Back catalogue: Progressive House

Review: Atimpuri emerges from the Italian prog techno scene with Present Magnificus, a sublime new EP for the small but already well formed Spaziotempo (or 'space time') label. Giordano is already known amongst those who know as a fine DJ and producer, as the uninitiated will now discover with this top label debut. He explores fusing of an array of styles form techno to prog, trance to Italo, breakbeat to electro on an EP that is thoroughly of the moment. all the sounds are sci-fi in design and futuristic in mood with compelling grooves and plenty of great designs that work as well on head as they do heel.

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.

Review: The correctly titled Pressure EP from DC Salas is sure to amp up the energy levels whenever it gets deployed. These are sizzling tech house and minimal tracks that got right to the heart of the strobe-lit action. 'Light In The Distance' opens up with big, frazzled bass stabs and crispy drum breaks, then 'A Second Home' is a fat and bouncy one with train track like grooves embellished with panning synth madness. The title cut is a turbocharged and raved up house slammer and 'The Strongest Love' is a head wrecker with progressive synths darting all about the mix.

Review: Italian tech connoisseurs E.T.H (Italy) and Palmiz deliver a sublime 4-tracker with Interstellar on Gestalt Records, perfectly balancing big room utility and sweaty club vibes. Highlights include 'How Long (Trippy Mix)' , an energetic, progressive house groover with a big, heavy late 90s sound. This track is a standout with its powerful beats and infectious energy. 'Interstellar is pure 90s fun with it's techno vibes dominating this track, bringing a vintage UK sound that feels both nostalgic and fresh. Another great one is 'Senator Bump' with the blend of classic New York house and elements of acid house. E.T.H and Palmiz have crafted a versatile EP that resonates with both classic and contemporary techno and house lovers.

Review: Slow Life has always nudged at the edges of typical genres, be that deep house, tech or minimal. Here comes another case in point - a remix EP that finds key associates rework originals by Ethereal Logic. S Moreira get first with a psyched-out sound dripping in colour and percussion. Paolo Mosca's remix is a glistening one with airy breaks and twinkling melodies and the Primary Perception remix then slows things down to a vibey downtempo and boogie delight. Mosh Project's remix closes with a slow motion and snaking sound that would work well as a backing track to a DMT trip.

Review: Rumors chief Guy Gerber teams up with Innervisions co-head Dixon for the life-affirming dancefloor drama of 'No Distance' with its Afro and futurist deep house elements creating for an altogether epic experience that you'll be sure to encounter in a club this year - if they ever reopen. On the flip, Leipzig's Martin Enke, better known for his work as Llewellyn on local label Riotvan, serves up a dreamy rendition under his alias Lake People. This version of the track is so immersive and complex, it will draw you deep into the ether.

Review: Aimed's return to its roots with Palmiz channels a familiar energy for fans of the label. 'Strange From 94' sets the stage, with euphoric, atmospheric vibes perfect for expansive, open-air raves. 'Chimera' follows, blending trance and house into a hypnotic groove, its smooth synths and rolling percussion creating a captivating intro for any set. On the B-side, 'Tropyc' offers a more utilitarian rhythm, moving away from melody and focusing on functionality, perfect for building momentum. 'Acid Washing' closes the EP with a driving bassline that intensifies the release's energy, adding an edge that pushes the vibe into sharper territory, capping off a well-rounded, nostalgic journey.

Review: We can't fault anyone for calling their EP Four Really Good Tracks just so long as it does indeed feature four really good tracks. This hand-stamped 12" from Terrazzo does just that with contributions from four different artists. Remotif's 'Ludovician' kicks off with a nice zoned-out tech roller for 4AM. Jay Gadian then steps up with 'Crisscrossing' which has a busier rhythm anymore searching synths smeared over the face of the groove. Reflex Blue's 'Mystic' is a busy workout with spiraling melodic refrains and a constant sense of cosmic takeoff. Wilt's 'Fractal Ceiling' then shuts down with acid laced deep techno.

Review: Floating Points' new album, Cascade on Ninja Tune pushes the cult producer's sound into all new territories. The eight tracks, each up to eight minutes long, allow his to explore sounds and grooves in full form while a subtle homage to Manchester runs through the album. Tracks like 'Afflecks Palace' featuring harp melodies and electronic bleeps, and 'Key 103,' named after a beloved local radio station, is another delight. Nearly a decade after his debut Elaenia, Floating Points has masterfully integrated his experimental ventures beyond club music into these expressive dance floor creations and remains in a class of one as a result.