Review: Leftifled's Leftism remains one of the great dance music albums of all time. It came back in the 90s when no one was making full lengths that really made the most of the format: This is not a collection of club tracks but a musical voyage through dub, techno, bass and house that is meticulously designed and all-consuming once you turn it up nice and loud. In fact, it is best enjoyed in one sitting rather than in the modern playlist fashion with tracks broken up because that way the pressure is built and released, the moods ebb and flow and the music really makes an indelible impact.
Review: Sasha & Digweed are known for their heavy hands in pop and trance, but the former's best known work has to be 'Xpander', which set him apart from his myriad remixes of Madonna, Moby and The Chemical Brothers back in the day. Now the 4-track EP version of 'Xpander' sees a double 12" reissue from Music On Vinyl, showing off Sasha's taste for advanced breaks-trance, psychic themes and everything in between.
Review: Floating Points, also known as Sam Shepherd, returns with a new album that pushes his sound even further into exciting new territories. This album, consisting of eight tracks, offers expansive explorations of sounds and grooves, with each piece allowed to develop and evolve over up to eight minutes. Nearly a decade after his acclaimed debut Elaenia, Shepherd continues to blend his experimental inclinations with dancefloor appeal, a fusion that has become a hallmark of his style. Cascade is conceived as a follow-up to Shepherd's rave-reviewed second studio album, Crush from 2019. While Crush introduced listeners to Shepherd's more introspective side, Cascade aims to bring the traditional Floating Points experience back to the dancefloor. Bursting with Buchla rhythms and glitching melodies, it should be more in line with his dance singles. Shepherd describes the album as a continuation, which is reflected in the vibrant artwork by Akiko Nakayamaia colourful sleeve with fluid imagery that mirrors the album's dynamic soundscapes. The album's evocative title, Cascade, suggests movement, beauty and pressure, themes that resonate throughout its paces.
Review: Armand Van Helden's classic 'I Want Your Soul' returns with a fresh update, including an impressive remix by UK duo Prospa. Van Helden's rework retains the original's iconic essence, while Prospa injects their signature euphoric energy and melodic flair into the mix. The result is a modern twist that stays true to the original, yet feels invigorated for today's dancefloors. Prospa's take on the track brings a new dynamic, blending nostalgia with the duo's unmistakable uplifting sound. A must-have for fans of both artists.
Review: Moonworks return with a stellar reissue from 1998, turning the spotlight on Urban Heads' 'The Wind', a once elusive underground anthem from Italy. Produced by Federico Scavo, who has since ascended to one of Italy's most influential DJ/producers, this track was long a secret weapon for discerning DJs. The reissue presents two distinctive mixes: the disco-infused Cosmic Version and the bass-driven Space Mix Version, both guaranteed to light up the dancefloor. With its signature vocoder riff and infectious basslines, 'The Wind' remains a timeless, captivating earworm. Restored and remastered from the original DAT tapes, this release also brings fresh artwork, staying true to its roots while giving it a modern twist.
Review: Prog house legend Sasha collaborates with Newcastle's Artche on a stunning new track, 'Hold On,' which blends dramatic, sweeping synths with deep, moody basslines and emotional vocals. The original version is a cinematic journey, building with profound melodies and lush chords that create an expansive, atmospheric vibe. The track is both sophisticated and impactful, with its grand architecture tugging at the heartstrings. The 'Artche Mix' offers a different twist, working in airy, dusty broken beats while keeping the original's vocals and synths. This version introduces a fresh rhythm and texture, yet still retains the emotional core of the track. Both mixes highlight the collaborative synergy between Sasha and Artche, showcasing their ability to craft deeply emotive, melodic dance music.
Review: Beyond the Outer Limits by Cult of the UFO is a new solo recording produced by Anthony Barker of Overlords of the UFO.
Due to Anthony being an integral contributor to the music of Overlords of the UFO, the four tracks maintain the trademark retro analogue sci-fi vibe of Overlords of the UFO, although with a more contemporary edge.
Review: Sasha is back with another standout release on his own label, Last Night On Earth, this time joining forces with Jody Barr. After recent collaborations with Super Flu and Sentre as well as his solo hits like 'Florian Drift' and 'How to Wear Raybans Well', Sasha remains a leading figure in the melodic house and techno world. Jody Barr, with releases on Krankbrother, among others, brings his rugged, hardware-driven sound to the mix. Their track 'Phaxon' is an elegant, emotive affair, while Einmusik's remix adds a darker, club-ready edge.
Review: Underworld's latest album, Strawberry Hotel maps a distinct sonic landscape where minimalistic techno pulses meet textured and scratchy guitar tones, creating an uncanny blend of precision and spontaneity. Each track occupies its own atmosphere-from tracks built around tight, rhythmic kicks and monotone voices, to others steeped in lush melodic swells. Highlight tracks 'and the colour red' and 'denver luna' showcase their talent for boundary-pushing compositions, while 'black poppies' stands as a tribute to dancefloor euphoria and pure vitality, all without a single beat.
Review: Scopic Records - a new UK label which aims to "bring newcomers and artists with backgrounds, regardless of their background or gender" - launches with a single by its founder New Digital Fidelity in collaboration with singer Monet. We get three nicely different mixes of 'Getting Colder' in all. The A-side is taken up by the club mix, a classic New York deep house groove with chunky pianos chords and Monet's confident vocal performance. The flip begins with the original, a slower version but still effortlessly groovy, bringing its soul, jazz, and R&B influences to the fore. US techno's man of the moment Byron the Aquarius completes the set by turning the track inside out with shuffling hats, snapping machinefunk snares and a bubbling bass, making it even more impressive by exposing its moving parts and giving them a neat polish.
Review: Charlie May and Duncan Forbes, childhood friends turned musical collaborators, found themselves at the forefront of the UK's burgeoning progressive house scene in the early 90s. Their album Gargantuan still shines like a star to this era, blending influences from Italian house, Jamaican dub, and German trance into a cohesive and innovative sound. Spearheaded by William Orbit's Guerilla Records, May and Forbes contributed a track, 'Don't Panic,' that epitomized the genre's playful yet sophisticated vibe. Gargantuan still moves listeners with its infectious melodies, funky basslines, and intricate rhythms, earning it acclaim as a landmark of early progressive house. Featuring the setlist staple 'Littlet Bullet' and the underrated but beloved 'Schmoo' (dub), you have a jammed pack double disc of great 90s UK dance music. Gargantuan receives a well-deserved vinyl reissue, reminding listeners of its enduring influence and timeless appeal.
Review: The fifth Flaoting Points album Cascade is a culmination of creative evolution. In late 2022, Shepherd found himself in the California desert, crafting a new sonic journey via his acclaimed Promises, where he ventured into airy dreamscapes with saxophonist Pharoah Sanders and the London Symphony Orchestra, earning a Mercury Prize nomination and a sold-out Hollywood Bowl show in 2023. With Cascade, Shepherd returns to his electronic roots, craving the pulse-racing communion of the dancefloor. This album serves as a sequel to Crush, diving deeper into ravey, experimental realms, unexplored due to lockdown cancellations. Tracks draw inspiration from Manchester's record shops and California's desert landscapes, blending Buchla rhythms and glitching melodies. Shepherd's journey, from orchestral collaborations to laptop productions, underscores his relentless pursuit of innovation.
Review: Malta-based label Lost & Found has put a real spotlight on the hot little islands fertile music scene. Not up with a fine entry in the series is Khen who shows a mastery of synths and a penchant for lush melody that has your head amongst the stars. 'Levantine' (with Freedom Fighters) has delightfully delicate melodies that leave neon tails in their wake as the soft drums shuffle on. 'Angel's Share' is a little busier, with loopy drums and chords all intertwining to great and meditative effect and 'Cumulus' closes with wispy synth clouds, gently broken beats and a spine-tingling sense of serenity.
Review: The fledgling but already notable UFO Series now looks to Italian producer and prodigious underground innovator Riciar Ghir for a captivating journey through the more energetic house realms, all with an outer space feel. 'Niriba Shuttle' opens with tribal percussion and progressive synths that are coloured by subtle acid lines. 'Silenzio' is slow, heavy and persuasive with its old school piano acting lighting up your soul. There's a twisted tech funk to 'Platter Dreams' that makes it perfect for 2am cruising and 'Bad Egg' sets down with plenty of colour. These cuts will all work several different moments on the dance floor making it a hugely useful 12".
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: While he is still thought of as a God of a DJ to many, Welsh wizard Sasha is a dab hand in the studio too. Airdrawndagger, his second studio long player, is proof of that and a real masterpiece with co-productions by Charlie May, Junkie XL and James Holden. It is a hugely complex world of sound with progressive melodies, wavy electronic drums and immersive synths capes that all add up to one smooth and serene trip. This luxury reissue comes on limited, numbered trifold 180 gram audiophile silver & black marbled vinyl. A vital collector's piece.
Review: Chris Stussy's Up The Stuss label is one of the hottest out there right now - a fresh label setting the underground with its mix of spaced out breaks and deep house, slick minimal and futurist techno sounds. Jhobei is part of that revolution and lands here with a fresh four tacker that cones on nice blue vinyl, with 'Slink 'N Slide' - a throwback sound with rave overtones and rapping basslines that never quit - and 'Viral Vendor' (Trance mix) among the rigid groove highlights.
Review: Guy J's new alias Cornucopia experiments quite readily with progressive house and techno, veering atmospheric and immersive. Made up of two tracks which fans have been eagerly awaiting for years, 'Remember Me' spans an array of melodic plucks and even warmer grooves, crafting a super-hypnotic haunter. 'Early Morning' evokes the tranquility of sunrise, with Guy J's signature groove and dextrous production proving meticulous, though still easy on the ears. Both tracks exude extra warmth, as do most sonic hugs.
Review: CWPT's founder Palms Trax is next to coax some left of centre house goodness from the studio of Wallace following fine outings on the likes of Mule Musiq, Studio Barnhus and Rhythm Section. They usually come on his own label Tartan but have increasingly been heard all over the shop and we're glad about that because the more the merrier. 'Willow' is the sort of airy and uplifting melodic hose sound that will make whole crowds float on a cloud. 'Breathe' has the same levitating effect while 'Masada' is a slower sound with more patent chords and sinewy synths. 'River Dancers' is a steamy jungle roller with bird calls, whimsical melodies and a typical feel.
Review: This is the thirrd release by the amazing Italian producer Ivan Iacobucci for the Perlon label. The previous two were so well received, this next one was destined to come out sooner than later. Perlon fans know what to expect from their label of choice and Ivan delivers the goods. Those addictively quirky and fonky jackin' minimal techno jams. The title track is that and then some! We especially like the sexy jam 'Waiting For My Love'. Expect the unexpected when you flip over the record as 'Close the Door' is a full-on acid banger that combines high energy techno into what sounds like a video game soundtrack theme song! Closing things out is the wild sounding 'Fear & Madness in the Desert'. We are smiling at the thought of someone playing out these corkers to audience. Expect to see WTF typefaces everywhere!
Review: Guy J's Early Morning label continues its impressive run with a sophomore release from acclaimed producer Roy Rosenfeld. This two-track concept showcases Rosenfeld's ability to transcend genre boundaries, offering a captivating blend of electronica, tribal rhythms, and vintage synth textures. 'Forgotten' unfolds with a measured intensity, its hypnotic groove and indigenous-percussive influences creating a ritualistic atmosphere. The track builds to a resonant climax, punctuated by deep chords and a melodic break before culminating in a tribal-inspired crescendo. 'Hello' takes a different approach, juxtaposing an 80s arcade aesthetic with high-fidelity beats and ethnic percussion. The result is a mesmerizing blend of old and new, a sonic tapestry that evokes primal imagery while pushing the boundaries of electronic music. Rosenfeld's latest offering is a testament to his creative vision, a captivating journey that will appeal to both home listeners and dancefloor enthusiasts.
Irregular Synth - "One Night In Ecstasy" (Simina Grigoriu remix) (6:03)
Dino Lenny - "Talk To Me" (Dino Lenny & Damon Jee mix) (7:07)
KPD - "Everyday" (extended mix) (5:20)
Aragon & Kobe - "JMA" (5:59)
Amir Telem - "Fool" (D-Nox remix) (6:45)
Ciro Briceno, Adrian Y, & Nablo - "Bones" (6:51)
Tenzella - "Hi 79" (5:29)
Danny Tenaglia - "The Brooklyn Gypsy" (7:29)
Kamilo Sanclemente - "Eclipse" (7:46)
Review: American Danny Tenaglia is a legend, make no mistake about it. From his marathon 24-hour sets to his legendary Twilo residency via the fact he has a club sound system set up at home to listen to his vast record collection he is dance music through and through. As such he is just the sort of person you want to helm a mix series as long-running and influential as Global Underground. This is a special gatefold red, white and blue vinyl version across three 12"s that perfectly embody his driving sound - part prog, part techno, part tribal, it's a textbook musical trip one from of the best in the game.
Review: A rich exploration of minimal and tech house sounds with a nostalgic twist. The EP kicks off with 'Istinto,' blending futuristic techno with elements of house music and early 90s bass vibes, all wrapped in spacey sounds that evoke a sense of cosmic adventure. Next, 'Aura' delivers a stomping, darker beat designed to capture attention and drive energy on the dancefloor. Side-2 features 'Potenza' which channels raw techno reminiscent of 1991, incorporating trance elements for a nostalgic feel. The track's energetic vibe and vintage touches make it great for old skool sets. 'Essenza' ends the EP with a great groove and atmospheric feel good melody. A devastating blend of beauty and brawn. Dynamic, engaging tracks that will resonate with techno enthusiasts.
Review: Sasha's journey from trailblazer in the late-90s to one of the most influential figures in the dance music scene is a saga that feels as expansive as his discography. Having spent decades shaping the sound of progressive house, his career is a masterclass in reinvention i and collaboration. Whether you're hearing him weave his magic through orchestral synths, deep baselines, or finely tuned atmospherics, it's clear that Sasha never rests on his laurels. His latest collaboration with Joseph Ashworth continues this legacy. Known for his work with labels like Anjunadeep, Needwant and Pets Recordings, Ashworth brings his textured, melody-driven style to the mix, further enhancing Sasha's exploration of emotional soundscapes. The single 'HiFiHi' adds another layer to Sasha's ongoing journey, with the original mix offering cinematic build-ups and euphoric moments, while the LoFiLo Mix opts for a more introspective, vulnerable tone. Together, the tracks highlight a refined maturity in both producers' craft, reinforcing Sasha's place as a key figure in contemporary electronic music.
Review: Over the past ten years brothers Sasha and Sergey Lipsky have been throwing down their own brand of wayward grooves as Simple Symmetry, tapping into a kind of cosmic sound which has been right at home on labels like Disco Halal. Now the Russiann pair have arrived on Multi Multi after teasing the connection with a compilation offering in 2021. On this EP we get dark n' dirty electro throb, ascendant trancey techno, sentimental sax-laden wooze-house (think 'Pacific State' on luudes) and a remix from kindred spirits Red Axes which will do maximum damage on the floor.
Review: As part of National Album Day 2023 - yep, it's new to us too - Sony are reissuing Leftfield's seminal Leftism album. It set a high water mark for dance music albums very early on and has rarely been better when it comes to complete listening experiences that also pack a dancefloor punch. It mixes up techno and house with plenty of booming baselines but also atmospheric tunes with a unique sense of mood that is utterly alluring even all these years later. This version comes on gatefold white and black marbled vinyl to make it a perfect collector's piece.
Review: FUSE London may be 16 years old, but this 12" inch is - somewhat remarkably - the label's first multi-artist EP. To kick-start their new compilation style series, the much-loved imprint has gathered up a quartet of cuts from an eye-catching array of artists. Heist regular Nachtbraker steps up first with 'Banda', an intergalactic-sounding hybrid of tech-house, deep house and nu-disco sounds, before Rob Amboule steals the show with the bleeping electro-meets-twisted electronic funk brilliance of 'Capnhat'. Rising star Reflex Blue joins the dots between sub-heavy UK tech-house and turn-of-the-90s bleep & bass on the superb 'Life's a Bleep', while Mario Liberti reaches for mutilated rap samples and heady organ stabs on the 'Plastic Dreams'-inspired 'We Are The N&B'.
Review: Belarusian producer Four Walls is back - this time around he finds himself on the new Ultraworld Records imprint from DJ Craft. This one kicks off with the lush prog house and silky synth arps of 'Mind Charger' which soon takes you to the stars. 'Metamorphosis' is a more raw-edged and acid-laced techno stomper for peak time action and 'Summer Nights' is a bubbling, elastic tapestry of new age overtones, thudding kicks, and trance-tinged pads. A remix by Toronto-based Pletnev adds another dimension to this club-ready EP.
Review: Hostom is both an artistic moniker and a record label, controlled by producer and mastering engineer Varhat Veliere, acting under the aegis of their very own distribution company, based in France. Veliere has kept the Hostom arm of their craft since 2015, dropping myriad creative works centring on weirdo atmospheric house. This latest, seventh edition to the imprint hears just four new untitled ones hit the worthy shelves and all of them are unusually serene, off-guard-catching forays into unseen psychedelic worlds, whether evoked simply by the weird, wondrous and bubbly sounds heard throughout; or literally narrated by pop-psychedelic guru Terence McKenna (Track 3).
Touch The Sky (feat Simon Doty - extended mix) (6:46)
Reminiscent (extended mix) (6:11)
All Night Long (extended mix) (5:42)
Review: Three years after his last album the Anjunadeep label, Marsh is back with another serene exploration of his singular deep house sound. Endless is another ambitious album across four sides of vinyl that features plenty of associates guesting such as Wassu & Mariel Beausejour, Jodie Knight and Simon Doty. It has a range of emotions that go from deeply intense and personal to more expansive and optimistic, all with compelling grooves and well-executed sound designs in each tune. This is another triumph for Marsh, who by now is a master of his craft.
Review: What's that, a new year means a new label from Burnski? We'd expect nothing else. The man has more imprints than a beach has grains of sand, but importantly they all serve a purpose and all kick out killer jams. Mikasa starts with this lush and lithe prog house EP from Abdul Raeva. Stylish opener 'Cream' is a bouncy, feel-good and sleek electronic house sound for peak time fun. 'Helico' is laced with acid and 'Tex Mex' has psyched-out lines rising through the uplifting drums while 'Vanguard' shuts down with a percussive edge and a killer bassline.
Everything Nice This Morning (Volen Sentir Rerubed dub remix) (9:15)
Review: A fresh digital single by DJ Zombi, an Israeli DJ and producer and maestro of everything progressively downtempo. A curt two-track statement comes on this fresh vinyl release; the original 'Everything Nice This Morning' is a shoulder-lifting bop, with syncopated layers and melodic upticks backing up a measured, burgeoning mood. The B-side's remix from Volen Sentir is far weightier, bringing drums front and centre while also paring back the rhythmic synths for pure ambience. Released by Moments, a project of internationally acclaimed DJ Guy Mantzur that connects the elite producers with a series of gatherings, this one's a surefire path to joint ecstasy.
Review: Two years ago, UK techno mainstay Gabriel made his bow on Rawax's Motor City Edition series with an EP of cuts drawn from his seemingly endless archive of unreleased gems. We're not sure whether the four tracks on this belated sequel are old and new, but they're certainly timeless-sounding and impressively deep. Check first 'Mordax', an impeccable mixture of Motor City star-gazing and analogue deep house blessed with a ridiculously good bassline, before admiring the sun-splashed warmth of 'The Multicoloured Mind', where jazzy piano motifs, sustained synth-strings and warming chords dance atop a loose-limbed house-not-house beat. Over on the B-side 'It's All Pam's (Marseille)' is another gorgeous chunk of ageless deep house bliss, while 'Into Week Two' sees Gabriel once again blur the boundaries between Detroit techno and futurist deep house tropes.
Review: MYOKEN's self-titled release on their own label brings a fresh take on Adele's classics, blending Disco and Nu-Disco elements. Side-1 features 'Roll,' a high-energy, pumping electro house track that transforms Adele's original into a dance floor stormer. The infectious beats and driving rhythm make it a standout. Side 2's 'Fire' offers a low bubbling, darker cover of 'Set Fire to the Rain,' giving the track a more intense vibe. The brooding basslines and atmospheric production add depth, making it a great balance to the first side. MYOKEN's reinterpretations breathe new life into these well-known songs, perfect for dance fans.
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: Real-deal 90s ethereal breaks from the electronic music duo Way Out West. First released in 1997, this was not their best-known outing: only when this Bristolian duo was later joined by singer Omi (Emma Everett) did this happen, and this Deconstruction debut had only seen their instrumental incarnation so far. Nevertheless, this is a distinctly of-its-time record, offering blinding, game soundtrack-informed fusions of chillout flourishment with ascendant breaks-phoria and only vaguely touching on the theme of the wild West, ironically separate from the electronic music enthusiast's main imaginary. The record's non-breaksy moments are well worth noting too, with the slidden guitars of 'Earth' and chattering dub atmospherics of 'Dancehall Tornado' serving as the two most out-there numbers.
Heavy Water (D Tiff Floating To The Top mix) (7:18)
Diact (6:19)
Trouble Down Groove (6:45)
Review: The Cosmic Soup label did some mighty fine work in bringing Howard Dodd's work as Doc Bozique and Anoesis back into ear shot. Dodd released a fair clutch of wiggy, trance-inflected house and techno back in the wild old days of the mid-90s, and so it's no surprise to hear his music finding new relevance at a time when that sound is so warmly received on dancefloors all over the place. This release for German label Spray pulls together a few different bits from 1994, ranging from 'Heavy Water' and 'Diact' from The Anoesis EP to 'Trouble Down Groove' from Eight Day Music. Bringing the relevance with the current zeitgeist in no uncertain times, we're also treated to a remix courtesy of a scene leader in this field, D. Tiffany.
Review: New Zealander via Berlin Philippa's passion for house music, tireless commitment to her craft and ear for what makes a dancefloor tick is slowly but surely starting to pay off. With her recent release, 'Rainy Nights', on Slothboogie and 'Things I'd Like To Be' for Razor n Tape getting a lot of love, Philippa continues to deliver the goods, further lending remixes for Fat Freddy's Drop (The Drop) and Roach Motel (Faith). Here on the 'Latent Magic' EP we're treated to three new tracks highlighting Philippa's deft touch and musical approach to making interesting and leftfield house. Opener 'Hold' sets the tone with lush orchestral strings, crunchy drums and a bouncing analog synth bassline, while 'There It Is' umums hints of Mr Scruff with looping horn stabs, live drum grooves and rolling basslines. All in all, another mighty fine Philippa release recalling the early days of Freerange when artists such as Square One, Shur-i-kan and Jimpster were melding live musicians with electronics, for a refreshing, UK-centric take on house music.
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: Toolroom reissue a 2006 classic. Hailing from the original Toolroom "family" era in which Dave Spoon (Shadow Child), Funkagenda, D. Ramirez and Mark Knight are said to have ruled the roost, 'At Night' came not only at a prescient time, but also stood the test of time, in that it was - given the genre it works in and effectively predicts - well ahead of its time. The track blends a flicking, crossrhythmic main-room club lead with ostentatious risers and an arch minimality, fitting well in amongst the modish electro-house of the time, yet efflorescing a moodiness that would not catch on until 2010. Maur's "vs" rerub helps shed light on the way the track may be popularly received / perceived now.
Review: Kevin de Vries collaborates with rising stars Y do I on his latest EP and it is a three-track journey showcasing the signature Afterlife sound. Merging emotionally charged moments with driving basslines and electrifying energy, the duo strikes a balance between light and dark while cooking up grooves that resonate deeply. Each track embodies the label's ethos of fostering close dancefloor connections through rhythm, emotion and vibration. This is evocative, painstakingly designed melodic techno with pristine synth work and sleek drums that carry you into all new worlds.
Review: Highly exciting, futuristic trip hop by Helsinki's Trickpony (Maria Korkella). With her EP 'Pillow Talk', she nails an always difficult-to-capture aesthetic, lying somewhere between the glassy future-metropolitan sonic parkour of Mirror's Edge, and the driving whispers and zoneout beats of Bowery Electric, adding yet another ingenious addition to the unparalleled label that is Roza Terenzi's Step Ball Chain. Opener 'Room To Breathe' revels in stretched-out breaks and blithe half-whispered vocals - which vaguely talk of an adversary being unable to stop Trickpony from going with the flow - while the synaptic dirges of 'Shiver' and its 'On Ice' dub version recall an ideaspatial collusion of Tipper and Skanna, seguing seamlessly from IDM downtempiques to drum & bass. Closer 'Pillow Talk' closes on a note of watery montage trance; it's the brightest statement of the bunch; Doss meets Motion Ward.
Review: Maceo Plex has managed to pivot this alias from accessible house cuts with creamy basslines into a far more interesting project that explores astral techno with a range of different influences from sci-fi to wave to the sounds of the 80s. That has never been better exemplified than on '93, his expansive album on his Lone Romantic label. It features emo-anthems like 'Revision', disco-techno stompers like 'Go Back' and chunky robot-tech like 'All Night'. Plenty of guests from Mystic Bill to label mate AVNU Jane's Addiction frontman and alternative music legend Perry Farrell all help add a wide world of sound to the electronic core.
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.
ODESZA - "This Version Of You" (feat Julianna Barwick - Joseph Ray extended remix) (6:31)
Parra For Cuva - "Mimose" (3:47)
Agents Of Time - "Zodiac" (7:10)
Gorgin - "Heartbeater" (4:58)
Tao Andra - "Dream On" (6:42)
ANNA & Rebuke - "Ignite" (5:42)
Binaryh - "Daemon" (6:17)
Paul Roux - "Baby Baby" (3:45)
Review: Global Underground present the next release from the nextmost DJ to grace their City Series. ANNA's dynamic sound encompasses multiple styles and genres, from ambient through house to techno, and encapsulates the effortless chic and vibrant nightlife of one of the coolest cities in Europe - Lisbon. This modish Portuguese metropolis has always enjoyed a certain notoriety, but this has perhaps not been felt so intently more than in the last five years or so. ANNA now fleshes out Lisbon's essence, capturing its descending narrow streets, castellated jetties and glorious sunsets with a progressive house, trance and techno mix that satisfies all possible ends of a newfangled tourist's dream.
Review: The latest edition to top up Belfast's Duality Trax label is the quixotically quality 'Time Out' EP by Voodoos & Taboos, a dream pair of underground stalwarts whose efforts are heard here alongside rising talent Bertie. Following the tried, tested and proven formula of pairing both established and upcoming artists on the same discographies, Voodoos & Taboos qualify for the latter category; the pair have released several EPs in the latter half of the 2020s so far, though this is their first to appear on Holly Lester's label. Though the title track urges time to stop, it hardly does; 'Time Out' and 'Endless Game' nail that sweet mixture of rubbery sound design and gurgly audio alienage, both so prevalent in today's sonic zeitgeist. Bertie's B-side version is phatter and brasher though no less technical and it brings a nifty breakdown with it too, making for an almost Ibizan isthmus between two forward groovier sections, just in time for some closing 'Action'.
Review: A fresh new take on progressive house with melodic depth and emotional resonance. The original version is a mainfloor gem, combining uplifting melodies with a tech-infused rhythm that creates a reflective and mood-driven atmosphere. Its swaying progression and emotional undertones make it perfect for peak moments on the dancefloor. On the flip side, the remix transforms the original into a reserved anthem with an inspiring vocal message. It leans towards trance with its euphoric build-ups, yet the tempo aligns seamlessly with contemporary techno trends, making it both versatile and powerful. Emotion-soaked dancefloor energy.
Review: Having appeared recently on a self-titled label with the blissed-out delights of the Travelling Without Moving 12", emergent artist Opik is back with a fresh dose of trance-licked house music which aligns neatly with the contemporary trippy crowd. This release appears on the KMA60 Rezpektiva label in the wake of releases from Denia and Cosmic Underground, and it easily fits into the label's interests around 90s-influenced club sounds. From dreamy roller 'Orson' to the ravey reverie of 'Serotonin', there is all kinds of sublime gear here to get a crowd moving in unison.
Parra For Cuva - "Ventilate" (Monkey Safari remix) (7:57)
MOat - "Undertones" (feat Kyozo - DJ Tennis remix) (6:09)
Jan Blomqvist & Rodriguez Jr - "Destination Lost" (extended mix) (5:02)
Hunter/Game, Noah Kulaga - "Stars" (feat Noah Kulaga - Mano Le Tough remix) (5:26)
Einmusik & Aaron Suiss - "Sabai" (7:24)
Paul Thomas, Jerome Isma-Ae - "Tomorrow" (Trilucid remix) (5:47)
Ivory - "Be Human" (6:17)
Alex Kennon & Just Her - "Long Way Down" (5:28)
Review: A curated selection of contemporary electronic music featuring tracks from artists such as Bonobo, Ben Bohmer and Guy J. The compilation seamlessly blends house, techno, and melodic elements, providing a dynamic snapshot of the genre's current landscape. Notable tracks include Bonobo's 'Expander,' Ben Bohmer's 'Rust,' and Guy J's 'Just Rain,' each contributing to the compilation's cohesive and engaging flow. This release serves as a testament to Global Underground's commitment to showcasing top-tier electronic music.
Review: Josh Ludlow shows that he knows a thing or two about crafting superb arps and lush prog house records with this new outing on Nocturne Music. 'Mindways' is a brilliantly colourful opener with neon lines and bubbling sequences over fleshy drums. 'Touch' channels a bit of Metro Area style nu-disco production with its cowbells, textured bassline and late-night allure, and 'A Little Love' then gets more deep cut and steamy with some sensuous vocals and vast, pillowy kicks. Last of all is the more textural and raw tech-disco stepper 'Diska Tek!' to complete the package.
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