Back catalogue: Techno (Alles)

Review: Upstairs Asylum is kicking off the year in some style with a couple of killer new EPs. This one is the first in what is presumably a new series to showcase the talents of the Motor City. Mike Clark & Marcus Harris get things underway with 'Hey' which has a subtly uplifting feel thanks to the bright, sustained chords and cuddly drums. Santonio Echols's 'Piano In The Light' (DJ Emanuell Echols mix) is laidback, playful deep house with magical chord work and Brian Kage brings his classy depths to the smooth grooves of 'This Saturday Night.' Ryan Sadorus brings things to a close with the smoky 'Down Below.'

Review: The Cimedirapax crew are back with another superb various artists collection that nudges at the borders of tech house and minimal. Eliaz's 'Enbaspremal' is an alien sound with abstract designs and trippy pads and Lapucci then gets deeper and darker on the menacing 'To Be On Top.' F_Phono brings some nu-disco energy and bright 80s arps to 'Sollievo' then Marco Biagioli heads into more occult worlds with the eerie and haunting 'Strange Mirror' before Equinox's 'Intergalactic Space' offers a caustic electro workout.

Review: Ida Engberg's contribution to this release marks a striking departure from the Swedish techno DJ and record producer's usual sound, an unexpected, lush journey through the world of 2 step genre that's definitely not typically seen in her catalogue. The track is at once sensual and booming, designed for the late-morning hours when the dancefloor shifts from peak-time frenzy to more reflective, intimate moments. It pulses with a calm intensity, creating a smooth yet exhilarating rhythm that invites the listener into an immersive experience. On the flip side, 'Pink Monkeys' is a true sonic adventure, blending elements of EBM and sawtooth trance to produce a thrilling, psychedelic atmosphere. The track is a festival-ready anthem, charged with energy and unrestrained sound, allowing Ida to stretch her creative muscles even further. Meanwhile, Marco Resmann delivers two tracks that showcase his deep-rooted versatility. 'RIMA feat. Laatz' is a high-octane techno rollercoasterimenacing, frenetic, and impossible to ignore. Its relentless drive and chaotic energy keep the listener on their toes, offering a new, radical take on techno. Then, 'Dimensions' shifts into a more intricate, electro-driven vibe. Its low-slung groove is filled with subtle details, creating a balanced equilibrium that simultaneously engages both the mind and the body. Resmann's approach is detailed and meticulous, ensuring each sound has a purpose and brings the track to life. Together, these four tracks exemplify a mastery of genre-blending, pushing boundaries while still maintaining an infectious, danceable core that connects with listeners on a deep, visceral level.

Review: Capybara France returns with its second ever release, splitting a six-track sonic bay between acid house and techno lowriders Guile, Francisco Fresen, F&I, Marcos Coya, Andre Arruda and Raff&rod. All hail from Latin America, for which the rotund marsupial mammal that this label names itself after is likewise the spirit animal. This release pairs a rather arid and minimalist tonal palette with surlier, deeper sonic gateways. Best of the bunch has to be F&I's 'Streets', which blends industrial punk percussions, pitch-drooping dreamatic pads, and street-smart affirmatives in the vocal register.

Review: Four new prangers from France's BOOOoo! crew, startling our ears with audio-apparitions by ghosts of the resident French sceno-system: Jamahr, Mooglee, Jucid and Odeon. 'Black Loops' and 'Flex (Booty Mix)' invade elastic terrains of bass and flicky synth, churn them back through meshes of gradated beats and rond-squelching stab notes. 'The Question Is' eliminates much of the A-side's establishing layers and overdubs, harking rubbery and slip-tastic FX design, countered by the equally sticky 'Jimbeldance'.

Review: Maara's debut on her very own Ancient Records lifts the lid on long-hidden truths and buried queer histories. Rein-whipping the steed of techno to redirect it towards better representations for lesbian communities in dance music, 'She's Startin' and 'Unbearable Delight' are heard resurrecting forgotten, seventh-hell secrets on a furious A-side. Faustian pacts tempt us to indulge a diabolical knowledge, while Maara holds out hope for a sapphic world, extracting simmering, fluid desires against a background of staid complacency. The Montreal producer ends on a slippery note with 'Scissor Me Timbers', where the sound design morphs into something eerily glottal, with bellowing voices, alarming hooks and knocky percs promising a ceaselessly hedonic alternate future.

Review: Having made his Opia bow in 2018 on the label's second release - where he shared vinyl space with Steve Marie - it has taken Luis Malon a fair old while to return to the London-based imprint's loving embrace. The good news, though, is that he's delivered a genuinely memorable, melodically bold and pleasingly imaginative collection of cuts. Compare and contrast, for example, the spacey, percussive and far-sighted tech-house bounce of opener 'Des Antenna', and the cut that follows, the bleep-and-bass-meets-intergalactic-deep-house loveliness of 'Nines'. Over on the flip, he does a bit of sci-fi soundtrack daydreaming on the cheery melodies-meets-dark bass excellence of 'Travelling Across', before wrapping fizzing, mind-mangling electronics and twisted acid lines around a crunchy breakbeat on 'Fly Or Die'. Impressive!

Review: ***B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition***


Francesco Mami and Julien Chaptal deliver a compelling deep house experience with their 'Reconnect' release, blending smooth minimalism and melodic tech house grooves. The title track, 'Reconnect', is an addictive mix of fluid rhythms and rich melodies, striking the perfect balance between sleek production and dancefloor appeal. Reboot's 'Outahere Rework' of the same track deepens the vibe, adding a fun, groovy energy that's primed for late-night sets. Side-2 shifts gears with 'This Is My Ticket', a standout deep tech house cut that pairs intricate production with a memorable, catchy drive. The track's hypnotic layers create a textured soundscape, ideal for dancefloor workouts. Johnny D's remix of 'This Is My Ticket' ups the tempo, injecting high-energy beats and an infectious bounce that transforms it into a peak-time anthem. Each version bringing a unique energy while remaining cohesive. It's a well-rounded EP for dance music fans.

Review: Francesco Mami and Julien Chaptal deliver a compelling deep house experience with their 'Reconnect' release, blending smooth minimalism and melodic tech house grooves. The title track, 'Reconnect', is an addictive mix of fluid rhythms and rich melodies, striking the perfect balance between sleek production and dancefloor appeal. Reboot's 'Outahere Rework' of the same track deepens the vibe, adding a fun, groovy energy that's primed for late-night sets. Side-2 shifts gears with 'This Is My Ticket', a standout deep tech house cut that pairs intricate production with a memorable, catchy drive. The track's hypnotic layers create a textured soundscape, ideal for dancefloor workouts. Johnny D's remix of 'This Is My Ticket' ups the tempo, injecting high-energy beats and an infectious bounce that transforms it into a peak-time anthem. Each version bringing a unique energy while remaining cohesive. It's a well-rounded EP for dance music fans.

Review: Fresh from serving up a superb set of off-kilter house cuts from Newcastle-based maverick Man Power, Timo Rotenen's Echocentric imprint has turned to regular Belters contributor Dominik Marz. The long-serving producer has delivered an EP of nostalgic, energy-packed delights that variously doff a cap to dance music sub-genres of the 1990s and early 2000s. For proof, check the gargantuan 'Honesty', where mind-bending noises and sharp, trance style stabs rise above stomping beats and deep, sub-heavy, bleep & bass style low-end pressure. Similarly excitable and mind-altering is EP-opening slammer 'Honesty'. Elsewhere, 'Only One' sees Marz pepper a stabbing bassline and hissing house beats with raw bleeps and nostalgic samples, while 'Never Use Quantize' is pleasingly wayward - like early Chicago house crossed with NYC freestyle.

Review: Amazing next-gen cyborg dance music from sibling duo Mathame (Amedeo Giovanelli, Matteo Giovanelli) , a self-described "audio project" working in ultra-clean progressive house sounds. 'I Will Find You' sounds like a progressive anthem from an Arcadian alternate timeline; think what might happen if Tiesto performed a DJ set in the Halo universe, to a stadium full of Super Soldiers. Its front cover model - a cyborg girl with an augmented plate face mask - is indicative enough of the sound you might expect, but the brothers Mathame's music touches on more than just futurity, with tautly squeezed vocals and "ouch" synths adding to an already impressive uplifter.

Review: Italian duo Mathame return with a new single, which they wrote to embody the essence of summer through its energetic melodies and uplifting vibe. It was created during their 2024 tours across Mexico and Asia and was refined through live performances in New York City and Ibiza. It has all the hallmarks of a summer anthem, frankly - the sentimental dance-pop vocals, the big synth waves, the happy melodies and the big, bold, accessible drums. It's well produced, bright and shiny and is easy to sing back when dropped on vast festival stages.

Review: Mehdi M's latest EP finds him expertly blending house, techno and bass-driven rhythms into one tight package. While the title might suggest a singular focus, each track on this release demonstrates the breadth of his sonic toolkit. The opener, 'Funky Mission,' kicks things off with a tight house groove, where punchy kicks and sharp snares form a solid foundation, while the high-pitched synth melody gradually builds to an energising peak. It's a fresh, feel-good start. On 'Sunday Service,' the vibe shiftsideep basslines rumble beneath a hypnotic rhythm, pulling the track into a more atmospheric space without losing energy. 'Funky Version' brings back a sense of playfulness, with bouncy bass and tight percussion, driving the track forward while keeping the mood light and funky. 'Tare Mode' stands out with its relentless grooveialmost hypnotic in its repetition, the bassline is starker, a steady pulse that forces the track into full-on motion. Closing things out, 'Ritmics' offers a complex, rhythmic journey, with intricate percussion and shifting textures that ensure the EP finishes as strong as it began.

Review: Merv keeps it super deep here with a trio of supremely tasteful techno cuts doused in dub culture. 'Sliver' is first and awakens the sense with some gentle rattling chords that sound like distant thunder rolling in with a storm. 'Embrace' is airy, with big kicks and frosty pads shimmering across the airwaves and crisp hi-hats cut right through. 'Strain' is last up on the flip and is an elongated journey through some sugary melodic pixelations, a frosty dubscape and hints of melancholia. All are perfect for those late-night and intimate back room sessions.

Review: Mihail P's 'Multitudes' EP on Analog Concept is a gem for those who appreciate techno with ambient and emotional undertones, aligning with the subtle artistry of Nuron, John Shima, Derek Carr, CIM and Future Beat Alliance. The opener, 'East At Dawn', sets a delicate tone, weaving beautiful ambient techno melodies with hints of electro. Its graceful synths and deep bass resonate with a sense of introspection, creating a lush atmosphere. Another name in this style that is making waves is the fantastic Gilbert. His remix of 'East At Dawn' shifts gears slightly, infusing an upbeat energy and a more tech-focused rhythm while maintaining the Detroit-inspired warmth of the original. On Side-2, 'Paradox Of Automation' balances gentle beats with an intricate, celestial melody. The track's refined production and harmonious layers lend it an otherworldly quality. The EP closes with 'Ghosts Of Tomorrow', a triumphant, melodic composition that feels both uplifting and ethereal, like a final, hopeful transmission from another realm. 'Multitudes' showcases Mihail P's talent for blending ambient techno with emotive depth. Another winner in his discography.

Review: This rework collection brings a fresh perspective to Goa-influenced tribal techno, blending deep house and tech house elements with innovative, bang up-to-date production skills. Side-1's 'Shaker' (Workout mix), is a rhythmically inventive, funk-laced groove that locks in with an addictive pulse. 'Oase' (Trance mix) follows, fusing Goa textures with a modern sensibilityimystical yet laid-back, perfectly tuned for today's club energy. On the flip, 'Day In Night' (After mix) builds steadily, weaving tribal instrumentation into a hypnotic, evolving structure. 'Dimensional Rhythm' (Dream mix) rounds out the EP with atmospheric layers, rising melodies and an irresistible, driving beat that channels the spirit of classic Goa through a contemporary lens. A creative take on deep, tribal-infused club music from Netherlands-based producer Milio.

Review: In signature cinematic melodic techno style, Mind Against and Cay bring 'Cant U Hear Me / Trust', laying thick a hi-tech fusion of soulful house and synthetically squeezed sound-energy. The thrumming heartbeat of UK club culture is heart sifted through a harsh cyborg grate, reducing things to a metallurgic, pulmonary pulp. Crystalline percussion, cascading synths... 'Trust' makes particularly pristine use of untainted pluck design, with peaking plucks wriggling in the mid-high layer like buds on a mecha-euphoric flower (just look at that front cover).

Review: This record delivers a single-track statement with the formidable 'Colossal', a dark and dramatic techno anthem tailored for peak-time festival moments. The track lives up to its name with heavy, pounding rhythms that ripple with an epic intensity, drawing listeners into its brooding atmosphere. Layered with cinematic tension, 'Colossal' balances a relentless driving drive with intricate textures, creating a hypnotic interplay between shadowy undertones and electrifying crescendos. The meticulous production ensures every beat lands with seismic impact, making it a great weapon for use on large scale sound systems.

Review: This electrifying release delivers a dark, immersive journey through the realms of sci-fi and subterranean soundscapes. Side-1 opens with 'Intro', a cinematic, otherworldly prelude that sets the tone with eerie atmospherics. It segues into 'Sarcofago', a compelling blend of alien techno and electro, drenched in shadowy, subterranean vibes that create a sense of unease yet intrigue. 'El Ritual' continues the descent, invoking a hypnotic rhythm that feels ceremonial and enigmatic. Side-2 picks up the pace with 'Ocultismo', an uptempo electro banger that combines relentless beats with sharp, futuristic textures. The closing track, 'Puerta Al Inframundo', is a climactic plunge into the underworld, where deep, resonant basslines and haunting melodies evoke a sense of crossing into uncharted sonic dimensions. This record masterfully balances dark energy with driving grooves.

Review: Batu's Timedance is about as consistently fresh and forward-thinking as electronic labels get right now. Bristol's Daisy Moon is next up to carry the baton and is fresh off a standout house cut on Peach Discs in June. Here she opens with the precise drum rhythms and glitchy percussion of 'Eclipse' while 'Shadow Of Silhouettes' is a shimming, shape shifting arrangement with daubs of synth, frenzied lines, chopped-up vocals and plenty more all vying for your attention. 'The Abyssal Zone' then brings some dubby broken beats to the fore and 'Meadow Rap' flips the script entirely with some lush downtempo.

Review: London label Fourier Transform welcome back Rekab (James Baker) and label debuter Mre for 'Ace High'. 'Armadillos' rolls up its chassis for a serious exercise in minimal weight, reconstituting tuned percussions as it trundles along, while Rekab's 'Always Having Fun' posits an ideal life-mode: a steady, direct current of enjoyment, set to hedonically calculated beats. 'Climbing High' rebates the percussions for a subtle lark's ascent in deep acid, while 'Ace' complementarily descends across cross-rhythmic breaks and harmonies.

Review: Poet, librarian, Mancunian, father, husband, uncle, brother. Mike Garry is many things to many people, but tonight, Matthew, his voices guides our eyes upwards, inviting us to stargaze to one of Orbital's most emotionally resonant and timeless pieces of rave noise. Belfast Revisited would be one way to describe it, taking some of the classic and unmistakable elements of that anthem and turning it into something new. First and foremost freshness comes with the spoken word addition - a thoroughly positive, passionate and amorous declaration of unending love that could feel jarring depending on whether you always felt 'Belfast' was reflective and slightly melancholy, or not. Gone too are the breaks, replaced now by stadium-sized four-to-the-floor turning what was once the end of the night walking home at dawn into something that sounds way more 11PM at the concert.

Review: Viewfinder returns to Rescan Records with their third release on the label, a four-track journey through house and techno. The A-side offers two straight-up house cuts, 'Solace' and 'Let Go', featuring infectious grooves, sampled percussion, and catchy stabs. Flip the record over for a techno turn, with 'Roxtone' pushing the BPMs higher and delivering a high-energy workout. Mihail P closes out the release with 'Natural High', a hypnotic blend of breaks, bleeps, and ethereal pads. With its diverse range of sounds and infectious energy, this release is a must-have for any fan of quality electronic music.