Back catalogue: Techno (Alles)

Review: Leipzig based Riotvan, run by Peter Invasion and Panthera Krause, welcomes Kalexis and Paulor for this collaborative four track that mines techno's deepest depths. 'Going Through The Void' is a moody and slow motion opener that rides on an undulating bassline with plenty of ambient pads for company. 'Energy' is more edgy, a stomper with fractured vocals and wonky synths that builds a darker mood. On the flipside there is the brilliantly unhinged and unusual melodies of 'Lashes' which sounds like a marching band on acid and 'Magnetic' closes down with haunting low ends and spooky pads.

Review: An unusual techno palette from Jack Keo, who since 2017 has been a favourite across many UK labels, from Sodium to Art Of Dark. The EP 'Goonhilly Rattle' might imagine a space-age battle taking place on the grounds of the famous Goonhilly Satellite Earth Station in Cornwall, with its four tracks we hear left behind as its sonic aftermath. First, we venture on down into 'Bunker84', narrowly dodging the alien laser-zappers by way of a high-tech-house underground tunnel system. As soon as the coast clears, we venture above ground again, at which point we hear the twin grenades of bassy and acid techno respectively explode on 'Goonhilly Battle' and 'Tend To Run', before a closing, corrosively radioactive heater in the form of 'Soviet Sonar'.

Review: Theo Kottis embarks on his Space Dust odyssey with a 3 track EP providing an array of ample peak-time dancefloor moments. This debut collection of tracks for the label draws largely on Kottis finding nascent inspiration in 90s prog house, and deploys the 303 acid topline as its main sonic vessel. 'Solar' & 'Dreamscape' deliver euphoric breakdowns surrounded by stabbing synths, while 'Cosmic Drift' is a slower burn, building through its chuggy baseline. With Theo onboard, we look forward to exploring more of this musical direction through future releases on Space Dust.

Review: Just in time for Valentine's Day, System 108 from the Netherlands marks eight years of business with Eight Years Of Love Pt 1, a superb 12" packed with fresh house sounds from across the spectrum. Simple Symmetry & Lord Fascinator open up with 'The Search Continues', a thumping acid laced tech house cut with indie vocals while Cream Soda bring twitchy electronics and amped up drums. There's electroclash-style rawness from Kovyazin D, Lipelis & Cosmic G explore a more celestial sound that will place you amongst the heavens and Gleb Filipchenkow shuts down with slow, elastic, acid laced gurgles on his 'Mieux La' (feat Ode).

Review: Six dance tracks skillfully blending old-school vibes with contemporary sounds, spanning acid, breakbeat, electro and house, inviting listeners to dream of underground raves and enigmatic gatherings where ethereal battles against soulless algorithms unfold amid nocturnal dance. Highlights include Trabuco's 'Happy Spliff, a vibrant mix of New York house and early 90s-inspired techno, setting a nostalgic yet fresh tone. Trabuco's 'Signals' follows, delivering a spacey techno experience that feels both futuristic and retro. Yepecc's 'UFO Camp' seamlessly combines electro and acid for a sci-fi romp that transports listeners to otherworldly dimensions. Kevin Kendall's 'Volca Three' stands out with its rich analogue bass, adding depth and warmth to the compilation. The album closes with Victor Reyes' 'Inspired By Nature,' which offers a cool, bouncy finale that leaves a lasting impression. Overall, The Sciences of the Artificial is a refreshing take on retro styled techno and it is perfect for those seeking a blend of nostalgic and fun.