NICOLA CRUZ Vinilo y CD

Review: Nicola Cruz lands on Cabaret with the 'Cryptic Nature' EP. Beyond consistently high-quality, compelling productions, it's usually hard to predict what the talented Ecuadorian producer will deliver i but he does his energetic Japanese label hosts proud with this stirring selection. The broken rhythms, trippy vocals and paranoid synths of the title track start things off on a strong footing, before the strobe-lit thrust of 'Elementals' powers ahead with swung snares and crisp hats. The four-to-the-floor drive continues into the wigged-out psychedelia of 'Kojix', while the jagged drums of 'Desire Scan' and the otherworldly intensity of 'Photosphere' round off a mighty fine, entirely floor-focused set.

Review: Nicola Cruz's third studio album Kinesia blends intricate studio sessions with rich analogue synthesis to create a deeply introspective soundscape. This album serves as an "antenna" that allows you to tune into ancient messages, words and rhythms. Opening with a unique 5/4 rhythm, Cruz conjures a textural, almost meditative world where tracks like 'Perma' and 'Telepathine' evoke both mysticism and movement. Each piece is woven with chants, subtle percussion and expansive textures that draw you in ever deeper to Cruz's evolving, kinetic sound, making it perfect for both reflective listening and the dancefloor.

Review: Ecuadorian maestro Nicolas Cruz is back on Rhythm Seciton to follow up his last EP Subtropique which proved a big hit. "I'm always trying to re-interpret this Afro-Caribbean feeling, and trying to figure out how I could humanize this through the machines," he says of his approach and it certain is the case here. He mixes up some worlds rhythms with twitchy techno drums and electronic synths to make for something totally new on all of the tracks. The heavy, skipping kicks of 'Residual Heat' is a real favourite while 'Self Oscillation' is a catering percussive jam to pack the floor. Another great outing.

Review: Bradley Zero's ever hard to pin down but always excellent Rhythm Section International comes through with some deep house excellence here. Far from standard sounds, though, these tunes are infused with all manner of mystic referees. 'Individuality Riddim' is tinny and percussive, empty yet compelling. 'Subtropique' pairs aquatic sound design with shimmering rhythms that seem to owe a debt to djembe rhythms while 'What Now' is astral house with cosmic vibes to spare. There are also two darker, more percussive tunes to close out this fantastically expressive and adventurous EP.