Review: It has been a rather remarkable three years since Yuko dropped its first release, but finally, they are back with more. It is co-founder Emo Omar who features both solo and in collaboration with Luje from Club Pizza while two exciting new French talents Chud and Vivant also make their mark. 'Pollen' is a bright and hooky melodic electro sound then 'You & Me' gets more percussive, with old school cow bells staying busy next to all sorts of wonky synth work. 'Tomorrow's Made Of Breaks' is built on rigid funk and trippy synth bleeps and 'Zeus' shuts down with some retro-future vocoder vocals. This is a great return from a label we hope now pushes on.
Review: A quick piping of ultrafast space-techno comes as a six-track aural electro-techno drip, courtesy of Berlin's Mechatronica Music. The second in their 'Constellations' series of V/A EPs, this is an exodic exultation, charting top farings from the likes of Umwelt, Ben Pest and Viikatory. Umwelt's opening charge 'Stellar Oscillations' is a warpsped drive back to the retrofuture, with punctured stabs and fractal chord efferents propelling a lengthy trance crissing 'cross the milky way. Pest's 'Shodan' takes a detour, recharging at an interstellar traction substation specialising in sputtery, kilowatted electro. And 'Be Scared Of Clowns' is the titular highlight by Prz & Ori bringing a different spaceship to the same docking bay; it is the comparative Borg cube to the A3's Romulan craft, lessening any residual humanity for a shocking laserdesign B cut.
Review: On their latest EP for Incoherent Data, producer Valerio Della Notte prove themselves to be not only a slick producer but also a rather amazing vocodist. Setting about exploring the boundary between human emotions and digital tech, 'Silicon Love' sets the stage for a four-track, new beatific bust-up of galactic proportions; unfortunately we can't make out the lyrics, but that more or less doesn't matter, due to the existence of auditory pareidolia; we hear what we want to hear. A2, B1 and B2 are equally as weighty and synthetic glitter-caked, bewitching the ears with power chords and mega-triads of the most excessive and luxuriant variety. Only 'ZXC' dubifies things somewhat, steering more quizzical through glassier square leads, like a cutting room floor fragment from a mid-career New Order studio session.
Review: Hidde Van Wee hails from the Netherlands but clearly has a respect for electronic styles from these shores, not least classic UKG and tech house. They are both to be heard in these cuts on HOMEGROWN Records, starting with 'Channel 4' which is a big energy beat with wiggling bass. The space-tech sound '5th Avenue' has already had big club plays from the likes of ROSSI. and Chris Stussy and 'Early Riser' then hooks you in with psychedelic colours and trippy motifs over new school tech drums. 'Far Out' shuts down with gritty, stripped back drums, a turbocharged bassline and celestial melodic outlook. Lovely stuff.
Review: Dutchman Boris Bunnik is a man of many moniker,s but here he returns as the electro-leaning Versalife with Parallax Effect PT.2, the second and final chapter in his series, which pushes his rhythmic vision into more elastic, unpredictable terrain. Shifting from the precision of PT.1, this release coils low-end pressure and restless sequences around percussive frameworks that flicker between tension and release. Each track feels alive-mechanically structured yet pulsing with organic energy unfolding in real time. The balance of restraint and propulsion gives the EP a kinetic, suspenseful edge which means that PT.2 doesn't just follow its predecessor; it refracts it, bending the narrative into new shapes.
Review: The ever-versatile Dutchman that is Versalife returns with more of his artfully crafted techno fusions, this time for the Spanish label Apnea. 'Colorvi' kicks off with a jumbled of glistening synth lines, tumbling arps and bristling drums that awaken every sense in your body. 'Omen Observer' has a darker underlying bassline but still gets lit up with sparkling keys that dart about the mix. 'Prophetic Traces' keeps the energy levels up with more fresh broken beat workouts and glowing, pixel-thin synths while 'Out Of Ether' shuts down with a fourth and final electro-techno fusion with an acid and squelchy bassline.
Review: Vertical67 makes a striking debut on Mechatronica with a powerful lineup of hypnotic, melodic, and darkly futuristic club tracks, weaving through electro, techno, breaks and acid. Each cut on this release pushes boundaries, balancing hard-edged rhythms with entrancing atmospheres that keep the energy high yet immersive. This selection is as much a journey as it is a dancefloor experience, showcasing Vertical67's knack for blending genres into a dystopian yet deeply engaging soundscape.
Review: Memento Records presents this gem from French producer and DJ Voiron who is a rising talent in techno. The new EP showcases a vision for blending acid, rave, hardcore, ghetto and hard house influences. This one opens with the energetic title track with driving acid sounds, while the 90s-inspired 'Voiron Mania' takes you back to the old school, the breakbeat-heavy 'Donjon Et Voiron' is for the peak time and the dreamy, experimental 'D'Or Et De Voiro' offers a nice different sound. Fun fact, alongside Voiron's work as a producer, he is also a cartoon designer.
Review: A fresh perspective on classic 80s electronic sounds across this eight-track collection that moulds house, techno and early rave influences into a dynamic, rhythm-driven experience. Kicking off with 'Lightweave', the groove immediately pulls from disco's infectious energy, layering dramatic organ melodies over a crisp, propulsive beat. The journey continues with 'Cubic Pathways', where deep, stomping new beat rhythms meet spacey, evocative melodies reminiscent of the late '80s transitioning into the early '90s. Normally , a producer tied to the sound of Detroit techno for the past 15 years, Johannes Volk shifts his focus to many kids of retro influences from around the world on this album. 'Sense Of Wonder' injects an Italo house spirit with electro elements, striking a perfect balance between nostalgia and futuristic sound design. Meanwhile, 'Exposure' leans into minimal yet incredibly catchy hooks, channeling the mechanical precision of Kraftwerk while maintaining a forward momentum fit for modern sets. The collection's closing moment, 'Zero Zero, taps into the raw energy of early UK rave and new beat, drawing comparisons to the bleep-driven textures of acts like LFO. Throughout, vintage textures and deep-rooted influences are seamlessly woven together, with results that feel both reverent and fresh.
Review: The latest edition to top up Belfast's Duality Trax label is the quixotically quality 'Time Out' EP by Voodoos & Taboos, a dream pair of underground stalwarts whose efforts are heard here alongside rising talent Bertie. Following the tried, tested and proven formula of pairing both established and upcoming artists on the same discographies, Voodoos & Taboos qualify for the latter category; the pair have released several EPs in the latter half of the 2020s so far, though this is their first to appear on Holly Lester's label. Though the title track urges time to stop, it hardly does; 'Time Out' and 'Endless Game' nail that sweet mixture of rubbery sound design and gurgly audio alienage, both so prevalent in today's sonic zeitgeist. Bertie's B-side version is phatter and brasher though no less technical and it brings a nifty breakdown with it too, making for an almost Ibizan isthmus between two forward groovier sections, just in time for some closing 'Action'.
Review: Voodoos & Taboos return with a captivating sonic adventure, fusing Mediterranean influences, tribal grooves, and seductive vocals into a hypnotic blend. This release sees the duo exploring new sonic territory, incorporating house-inspired beats, Balearic vibes and electro textures into their signature sound. 'Estetica Cibernetica' opens with a mesmerisng collaboration with Brazilian vocalist Lourene, her sultry vocals adding another layer of intrigue to the already captivating soundscape. Limited edition, this is destined to become a collector's item.
Review: Orlando Voorn's back catalogue is up there with many of his arguably more trendy American peers. This sixth outing from the "Classics" division of Nocturbulous Records backs that up by offering some such gems. 'Tronics' and 'Hydrotech' have been remastered and ew repressed for the first time here while 'Alien Interferences' and 'Need For Speed' have never before made it to wax. All four showcase the Dutchman'sstylish blend of supple techno drums and soulful machine sounds. 'Need For Speed' in particular is a fantastically warped stepper with myriad trippy sonics raining down the face of the broken groove.
Review: Swiss DJ Princess P presents a new selector's compilation and journey, spanning over a decade's worth of rare lo-fi, post-rocky and indietronic builds, all awash with the blanket buzzes of tape and saturation. Sporting liner notes from Optimo's JD Twitch, this is a wonderfully rare case of a properly yet individually released mix album. The music spans West Coast US dance music, industrial, and kitsch pop effusions from 1980 to the present, sporting a wide array of "file under" tags including rave, retro, space rock, cosmic, introspective, minimal, acid, ambient, and transcendental (to name only a few essential keywords). The full gamut of dreaminess is laid down here, peaking at the Natalie Beridze lo-fi breaks cut 'Forever Has No Shadow'.
Review: Get ready for some proper breakbeat tackle as Oil Gang reprobate Boylan recruits the troops for a heavyweight apocalyptic 140 BPM showdown. With the likes of Slimzee, Trends, D.O.K, U.S.F and Youngsta all on side, the mood is tense and the textures are rough. Imagine that sci-fi sternness of Virus, that old school rolling breakbeat bass of Koma & Bones or Evil 9 complete with the more modern neck snap abrasion of acts like Former or Coido and you're in the right rave. Mean, gritty and unapologetic.
Review: Mindcolormusic has put together another edition of its Mental Concept series. This one features eight more tracks of cutting-edge electronics from various unknown artists. The foundations of these beats are electro but that's just a jumping-off point with sojourns into ambient, jungle and plenty more besides. They are sounds for expansive dance floor trips with inward and introspective pads, darker basslines and plenty of smart samples. It's a high-class collection featuring plenty of devastating sounds, both physically and emotionally.
Emanuele Montalto - "The Electric Transformation" (6:02)
Lorenzo Aribone - "SDAD" (5:54)
Paul Lution - "More Than 80%" (5:28)
Review: Outcast Planet's with outing is a serious collection of techno heat from a selection of artists each with their own sound. Bakked kicks off with the stomping, teeth grinding machine energy of 'Dentro Il Sistema' then Munir Nadir's 'Push It' takes things even more intergalactic with searching synths and futuristic grooves. Elsewhere Cristian Sarde offers chunky industrial tech with 'Technology Flot', Emanuele Montalto's 'The Electric Transformation' brings a bit of taught techno bounce and Paul Lution's 'More Than 80%' layers up vocoder vocals with retro 80s synth sounds and slap-funk drums. This is a varied collection of fresh sounds that will wrk in a wide range of settings.
Review: After a fine first outing, Maite Records is back with more sublime electronic warmth. For its second release, Chef Paulin Weissmann crafts a special "recipe" inspired by Cafe Croissant events and looks to artists from all over the world for assistance. This flavourful mix reflects the label's ethos by offering a balanced blend of classic house, funky tracks with vocoders, minimal grooves and downtempo funk. Like a perfect meal, the music flows effortlessly and combines originality and harmony that cannot fail to delight.
Review: Master compilers ZYX outta Germany have pulled off another masterstroke here. The fourth edition of their
80s Electro Tracks Vinyl Edition collection comes on wax and is packed with gems you will know, and some you won't. All of these tunes very much defined the 80s electro era in their own way and plenty have all kept their edge and energy 40 years on. From catchy synth-pop ditties to the more edgy and experimental beats via several infectious rhythms and retro vibes, this is a time capsule back to this most wonderful decade.
Transistor Jet - "Master Of The Universe (BW's F-W)" (6:28)
Patrick Cowley - "Love Me Hot" (feat Paul Parker) (5:14)
Polar Praxis - "(I Want) To Be Different" (3:03)
Nightmoves - "Nightdrive" (4:38)
Megamen - "Designed For Living" (3:24)
Bachelors Anonymous - "A Stranger's Bed" (4:05)
Review: The peerless Dark Entries is back with another comprehensive new collection, Deep Entries: Gay Electronic Excursions 1979-1985, which is a well curated collection of ten rare queer synth tracks that explore the hidden corners of gay musical history. They span a pivotal period of six years and the songs range from sultry to angsty to camp with plenty of lovely 808 snares and textural analogue synths. This period in particular saw the gay community having to deal with the onset of the HIV/AIDS crisis and these tracks capture the era's mix of love and longing. Patrick Cowley's music is always going to stand out wherever you hear it and that is the case here on 'Love Me Hot,' while Megamen's proto-electroclash 'Designed for Living' and Paula Villagra's techno-pop anthem 'Happy Song' are also real gems.
B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition
City Lights From A Train (4:09)
Arrival, Metropolis (4:44)
Substrata (7:01)
Microton (7:01)
Nostalgia 4 The Future (5:18)
Post Arctic Industries (6:11)
Melodies & Memory (5:23)
Empty Buildings, Falling Rain (4:51)
Boulevard (9:44)
Neon Sky Rain (3:42)
Capsule For One (6:25)
To The Stars (7:18)
A Simulation (unreleased) (5:19)
Perfect Score (unreleased) (3:48)
Review: ***B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition***
Since the early noughts, York-based producer Martin Wheeler has had a somewhat prolific output, exploring various genres. Heading up the Iwari label, Wheeler's career defining album as Vector Lovers was signed by British label Soma in 2005 titled Capsule for One which led to the first great revival of 90s IDM. This reissue on Barcelona's Lapsus imprint features all the tracks from the original release (Wheeler actually remixed each and every song for this release) plus two previously unreleased tracks. Traversing such styles as electro, techno, minimal and ambient, this extra special release comes in a double marbled vinyl and a limited edition insert print, featuring artwork redesigned by Josep Basora.
Review: This double album on Profan marks the grand finale of Wolfgang Voigt's 'Best of' 1990s vinyl series which rightly celebrates a transformative decade in electronic music. This ninth instalment features a mix of iconic classics and first-time vinyl releases spanning from M:I:5 to Wassermann and culminating in a triumphant close to the era. As the music builds, it captures the energy and emotion of the decade before fading into the chiming bells of New Year's Eve. Part of the exclusive Earquake BOX, this release is both a tribute to and a culmination of the great Voigt's pioneering work during the nineties.
Mike Ink & The Chain Of Brotherhood - "Lovely Ugly Brutal World 1" (5:04)
Love Inc - "The Universe" (6:30)
Love Inc - "Gymnopedie" (3:44)
Mike Ink - "My Principle" (5:24)
Vinyl Countdown - "Animal Republic" (8:30)
Mike Ink - "Mirage" (4:27)
Mike Ink - "5 Years On Acid" (6:04)
Mike Ink - "150 BTM" (4:17)
Mike Ink - "Jingle Bells" (5:56)
Mike Ink - "Trump Tower" (6:00)
Review: This Earquake 1993 double album is a fitting soundtrack to celebrate Kompakt's March 1st 1993 birthday. It is packed with rare, long-out-of-print classics from that era and highlights include Love Inc.'s iconic 'Monoculture EP' and the acid opera 'Animal Republic' by Vinyl Countdown. Also featured are the unforgettable gabber hit 'Lovely Ugly Brutal World' by Mike Ink & Chain Of Brotherhood and the deep, pop-infused anthem 'Trump Tower' by Mike Ink. These tunes very much capture the spirit of legendary label Kompakt's early days by blending new, genre-busting sounds with timeless electronica.
We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners who may combine it with other information that you've provided to them or that they've collected from your use of their services.