Back catalogue: All genres

Review: The well regarded Umwelt introduced Raverbreakerz as a dynamic new series on his label Rave Or Die earlier in summer. This massive compilation shows what it is all about with four hard-hitting tracks from genre specialists Blame The Mono, Jadzia, Ghost In The Machine and Umwelt himself, Seamlessly blending techno, breakbeat and dark, intense sounds design to captivate and energise the floor in equal measure, each artists contributes to what is a versatile arsenal for DJs seeking powerful sounds with a distinct style. On this evidence, Raverbreakerz is going to be a crucial new series.

Review: There is plenty of experimental work at play int his new various artists' collection on Flash. Cloned Existence sets that tone with the brief synth exploration that is 'Wave 1' when Gael & Jolly take off with the much more punchy and thudding techno of 'Paradigm Shock' which is weird up with all sorts of synth designs, effects and layers of reverb. Under Black Helmet ups the ante further with one of those bulky techno grooves that locks you in the moment and Stigmata then brings big room 90s vibes with layers of tangled synth melting the mind. Florian Meindl brings things to a close with gritty, scraping bass, reverb-heavy kicks and pure warehouse techno heaviness.

Review: Thanks to the eternally revered Minimal Wave imprint, out of NYC, Mark Phillips and Robert Lawrence's Five Times Of Dust project is going through a bit of a revival. The duo had first released some post-punk cassettes back in the 80s, and they clearly have not been forgotten. On this new remix EP, "Computer Bank" is given a makeover in the form of a The Floor remix, who proceeds to add all sorts of quirkiness over the tune's tough, heavy bass and driving rhythm; "Armoured Car" breaks the 4/4 in favour of something much closer to the band's original drum machine style. Once again, on the flip, we have a remix of "Like I Am, Comme Je Suis" by The Floor, who throws up a gnarly electro bass onto shady, neo-romantic vocals, and the whole things is finished off by "Imponative" from Unovodual and Tara Cross, who produce a slow, heady industrial groove for the dancefloor.

Review: Eight further sonic spirits are conjured on the seventh edition in Damian Lazarus' annual compilation series. Emphasising deep house and techno grooves with a hypnotic flavour, the procurement here is exemplarily brooding; Dino Lenny's 'I Have Sampled Father' marks a sure turn away from the openers' cleaner-cut mesmerisms with a smoky, funk-inflected haze, bringing rhythm guitar and paternal murmurations to a surreal montage. The monologuing mood continues on the equal highlight that is Upercent's 'Where Are You', whilst Enamour's 'Jackpot' rounds out the show with the record's only brightly-lit minimal triller. The record is marked by sensuous, distant, familiar voices throughout.

Review: The name of Barcelonan label Gente Seria Viste Chandal could best be translated to English as "serious people wear tracksuits", and while it may seem like a non-starter, we can glean all sorts of things from the idea alone. Best not to show up to any of their parties without at least your cotton bottoms on! Their sixth V/A brings handpicked local talents crossing between electro, complextro, grime and technobass with a naughty naughties tinge, the likes of 'Ultrasonic' and 'They Come At Night' emphasising freaky acids and soft-clipping chirrups in the highs.

Review: Rave Or Die recently minted a new series called Raverbreakerz and now it squeezes out another one just in time for the silly season. Again featuring five electrifying tracks, this one is all about powerful rave, techno, breakbeat, and dark, doomy hard sounds crafted by skilled artists Mental Fear Productions brings some savage synth textures to 'Final Bastion', Tripped builds wall-rattling drum foundations on 'Spank' and Nite Fleit's 'Disillusion' is a writing blend of slamming kicks and tortured leads. Whether you're a seasoned raver or a newcomer, these bangers promise to ignite any set with musical menace.

Review: This limited edition neon-yellow LP captures the power of U2's historic performance at the RDS Arena, Dublin in August 1993, a highlight of their groundbreaking ZOO TV Tour. Pressed on vinyl for the first time, this release should be a coveted collectible for both fans and collectors. Opening with the dramatic 'Zoo Station,' the track sets a powerful tone, showcasing U2's innovative approach to live performance at the time. The energetic 'Mysterious Ways' follows, a standout hit from the Achtung Baby album, its infectious rhythm exemplifying the band's dynamic range. 'Tryin' To Throw Your Arms Around The World' adds depth to the EP with its reflective and expansive feel, highlighting the band's ability to blend introspection with grandeur. 'Stay (Faraway, So Close!)' offers a poignant and often underrated ballad from the era, providing a softer contrast to the more intense tracks. Finally, 'Love Is Blindness,' a cult favorite also from Achtung Baby, brings a haunting and intense conclusion to the set. The 12" heavyweight vinyl is adorned with a gloss UV varnish on the outer sleeve, enhancing its visual appeal and making this release a striking addition to any collection.

Review: New York-based DJ and producer Antonio L Ocasio brings his deep house expertise to his own label as the latest release. On Side-1, 'Meant To Be' by Unified Spirits, is a smooth builder led by gentle guitar riff and enriched by lush strings. Its house groove is both soothing and uplifting, unfolding with a natural, unhurried progression that draws the listener in. On Side-2, Ocasio himself delivers 'La Fiebre', a stunning example of tribal house mastery. The track is spacious and deep, with ominous chords and a subtle tech edge that creates an immersive, almost cinematic feel. There's a beautiful balance between rhythmic drive and atmospheric depth, showing Ocasio's knack for blending soulful elements with intricate production. Altogether, this release maintains a polished and timeless quality - like his Tribal Winds label now verging on 30 years in operation.

Review: Ego Death is the label run by sun who here returns to it with a seventh EP of subterranean techno explorations. 'Atrahasis' kicks off and pairs roaming, searching synths with linear beats for a paranoid mix. 'Sight Unseen' has a different aesthetic with liquid dub chords and rumbling low ends while 'You Can't Have Both' is designed to elevate the dance floor with its trance-infused synths and percussive drums. Last of all is 'The Upside Of Losing Everything', the most involving and intense of the lot with its pressured drones and sheet metal percussive loops all making for something perfectly dystopian.

Review: UVX's latest offering is a hypnotic exploration of bass-heavy beats and intricate textures. The first track, 'Elevator (13 Floor Spectrum),' sets a driving pace with its deep, steady rhythm and intricate layers of synths that gradually build in complexity. The dub version on the second side, 'Elevator (Dubfloor Sub Bassment),' strips things down to a more minimal groove, letting the bassline take center stage. 'Elevator (Trancefloor Transporter)' shifts the tone again, injecting a trance-like energy with its sweeping synths and driving rhythm. The release navigates between styles with finesse, making it a standout for fans of both deep and progressive house.