DAVE The Drummer & Phil Kershaw - "Bassline Sunset" (6:55)
Review: Hydraulix Records continues to push the boundaries of ravey techno with Va03, a four-track EP that transports listeners back to the early '90s warehouse scene with its infectious energy and relentless beats. Side 1 kicks off with Acerbic's 'Deep In Your Mind,' a heavy sci-fi pounder that channels the essence of early '90s techno rave vibes. With nods to the big Belgium sounds and a prominent Hoover sound, this track is an instant banger that commands attention on the dancefloor. Following suit, Minor Dott's 'What You Callin Acid' delivers a menacing and sinister atmosphere, characterized by its mechanical and demonic undertones. It's a track that exudes raw power and intensity, perfect for those craving an adrenaline-fueled sonic experience. On Side 2, Andreas Kraemer & Shadym team up to bring us 'Reflect,' a percussive and loopy journey through hardcore rave sounds. The track pulsates with energy, immersing listeners in a hypnotic groove that's impossible to resist. Finishing things are Dave The Drummer & Phil Kershaw's 'Bassline Sunset,' a big room rave techno anthem that hits all the right notes. With its infectious bassline and euphoric atmosphere, this track is destined to ignite dancefloors worldwide. Each track on this EP offers a unique sonic experience, making it a must-have for fans of the early 90s rave scene.
Review: Acid Sessions Vol. 3 is another white-knuckle journey into the world of acid with five top talents in the field all pushing their own limits. Acidulant opens with "Serpentacid' featuring hypnotic 303 grooves and relentless energy, then Sarufaromeo & Papaverhof deliver 'Acid Nihonshu' which blends atmospheric depth with chaotic acid vibes. G303 takes you beyond with 'Live Long and Prosper,' an interstellar anthem filled with cosmic acid and resonant grooves. Paul Renard closes with 'SO36' which is all about the fat rhythms and powerful dancefloor drive. Long live acid is what we say.
Review: The Stay Up Forever label hits release number 13 but there isn't a bit of bad luck in sight - instead, this is a potent EP of eyes-wide techno from Sam DFL who links up with a quartet of different collaborators and aims, it seems, simply to blow your brains. These jams are laden with hard techno tropes and distorted, fuzzy bass as well as video game signifiers, trance-techno pads and bright, visceral, vibrant melodies. Hammer Mode & Sam DFL's 'Bad Time 4 Acid' is a particular standout here for its high speed and compelling acid grooves.
Review: FOXBAM INC is back to build on the momentum of their first EP with a second one that packs a mighty punch. This one kicks off with EBY, who this year has been cooking up acid for 40 years and here offers the warped low ends and garage-techno power of 'Goldtooth'. Foxtrot vs Ma Bla then mashes up old school samples with earth-shattering bass on 'Deep Down Inside' and bRz vs Stije is a double-time hard techno stomper with warped synths and twisted bass that is inspired by and named after ISCO, a concept from Einstein's general theory of relativity that makes predictions about the dynamics of black holes.
Review: The legendary 'Solaris' is a standout tune from Kareem's 1997 release CICLOP on Berlin-based label Zhark. Originally, CICLOP combined diverse styles including industrial hip-hop, cinematic ambience and dub techno and created a unique, gritty soundscape as a result. Solaris stood out for its raw, brutally minimalist approach and now these new remixes from cult favs Orphx, Rrose, SHXCXCHCXSH and Kareem breathe new life into them with lots of lo-fi synth designs, muggy atmospheres, dense, foggy drones and plenty of rolling and dubbed out rhythms.
Review: Chris Liberator's experimental techno label Maximum/Minimum forms part of the Stay Up Forever Collective umbrella, which has been going for a heck of a long time (since 1995-ish), charting untouched terrains of teratological UK hardcore techno. An offshoot imprint dedicated to the "creative corruptions" of the Stay Up Forever crew, Liberator and co. would originally release these ones without catalogue numbers, that is until the market beseeched them to behave more conventionally. Now, well past their 65th V/A release, comes their latest, a decapitatory pummeller fronted by Sonico's 'Did You Say Acid?' and Zyco Seon's 'Citric Frequencies'.
Review: AcidLab is back with a fourth dose of medicine and this one comes on translucent red vinyl with various different artists behind the beats. Musikaddikt's 'Acid War' is a straight-up techno banger with oversized hi-hats. Tassid & Eski offer up the best named tack of the year with 'Ok You Cunts' which is raved-up hard techno, Acidrats & Skandal get even more wild and unhinged with their barrage of wind-up melodies and hard-edge and flat-footed beats on 'Massive Murder' and last of all comes Crime with 'Knife Blast which is a big distorted wall of white knuckle rave-techno, not for the faint-hearted.
Review: Pi Electronics bring four classy artists together on this new 12". It marks the start of the Limitation series and opens with the deft, moody broken beat techno and unsettling synth ambience of Sam KDC's 'Dominion.' Interviews then ups the intensity with the frosty and rusty loops of 'Crawler' which lurches back and forth with real menace, and Zevla's 'Yours Is Mine' then keeps the pressure on with more tight drum loops, lashing of synth static, corrugated low ends and general dystopian vibes. Slave To Society's 'Biosphere' is the brutalist broken techno banger to close down with.
Review: The self-contained Sammler label welcomes founder Scheermann back for more stripped-down and atmospheric techno sounds. His MO is to establish minimal sound scars that hypnotise with their rolling drums and immerse you in a world of ethereal pads and watery effects. It's emotional tackle that also makes the right physical impact and sounds nicely futuristic while nodding to the history of this particular sub-genre. 'Magu' is our pick for the way it pairs introspection with forward motion so stylishly.
Review: American talent SCRIPT makes a bold entrance onto the esteemed Afterlife imprint with 'On The Low', a track that's already been making waves in the electronic music scene. It marks a significant milestone, as SCRIPT becomes the first American artist to grace the label's catalogue with a stand-alone single. 'On The Low' is a captivating blend of pulsating rhythms, mesmerising synth layers and a catchy vocal hook that's been echoing through clubs and festivals alike. Its journey from a humble Splice sample to a genre-defying anthem is a testament to SCRIPT's production prowess and his ability to craft music that resonates with both discerning DJs and enthusiastic crowds.
Review: Based in the Amsterdam area and banging out his take on techno since around 2016 on some fine labels, Bob Semp is back on previous home Planet Rhythm. His sleek style is classy and sophisticated as shown on 'Dilemma', a pulsing linear roller with plenty of depth and drive. The drums on 'Moisty Mire' get a little more robust and muscular but are still looped to hypnotic effect and 'Fable' brings a drunken synth line to the fore for some nice off-balance funk. A trio of smart, evocative tunes come on the B-side to make this a brilliantly useful and coherent EP.
Review: German loop specialist Shed is a perfect match for the expertly designed breakbeats of Munich's finest, Ilian Tape, so we're delighted to see this one happen. His 'Applications' EP is bulky and brilliant from the off: 'EMCZ' is all skittish hits and dusty drums barrelling along with speed and energy. 'TLSQ' is doused in dub chord work and has a warming glow as the weight basslines roll on and the drums hit hard. Last but not least is 'UFO2' which is more menacing, with darker atmospheres and prying synth lines paired with physical and forceful kick patterns.
Review: Raw and its many different sub and sister labels had always worn its love for Chicago house and Detroit techno proudly on its sleeve. This series is specifically dedicated to that and now finds Signal to Noise Ratio serving up the Detroit Is Burning EP. 'Collision' (A Rage In Brooklyn mix) opens up with glitchy electronics and scuzzy basslines over raw house beats. 'Rave Signal (A Rage In Eindhoven mix)' is all caustic synths and shiny metallic drums thudding away over a dark bassline and the title cut then evokes the sounds of aliens trapped in a machine and keen to get out. Closer 'Hypnomatic' is a more heady and dubby cut with pulsing synth tones and a busy bassline bringing the funk.
Review: While techno has become increasingly difficult to define in recent decades - the term is applied to such a wide range of records that it's become almost meaningless - long-serving German duo Skudge have always delivered music rooted in classic techno sounds - think the shimmering, intergalactic electronics of Detroit and hypnotic, locked-in grooves. 'Tryptic', their latest sensational single, continues in this vein - think deliciously bittersweet chords, wiggly TB-303 acid lines and snappy TR-909 drums. It's majestic, melancholic and mind-altering in equal measure. It comes backed by two tasty remixes: a more hectic, dark, intense and percussive rub by Temudo, and a gorgeously positive, sun-kissed re-make - all colourful chords, soft-touch beats and mangled synth stabs - courtesy of Amadou.
Exhibit (1 - BOHM & The Unborn Child remix) (6:42)
Review: Slam's Exhibit series on Soma presents a compelling showcase of techno talent, focusing on the raw and hypnotic end of the genre spectrum. The inaugural release, featuring Slam themselves, delivers three parts of pulsating techno energy. 'Exhibit 1' kicks things off with deep, sub-heavy vibrations, setting a formidable tone. 'Exhibit 2' follows suit with high-energy intensity, while 'Exhibit 3' offers a more sci-fi-infused variation. The remix by BOHM & The Unborn Child adds an intriguing twist, elevating the soundscape with subtle enhancements. Overall, Exhibit is a perfect example to Slam's commitment to championing techno's fundamental frequencies, offering a diverse and electrifying listening experience for aficionados of the genre.
Review: Mitsubasa means "three-wings" in Japanese and those wings stand for the soul, the heart and the mind. All of them are taken care of with this new one from the label as SLV taps into Detroit techno heat on the opener. It's awash with textural synths and speedy drum funk. 'Do High' drops in a pitched-up vocal hook that cannot fail to get that extra bit of real iron in the club, especially as the drums surge with such style and euphoria. 'Far From The Madding' is another one wrapped up in synth overloads that build intensely over minimal drums and 'Overcircle' then strips things back to tight, bouncy loops.
Review: Smooth & Simmonds was Chris Simmonds and Ron Wells, a pair pf producers who were active from the early to mid-90s and made just a handful of EPs that have all stood the test of time. Three of the best of them have been newly remeasured by a long-time fan at the Pariter label and are now getting served up on fresh wax. This 12" features 90s EP, The Four Seasons, with two mixes of the title cut. The first is a steamy Warehouse Mix with dusty drums, subtle rave whistles and seductive vocals stitched in, while the second is a Factory Mix that rides a little more smoothly on uplifting chord work and brighter synth energy.
Review: SND & RTN brings it home on this new 12" for Lempuyang that explores their signature techno depths. 'Palantir' opens with fathoms-deep dub and ice-cold synths that snake their way over the face of the track, while 'Hyperdrive' has rumbling chords and smeared pads that keep you on the ocean floor and 'Dub Conjurer' allows in a little more light from the surface with delicate shards piercing the murk. 'Tales From The Outer Rim' shuts down with a nice gentle rhythm that undulates beneath rippling pad work and works well as perfect early evening warm up.
Review: Hamburg's relatively new Space Drum Mediatation label's sixth release continues its tradition of deep, immersive soundscapes, blending ambient and drone elements with a wide-ranging sonic depth. This latest offering unfolds like a journey through ancient and futuristic landscapes, each track carrying its own distinct energy and atmosphere. Side-A opens with 'Yarra', a hypnotic piece driven by tribal drums and chant-like motifs, evoking a primal, meditative state. 'Water Sirens' follows, weaving hedonistic, jungle-infused textures that feel both untamed and ritualistic, transporting the listener into a lush, mysterious realm. On Side-B, the tempo shifts with 'Yacu', a pulsating, Goa-trance-inspired track that surges with momentum, its fast-paced rhythms pulling towards a euphoric edge. The release closes with 'Sun Bleed', a deeply spiritual, spacey composition laced with acid-tinged echoes and an expansive mysticism. Its reverberations stretch into the unknown, leaving an afterglow of cosmic introspection. Balancing organic and electronic elements, this release stands as another example to the label's dedication to quality and sonic exploration. It's a seamless fusion of tribal resonance, trance propulsion and ambient depthiperfect for deep listeners and adventurous sonic explorers alike.
Review: Belgian producer Milo Spykers is a real mainstay of this label now and once again comes through here with a fifth release on it. It is a hard and dark affair with some slick psy-trance elements starting with 'Thunderworld,' featuring a stomping kick, rolling groove, and thunderstorm-like lead, all enhanced by cinematic sound design and a breakbeat section. 'Ghostrider' is driven by metallic percussion with a rising dark bassline adding suspense. 'Warp Drive' delivers a trance-y bassline and distorted synths that evoke a neon-lit, futuristic atmosphere and the EP closes with 'Croton' that brings a distorted bassline, saturated percussion, dark leads and atmospheric pads for an intense finish.
Review: We're always happy to be in the orbit of Planet Rhythm and this time Stipp and Genex lure us in for a dancefloor collision with their macho techno tools. 'Last To Act' is a big old wall of drums and percussive loops with a funky rhythm and 'Overcall' is pure mind music with its twisted, silken synths and ever-present drum pressure. 'Places' keeps things upright and punchy with cantering kicks and whirring machine sounds and 'All In; shuts down with a jacked-up mix of analogue drums and deep-sonar pulses. It makes for quite the thrill.
Review: CREDO label head and respected German DJ and producer Alex Bau offers up his first sounds under new alas Stoering here on the Dub Wax label. And the location of the music hints at what he is looking to explore with his new project, namely deep and dubbed-out techno soundscapes. They are steeped in the Basic Channel school with dusty hi-hats and fuzzy pads stretched out over frictionless drums. The pace remains steady and seductive throughout and the EP reaches its pinnacle with 'Taupo' thanks to the pairing of a gently bumping rhythm and scattering of metallic hits that widen the scope of the groove.
Review: Rotterdam-born but Berlin-based producer delivers a killer techno odyssey, crafting a set of deep, cinematic club tracks with an ominous edge. 'Glimmerfall' beings with a subterranean energy, its pounding German beat driving through layers of dystopian synth textures. The raw, mechanical intensity evokes images of vast, industrial landscapes reminding us of classic Tresor-era James Ruskin. 'The Last Glow' follows with a relentless acid assaultiaggressive, hypnotic and unrelenting, its squelching 303s carving out an electrifying, high-pressure groove. Side-B dives into cinematic realms with 'X1 Shift', a track that feels like the soundtrack to a mysterious alien world. Pulsing bass and intricate sound design create a dramatic, tension-filled atmosphere, as if exploring the depths of an uncharted planet. Closing out, 'Synk C' is a stellar production with a killer groove and immersive depth enhanced by meticulous sound processing. It's a track that feels both expansive and tightly controlled, balancing dancefloor power with artistic precision. A dark, gripping record with serious sonic weight, this is techno built for the late hoursimenacing, sophisticated and ultimately unforgettable.
Review: Studio 1's 'Schwarz' EP, brought to life by minimalist maestro Wolfgang Voigt, embodies the essence of 90s minimal techno. Originally crafted in 1997 but released only in 2019, it features three entrancing cuts: 'Schwarz 1,' 'Schwarz 2,' and 'Schwarz 3.' The Studio 1 series, starting in 1995, made waves for its unique formula of monochromatic sleeves and no-nonsense, untitled tracks. This aesthetic not only refined the genre's visual identity but also its sonic minimalism. 'Schwarz' remains a masterclass in stripped-down techno.
Review: London-based Osmura is back with a second outing, this time with Sub Basics at the buttons. Across four fresh tunes, he offers up his vision of techno starting with the dubby and liquid rhythms of sub-aquatic opener 'Colour.' There is more intensity to the silky rhythms and loopy percussion of 'Scope' while 'Splinter' is slower, deeper, and more menacing with searching synth leads. 'Nt' closes out with more weighty and dubby low ends, watery synth sounds and cavernous sound that is rich and immersive.
Review: The Subdermic aka Lilly Phoenix is a Cambridge-based electronic artist who made her debut in 2010 with the acclaimed anthem 'Electric Cabaret.' Since then, she has released a diverse array of techno, electro, acid and abstract ambient sounds. Now, as part of the 'Limited As Fuck' series on this independent Scottish techno label she offers up her first strictly acid release and The Subdermic's first solo vinyl. The four-track EP is packed with relentless acid, with the first two tracks delivering high-energy intensity, while the third offers an acid-jack overdose. The release concludes with 'Cruel Diagonals' with its mesmerising vocals that elevate the experience.
Review: Elements Electric is a brand new label out of Dublin that kicks off with revered local talent Peter Sweeney who has also worked as Rustal on labels such as 393 Records and Diffuse Reality. His delightful electro, techno and house fusion sound brings plenty of key Detroit references with it and opener 'Celestial Flame' features pitch-bent acid streaks over kinetic drums. 'Love Not Lost' is another one laced with the sound of the 303 and has glistening celestial melodic details over deep drums. 'Motor City Man' is a classic Mid-Western cut with turbocharged drums and future synth soul while 'Aurora Lake' shows a more melodic side with nostalgic synths intertwining with each other over jacked up beats.
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