NORBAK Vinilo y CD

Review: Portuguese power wafts our way from PoleGroup's very own Norbak, a pre-eminent producer from the label's neighbouring country. Across his relatively short career Norbak has developed a distinct personal style, ever-evolving and changing. On this latest EP, we first hear 'Regra' and 'Ferramenta', both of which aggressively ferment a series of metrically unsound stares-into-the-abyss, combining knocky, low-reg fidgets with toppier emergencies and washouts. B-siders 'Amarante 9am' and 'Nota' techno prisoners either, opting for a more classically industrial sound vis-a-vis alarming stabs and crackly lower mantles.

Review: The Hayes label is very nearly at a landmark 50th release mark but don't overlook number 49. It comes from Norbak and offers some serious techno clout. 'Malta 6am' is a pounding and loopy cut with lither percussion and sleek synths working you into a lather then 'Passo Lento' slips into a more minimal sound with groaning synth textures increasing hi hat pressure. There is no let up on the B-side as 'Lux' cuts loose on gallivanting drum funk which is underpinned by thudding kicks, and 'Gare' shuts down with a weight, dubbed out sound. Plenty of variation in this one makes it a standout 12".