Back catalogue: Electro

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: Spanish tastemakers Microm Records celebrates a decade of innovation in electro sound by bringing unreleased tracks from the past to vinyl alongside a selection of fresh current works. This project aims to honour the label's achievements while bridging the gap between its past and present and does so in style while also resurrecting hidden gems and encapsulating the evolution of its sound. From the dark, corrugated funk of Dark Vektor's 'Des Control' via MEKA's enthralling, vocal-laced workout 'If Electro' via Negocius Man's 'The Launcher', this is a superb electro collection.

Review: This reissue brings a sought-after Italo-disco classic back to the dancefloor. Originally released in 1984, it's a timeless anthem with infectious melodies and pulsating rhythms capturing the essence of the era. The reissue features three distinct mixes, each offering a unique flavour. The 'New York - London Mix' is a vibrant and energetic journey, while the 'Free House Mix' takes a more laid-back approach, its hypnotic groove perfect for those hazy after-hours moments. The 'NU Style Mix' injects a contemporary twist, updating the classic sound for modern dancefloors. Whether you're a seasoned Italo-disco aficionado or simply a lover of feel-good dance music, this reissue is a must-have.

Review: Seven years on from launching his Superluminal label, Matthias cements the journey so far with his very own debut album. Named after the term coined by astronomer Jacobus Kapteyn - used to describe the apparently faster-than-light movement of the ejecta (celestial flotsam) of the nova (exploding star) GK Persei - Superluminal has always drawn on the natural, parallel obsession that unifies the cosmos and dance music. The new record is expansive as such, with 'Underwater Maze' and 'Golem' colliding potent, anodic, reverberative sound design, and 'Fearless Voyager' and 'Sky Nomad' providing a chirpier ambi-acid techno front face.

Review: Michael Mayer's fourth album, The Floor Is Lava, arrives after an eight-year wait, following his collaborative & album on !K7. Mayer's solo output has always been selective, with each release feeling like a significant moment. His previous albums, Mantasy and Touch, were similarly spaced out, but with good reason. As the head of Kompakt and Imara, a globe-trotting DJ, and a highly sought-after remixer, Mayer wears many hats, and it's no surprise his own productions are more sporadic. Yet, this also ensures quality. His name on a record sleeve signals music that's both forward-thinking and rooted in the past, deftly balancing the demands of the dancefloor and more reflective listening. The Floor Is Lava showcases Mayer's talent for threading together genres and eras while keeping a distinct sense of purpose. Whether it's designed for late-night clubs or a contemplative listen at home, Mayer's sound continues to evolve, pushing boundaries while remaining firmly anchored in his established style. As always, his knack for combining the exploratory with the functional shines through, and this latest offering is no exception.

Review: Long-time UK music favourite Midland has taken a long old time to get his debut album into the world, but it was more than worth the wait. As you should expect from this cultured operator, it's not just a collection of bangers. Instead, it is a very personal deep dive and interrogation of the gay experience and AIDS epidemic. In amongst the sophisticated blends of meaningful synths, suspensory ambient sounds and a few more propulsive club cuts, the whole thing is infused with spoken word monologues and thoughtful words from a range of artists who experienced the crisis at its peak in the 80s and have long lived with the consequences. A truly special album.

Review: Mr. De's debut full-length album, originally from 2000, is only now reaching a wider audience thanks to Submerge, the distribution arm of Underground Resistance. Electronic Funkysht* blends funk, rap, soul, electro and techno with vocal and instrumental tracks that define Detroit's cutting-edge sound. Mr. De claims to have invented Detroit ghettotech with his classic 'Throw,' which is featured here, alongside 19 tracks packed with nasty basslines and hard-hitting drums as well as some signature D-Town bold lyrics. Highlights include 'Sex On The Beach 2000,' 'Give It Up' and the Prince-inspired 'Friday Night' all delivering raw, XXX-rated energy.

Review: Exarde continues its LP series with the return of Mysterious Dirty D, who presents his second full album on the label. This latest work, Garbage World, dives into the essence of electronic music and mixes up vintage and modern sounds to create a unique and storytelling sound. The album reflects on a world impacted by overconsumption, greed and neglect and is a reminder of the beauty in life that deserves more care. It's a thrilling trip through electro, techno acid, and visual artist Geka brings this theme to life with cover art inspired by tattoo art.