De:tuned Schallplatten & CDs

Review: Returning with his signature sound drawn from the early UK techno scene he helped pioneer, Kirk Degiorgio's new album lands on De:tuned, a label dedicated to upholding that very sound and the continued creativity of its originators. Of Degiorgio's various aliases, AsOne is the one which has endured, and existing fans will find themselves more than satisfied with the approach taken on this new long player. Of course part of that satisfaction requires a sense of progression, given this has always been music concerned with the future, and Degiorgio manages to keep his sound moving forwards, drawing on ever-richer production and luxurious melodic sensibilities to deliver a mature and immersive kind of techno as suited to armchair escapism as dancefloor immersion.

Review: Kirk Degiorgio's As One project continues to be a beacon of inspiration within the annals of deep, melodic UK techno. As a true pioneer of the sound from the earliest days, it's impressive to see his inspiration maintain, and there's no better home for his work than De:tuned, a label dedicated to preserving the rich expression and invention of that foundational sound. On AsOne2 we're treated to an extended excursion into widescreen machine soul of the highest calibre, where melancholic chord progressions collide with restlessly original drum programming. It's quite simply exquisite, produced with an impeccable ear and loaded with sincere human feeling. This limited pressing of the album comes on red marbled wax too - highly recommended for the collectors out there.

Review: Paul Bailey, known as Damage, proffers his sonic take on the concept of what damage is and could sound like in the abstract. Like a giant piston hurtling at us, and repeatedly crushing us from above, we're thrown menacingly into the sniffly wiggles of 'Hadal Zone' and the reinterpretive work of the likes of James Ruskin and Makaton. It's a worthy addition to the Brummy techno canon, and should be noted for its unique wonk-tech veer.

Review: The seemingly unstoppable rise of De:tuned continues, as they take a break from serving up sci-fi techno, IDM and ambient techno to deliver something a lot more intense: a surprise EP from original House of God Birmingham resident DJ Paul 'Damage' Bailey. Channeling the spirit of his friend Surgeon while offering up something fresh, the two original tracks on show are undeniably inspired. 'Hadal Zone' adds weirdo noises, bleeps and mind-mangling electronic pulses to a slipped Afro-techno groove, while 'Decompression' is a wonky, triple-time workout full of Ket-addled electronics and wayward loops. Makaton re-imagines that track as a locked-in late-night techno throb-job, while James Ruskin turns 'Hadal Zone' into a buzzing, industrial-influenced electro-bleep number.

Review: Trickstery braindancer Luke Vibert lays down his next album via De:tuned Records, following prior releases on the imprint such as 'Arcadia'. Refusing to opt for hypey trends, Vibert stays true to his craft on 'Machine Funk', sticking to cute electro, winding melodies and a light-hearted sense of humour. Packed with playful puns for track titles and music spanning everything from electronic reimaginings of helter skelters to funny spoonerisms, the 808 and 303 ring most true here. Whirly FM synthesis pokes through on tracks like 'Juxtafication' and 'Moderneers Modernize', while even a rare Vibert footwork bit shows up on 'Taming Of The View'.