Back catalogue: All genres

Review: Aubrey's Don Gardon alias was a one-shot decoy deployed in 1997 with the now highly sought-after "Textures" 12" on Aubrey's own Textures label. While the provenance of these new tracks is a little foggy at this stage, what you can be sure of is the grade of techno we're dealing with here. Aubrey's illustrious career speaks for itself, and so do these tracks in the first Textures release since 2001. "The Phase" is an effervescent, funk laced race to the stars, while "Vari Tube" takes a more intimate route through dusty house that wouldn't sound out of place in the Workshop stratosphere. "Slam Dunk" is a cheeky, jazzy affair while "Dons Slide" gets a little more freaky and far out in the finest tradition of B2 tracks.

Review: There's been much debate over the years about whose version of this seminal track was in fact the best. Laurent Garnier's 1997 classic "Crispy Bacon" gets a vinyl re-issue and it still stands the test of time. You can just imagine how innovative and futuristic this adrenalised peak time weapon sounded like in the mid-nineties. On the flip, the equally legendary Jeff Mills delivers his take on the track, keeping in mind that this is one of only a handful he's ever done. There's relentless and punishing cyclicality on offer here; the sharply resonating loops, that brutally overdriven 808 kick.. it's one of those secret weapons that never leaves the bag of the best techno DJs. Choose your side, but either way it's a definitely a classic!

Review: Trauma Collective returns to shock your system on their fifth release, which comes courtesy of Spain's Rafael M. Espinosa aka Geistform. The Barcelona-based artist, also known for his exploits under the Univac alias, has crafted a singular style that exists at the interzone of IDM, digital noise and electro and having earned him releases on Pi Electronics, Femur and Hands Productions in recent years.

Espinosa executes four programs in sonic warfare on the Antena EP, all sounding akin to complex bitstream amplification. A multi-level barrage of frequencies play offense on opening cut "Proxima B", which sets the theme for more widescreen pulsations that gash the senses, as heard on the syntax error of "Note Repeat" and building up to a climax on the monochromatic soundstage of "Norc" - a jagged and angular exploration in bass artefacts and static redux.

Since unleashing the austere techno of Birmingham legend Mick Harris (as Monrella) and hometown hero Kwartz on unsuspecting ears, the Madrid-based collective has now ventured into more experimental spheres, as heard on the off-kilter mentalism of ASC's Loop Research and the brooding atmosphere of Makunaimadama's limited cassette release last year. Antena is the logical progression for the label's next chapter, where it continues to push the threshold of electronic music's outer limits.

Review: Having been dormant for over three years, New York label Satamile returns to continue spreading the gospel of proper electro music with a six-track EP from The Ghost That Walks. Drexciya enthusiasts will be all over this record; the rubbery melody of "The Angriest Angel" recalls the Detroit duo at their most playful but with a simmering undercurrent of tension that is very much the producer's own signature style. Similarly great are the searing analogue synth buzz of "Seven Deadly Sons", the tribal 303 stomp of "Urban Jungle" and the 808 rattle and Belgian rave tones of "Resident Evil". Those who were lost without the label's presence should rest easy - Angry Angels is easily among their extensive catalogue's best releases.

Review: Introducing Wobbly Mob, a new independent label based between Germany and the UK. Their debut release is by rising producer Glockta (aka Popka) from York, who serves up a collection of diverse tracks on WMR001. Detroit meets 2-step on the wondrous opener 'Plastic Fiver' which receives a ravey remix by Shawn Cartier over on the flip later, there's also off-kilter late night mood music on 'No Diamonds' and the rolling low end theory of 'Next Year'.

Review: We hope you're hungry for some wiggy proto trance magic, because here comes a bang tidy remix package of Sam Goku's East Dimensional Riddims album, which landed on Dutch label Atomnation last year. The A side finds Lauer taking on 'Far Far Fantastic' and making it into a swirling, acid-speckled epic for full tilt, hands aloft, spiritually charged dancefloor awakenings. Breakthrough Chilean talent Paula Tape is busy on the B side with a glorious, melodious version of 'Earlier Forms' which pushes a tough, early 90s vibe that will get you jacking. Then Ineffekt Azalea's version of 'Fisher's Theme' takes things in a more trippy, mellow breakbeat direction without losing that necessary punch for the party people.

Review: The second salvo on Further Electronix's Shakesphere sub-label comes courtesy of Charles Green, a producer of underground techno and electro previously best known for his releases on Four Triangles and Hardgroove. His trademark style - forthright, energetic and often intense - comes to the fore on EP opener 'Edit Generation', a slamming slab of warehouse-ready techno-pump rich in beefy kickdrums, creepy sounds and loopy late-night riffs, and can also be heard on 'Mind Restore', which sounds like a wholehearted tribute to rave-era techno (all fizzing melodic riffs, deep bass and sweaty drums). Over on side B, 'Resolve Jam' is a more sci-fi flavoured techno joint, while 'Solus' is a gorgeous fusion of echoing dub techno motifs, broken techno drums and glassy-eyed electronics.

Review: ***B-STOCK: Record is slightly warped, otherwise in excellent condition***


Moxie Presents Volume Two Sampler is the first physical release from Moxie's compilation series of the same name on her newly conceived 'On Loop' imprint. The compilation was released for free via Moxie's Soundcloud page in January 2016, and was met with rave reviews and radio support from the likes of Benji B, Gilles Peterson, Annie Mac and Toddla T. This sampler features 3 tracks taken from the compilation and an exclusive Dub of Medlar's 'In Dreams,' the original of which was a highlight on the compilation.

Review: Nemo Vachez and GrooveGuy take care of one side each on this superb new EP for Record Store Demo. "Cyan" from Vachez is a track defined by busy melodies that hiccup and pop over a shimmering line of steely percussion and tech-funk kicks. Roomy breakdowns add to the sci-fi vibes and make for colourful listening. Grooveguy's "Andromeda" gets a little more squelchy thanks to a superbly wet bassline, while crispy snapping snares and tripped put pads lend a space breaks feel. These are two perfectly contemporary, floor ready cuts that pair style and function in equal measure.