New releases today: Techno

Review: Futurespective is a carefully remastered compilation showcasing the finest work of Les Animaux Sauvages, the legendary Bulgarian band known for their blazing blend of post-punk, new wave and dark wave. For the first time, these classic tracks are available on vinyl, which is literally music to the ears of fans of Eastern European underground sounds. The band is a trio of artistic kindred spirits who united in 2014 with Ivo Stoyadinov Charlie on guitar, synths and programming alongside Sibylla Seraphim, who brings her haunting vocals and synth work to the mix. Together, they craft a moody, atmospheric sound that is distantly lo-fi, with prowling and sleazy guitars that Andrew Weatherall would love, chugging dark disco groves and tripped-out machine soul and wiry electronics.

Review: Sub Basics's Temple Of Sound is back with new music from Henry Greenleaf who appears under his new moniker, Greenteeth. It is a project he is clearly using to cook up smart back room minimal sounds going off this evidence: 'Loxton' is a slow motion and prowling groove but one with deep, menacing bass and nice louche percussion. 'Jungle Love' is another subversive sound with a snaking rhythm and dubby low ends, dusty hi hats and late night mischief. Last of, 'On & On & On' plays out over all of the flipside with shuffling drums that are light and airy and topped with wispy drones. It's delightfully hypnotic.

Review: Octal Industries makes a strong return to Kontakt Records with a solo outing packed with three immersive dub techno cuts that reflect his famously textured soundscapes and refined production. As always, this is a masterclass in atmosphere and depth with warm analogue tones highlighting the subtle rhythmic shifts. It's hypnotic tackle that is rooted in classic dub traditions but with a fresh, modern edge. 'Arborea (feat Oxun)' opens up with a groove that rocks back and forth on its heels, 'Locked Down' has a more free-flowing rhythm and is doused in aquatic pads and 'Alotook' brings some textural intensity and white noise for a more arresting experience.

Review: A compelling force in deep and dubby techno, Octal Industries were originally formed in 2004 by America's Michael Sickinger and Iceland's Jonas Thor Gudmundsson but are now helmed solely by Gudmundsson, also known for his ambient-leaning work as Ruxpin. This new three-track release blends his mastery of space, texture and restrained groove within the techno framework. Side-A features 'Arborea', a lush dub techno cut featuring Oxun. Airy pads and crisp percussion give it a floating quality, while the haze of reverb-drenched textures keeps things soft and enveloping. It's melodic and deep without ever pushing too hardilike watching light shift through morning fog. Side-B opens with 'Locked Down', a deeper, more rhythmic affair. Subtle, nearly inaudible vocal snippets flicker like shadows in the background, adding a layer of mystery. The track thrives on balance with its rolling bassline that supports delicate floating chords, creating a mood that feels expansive. Closer 'Alotook' steps away from the dancefloor entirely, offering a beatless ambient piece that serves as a gentle comedown. It's introspective and cinematic, reinforcing Gudmundsson's emotional depth as a producer. This release feels like a quiet triumph. Rich, detailed and deeply personal techno that rewards attentive listening as much as it does late-night sets.

Review: REPRESS ALERT!: As Soul Capsule, Baby Ford and Thomas Melchior made some of minimal techno's most accomplished records. It has been many years since they stopped turning out new material - sadly - but their archive tracks are still in hot demand and undeniably relevant. While 1999's 'Lady Science' might be their most famous offering, this EP from 2001 on Aspect Music is no less vital and it will currently cost you well over L250 on second-hand markets. It is Ford's Trelik label who reissues it here in all its glory: the entirety of the a-side is taken up with 'Law Of Grace,' a delightfully deep and breezy minimal dub house roller with pensive chords draped over the frictionless drums. 'Meltdown' has a more experimental feel with brushed metal drums beneath a wordless vocal musing. The cult 'Lady Science' (Tek Mix) is also inched with the whole package being remastered by D&M to make this one utterly essential.

Review: Long-time hard techno champion The Advent is back with more of his mind-melting work on Truncate's self-titled label. Title cut 'Passive Aggressive' opens with a loopy mental workout that is underpinned by nice dubby low ends. Truncate remixes and layers in some icy, fizzy pads and pressured drum grooves, then 'Remote Viewing' brings some uneasy peak time anxiousness with its wonky lines and prickly synths. Also included is a bonus by G Flame, which brings a direct and delicious Detroit house vibe that goes deeper.

Review: New music from LA resident Fields of Mist is always worth hearing. He's previously proven to be a master of bringing a hip-hop sensibility to his work, as well as a jazzy and broken beat bone on his 2022 album Iluminated60. This latest turn to Illian Tape is another standout with a mix of dreamy, suspenseful pads and killer rhythms. 'Dreams Of The Lost Moon' isa fine example of that with its far-sighted gaze but body popping drums and 'Darkstar System M312' then gets more moody with a speedy low end and astral pads. 'Moss Nebula Tidal Dance' is another blend of deep space ambience with minimal but impactful rhythms.