Tags: Acid Techno

Review: Dave Clarke's Red Series remains a vital benchmark in the evolution of UK techno. Released between 1993 and 1996, the three-volume run even managed to brush the UK top 40 back in the good old days when anything felt possible. Tracks like 'Wisdom To The Wise' will forever be etched in the make up of techno, and for very good reason. Now the whole series is being given a lavish reissue treatment which takes in all the original releases along with additional discs of rare, archival tracks and remixes, all bundled up in a box with a booklet and autographed by the Baron himself.

Review: Sansibar aka Sunny Seppa is fast becoming a large name in underground techno and house. Now, he has opened up his new label called Sin Sistema with the first release titled 'We Rise'. The title track is a pure crusher! This fast-paced corker features a wicked acid line and a beautiful lingering melody that creates an almost acid trance stormer. Things change up quickly with the slow acid wiggle of 'Elastic' that has us comparing it to legendary slow acid tracks like from Jammin Unit. For the second side, 'Sonic Minds' might just be the floor filler of the lot while '2K' is the dancefloor workout monster for the house heads. If 'We Rise' is any indication, Sin Sistema will be a label to buy on the spot.

Review: Frame Of Mind has been one of the best techno and house labels in the past couple years hailing from the Netherlands. This is the second appearance for Synaptic Voyager on the label in total. 'Epoch Ten' exhibits a premier example of the quality ambient techno the label has released in recent years. Fans of As One, FBA, Stasis and Sensurreal are sure to gravitate toward this track in particular. The 90s Detroit vibe is here in many respects. 'Ne Plus Ultra' and 'Reverie' are perfect tributes to the lineage there. The robot funk in 'Milestone' is particularly exciting with this early 90s styled foray into UK techno while 'Parallax' gives off a heavy Innovator and early Warp label impressions. If you are a fan of ambient techno then this is a quick and easy pickup.

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: Barcelona mainstay Baldo originally released 'Ride The Night' as part of digital single Saturdays Come And Gone on Permanent Vacation in 2022. As a fierce and fabulous homage to Hi-NRG, it showed the most muscular, nocturnal side of Baldo's sound and the track took on a life of its own. Now the label have decided to give the track more prominence with this heavyweight vinyl remix package, which kicks off in style with a suitably throbbing workout from Red Axes before switching to the strutting big room style of Alex Neri. Jennifer Loveless zeroes in to the sensual heart of the track with a thrumming low end and a powerful command of the tension in the track, leaving it to Baldo's original to close the EP out in style.

Review: We are always excited to see a new release by S.O.N., as you can be sure to expect some quality techno. This new release is jam-packed with beautiful late night ambient techno. 'Distance Problems' is the title track for the EP and definitely stands out. The deep ambient acid that gives way for a brisk dancefloor knockout is pure sublime producing. 'Fade To Green' is a stunning atmospheric jam that verges on a beautiful acid trance sunset. On Side-2, 'Vanessa' is a floaty ambient techno track that you we just can't get enough of listening here at HQ. Just when we thought we couldn't be any happier, Romanian producer adds his Midas touch to the remix. If you like spacey techno, then suit up.

Review: This joint EP titled 'SPOOR 3' by artists Prince De Takicardie and Young Adults showcases a diverse range of electronic music styles, from eerie techno to celestial breakbeats. Prince De Takicardie's 'ALLO?' opens the EP with a strange and captivating narrative voiceover set to a backdrop of sci-fi techno. The track's heavy acid and melodic breaks create an otherworldly atmosphere. Their second track 'Yoho!', is a more upbeat and playful early 90s techno number with mechanical undertones. Young Adults' contributions offer a different sonic experience. 'Rub-a-scrub' is an alien and trance-inducing track with a strong baseline, while 'Dielektricum' is a spacey electro number. Overall, 'SPOOR 3' is a well-crafted and diverse EP that showcases the talents of both artists well and all four tracks offer a journey through different electronic music landscapes, providing something for every taste.