Back catalogue: Techno (Alles)

Review: Coeur De Glace on DKO Records (DKO 34) delivers four fantastic electro tracks, each with unique influences and directions. Side-1 kicks off with Binary Digit's 'U Want Dis,' an exuberant, high-energy track that pays homage to old-school rave with its lively vocal samples. Fasme's 'Morning' follows, blending smooth electro with soft keys and a whimsical AFX melody for a perfect combination. Side-2 features GGGG's 'La Cueillette,' a feel-good, fun and melodic electro tune. The EP concludes with Mud Deep & Sans-Qui's 'Mesonyx,' offering IDM goodness reminiscent of Rephlex, Squarepusher, and AFX. Coeur De Glaceis a vibrant and diverse collection, sure to delight fans of electro and techno.

Review: Furthur Electronix's first two Furthur Journeys Into compilations tune plenty of heads and shift plenty of copies. The third one keeps the quality levels high with more explorations around the periphery of underground electronics. Chris Coco opens with a soothing synth sound before Jake Slazenger brings crystalline synths and abstract modulations to the mid-tempo '168B.' There is more pace and twisted acid energy to Global Goon's untitled contribution and then old school jungle comes to the fore on the super stylish and atmospheric Gavin Masih cut. Monika Subrtova's 'Alata' is a serene and widescreen ambient synthscape that brings things to a suitably poignant close.

Review: Nation of Jak offshoot Dirty Blends was established by label chief Melvin Oliphant as a vehicle for "interpretations" and "homages" - in plain-speak hush-hush reworks, tribute tracks and those that sample liberally. The label's latest release is a compilation of sorts, featuring as it does cuts from a trio of artists. The Falcon steps up first with title track 'Sound The Alarm', a raw, jacking, bouncy and positive mind-melding blend of lo-fi synth stabs, sweat-soaked beats, fire alarm noises and restless drum machine fills. Over on side B, Grizzly Knuckles' 'Mad Bell' - a breathless, house tempo techno workout built around a nagging synth-bell loop - is followed by label regular The Jak's 'Aftermath', which sits somewhere between jacking lo-fi techno, UK funky and stab-happy Soca-house.

Review: Acid Machines Vol 1 by G303 is the latest release by the long time Dutch label Zodiak Commune and these four tracks, combined, add up to one heck of a wicked acid techno record. 'Acid Dropping' is a crushing piece of acid trance. 'Power Corrupts' is a breakneck speed techno killer - you've got to love the classic Belgium sounding doom to it, it takes us right back to 1992. ' Beelzebub Rising' is a nasty breakbeat heater that is sure to pound down some doors when played loudly. The Squarepusher like 'Walk On By' adds a nice comedown IDM touch to the close of this vinyl. This release includes a poster and is limited to 200 copies only.

Review: To mark the passing of three decades since he established the now iconic Environ imprint, Morgan Geist has decided to reissue the label's long-deleted debut 12" - a solo EP that was just his second release. At the time, Geist had yet to develop the disco-leaning but naturally synth-heavy trademark sound he's become renowned for. Instead, he was investigating the stargazing potential of Detroit-influenced techno and jacking-but-spacey house. Check first the lightly bleep techno influenced excellence of 'Sands' and the more driving, upbeat and jacking 'Airpour', before diving deeply into the percussively rich deep techno wonder of 'Smear'. To complete the package, we get a suitably cosmic, pitched down ambient techno revision of the same track by The Connection Machine - back then a duo who had just released a fine EP on Planet E.

Review: Gilbert's Astral Harmonics, released on the esteemed Distant Worlds label, is a standout addition to the techno landscape, showing the label's commitment to quality over quantity with only it's 13th release in the last 8 years. The EP opens with 'Lost Frequency,' a track defined by its tight bass and precise rhythm programming. The production is top-notch, with futuristic accents and expertly layered melodies that create a crisp, engaging sound. 'Quantum Echoes' follows on Side 1, offering a slower, electro groove that flirts with downtempo and ambient elements. The track's beautiful, almost magical melody gives it a serene, otherworldly quality, making it a perfect blend of genres that stands out in its subtlety. Side-2 kicks off with 'Earthscapes,' a unique fusion that combines the energy of broken drum and bass with melodic inspiration drawn from both Detroit and UK techno. The track's great bassline and rich atmosphere push the boundaries of techno, offering a refreshing sound that actually pushes the envelope of techno. The EP concludes with 'Particle Drift,' an ambient techno piece that feels like a nod to the greats of the genre. Reminiscent of artists like B12, Stasis, Future Beat Alliance, Derek Carr, John Shima, and As One, this track provides a soothing, contemplative end to the journey, wrapping up the record with a sense of calm and introspection. Astral Harmonics succeeds due to Gilbert's ability to craft intricate, boundary-pushing techno, and Distant Worlds' dedication to curating exceptional releases. One of the smoothest techno records out this year.

Review: Internal Dialogue Records kicks off with Ginno as the artist leading the charge on its debut EP. This release "embodies the label's commitment to diversity and quality" with Ginno dropping two techno-driven tracks designed for the dancefloor and packed with synth-pop vocals with deep, immersive bass and dark, mystical melodic work. LVCA's remix brings a nostalgic Electroclash vibe from the late 90s, while 'Log In' closes the 12" with a remix tailored for the most intense and electrifying late-night moments. It's a presuming start from all.

Review: This EP arrives with a confident, polished sound that positions itself at the cutting edge of experimental electronica. Opening with 'Empire Rising,' the track strikes an immediate balance between precision and mood, with tight percussion and shimmering synths that pulse through the mix, pushing the track forward without ever feeling rushed. 'Neon Horizons' adds a darker layer, its brooding atmosphere enhanced by off-kilter rhythms and an almost cinematic scope. The production throughout is intricate and layered, showcasing GNMR's attention to detail. The EP's strength lies in its ability to sound both futuristic and grounded, offering a glimpse of what's to come, while feeling timeless in its composition.

Review: A dynamic fusion of ghetto electro, trance and techno, this record is a fresh spin on familiar sounds. The title track, 'Booty Trance (feat Detroit's Filthiest)', is sure to stand out with crisp production that blends high-energy trance melodies with the raw edge of ghetto electro, creating an electrifying single. 'Another Time' shifts gears, drawing on 90s influences to craft an electro-techno hybrid that feels both nostalgic and forward-thinking. Its futuristic vibe and driving rhythm make it a standout for fans of classic electro with a modern twist. On Side-2, the Rawtakes Refix of 'Booty Trance' strips back the trance elements, leaning deeper into electro with a nod to Cybotron's iconic 'Clear'. The result is a grittier, street-smart version that feels grounded yet innovative. Closing the EP, the remix by Aura T-09 and Wheez-ie transforms the track into a hardcore techno anthem. The stomping beat and reimagined trance melodies elevate the energy, blending celestial tones with raw intensity. This EP is creative within the techno genre with diverse interpretations that will resonate across dancefloors and playlists alike.

Review: After a superb outing on the Ninja Tools compilation, Gogo Gadgeto now steps out with a first ever full solo EP and it comes on the Lumbago label. These sounds are chock full of personality and a little spookiness. 'Gadgeto Theme' has snappy, silvery drums setting the tone under twisted synths and vocals. 'Electric Spliff' gets more warped and wonky with its bold leads and snappy old school tech beats. 'Spooky Adventure' is just that with its rugged drum funk and haunting pads and 'Weird Science (Gadgeto edit)' brings a twisted mix of rock riffs, snappy beats and electronic cool.

Review: Organic Analogue makes it to double figures with a sublime new split EP from HVL and Gacha Bakradze. The A-side is opened up with 'Infinitesimal', a stripped back and icy bit of minimal dub techno, then 'AgneffC01' gets more rhythmically physical with scattered beats and hits and 'Collective Genius' is tense, kinetic techno with a real sense of paranoia. 'Routes' is the first B-side joint with Gacha Bakradze bringing some direct but economical drum machine grooves under meticulous percussion and then 'Chain' layers smeared cosmic pads with twitchy details and 'Widow' ends with a heavy heart. No wonder, then, that a host of eminent DJs like Ben UFO are all over it.

Review: The Reflektor is a lesser known alias of U.S. based producer Gabriel Reyes-Whittaker, aka The Abstract Eye/Gifted & Blessed. Some of you may have heard his release under this moniker on Kyle Hall's Wild Oats label a little while back. Technoindigenous Studies serves as a platform for his many alter egos and side projects with this new EP titled Taino, a tribute to his own indigenous Caribbean ancestors. Whether it's the heady electro sounds of opening cut 'Bajacu' (Morning Light) on the A side, or the mesmerising deep techno cut 'Mucaro' (Night Owl) on side B, or the introverted late night computer funk of 'Karaya' (Moon) - this is what makes Gifted & Blessed what it is

Review: Upstairs Asylum Recordings is one of the many seminal Detroit labels run by local legend Norm Talley. It's right in the middle of a busy run right now with no fewer superb run with three new EPs all dropping in quick succession. This one is a split EP with US duo Solid Gold Playaz taking care of the a-side. As always with this pair, their sounds are deep and dusty house with exquisite melodies tugging at the heart. On the flip, Gari Romalis steps up with the slick percussive skip of 'Detroit After Dark' then 'Panties' from Brian Neal brings jacked up analogue groves that lean into techno with a big fat bassline.

Review: Spooky Wooky return with a newly nourished Pandora's box worth of tunes, welcoming four new producers each for their own scare, as well as an opening fourfold fright. Joining forces only under the name Spooky Wooky, 'Cauchemard Ambulant' puns on the French term for "waking nightmare" terming it a "walking nightmare", with fidgety, motile synth snaps and pops aligned alongside bow can scrape samples and strange monstrous gurgles. Our faves among the solo cuts have to be Lazer Man's 'Fuck The Bass' and Gogo Gadgeto's 'FREAK', both of which seem to convey a sort of crazed elvish otherworld.

Review: The impeccable Lithuanian label Greyscale is a real leader when it comes to dub techno and already they are racing into 2024 in fine style with a first full-length of the year from label head Grad_U! The sublime and immersive Sustain has eight larges ambient soundscapes that are detailed with field recordings from another planet. Each one is alluringly empty and beautiful, intriguing and unsettling to make for an escapist trip to another dimension. The way the producer manages to conjure up what feel like familiar emotions in such a faraway world is second to none and will leave you wanting to do it all over again the second it ends.