Techno charts

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: German powerhouse label Ostgut Ton turns 16 with another of its big and mighty compilations. Ostgut Ton Funfzehn Plus 1 spans 20 tracks and features a number of top draw collabs from artists who work closely with the label. Some come together for the first time such as Martyn and Duval Timothy, or Len Faki and Honey Dijon, and all were due for release last year originally. They say "the music focuses on the interwoven nature of the label and the club in its multitude of different spaces and musical facets." We say, get it bought.

Review: Sonic Transmutations is an extended compilation album celebrating over three decades of Clone Records. Marking the 31 years - which is coincidentally the national Dutch telephone code - the 8x12" inch box set draws together veteran talent and emerging iconoclasts, transmitting a frequency rooted the imprint's signature blend of essential dance music while journeying off into territories unknown. In a constant state of unfolding, morphing across phases of matter, Sonic Transmutations purveys an elemental energy that stands in testament to Clone's enduring legacy and explorations of sounds and structures.

Review: For more than a quarter of a century, Fuse has thrived on timeless music and pioneering artists, both local and international, all of which have helped make it Belgium's longest-running dancefloor. To celebrate this legacy, Fuse releases a 30-track compilation of techno's finest from around the globe. Each track represents a year, starting with Jeff Mills' iconic 'Step to Enchantment' from 1993. The compilation features legends like Planetary Assault Systems, DVS1, Steffi, Rodhad, Donato Dozzy and DJ Nobu, all of which sound superb as well as showcasing the evolution of techno. Fuse also highlights its vibrant local scene, proving Brussels' enduring influence as this milestone honours past guests and new partygoers alike across a mighty seven slabs of vinyl.

Review: Finally getting around to celebrating their 30th Anniversary, Orbital here serve up a whopping deluxe boxset of exclusives. Built around their fabled live show, this veritable cornucopia of material contains reworks, remakes, remixes and reimaginings of all your favourite tracks, including Satan, The Box, Impact and Belfast. Jon Hopkins, Logic1000, Yotto, ANNA, Shanti Celeste and - yes - Stephen Hawking all feature.

Review: The Cocoon alphabet compilation is an always timely snapshot of the year in techno that was. It's well-curated by label head Sven Vath and always digs into several different sub-genres with a knowing skill. Now up to letter U, it is still going strong as we dive into everything from the soft and dreamy acid-laced deep techno delights of New Jackson's 'Acid Jackson' to the more bright and intense sounds of Jakob Reiter's 'Il Rotori'. Drumcomplex & Frank Sonic provide more epic peak time moments with 'Lacalute' and Space Dimension Controller's deft synth flourishes on 'Cold Tunings' make for a gorgeous high-speed techno trip.

Review: Few artists in electronic music are as legendary as Laurent Garnier. It is only right then that he finally makes his entry into the equally titanic and influential Fabric Presents series. His mix is a real doozy that here gets the full deluxe edition treatment and comes on 4 x12"s with a hefty booklet. The House Odyssey mix opens with afro house from South African producer Mr. Blase, leading into vibrant cuts from Cape Verde to Chicago. Newer faces like Culoe De Song, Neinzer, and Tal Fussman join stalwarts DJ Spen, DJ Lady D and Mike Dunn. The Rhythmic Resonance mix delivers high-impact techno moments from Red Axes, John Tejada, Electric Rescue, and more. Garnier's UK-focused Into The Low-End session includes Skrillex, MC GQ and more and all in all offers up a diverse mastery, from luminous house to bass-heavy techno.