vocals made in collaboration with Japanese legend Kuniyuki Takahashi and singer Sio. On this EP, Gomes' superb original mix is backed by a trio of remixes. Gomes' mentor Atjazz provides two rubs: a breezy, full vocal, broken deep house take in his trademark style (the 'Astro Art Remix') and the more bass-heavy and infectiously percussive 'Astro Rmix'. Osunlade dons the Yoruba Soul guise and delivers a fine, EP-ending rework full of bouncy Afro-house beats, deep sub bass and spacey electronics.
Review: A record that explores deep, hypnotic rhythms with a strong tribal and mystical undercurrent, the latest Siamese Twins records pushes the boundaries of what is possibly in eastern influences underground techno. Side-1 opens with 'The Golden Triangle', an atmospheric introduction that feels cinematic, setting the stage with ambient textures before giving way to movement. 'Lens of Time' follows, locking into a deep, primal groove where rolling percussion and rich low-end create an entrancing effect. On Side-2 'Mekong' leans into tribal mysticism, blending ancient rhythmic patterns with a modern pulse. The production is detailed yet raw, drawing from rich percussive layers. 'Ruak' closes the EP with pulsating bass and deep, rolling rhythms, channeling Eastern influences into a hypnotic techno flow. A powerful release from Siamese Twins Records, driven by Sunju Hargun's distinct vision.
Review: Techno tachyons Midi Mode, based in Ireland, provide a home for "warped and twisted" sounds and those who create them. After five vaporwave-tinged, reality-bending debut EPs from the likes of Ikeaboy and Power, they now present their very first selectors V/A EP on a gooey green wax edition. It's quite the assembly of Eireann techno royalty, with a host of seasoned players lead by probably the country's most esteemed DJ, Sunil Sharpe, as well as Kerrie and Wexford's Lee Holman. Quality is, naturally, at a consistently high label - with closer 'Phase-One' proving an especially computational, objectivist, mad, pitiless track.
Roots Defender Riddim Section - "No Justice Dub" (4:18)
Kojo Neatness - "Bun Dem Down" (4:02)
Roots Defender Riddim Section - "Dub Dem Down" (4:19)
Review: Jah Mason and Kojo Neatness bring an authentic island flavour to this solid 4/4 roots rhythm that was crafted by the Roots Defender Riddim Section. The track features soulful horn arrangements as well as mesmerising guitars and keys by Black Steele and Maestro Inyaki. Originally recorded as a full band piece in Brixton over a decade ago, it underwent multiple stages to perfect its organic vibe for sound system heads. The multitrack was then taken to Ital Soup studio in South London where Petah Sunday served up a brilliant analogue mix while also adding some mind-blowing dubs all of which have already made their mark.
Review: All aboard the velvet sound ships! 'Right By The Moon' is one of Giorgio Dolce's iconic Italo disco gems. It came in 1984 right at the height of that sound's popularity on Many Records and is now back and better than ever. That is because this reissue has come straight from the original tapes and features the original and club mixes lighting up the A-side. Flip to the B-side for a double treat: the never-before-heard original demo and a dazzling remix sprinkled with Eddy Mi Ami's signature magic. A regular favourite in Radio Stad Den Haag's Top 100, this I.D. Limited Records reissue is pure crack for Italo addicts.
Review: Inhuman (but not inhumane) electro-techno from Kafkactrl, bringing moods of faceless robo-bureaucracy to the Spanish label Another Perspective. Highlights on this cryosonic clatterer include the Modular K collaboration 'Weird Particules', an inner isolation chamber packed with overactive reagents, and Alonzo's version of 'Kuramoto Model', whose muddied UR-style hits resound like mechy hand-claps, as chaotic bass gunfire unloads itself across a traipsing mix.
Nordhouse (Luke Hess & Brian Kage Reference remix) (5:51)
Galaxian (Max Watts remix) (6:02)
Review: Detroit's Brian Kage is back with more Motor City goodness, this time as a remixer alongside a fine selection of peers. It is his Timeless Times album that gets reworked here and for his remix of 'Nordhouse' he works with fellow Detroiter and dub techno don Luke Hess to cook up a warm, shuffling sound. Elsewhere Delano Smith brings his signature smoky loops and plaintive keys to 'Detroit Techno City', Milton Jackson steps up with a buddy deep house roller and 'Galaxian' gets an electro remix from Max Watts to make this a classy, quality collection.
Review: With releases already clocked up on Carl Craig's Planet-E, the Omar S-run stable FXHE and Rob Modell's Echospace, Detroit house/techno fans with a keen eye (and ear) will already know Brian Kage. Michigander is his own label and this EP - that kicks off with Taho and Kage joining forces again on its A-side - was a success when it first emerged on marbled vinyl in March 2023. So much so, in fact, that's it been given a repress. With traces of acid and uplifting piano notes undewrwritten by deep chords on the opener '909 Nights', 'Warehouse Vibes' then brings driving kicks and dubby techno bliss before the closer 'JAX' goes in the style with its fist pumping rhythms. Motor City musical magic at its best.
Review: If there is one planet we would like to spend some time on, it's Planet Rhythm. For techno lovers, it is one of the finest out there thanks to its consistently high quality, fad-free output. Kaiobarssalos is next to add to the cannon with this uptempo and stripped-back EP. 'Fatia' is all twisted and unsettling synth motifs, 'Lupulo' gets glitchy and 'Not About' is packed with unresolved loops that keep you on edge, and last of all some of the pent-up pressure is released through the more smooth but still banging deep techno trip that is closer '80's Moove'.
Review: Planet Trip Records calls Millos Kasier one of their favourite DJs on earth so they are buzzing to have him next up. He is a Brazilian talent who brings plenty of the energy and style of his homeland to this EP. 'Te Quero Perto' has woody, knocking beats and an old-school Chicago bassline setting the tone before glistering and retro-future keys arrive to bring light and hope. A Latin vocal and Italo chords then take things to the next level and make this a real summer sizzler. A Paco Cabana is more percussive and Lipelis & Orion Agassi offer two different versions that rework it for the club.
Review: Naming his latest tunes 'Target Practice' and 'Improv', Spanish electro producer Kalcagni is determined to flaunt his care-less, unruffled streak, implying that the production of electro floor-haulage is a cakewalk. After all, the best among us eat bangers for breakfast! The A-siders rattle out like inexhaustible mags, as we hunt down bullet-holed cardboard cutouts of mortal enemies, spied in the reticle. It's only until after such an opening bloodbath that we find a moment to catch our breaths and put on a 'Clean Shirt', where rejuvenative acids resound between roomier beat. Finally, 'Drift N Shift' hears Kalcagni pack in his shift at the shooting range and steal away into a misty, chord-laden night, though the sense of urgency is not lost on us.
Review: Kalocain's debut vinyl release is a haunting trip through sound and science and is underpinned by some seriously weighty bass. The title track bridges ancestral echoes and present-day rhythms, while 'W.N.G.' unveils cryptic mysteries from a forgotten past. 'Ivermectin' crafts surreal molecular melodies that look to "decipher the enigma of sonic DNA." Remixes by Normal 4, Patricia Kokett, and Jacques Satre twist each original into new and bizarre realms. Evaldas Bubinas aka Hermandrowning, adds eerie artwork that fuses sound and visuals into an uncanny harmony to close out a high-concept, high-class package.
Review: Lion Vibes lives up to its name with his powerful release from Jamaica featuring the legendary Ini Kamoze and rising star Lila Ike. Produced by Kareem Burrell of XTM Nation, this heavyweight track was recorded at Anchor, 9soundclik and Tads studio with top reggae musicians bringing real authenticity to the sounds. The A-side mix by Veer Dhaniram delivers a stunning vocal cut that exudes island cool while the low-end swaggers. The B-side unveils a previously unreleased dub mix by Gregory Morris and the record comes in a beautifully designed picture sleeve by Juppi Juppsen.
Review: Warsaw underground favourite Kampinos emerges onto the wider stage here with two standout jungle and drum & bass infused reworks. The A-side features 'Golden Eggs,' a reimagining of Tenor Saw's classic that comes infected with 90s jungle vibes, heavy amen drums and massive bass drops that will rattle yer bass bins. On the B-side, 'Menino De Outro Mundo' blends the Brazilian sounds of Caetano Veloso with samba rhythms and rolling drum & bass beats for a nice fresh fusion. This is an inventive, cross-genre 7" that honours the roots while pushing forward.
Review: Karolina BNV is not to be messed with, putting it lightly. The Berlin-based producer has garnered a loyal following among fans of EBM, New Beat, industrial, electro-goth and robot sex droid fetish production scenes. The latter we just made up but hopefully you get what we're getting at. Descriptions aside, she follows her 'Lessons On Good Behaviour' release with four more tracks born from a terrifying future we're probably already living in, we just don't really know it yet. From the apocalyptic sludge and punch of 'Unforgivable Decisions', to the electro rave squelch and staccato percussion of 'Context Abuse', the two tracks roll out relentless grit and grime. Then you have '1988' and 'Germany Calling', with their retro futurism, acid house totems held high in the air for all to see that there is still some resistance to the robots.
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