Back in stock: Techno (Alles)

Review: Break 3000 returns with his first new material in over two decades, delivering four high-torque tracks of electroclash, rave and cold wave nostalgia. Born in Germany and known for his role in Dirt Crew and the Electron Feel imprint, Break 3000 rekindles the raw DIY spirit of his early 2000s output. 'Electronique' is the centrepieceiEBM drum hits, rasping vocoder vocals and a revved-up rave bassline that harks back to his 'Fix' era. 'Continua' channels distorted filtered techno into peak-time territory, while 'Tape Recorder' leans into retro electro a la Rotterdam and Detroit, full of hissy drum machine charm and chopped vocal samples. Italian producer Marcello Giordani rounds out the EP with a slick proto-house remix of the title track, nodding to Bobby Orlando with shimmering Vermona drums and dark disco swagger. From Cologne to Parma via Berlin and Buenos Aires (the release is on Calypso's Dream), this is a cross-generational, cross-border flex that proves Break 3000 still has teeth.

Review: The third release on Secretsundaze's 9FINITY imprint sees Naarm/Melbourne producer DJ Life return to the fold with another batch of psychedelic club tools, balancing UK bass pressure with trippy minimal finesse. 'Utility' jolts things into motion with snaking low-end and warped FX, slipping in and out of jagged tech shapes. The sparring synth jolts of 'Electrolyte' feel more frenetic, its thwacking groove and dubby vocal chops making for a proper headrush. On the flip, 'Breathe' trades upfront energy for depth, layering smoked-out subs beneath lattices of percussion. 'Stay Playful' edges toward tribal house but keeps its sci-fi freakiness intact. Digital bonus 'Love Sensation' eases the tension with clipped garage swings and pearly padsia welcome curveball.

Review: Melbourne's Tim Jackiw brings a retro future vision to this latest sweaty workout on the Physical Education label. 'Manifestation' is a full singlet on, socks up, headband in place, striding forward electro jam with nice cosmic energy and 'Multi Pass' then brings wistful Detroit synth work and sleek grooves designed for heady escape. 'House Wine' keeps the deep and driving dynamic flowing with more dusty drum programming and meaningful synth work and 'Unseen Forces' then gets more raw and percussive. Last but not least, 'Taking Measures' shuts down with some reflective moods and slower tempos.