New releases last four weeks: All genres

Review: A sublime five-track EP that opens with 'Magik,' a nice loose and fluid downtempo sound with lush and wispy melodies. Elsewhere 'Reboot' brings some sleek metallic lines and cosmic keys, 'Reality 2.0' has funkier drums, 'RSVP' is a late-night electro-tinged reverie and 'Keep Livin' closes as a ten-minute zoned-out opus.

Review: Hailing from Spain's Non Series label, Ritmo Oscuro' offers a diverse techno exploration. Sciahri / Conceptual join forces to delve deep into the title track and evolve it enough to make alternate versions stand on their own. The original track oozes sci-fi ambiance with its heavy beat and eerie atmosphere. 'Ritmo Oscuro 2' shifts towards a more aggressive, energy-building tech sound. LDS' remix brings broken beats and distinctive sound effects. Finally, 'Ritmo Oscuro 3' transports listeners to the 90s with its ravey, linear techno. If you are looking for some percussive, sci-fi techno then look no further then this.

Review: Alleviated's Larry Heard reissue series has previously brought us the rough and tough acid of Gherkin Jerks and, more recently, the intergalactic downtempo grooves of his largely overlooked Alien LP. Here, they revisit one of Heard's later aliases, Loosefingers, dusting down and reissuing tracks from 2003's Glancing at the Moon EP. All three tracks are deep, warm and melodious in typical Heard fashion, with the title track delivering a sultry blend of wide-eyed chords, darting electronics, Latin-influenced percussion and tactile keys. "Deep Inside" delivers a hazy, sun-kissed take on soulful house - all jazz bass, sensual chords and gentle vocals. Best of all, though, is the tougher, synth-heavy "Lamentation", which rolls along at a near techno-tempo and is blessed with thrilling bleep melodies.

Review: Universal Cave's Self Control cover is a captivating reinterpretation of Laura Branigan's synth-pop anthem. Stegemann's balearic house rendition infuses the track with a laid-back groove and echoing vocals, creating a hypnotic and alluring atmosphere. Universal Cave's other offerings on this release showcase their eclectic disco influences. 'Up All Night' transports listeners to the funk and groove era of the 1970s, while 'Too Much' tantalises with its disco-tinged sensuality and infectious melody. This EP is a versatile record that should appeal to those who enjoy disco and the innovative spirit of nu-disco.

Review: Digwah keeps it tough on this next drop on their own self-titled label. It's a ninth outing and in the time it has taken for those to come out, increasing numbers of people have been catching on to the label's work and making it a 'must check' in their mental lists. This one opens up with 'Couldnt Hate You' which has some Ian Brown vocals samples stitched into a glitchy and menacing beat. 'Open Ended' is just as twitchy and anxious with steely drums and brain frying synths all working hard to fire every synapse in your brain. Effective stuff.

Review: Razor-N-Tape's Family Affair series makes a welcome return here with a third great instalment. This series is something of an annual end-of-year tradition by now (OK, it's arriving a touch late) and this one hits as hard as any with five tracks taken from the full and standout compilation. It is two great remixes of classic RNT material that gets things underway with Ezel offering a dub of Cor.ece and Bruce Leroys sublime deep hose mix of Guinu, then JKriv's 'Better Than Her' is a fat bottomed bit of deep cut electro funk and elsewhere Kim Anh gets raw and cosmic, and Cody Currie's 'Ghost' is broken beat perfection.

Review: Populous's Moonbaton Vol. 1 marks a strong return to Wonderwheel Recordings, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the darker realms of instrumental reggaeton and moombahton. With tracks like 'Flauta Magica, which intricately weaves brooding synths and dembow beats with ethereal flute melodies and 'Sapo,' a foreboding journey layered with monstrous basslines and whimsical melodies, Populous demonstrates his mastery in crafting atmospheric soundscapes. Hailing from Southern Italy, Populous's global approach to music-making shines through, reflecting his diverse influences and musicological background. With previous releases like Night Safari and Azulejos, Populous has established himself as a versatile artist, while also making waves in the fashion world as a sound designer for renowned brands. Moonbaton Vol. 1 sets the stage for an eagerly anticipated series, promising an enchanting fusion of cosmic inspiration and rhythmic exploration.

Review: The '90s Groovez Vol 1: Back The Funk' EP from Planet Rhythm is a nostalgic journey back to the golden era of techno. With its retro-sounding basslines, house elements, and early rave influences, this EP captures the essence of a time when dance music was pushing boundaries. The title track, 'Back The Funk,' is a perfect example of this, with its infectious chord progressions and powerful bassline that demands attention. 'Beginners' transports listeners to the early days of rave culture in Belgium, while 'The Funk' will battle for deck privileges on any main floor. For those who have experienced the 1990s dance music scene, this EP offers a chance to relive those glory days. And for newcomers to the genre, it provides a taste of the era that shaped contemporary electronic music. We can't wait for Volume 2.