Review: Clut deliver a specialised clout-glut with a fresh split EP from rising artist Alric Aerial, who here teams up with yet another artist who's so far flown under the label's radar - Electrodynamique. Here the pair deliver four electro-dancefloor tracks primed for every situation: sleazy bar, backlit festival stage, ironic doomsday scenario, you name it. This EP's cascading sixteenths flow like metallic droplets, their acid lines and FM blurps splurging forth with increasing restlessness and impertinence, and decreasing self-control. Particularly squelchy is Aerial's 'Tough Cuts', which moves trigger-happy on the cutoff filter whilst dungeon-bound sine tones splay across the top edges of the track, like ectoplasms left behind after a string of Zeno's paradoxes have been solved. 'We Are The City' by Electrodynamique indulges a final emery note, abrading its curveball electro mix to a grinding, apocalyptic oblivion.
Review: Organ-filled ambient house courtesy of a four-way collab between AP, DJ Tjizza, Eversines and Michelle, who all form parts of the UK dance music collective Picnic. Refractive acid, dreamatic plastics, stoic echoics... every possible corner of trance-inducing dance heaven is scoured on this all-encompassing EP, the highlights of which, in our humble opinions, are 'Nyxation' and 'Panther'.
Basement Space & Mans Glaeser - "Spacer Glaezer" (6:01)
Eric OS - "Timeout" (5:11)
Baby Rollen - "TwentyTwenty Home" (8:23)
Anna Kohlin - "What Time Is It?" (7:06)
Review: A releaser that crackles with an energy that could only emanate from the shadowy corners of the Swedish electronic underground. Anna Kohlin, label co-head and architect of hypnotic soundscapes, guides us through a diverse sonic landscape, her own 'What Time Is It?' leading the charge. Built from the evocative textures of the Roland JV-1080, it shimmers with a sunrise glow, ethereal pads interweaving with delicate melodies. Kohlin, a master of contrasts, doesn't shy away from the shadows, injecting her creation with sharper, dynamic elements that add a touch of grit to the dreamlike atmosphere. Eric OS throws down a challenge with 'Timeout', a sonic time capsule that transports us back to the early 2000s. Analogue warmth collides with the raw energy of digital sound, vintage synths intertwining with crisp beats in a nostalgic yet undeniably fresh sonic tapestry. Baby Rollen, armed with a looped double bass sample and the crisp snap of a 909, crafts a hypnotic groove with 'TwentyTwenty Home'. A warm 303 bassline snakes through the mix, adding a touch of acid-tinged euphoria to the already infectious rhythm. Basement Space and Mans Glaeser, never ones to shy away from the unconventional, deliver 'Space Glaezer', a sonic maze that twists and turns through intricate textures and unexpected rhythmic shifts. Kohlin's curation is nothing short of masterful, showcasing the diverse and ever-evolving landscape of the Swedish electronic music scene. Inside Out 002 is a testament to the power of electronic music to transport, inspire, and defy expectations.
Happy707 - "Where Does That Noise Come From" (4:28)
Review: Menacing EBM and dark synth billows from a Netherlands hinterland; our heralds speak of an esoteric encampment by the name of Espectro Oculto, said to be the remote incantators of an unstoppable curse in sound. Six shadowy emissaries have been sent to spread the pestilence; Trenton Chase, Martial Canterel, DJ Nephil, Exhausted Modern, Fragedis and Happy707. Clearly, the faction have recruited only the best, trusted and yet most nefarious of spies from as far-flung regions as Czechia and Argentina in the administering of such a sordid sonic plague. We're left most quivery at the centrifugal doom drones of Exhausted Modern's 'Fear Of Focus', across whose breakdown banshees are heard wailing and snarling, and Fragedis' 'Landing In Reality', a lo-fi techno freakout and sonochemical anomaly, channeling militant two-way radio samples and hellish FM synthesis.
Review: A vibrant homage to 80s electrofunk and disco, packed with lush grooves and melodic finesse. Side-1 kicks off with 'Freak', a shimmering track steeped in 80s-inspired electrofunk, blending sleek melodies with a polished, retro vibe. 'Last Days Of Cybotron' follows, maintaining the melodic theme with a funky, futuristic edge that nods to the electro era's pioneering spirit. On Side-2, 'The Chiller Thriller' slows things down with a cool, laid-back electrofunk groove, perfect for low-key moments. 'Radio Station P You' channels early 80s R&B funk and electro in the vein of the Gap Band, delivering a nostalgic yet fresh energy. Wrapping up the release is 'Sassy Strutt', an infectious fusion of funk and house with undeniable dancefloor appeal. This collection masterfully bridges the gap between vintage electrofunk and nu-disco, making it an essential pick.
Review: An electrifying dose of uptempo, futuristic techno, the first side opening with the title track, 'Machine Code', a dynamic, big-room anthem that brings intense sci-fi energy with its heavy rave alarm sounds and pulsing bass. It's a high-octane ride, perfect for peak-time club moments. 'Waveshaper' follows, leaning towards electro while retaining a sinister techno edge. Its heavy, brooding rhythm and sharp, mechanical textures make it a standout in the darker corners of the EP. On Side-2, 'System Error' ramps up the energy with pounding beats and relentless drive. It's a techno killer, designed for the dancefloor with its hard-hitting impact. The final track, 'System Error (The Hacker Remix)', slows the pace slightly, offering a deeper, more reserved groove, but it still burns with intensity. The remix brings an atmosphere that adds a layer of mystery while maintaining the EP's fierce energy. 'Machine Code' EP is a powerful, relentless techno offering from start to finish.
Review: Distant Gaze champion the return of producer E-Bony to the label with 'Shapes & Frequencies', their new six-track record blurring EP and album. Delving deep into the unfiltered worlds of acid and Detroit, 'Shapes & Frequencies' expresses a pure exercise in formal techno abstraction, delivering a wide range of moods and intensities through analogue textures and heavy-hitting kicks, both synonymous with E-Bony's distinct sound. The EP hastens as it progresses, with 'Fantasy' indulges a nice n' rough 135-ish BPM, 'X-drix' commanding a sleekly scientific surround sound, and Clouzer's remix of 'Let It Be' swerving full aircraft hangar electro, giant snare verbs and gobby acid rattles aplenty.
Andrea Bertoli & DJ Bogdan - "Extremely On Line" (5:36)
Review: Exxtra Beats Records backs up its commitment to pushing things on with a new four-tracker of minimal and tech cuts. Edo Ecker's 'Extraluxxo' has warped synth lines that encourage introspection while the snappy beats make you move physically. Leff's 'Future Problems' has hazy and positive arpeggios that toot away over sustained chords and move at a nice inviting pace. Little Sea offers the snappy drums and gurgling acid lines of 'How I Wanna Feel' while Andrea Bertoli & DJ Bogdan's 'Extremely On Line' is a snappy and upbeat cosmic tech cut with wonky lines adding the charm.
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: Freestyle Records delivers another UK boogie gem with Eddie Capone's Treatment, reissuing the 1985 white label rarity Only You Know What I Like. Limited to just 300 copies worldwide, this release shines a light on Capone's legacy. A stalwart of the UK's reggae, soul and funk scenes since the 70s, Eddie Capone formed Treatment in the early 80s, blending a rotating cast of talent. The track has become a sought-after deep cut for selectors, continuing Capone's influence across generations of musicians and DJs.
Review: The Egyptian Lover's 2021 album 1986 was a widely-hailed blast of electro funk perfection from a true lifer - is there anyone other than Greg Broussard you would trust to bring the heat with an 808 and not much else? Now one of the album's standout cuts, 'Lose Control', is getting the single treatment with an extended mix which lets Jamie Jupiter and Brian Ellis' bonus musical contributions to the track take off in full flight. As a bonus treat on the flip, we get the sparkling new joint 'Vocoder Jam', ensuring you have two sides of raw electro heat from one of the sound's true originators.
Review: Still no one makes electro quite like the OG that is The Egyptian Lover. He helped pioneer the genre back in the day and for proof look no further than 'Franky Girl' from way back in 1986. It still very much sounds future today with its ice-cold drum machine sounds, creepy, mystic bass lines and sci-fi synth leads all topped off with his own inimitable mic work. Extended and album versions are included with the flipside featuring 'We The Freaks'. It's a more crisp and raw cut but one that still makes you want to pop that body on the dance floor.
Review: Egyptian Lover's Egypt Egypt: 40th Anniversary 1984-2024 celebrates a seminal track in the evolution of electro and techno. Originally released in 1984, 'Egypt Egypt' remains a cornerstone of West Coast electro, influencing both early techno and hip-hop. This anniversary reissue underscores the track's enduring impact, as its innovative rhythms and pioneering sound continue to resonate with new generations of listeners. The 40th Anniversary edition features a remastered version of 'Egypt Egypt' on Side-1, preserving its original energy and groundbreaking appeal. Side-2 offers the 'Girls' (40th Anniversary Mix), which breathes new life into the classic while retaining its iconic essence. This reissue not only honors the legacy of Egyptian Lover's influence but also introduces its revolutionary sound to contemporary fans, highlighting its crucial role in shaping electronic music and hip-hop culture.
Review: Believe In Records is a division of MixCult Records and this new EP is an extraordinary one that unites two broken-beat heavyweights, Electrosoul System and Dawn Razor. Drum & bass legend Electrosoul System channels his vast expertise in broken-beat rhythms, while Dawn Razor adds a distinct mutant edge to the tracks. The release is elevated by an on-point remix from the talented context, aka Dissident, who seals the deal on this dynamic, destruction four tacker which is perfect for every moment of the night with its unique, bass-driven sound.
Review: The Cimedirapax crew are back with another superb various artists collection that nudges at the borders of tech house and minimal. Eliaz's 'Enbaspremal' is an alien sound with abstract designs and trippy pads and Lapucci then gets deeper and darker on the menacing 'To Be On Top.' F_Phono brings some nu-disco energy and bright 80s arps to 'Sollievo' then Marco Biagioli heads into more occult worlds with the eerie and haunting 'Strange Mirror' before Equinox's 'Intergalactic Space' offers a caustic electro workout.
Review: Cyphon Recordings celebrates its tenth release with Emotive Technology, a new project by Chilean artist Massiande. The five-track EP offers soul-stirring techno spanning various styles. Despite being his debut under this alias, Massiande boasts a decade-long career, releasing music on esteemed labels like Housewax and Phonica. The EP kicks off with 'Rise,' a fusion of new beat and arp-operated techno, setting the stage for peak-time euphoria. Tracks like 'It's On' and 'Your Zone' dive deeper into hypnotic rhythms, while 'Walk Into The Light' pays homage to Detroit's techno legacy. Closing with 'The Swing,' the EP captivates with its resonating synths and pulsating basslines, embodying machine music with soulful depth.
Review: The Space Trace label keeps quality high with this fourth outing on wax. Eric Os is on the button for this one with 'Underworld' first to lure you into its world with gently broken bets and moody pads setting an eerie tone. 'Stereophysical' is more jacked up with fizzing synth lines and warped pads over future house beats and 'Elusive' bringing some trance energy to its flashy, bright synths. 'Electrodreammachine' is a wonky electro workout with withering sci-fi motifs, puling synth sequences and raw hits. 'Feeling Real' and 'Cherry Red' complete the EP with more blends of house, electroclash and sleazy guitar riffs.
Review: Diagonal Records gives itself over to Australian rising star Jonus Eric, who is sure to have a big year if this is anything to go by. His new EP follows on from a fine recent outing on Gerd Janson's Running Back and once again it finds him serving up six tracks of sample-rich, psychedelic house music with a loveably rase aesthetic. it; shard not to hear the sounds of Theo Parrish echoing through the mechanical house sounds of opener 'Darkwhirl' then the funk-driven 'Crimewave' cuts more loose, the gnarly 'Shapeshift' contorts body and mind and 'Polarity' is a 90s IDM-infused finale. What a trip!
Review: Eris, aka. Enrica Falqui and Dea Dvornik, mint the Plexus 4 label with the 'Glimmers' EP. New outings breed novel vibes; so too does this exciting new house pairing bring future-facing, melancholic electro-progressive flavours to the table with opener 'Kundalini Rising' and A2 ensuer 'Serpente'. Both tracks shimmy and plod through the twinned vibes of alien atmospherics via a driven whimsy, nailing a sweet interplay of seriousness and affability. B-siders 'Anticipation' and 'Game Over' contrastingly move more minimal with things, using, revelling in the natural monophony of, their various analog synths, their delectably dedicated studio gear. The final track ends on an eerier note, suggesting murkier future ambi-topias to navigate.
Review: Gerard Hanson, known as techno don Convextion, delivered three deep electro gems as ERP for Frustrated Funk and the cuts were soon regarded as mini modern classics. As such the EP gets reissued on blue vinyl and from the off he lays down a killer moody electro-funk vibe with the elastic basslines and emotive synth strokes of 'Luctu.' The B-side 'Tuga' captivates with its beautiful strings and harmonised synths, while 'Pith' charms with its hushed, In Sync-style drum machine rhythms and a nocturnal vibe. Hanson's rich, emotive electro-artistry is fully on display here.
Review: After his recent releases on X-Kalay and Craigie Knowes, Melbourne's Escape Artist returns to Phonica where he has previously released his well-received Energy Breakthrough EP. Once again here he shows his love of serving up euphoric and energetic cuts with the A-side, 'Forgot Who I Was,' building great intensity with delicate melodies and a shifting bassline. The B-side, 'Remembering', offers a contrasting yet complementary vibe that keeps on with the previous track's two-step rhythm while evolving into a more uplifting direction with ambient techno elements and acidic breaks. It's potent stuff.
Review: Escape Artist makes their label debut on Craigie Knowes with Far Away Places, a 12" that captures the final moments of European summer while embracing the Southern hemisphere's party season. This four-track release delivers expertly crafted tunes, blending deep grooves and soaring melodies, perfect for lifting both dancefloors and spirits. Each track stands out with its own distinct energy, offering a versatile sound that suits everything from underground club nights to outdoor festival stages.
Review: As the title suggests, Some Other Place Volume 2 is the second installment of a triptych of releases from The Exaltics for The Clone West Coast series. As with previous music from the Solar One boss, the four tracks here see The Exaltics look to both American and Dutch schools of electro but the results are nonetheless distinguished by his own unique signifiers. The title track sets the tone nicely as waves of sumptuous blurred noise ride a supple skeletal rhythm, whilst "Waves Of Fear" lives up to it's paranoid title with a marauding low end bass line the dominating element on a classic slab of darkside electro. "The Way Out" is perhaps the most conventional track here, with Witschakowski laying down an atmospheric but club ready 808 workout which is still a cut above thanks to the German's arrangement skills. Which leaves room for the slower, weirder and mushy excellence of "Different Ways".
Review: Robert Witschakowski has been a man on an electro mission (as well as many other side mission, to be really quite honest) for as long as we can remember. His furtherment of electro knows no bounds and it has often come in association with Dutch label Clone and its offshoots, though here he has his They Arrive EP reissued by fellow Dutch label Creme Organization. It landed first back in 2011 but has aged like fine wine and sounds as good as ever - there are a mix of creepy and atmospheric pieces, sick dancefloor rhythms and plenty more to enjoy here.
Review: Electro don Robert Heise turns his attention back to The Exaltics project for a new EP on his steady label home Repetitive Rhythm Research. Forgetting the proverbial "house" that birthed the song, Heise borrows the canonic title and lends it a certain force majeure, in the vein of bristly "helicopter blade" synths and classic techno drum machine furrow. Best on this fearsome crock is 'Parallel Reality', whose impressively miscible cuckoo-clock offbeats and sneak-up, reverse-worked, burring lead line have yet to meet their match this year. ORX's opening edit is the most expulsive, firing off a grunting artillery of monstrously low synths and brusque cymbal crashes in enfilade.
Review: To coincide with the reissue of the standout Exaltics album Das Heise Experiment, Robert Witschakowski has reached out to an all-star cast for a bonus 12" of remixes and collaborations which will only serve to add weight to the whole project. Iconic Detroit duo ADULT. team up with Exaltics on 'Dreizehn Habits', which is a vocal update of a track from the original soundtrack. Then Gesloten Cirkel jumps on for the typically incisive, edged-out machine language typical to his Bunker Releases. The mighty Keith Tucker dons his K1 cap for a punchy slice of Motor City machine funk, and then Gerald Donald's Arpanet alias locks on for a creeping, slippery excursion to close the record out on the B2.
The Exaltics & Paris The Black Fu - "Wea Poni Zedin Form" (4:02)
Alex Jann - "Android Memory" (5:31)
Lost Souls Of Saturn - "Rave Is Back" (6:31)
Kim Cosmik - "Moonrise" (6:58)
Review: Ralph Lawson's Leeds based 20/20 Vision label has made a distinctive shift into electro territory over the last couple years. It is a sound the boss has said has long been in his heart despite him being best known as a house head and longtime resident at Back to Basics, and the quality of the tunes he unearths to put out more than backs that up. The Exaltics & Paris The Black Fu kick off with a shiny, bright, visceral metallic electro workout then three further cuts take in dark wave drum machine rhythms and acid-laced bangers.
Review: Spanish label Fanzine keeps its quality output coming with this 19th EP, and it takes the form of a various artists' EP and the fourth instalment of the Xuntanza series. The Exaltics open up with some moody and stripped-back downtempo electro on 'The End' and Robot City then picks up the energy with the snappy rhythms of 'TerrorVision.' Elektrotechnik's 'Autopilot' is a nice bumping, tightly programmed drum workout with sci-fi effects and rising arps, then Acidulant brings some manic 303 action and Roi shuts down with more industrial electro tension.
Review: Downtempo dystopi-techno from London's brokntoys, who've been going since 2013. The six tracks contained on this EP by Exhausted Modern scour every depth of the frequency spectrum, producing a cosmic affair that challenges our presumptions about cause-and-effect itself (hence the title 'Notions Of Causality', perhaps). For example, 'Raised From Awareness' is a trans-perceptive chugger which cycles through phasey dubby drums and weird paradigmatic zones, while 'Noosphere' brings atmospherics to the abstract, sonically describing the biospheric plane of human reason.
Review: The Rx sub-label kicks on with four fresh remixes of an original by the great electro talent, Exzakt. Tipper opens things up with his take on 'Second Wave' which is dense with sonic invention, synth adulation and alien life forms. Uprokk keeps the digital aesthetic with bright sounds, icy hi hats and a rapping bassline that makes you want to jack and EMS's remix is a full-throttle assault with wispy melodies and snapping snares topped with sirens and vocal snippets that make for a high-impact sound. Imatron Voima's remix is a character closer with a wild lead synth that has a life of its own.
Review: Miami electro pusher Exzakt is one of the masterminds behind the latest incarnation of the Miami bass sound, which has seen much of a rebranding over the years since it's late 80s and early 90s inception. On 'Electrobass Vol. 1', Exzakt and his ilk DOH and BFX continue represent the genre's nascent cybernetic turn, combining the genre's originally booty-bassy call-and-response kitsch with more synthetic robotized elements. As is essential to Exzakt's craft, this is a limited-edition hand-numbered record, so if you want your exclusive mitts on hip-electro alarmers such as 'UnderstandMe' (the highlight on this one) then you'd better act fast.
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