New releases this week: All genres

Notes: Third-generation version of Arturia's exceptional KeyLab controller is presented here in a white, 88-key format. Top quality, expressive performance and Arturia's famed reliability.

Supplier's Notes:
Building on the success of their recent rev3. releases (Minilab 3, Keylab Essential 3 and Keylab MK3) Arturia are delighted to share their next gen 88 note controller keyboard, the Keylab 88 MK3.

With a full-size hammer-action aftertouch keybed and next-level software integration encased in hard wearing high-quality materials and hard-wood panelling - KeyLab mk3 88 not only looks the part but will stand the test of time on stage and in the studio.

Keylab 88 MK3 features all of the refinements found in the other MK3 keyboards, but it sports a massive upgrade to it's keybed over previous models, now equipped with a FATAR TP/110 the Keylab 88 MK3 delivers a stunning playing experience, unlike any other 88 note controller on the market.

With a stunning visual display that shows a range of contextual information on-screen alongside touch-sensitive controls and advanced creative features; it enhances every aspect of the music-making process. From integrating effortlessly with Analog Lab Pro and all major DAWs to supporting musical ideation, keyboardists, producers and composers alike can take full command of their setup like never before.

From customizable MIDI settings and intuitive controls to advanced creative features that support musical ideation - KeyLab mk3 is a powerful ally both in the studio and on stage

KeyLab mk3 offers advanced connectivity with all major DAWs including MCU/ HUI protocols, allowing you to view contextual information on-screen, create user programs and have complete control of your music making software and instruments.

With Analog Lab Pro, Ableton Live Lite and a range of timeless instruments from the world-renowned V Collection, discover a suite of pro-grade software to start making music right away.

Notes: Space grey version of the specially designed Chroma USB drive from DJ Tech Tools. Optimised for DJ use, the Chroma offers USB-C and USB-A connections to ensure fast performance and compatibility with both Denon and Pioneer players.

Supplier's Notes:
The Chroma USB Drive is a 128GB dual USB-A and USB-C drive designed specifically for DJs.

This drive has especially-chosen USB 3.2 memory, enabling fast library syncing on Rekordbox and Engine (sync in seconds, not painful hours).

Optimized for pro use, the Chroma Drive went through rigorous testing across Pioneer DJ and Denon DJ gear.

It's incredibly reliable for long gigs and harsh conditions. Sync faster, perform smoother, and never worry about adapters again!

Sync in seconds, not hours

Have you ever waited an hour for just 100 songs to upload to your USB from Rekordbox? It's not optimized for DJing. Rarely advertised on USB drives are the actual read and write speeds for DJ-style transfers. Most USB drives have memory not designed to update lots of little files quickly (metadata, cues, songs, analysis data, etc), but better at single/big files (i.e: a large single video file). DJs libraries aren't single files - they're lots of different files that have to be checked, updated, and then added to - all done concurrently.

Tested by DJs for thousands of hours

We've tested these with 350+ hour (two week) marathon DJ sets, using drives on all Pioneer DJ and Denon DJ all-in-ones and media players (CDJs), heavy media recording (DJ sets, 4k ProRes video), Stressdisk testing to ensure the memory has a long use life, high dust / high heat environments in the middle of the Black Rock Desert, heavy repeated plugging/unplugging (500+ times) to simulate long-term wear on the connectors.

Maximum DJ gear compatibility

The drive comes pre-formatted as FAT32. Yes, some newer DJ gear can work with ExFAT and HFS drive formats, but for maximum compatibility with all DJ gear, even just 3-4 year old units, FAT32 makes the most sense. For best results, this means you should leave 10-15% of the drive free to avoid library corruption.

Works with as many pieces of DJ gear as possible out of the box:

The drive comes pre-formatted as FAT32. Yes, some newer DJ gear can work with ExFAT and HFS drive formats, but for maximum compatibility with all DJ gear, even just 3-4 year old units, FAT32 makes the most sense. The only major limitation is that you cannot copy over files larger than 4 GB onto these drives. So if you want to have a very long lossless set stored on your drive, or use it to copy other types of media, you can reformat it easily. We recommend keeping all of your DJ drives FAT32 to make sure that older firmwares and gear all work seamlessly for your future.

Works with:

XDJ-AZ
XDJ-XZ
XDJ-RX, RX2, RX3, RR
Opus QUAD, OMNIS Duo
CDJ-3000, CDJ-2000/NXS/NXS2
XDJ-1000/MK2
Prime GO, Prime 2, Prime 4, plus the plus models
SC5000, SC6000, plus the M models
Honestly, pretty much any DJ device made in the last two decades that uses a USB port on it and can accept FAT32 formatted drives

Tech Specs
High speed USB flash memory designed for rapid-transfer of many smaller files
USB 3.2 Gen 1 (with memory that performs well at lots of rapid small file updates and read/writes like in Rekordbox syncing)
Quality metal alloy build
Engraved with DJ TechTools logo on one side. The other side is blank, but can be customized
Dual USB connectors in USB-A and USB-C
Rotatable cover (with satisfying mechanical action) to protect connector not being used
1 year limited warranty for mechanical issues (water, accidental, or intentional damage not covered, please buy an Extend warranty if you want all issues covered).
Support from DJ Techtools staff for all drive issues

Drive Specs:

Size: 128gb
Connector Type: USB-A + USB-C
Read Speed: 160-180MB/s
Write Speed: 240-260MB/s
Material: Zinc Alloy

Notes: Blue version of the DJ Control Inpulse 200 MK2, a superb option for beginners and anyone looking for an ultra-portable DJ controller. Great value.

Supplier's Notes:
Elevate your DJing journey with the Hercules DJControl Inpulse 200 MK2 Blue Edition. This sleekcontroller comes packed with powerful features, including Serato DJ Lite and DJUCED software,designed to inspire creativity and unlock your full potential. The groundbreaking Stems feature lets youeffortlessly blend instrumentals from one track with vocals from another, opening endless possibilities for unique mixes.

Master the art of beatmatching with the intuitive Beatmatch Guide, featuring built-in light indicators below each jog wheel and beside each tempo fader, making track syncing a breeze. With 4 performance pads and 4 versatile modes (Hot Cue, Stems, FX, Sampler), you'll have everything you need to craftseamless, professional-level transitions that will captivate any crowd.

Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your skills, the DJ Academy video tutorials offer step-by-step guidance, expert tips, and tricks to help you perfect your mixing techniques and take your sets to the next level. Let your creativity shine with the DJControl Inpulse 200 MK2 Blue Edition

Notes: No-nonsense analogue business here from JMT. Square wave VCO and sub-oscillators can be morphed and wave folded to create unique timbres.

Supplier's Notes:
The JMT Synth EWG is a desktop analog synthesiser with a wide-ranging VCO and two reconfigurable sub-oscillators that emit square waves, ideal for thick bass tones. Two adjacent knobs can control the pulse of the square waves, allowing for a wide range of tones and timbres. Two reduce knobs govern the leve of each sub-oscillator, allowing the user to blend the tones to their taste. The EWG-1 is powered by a DC9V center negative adapter or a single 9V battery.

Notes: This model consists of two VCOs (oscillators), SAMPLE & HOLD, noise generator, low-pass filter, LFO, VCA, and envelope generator to create a powerful sound.

By itself, a wide range of sounds can be created, including random and regular intermittent sounds, mute timing, and fine-tuning of levels.

If you input sounds from other equipment through the A IN, you can apply a variety of filters, LFOs that oscillate the filters, and mutes to the input sounds in parallel with the built-in oscillator.

The variable range is wide enough to produce a variety of sounds. The filter is a 4-pole filter that works very smoothly, and external audio can be input via A IN.

You can also use it with a sequencer to create even more sounds.

CV INPUTs can accept - + 9V. Do not exceed this voltage.

The adapter is not included.

Please use centre negative 9V POWER SUPPLY or A 9V battery.

Notes: Part of JMT's no-frills synth range, the SNB-2b offers a single voltage-controlled oscillator with three sub-oscillators, allowing you to blend and distort harmonics to create thick, juicy tones.

Supplier's Notes:
The SNB-2b is powered by a centre negative DC 9V adapter or a single 9V battery.

The SNB-2b is a noisy analogue synth oscillator with a distortion function that can emphasize HI, MID, and LO.

The oscillator can be input to the MAIN VCO with a wide range, and the three complex input SUB oscillators can be adjusted at LEVEL and input to the MAIN VCO.

Each of the three SUB oscillators is designed to affect each other, so a wide range of settings are possible with subtle knob position combinations.

The three oscillators are directly input to the waveform of the MAIN VCO, and different waveform changes can be added by adjusting the input level with the LEVEL knob.

It is a model that expands the variety of sounds by fine-tuning the knob and emphasizing the high, mid, and low frequencies of various tones such as noisy dense sounds and intermittent sounds.

From CV IN, you can input CV OUT (sequencer, analogue synth, modular synth) of other equipment and change the MAIN VCO. Since it is a 6.5mm jack, please use a conversion plug when using a 3.5mm cable.

Runs on DC9V negative centre or a 9V battery.

3 sub oscillator effect each other go to main VCO with LEVEL knob.

The main VCO goes to DISTORTION circuit with HI,MID,LO knobs.

The SNB-2b makes a variety of sounds.

CV IN is for VCO pitch. It accepts+-9V voltages.

Notes: Shik's 32-knob MIDI controller offers customisable, rock solid performance. Set up macros, program knobs to control your key parameters and develop your own hands-on performance interface.

Supplier's Notes:
A Versatile Macro MIDI Controller

Simplify Your Workflow, Manage Multiple Parameters with a Single Knob

Juggling complex controls can disrupt your creativity. The N32B Slim, with 32 programmable knobs and up to 4 macros per knob, makes managing multiple instruments seamless and intuitive.

Customize each macro to send MIDI messages, define ranges, invert directions, assign channels, and select output ports - offering unmatched flexibility for your setup.

Versatile MIDI Message Support

The N32B Slim is built to handle a wide range of MIDI messages, offering precision and adaptability for any musical setup. Supported message types include:

Control Change
Program Change
RPN
NRPN
Aftertouch
High-Resolution MIDI
System Exclusive (SysEx)

MIDI Thru & Outputs

The N32B Slim offers MIDI Thru functionality and flexible output options, including MIDI-USB, TRS, or both simultaneously. Each macro can be individually configured to send messages to a specific output, giving you precise control and seamless integration with any setup.

High-Resolution Mode

With 4095 steps, the N32B Slim delivers exceptional precision compared to the standard 127 steps of most controllers. Fine-tune your sound with unparalleled detail for truly expressive adjustments.

Compact and Portable

The N32B Slim measures just 20.8 cm x 13.5 cm (8.19" x 5.31") with a sleek 1.9 cm (0.74") enclosure. Lightweight and travel-friendly, it fits effortlessly into your bag, making it an ideal companion for studio and on-the-go production.

Stylish and Strong

Designed with a sturdy metal frame, the N32B Slim is built to perform and look great in any setup. Its sleek design and durable construction make it a reliable, long-lasting addition to your gear.

Easy Customization

Fine-tuning your workflow is simple with the N32B Slim's intuitive web editor. Configure each macro to send any MIDI message type, define ranges, and adjust parameters with precision - all in just a few clicks.

Specs

Midi Message Types: Control Change, RPN, NRPN, Program Change, Aftertouch, SysEx
Resolution: High resolution - up to 4095 steps
Channels: 16 Global channels. Supports custom channel assignment for each macro
Presets: 10 quick presets, easily managed via our web editor with the ability to import/export unlimited presets.
Macros: Up to 4 macros for each knob
MIDI I/O: IN, OUT, THRU - TRS 3.5mm (1/8"), MIDI USB
Power: 1 x USB Type C
Compatibility: Mac, Windows

Scope of delivery:

N32B Slim MIDI Controller

1 x USB C to USB A cable

1 x TRS to MIDI DIN5 Adapter

Review: NY breakbeat craftsman 88 Katanas gets explorative on Silent Force with four outstanding jungle adventures. The brilliantly titled 'The Standard Of The Archipelago' ignites the EP with a brisk drumfunk type of flavour that's comparable to Seba. From there we move inland to brutalist terrains... 'Radiant Energy' is a halftime march through thick swamps and woodland, and 'Bit Rot' takes us onto elevated fields where the air is fresher but the ground is very slippery underfoot. 'Subconscious Emotions', meanwhile, takes us back to a much calmer shore where a good looking ship awaits for voyage home.

Review: This tastemade, disco edited chef's special comes courtesy of AFIN, guest cook in the Frank Music kitchen. Over three sharply, perspicuously produced disco recuts, we're pelleted by a no less wet hosedown in hard disco, with 'Disko Inferno' introducing the proceedings with peak-time heat, before 'The Beloved' grooves yonder with feel-good charm, and 'Body Rock' ex-ergises our bodies with an irresistible vocal touch. Birbs And Planties help pave downlow slabs of golden bass, locking the rhythm down. This vinyl-only release won't last long, so grab a copy, and get boinging in time for spring...

Review: Phoenix man Eddie Amador is synonymous with one track more than any other artist in the game. He wrote 'House Music' in 1997 and it soon became a club anthem that has endured over the years. Now, decades on, he is back with a follow-up of sorts in the form of 'House Music Dos (Doin' It House Style.' The lyrics from the original, "not everyone understands house music, it's a spiritual thing, a body thing, a soul thing," still hold true and fragments of that tune appear here next to fresh funky drums and gritty chords. 'Househeads In Full Effect' has a darker vocal that infuses low-slung drums and a funny bassline with real menace.

Review: This is the first in a new collaborative series between Derailed Records and Planet Rhythm who have teamed up for a new vinyl series that launches with Rotterdam's ARKVS. 'Sonus' rumbles with low-end threat and fizzy static that locks you in the moment. 'Deviate (feat Ronald Nels)' is more sparse with claps echoing out to an event horizon as supple acid tones linger in the air. 'Amphibian Velocity' layers up gurgling synths and pent-up drum tension and 'Crashing Rhythms' is a punchy but deep closer and a fourth and final evocative and sophisticated offering which gets this series underway in style.

Review: Blackwater Holylight sacrifice their latest EP 'If You Only Knew’ to the Suicide Squeeze gods, providing an intermezzo of cosmos and sludge. A chthonic dark psych explosion if we’ve ever heard one, we hear metal, shoegaze, and psychedelia culminate to an iconoclastic crunch point, as strange auraic statues of Cthulhu shatter before our eyes, evoking the god beast in actuality, not just representation. Lead track ‘Wandering Lost' hears the band tear up constellate skies, as producer Sonni DiPerri shapes the track’s many shifting structural tides, evoking the many emotional turmoils and stretching-thins of life; Sunny Faris (vocals, guitar, bass) further emphasises its point, that is, to embrace the inequitable unknown.

Review: We shall never apologise for our love for the work of Steve O'Sullivan. His contributions to the world of dub techno are second to none. They are also mad consistent both in style and quality which means they never age. Here he steps up to Lempuyang with his Blue Channel alias alongside Jonas Schachner aka Another Channel for more silky smooth fusions of authentic dub culture and Maurizo-style techno deepness. Watery synths, hissing hi-hats with long trails and dub musings all colour these dynamic grooves. They're cavernous and immersive and frankly irresistible and the sort of tracks that need to be played loud in a dark space. In that context, you'll never want them to end.

Review: The legendary UK acid-jazz innovators Brand New Heavies dropped many a classic sounds and none more so than their iconic album 'Heavy Rhyme Experience Vol. 1. More than three decades after first release it remains an influential work that blends UK club jazz with US hip-hop. Featuring collaborations with artists like Main Source, The Pharcyde, Gang Starr, and Black Sheep, the album marked a groundbreaking fusion of genres back in its heyday and now two standout tracks from the album, 'Soul Flower' featuring The Pharcyde and 'It's Gettin' Hectic' featuring Gang Starr make their way to 7" for the first time and sounds as good as ever.

Review: Analogue pressure from Bufobufo, who stops over in Japan for Cabaret Recordings after earlier international stints with Art Of Dark, Partout and Furthur Electronix. His second single for the label, founded by So Inagawa and DJ Masda, proffers a hypnotic blend, binarising the mood with the sliding melodes of 'Watercourse' and 'Armour Plated' with comparatively sparse and gritty perc-slaps of 'Wood Ant' and 'Cinnabar'. That strange but difficult-to-nail split between of hypnotic intrigue and immediacy is well and truly nailed.

Review: A reissued 7" single, pressed on standard black vinyl, shows Carmen's unique fusion of soul, country and r&b, recorded in New York City with legendary producer Bob Morgan. Carmen's smooth, emotive vocals are perfectly complemented by the rich, soulful instrumentation of The New Frontier, harnessing the beauty of the early '70s music scene. Both songs highlight Carmen's ability to blend heartfelt lyricism with groovy, soulful melodies, creating a sound that resonates with fans of both northern soul and roots music. Despite not achieving mainstream fame, Carmen developed a dedicated following, and these songs provide a snapshot of his talent as a songwriter and performer. Housed in a full-color jacket with an insert, this release is perfect for fans of classic soul, funk, country and the crossroads of these genres. It's a remarkable opportunity to experience the timeless, evocative music of Kip Carmen in all its warmth and authenticity.

Review: Evergreen house master Kerri Chandler digs back into the vault for 'Lost & Found Vol. 4', the latest instalment in his archive series on Kaoz Theory. A genuine house pioneer, he continues to shape the genre while staying mighty true to the scene's roots. And it's fair to say there aren't many out there making more authentic house music than this veteran US producer. Vol. 4 unearths more hidden gems, including 'Since I Met You' featuring the late Michael Watford, the piano-laced joyride of 'Grandiose Garden' by Alopeke, and the brooding soul of 'Circles' featuring Natalia. Closing things out is 'The Dark One', a deep and driving cut built for the floor, with its dramatic string stabs and searing synths.

Review: Menacing EBM and dark synth billows from a Netherlands hinterland; our heralds speak of an esoteric encampment by the name of Espectro Oculto, said to be the remote incantators of an unstoppable curse in sound. Six shadowy emissaries have been sent to spread the pestilence; Trenton Chase, Martial Canterel, DJ Nephil, Exhausted Modern, Fragedis and Happy707. Clearly, the faction have recruited only the best, trusted and yet most nefarious of spies from as far-flung regions as Czechia and Argentina in the administering of such a sordid sonic plague. We're left most quivery at the centrifugal doom drones of Exhausted Modern's 'Fear Of Focus', across whose breakdown banshees are heard wailing and snarling, and Fragedis' 'Landing In Reality', a lo-fi techno freakout and sonochemical anomaly, channeling militant two-way radio samples and hellish FM synthesis.

Review: Blending hi-NRG and Latin cumbia, Combo Chimbita present a brand new single for Wonderwheel Recordings, 'Dimelo'. Described as an internal dialogue - a sonic representation of what it feels and sounds like to choose yourself - the refrain "Cuando por fin yo me elegi" is heard repeatedly throughout the track, as self-selection is maximised, contra the impossibility of saving others before oneself. The band's Carolina Oliveros says of the song, "however much you love someone, you can't force them to love yourself in the same way - that is love you have to give yourself." The Busy Twist remixes the idea, self-caring through salvos of oily guitar and toe-tapping woodblock shot, hitting like a health kick.

Review: Groove Culture enlist Italy's Da Lukas for a stinging string-disco propeller, 'Doin' Me Wrong', backed up on the B by 'Good Man'. Massive pressure-house feels coincide with the trilling afterglow of disco, as rock-bottom breakdowns prefigure high-as-a-kite apexes, word-painting the A track's lyrical focus on manic depressive push-pull relationships ("you tell me don't do this, you tell me don't do that"). The B-side track is weightier by comparison, deploying waterier wahs and an echo of Motown in its otherwise relentless garagey swing.

Review: Adeen Records returns with a superb EP that blends a classic with three new and fresh unreleased tracks. Deep house don Chez Damier's Panorama Bar Remix kicks off and is a a 2021 standout with a killer baseline and Spanish guitar that brings some sunny soul and makes for some top level house grooves. Makez then shines with 'Rocket Music' which has a chunky low end and glistening, golden piano chords making it a late night favourite. On the B-side, Adeen regular Alkalino delivers a tropical-infused edit for the peak time and Gledd closes with a classy cut 'Sere Yo' that is all about the drums. Lovely stuff.

Review: Drei Vinyl launched back in 2023 and has slowly but surely amassed a respectable catalogue of various artists' releases. This sixth outing is the most straight-up techno offering yet and it opens with one of Spain's finest in Eduardo De La Calle. 'Deva5Vyasa' is heady and otherworld loop techno perfection with synth daubs and conscious vocals peppering the rubbery kicks. DJ Shufflemaster brings more texture to the raw, percussive madness of 'Axiom' and Tensal layers up unsettling and anxious synth murmurs with rising drum tension on 'Thermal Cycler.' Pergo's 'Lume' is a brash, industrial closer full of urgency.

Review: Karol Mozgawa is Polish techno talent Deas, and he brings his class to Planet Rhythm here, although it's Ferdinger remix of 'Dissociation' which gets things underway. It's a speedy and supple techno pile-driver with euphoric chords sure to elevate the 'floor. '8 AM' is much more mechanical and industrial with unrelenting drums and textured hooks peeling off the beats. 'Dissociation' in original form is a classic bit of soulful hi-tek Motor City goodness and 'Error' closes with some raved up synth madness and super-sized hi hats.

Review: Philoxenia Records boss man Luigi Di Venere continues to blur the boundaries between traditional genres with a new EP that takes its inspirational cues from the multidimensional nature of sound waves. The title reflects the depth and motion captured in the EP's stunning artwork by CGI duo muzzin+samiri while the opener is a tribute to early 90s Frankfurt EBM. 'By Means Of Music' is a more funky vibe with New Beat undertones and real warmth. 'Got Momentum' brings a French house edge and on the flip, Cromby transforms' Got Momentum' into a euphoric UK peak-time anthem, and Cycle_2 reimagine 'By Means Of Music' as a psychedelic techno trip.

Review: Originally released for LNS & DJ Sotofett's Japan Tour 2024, this 12" now sees a global repress and it is a fittingly chaotic sonic postcard from the road with unpolished, playful and strictly for the heads cuts. Kicking things off, Tokyo's DJ Gizzard delivers 'Jitter Analysis', which is a tight blend of analogue funk, crisp grooves and rolling basslines. LNS & DJ Sotofett follow with the cosmic 'Electrolium' with its whistling synths and spaced-out, vintage-style rhythms. LNS's solo effort 'Work Them' explores robotic electro-funk with computerised melodies and percussive precision. Closing the EP, DJ Sotofett's 'Out of Place' fuses ominous electro with bold p-funk.

Review: Japanese talent DJ Koco aka Shimokita is a hardcore 45rpm devotee. They are his chosen tools as a beat-juggling DJ who can do logic-defying things with his grooves. He is a regal on Bloom and already dropped serious heat in January with 'World Famous'. This time he is back with a fresh take on 'Made In New York' which is a 1985 classic by renowned Brazilian funk and jazz pianist Tania Maria. He brings his signature hip-hop flair and creativity with his trusted crew, 45trio, and enlists the dynamic saxophonist King TJ (DA-Dee-MiX) to elevate things further. This is a standout RSD 2025 release with groove to spare.

Review: OGE hits release number 19 with a delectable new bap from DJ Sandwich, layering sweet programmable piano cheeses and cornichons between tricky, seeded deep tech sourdough slices. It's the first release by the artist for the otherwise usually "unknown artistic" moniker, through which the likes of Funk E, Vincentlulian, Phillip Boss and Giralda have also bared their identities. Best here has to be the low-filled 'Lee', whose sequent synth pianos, rubber resinous basses and splashy snares hint at a materially informed approach to dance production, emphasising raw organics and recalling the works of Bambooman.

Review: Original Chi-Town bad man DJ Sneak shows up with his latest selection of loop-driven house jams, serving up five floor-focused cuts on the 'Disko Dialogue' EP. A key figure in the second wave of Chicago house, his prolific career has seen him explore acid house, disco cut-ups, and hypnotic, tracky realms. Much, if not all, of that is on display here. The title track features looped strings and echoing vocals over a pounding kick and skippy snares, while 'Kick Da Flow' follows a similar trajectory, albeit with a slightly more restrained mood. 'Bottom Acid' ups the energy with pulsing 303 gliding over piercing drums, while 'Acid Wunders' dives into trippier territory, with its nocturnal groove endlessly undulating. The rolling rhythms of 'Elements' cap a fine EP, with DJ Sneak proving he's lost none of his big-room bravado or production swagger.

Review: Ira James continues the fine curation of his excellent Vessel Recordings label here with a pair of legends taking care of a new three-track EP. Doc Martin and Joeski are long-time house royalty and they open up here with 'Join Hands' which is low-slung tech with rolling drums and some majestic piano chords that light up things with real emotion next to a passionate vocal. 'It's Time' pairs things back and allows a nice live-sounding and funky bassline to shine under percussive drums and 'Roots' has more swing to it as organic sound effects and crunchy snares all add detail.

Review: Iranian American house and techno DJ and producer Dubfire's remix collection is a high-octane celebration of one of his most iconic tracks, originally released in 2007. The track was already a bold leap into the unknown, a daring cover of Love and Rockets' classic, but now, the 2025 remixes bring fresh spins that feel like a much-needed upgrade for the modern dancefloor. Stephan Bodzin's take is lush and emotionally charged, tapping into his signature, grandiose style with sweeping synths and an infectious groove. Erol Alkan flips the track into a psychedelic whirlwind, breaking down barriers with glitchy, unpredictable beats, while SNYL brings a more hypnotic vibe, leaning into deep bass and subtle, entrancing textures. Yulia Niko strips it back to a deeper, atmospheric sound, crafting a slow-burning tension that grabs you from start to finish. Rafael Cerato & Laherte bring the energy with a bouncy, club-ready cut that will have you moving all night. The 2025 Club Mix remaster, though, is where the remix package really shinesirefreshing the track with a crisp, punchy feel that's ready to light up any room. Whether you're here for the deep cuts or the high-energy reworks, this remix collection is suitably incenidiary.

Review: Astonishingly, 18 years has now passed since Gilles Aiken - probably more celebrated these days for his work under the alternate Desert Sky alias - first offered up off-kilter tech-house tracks as Edward. Last year, he impressed with a wonderfully deep and unctuous EP on deep house imprint Smallville; here, he makes his bow on another must-check label, Kalahari Oyster Cult. In keeping with the imprint's love of all things trippy and otherworldly, opener 'Tentacle' sees him wrap chiming lead lines, psychedelic synth motifs, weird noises and layers of percussion to a chunky, locked-in house groove. Aiken then goes off piste via a skewed, druggy and at times dreamy tech-house remix of Trybet's 'Moodsetter'. Arguably best of all though is impossible-to-pigeonhole flip-side 'Dr Octo', which is immersive, unsettling, tactile and eccentric in equal measure.

Review: The Space Trace label keeps quality high with this fourth outing on wax. Eric Os is on the button for this one with 'Underworld' first to lure you into its world with gently broken bets and moody pads setting an eerie tone. 'Stereophysical' is more jacked up with fizzing synth lines and warped pads over future house beats and 'Elusive' bringing some trance energy to its flashy, bright synths. 'Electrodreammachine' is a wonky electro workout with withering sci-fi motifs, puling synth sequences and raw hits. 'Feeling Real' and 'Cherry Red' complete the EP with more blends of house, electroclash and sleazy guitar riffs.

Review: Caleto Records's eighth outing takes the form of this various artists compilation featuring exclusively Polish producers. The Etat Cru duo of Olszewski and Pawlescu kick off with the wire and sinewy synths and tech house pomp of 'Jasmina' then Jerry M offers two cuts. 'Gutek' is a nice spaced-out tech cruiser with flashy astral pads and 'Gondin' rides on well-designed breakbeats with an old-school bassline. Robsessive's 'Look After You' is a deeper, dubber, grittier cut for late-night vibes and SIM ON's 'Brudas' is all glitchy and dystopian urban landscaping. Poland sure has plenty of talent based on this EP.

Review: The connection between ZamZam and Feel Free Hi Fi was sparked by Bristolian Neek out in Portland and lead to an immediate bond forged over a shared sound and DIY ethos. Inspired by early digi-era dancehall and UK dub, the duo crafts a sound here that honours tradition while venturing into bold, idiosyncratic territory. It comes on their own Digital Sting label and opens with 'Voyageur' which is a mix of cinematic atmospherics with haunting synths that evoke wild and mythic landscapes. 'Underground' pays tribute to the spirit of DIY underground music and captures the struggle to preserve both nature and the essence of basement gigs in today's shifting cultural landscape.

Review: Clarifying its vision ahead of its ambient and en-tranced origins laid out earlier this year, Sense Code's third release solidifies the Northern Italian label as a hub for introspective and refined electronic music. Following last winter's split EP, 'Sense 003' embraces a multi-artist approach, all the while further establishing Italy's baton-bearing role in deep techno. Formant Value's dynamic downtempo standout 'Deep Core' unfolds with ingenious, perpetual motive basslines set against penumbral textures, while crisper percussive nuances unfold across Biocym's dark forestation on the B-side, 'Forest Blackout'.

Review: Drop Music marks a quarter of a century of reliable and ever-on-point sounds with a special series of EPs that embodies what it's always been about, offering up both classics and never-before-released tunes. This one kicks off with 'Make A Move' which is chunky low-slung tech. It unfolds at a relatively slow tempo but that gives the fat acid gurgles time to really hit. Inland Knights then serves up the next three cuts, starting with the bass bin bothering sounds of 'Push It', the more silky tech loops of 'Long Time' and the vocal-laced acid-tech swagger of 'Same Talk.' Here's to the next 25 years.

Review: Following the likes of 'A Journey Into Abstract HipHop' and 'Snap Your Neck Back', the Gasoline collective continued their early legacy with 'Fuck You I'm 21' which arrived digitally in 2023, 21 years after the debut EP. It comes now as a 7" with all the original cuts included. The opener is an old-school blend of raw beats, scratching and smart samples, 'Human Sucks' then pairs moody spoke words with eerie late-night boom-bap and 'Zattar' is a short beat interlude that oozes atmosphere. 'Dark In The 46th District' is the final short but pithy beat sketch which is a great example of experimental hip-hop and beat culture from the turn of the millennium.

Review: What began as a beloved underground party two decades ago now steps into a new chapter as Rock Tha House Traxx, a vinyl-only label helmed by veteran Chilean selector Camilo Gil and Mario Flores in Mexico City. Shifting from the dancefloor to the turntable, the label sets out to document and reimagine the musical movements that shaped its roots. After a hothousing debut featuring Romania's Mihai Popoviciu and Swiss mainstay Quenum among others, we've a new sonic tort from the label's very own Gil, solidifying the Western SA nation's place in said conversation. Squeezy reso-basses, stupid-hard breaks, zany lifters: Gil has us covered.