Vortex Traks Schallplatten & CDs

Review: We're always keen to hear from Berlin label Vortex Traks. This 11th offering sees them eschew their recent run of Various Artists EPs to instead focus on five cuts from Datawave. The Belgian artist's sound operates in some distant galaxy, watched over by his forebearers such as Dopplereffekt and Drexciya. Crashing hits open "Implant" before a serrated lead signals ready for takeoff. The intensity only ramps up through the warp speed synths of "Immune Compound" and corrugated bass rumbles of "Hybrid Structure". "Proceed" is the most alien of the lot, and "Thin Line" closes out on a mysterious vibe that will keep you coming back for more.

Review: Berlin's Vortex Traks is back with its third release and, as per usual, they mean total and utter business. Also, they've come through with another collaborative effort by a string selection of up-and-coming talents from around the globe: Canada's Kan3da drops a breezy slice of electro funk in "Dancing Data", while Finland's Morphology duo twist the electro into an industrial frenzy for their "32" track. On the flip, Mr Velcro Fastener injects a little bit if soul and jazz to his "Caffeine Sleep", and "Moonglade Temal" by The Guide Girls goes for a slower, moodier and more abstract tone of voice, closing this wonderful electro EP with a majestic groove.

Review: The tenth missive on Vortex Traks is full to bursting with tasty treats. As with many of the Berlin-based imprint's previous outings, it's a multi-artist affair. Marshall Applewhite kicks things off via the deep electro/dusty IDM fusion of "Better Do Not", where eight-bit electronics and undulating acid-style motifs rise above a crunchy beat, before Forehard attempts to batter dancefloors into submission via the full-throttle, Klakson-style Rotterdam electro filth of "Rhythm Device". Das Ding invites us to party in deep space via the high-tempo beats and swirling, some would say psychedelic electronics of "Analog Devices", before VCS2600 serves up some seriously punchy, acid-fired electro ("Modular Device").

Review: Berlin's newly formed Vortex Traks makes the perfect debut to kick start their catalogue, by bringing together four exciting young talents from the outsider house spectrum. First up is Harmonia's Mesak with an excellent slice of electro in the shape of "Ketale", while Tabernacle's Jeremiah R swings through a bit of fast-paced, synth-heavy deep house from outer space. On the flip, it's "Forbidden Capital" by Matti Turunen, a chilling piece of underwater electro funk, and the equally foreboding "A Reading From The Misanthropist's Guide To Romance" by Automatic Tasty.

Review: Berlin based producer Thomas Pahl aka Vertical67 started the Vortex Trax imprint last year after releases on 100% Silk, Lunar Disko and Photic Fields. "Crystalline" straddles the line between classic early '90s Chicago deep house (think Larry Heard/Alleviated) and electro (with its chunky vintage synths and rusty rhythms) superbly. "Dry Land" is dark electro noir with vocoded vocals and infused with some gritty sounding acid for added dancefloor drama. On the flip "Raster" is more straight up Drexciyan electro-funk for freaks; lots of layers of dark, brooding synths on this one, we loved it! Finally "Manic" ends things on a more restrained and serene note with this ethereal journey to the stars.