MACEO PLEX Vinilo y CD

Review: Maceo Plex has managed to pivot this alias from accessible house cuts with creamy basslines into a far more interesting project that explores astral techno with a range of different influences from sci-fi to wave to the sounds of the 80s. That has never been better exemplified than on '93, his expansive album on his Lone Romantic label. It features emo-anthems like 'Revision', disco-techno stompers like 'Go Back' and chunky robot-tech like 'All Night'. Plenty of guests from Mystic Bill to label mate AVNU Jane's Addiction frontman and alternative music legend Perry Farrell all help add a wide world of sound to the electronic core.

Review: If you were into house and techno around this time a decade ago, you surely wouldn't have been able to avoid Maceo Plex's acclaimed debut album Life Index. The Valencia-based, Miami native finally hit the big time after many years as an underground artist, with this impressive merging of minimal/tech house with disco/soul-funk influences that would go on to be constant throughout his work ever since. This worthy reissue as part of Record Store Day 2021 features all the hits that soundtracked a rather memorable 2011, such as the lo-slung rolling funk of 'Sleazy E', the druggy and sax-led euphoria of 'Silo' and the blissed-out summertime groove of 'Dexter's Flight'.

Review: Ever the champion of brains and brawn in equal measure, Maceo Plex makes his debut appearance on Drumcode with this punchy beast of a single. "Conjure Dreams" features plenty of Plex signifiers, from the rounded and rowdy bassline pump to the haunting tone of the synth lines, neatly packaged in a chunky framework of big room drums. "Conjure Floyd" meanwhile burrows into more minimal territory where the tones are amelodic and the percussion takes the lead, calling to mind the restraint and tension of classic M_nus productions where so much could be said with so little.

Review: There's a reflective quality at work on the latest Ellum Audio release, which finds label boss Maceo Plex teaming up with emo-tech-house stalwart Gabriel Ananda. The resulting "Solitary Daze" is laden with melancholic chords and synth sweeps, featuring a delicate drum section that buffets along the heartbreak harmonies with patience and poise. Barnt gets snapped up for a remix that injects a touch more mystery and dancefloor bite into the proceedings, using a little Eastern mysticism and a punchy bassline to make for a catchy revision that will help confirm the widespread praise the producer has been garnering of late.