Back catalogue:

Review: Latvian label Micronica is back in action with another round of its various artists series, shining a light on some emergent talent from the minimal tech house scene. First up on Volume 3 is Daniel Broesecke with 'Black Matter', a swirling, hypnotic joint draped in exquisite synth work. DIN follows that up with the tricky percussive wrangling of 'In Mind' - a quintessential minimal workout if ever we heard one. JNJS brings a little more uptempo funk to 'Thinking About Money' with some playful speech samples woven into the mix and Electricano & Adroit follow a similar approach with their slinky workout 'Space Adrift'.

Review: London's FUSE is one of those labels that is so dint it has a sound of its own that is often initiated but never bettered. The latest to serve up an authentic twist on the tech house template is returning artist EB Flow whose opener 'Celestial' makes a quick impact. It's a cruising, effortlessly cool groove with cosmic synth sounds and an aloof little vocal hook. 'Boundless' has more tension in its breakdowns and muted pads but the sub-bass is to die for. This sophisticated new school EP shuts down with 'Illusion' which has a gurgling lead wobbling about the mix while the long, leggy, loopy kicks bring great swing to the party.

Review: Exxtra Beats Records backs up its commitment to pushing things on with a new four-tracker of minimal and tech cuts. Edo Ecker's 'Extraluxxo' has warped synth lines that encourage introspection while the snappy beats make you move physically. Leff's 'Future Problems' has hazy and positive arpeggios that toot away over sustained chords and move at a nice inviting pace. Little Sea offers the snappy drums and gurgling acid lines of 'How I Wanna Feel' while Andrea Bertoli & DJ Bogdan's 'Extremely On Line' is a snappy and upbeat cosmic tech cut with wonky lines adding the charm.

Review: Berlin producer Ede returns after their 2023 Innervisions debut 'Poptroit', this time for another melodic techno forward-facer. With a papillary front cover - resembling the suckers of an octopus or the polyps of a fantasy coral - we doubt the trypophobics out there will be at ease with this one. That is, at least until they hear the soothing progressives of 'I Am Wavy' and 'Odyssey', which build through and cleanse classic acid, rave and bleep motifs. The latter track has an incredible vocal breakdown, saturating and processing its stabs and chirp-hits just right.

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: EEE keeps it simple, with the artist, label and EPs all given that simple naming convention. It means there is nothing to focus on but the music. Which is fine by us as this 18th such outing is another doozy that should slip into your record bag post-haste. 'Track 1' has 90s organ chords and a deep, rolling bassline working together to soon get you moving while sustained pads and dry per add detail as a tempting vocal lures you in. On the flip, things are a little less pared back with some widescreen synths adding cosmic scale to the potent tech house drums. Tidy tools.

Review: Though now almost at 20 releases deep, the EEE label and production outfit remain a mystery to us. What we do know is that since debuting in 2017 they have served up a steady stream of playful, charming, accessible edits and mash-ups across the house and minimal spectrum. 'Dubs 4 Clubs' takes a classic vocal that keeps pushing on with thudding kicks, a rolling bassline and enough synth detail to make it a standout in plenty of Ibiza sets this summer.

Review: Time to Play's latest release, "Midnight Love," marks a significant addition to their catalog, courtesy of Japan's DJ Dreamboy. The EP's title track is a masterclass in Japanese deep house, capturing a sound that's minimal yet intense, balanced yet dreamy. The choice of Brazilian producer Zopelar for a tough remix only underscores the track's impact and versatility. On the flip side, "Vibe" kicks off with a minute of atmospheric build-up, gradually exploding into a whirlwind of kicks and acid arpeggios. It's a journey from suspense to euphoria that's bound to ignite any dancefloor. Following suit is "Dream Town," which retains a softer, more contemplative edge, echoing the vibe of the title track while adding a layer of subtle sophistication. The EP wraps up with "My House Style," a high-octane trip through Tokyo's nocturnal landscape. It's a relentless romp featuring deep basslines, ethereal atmospheres and a rhythm that demands you keep moving. If you've ever dreamt of a non-stop dance odyssey, this track's your ticket. DJ Dreamboy's "Midnight Love" not only showcases their signature sound but also sets a new standard for modern deep house.

Review: We're not yet familiar with FM therapy as a psychotherapeutic modality, but we'd sure as hell like to try it. Producer Elias, welcomed for the first time here to the Ranges label, offers up a sampler of this as yet esoteric, but sure-to-become-popular aural masseuse's technique. Admittedly, it doesn't sound far off dub techno; opening with the rainsoaked, padded piner 'Aquatic', it's as if we've entered a parlour doubling up as a humid human greenhouse, with palm plants on the inside and a backlit rainforest vista on the outside. Follow-ups 'Red Lantern' and 'Severe' go further into the dub techno mode, but the latter is especially interesting for its fusion with jukey sonics; finally, the titular 'FM Therapy' rounds things off with a neat return to crackle and ricochet.

Review: The Cimedirapax crew are back with another superb various artists collection that nudges at the borders of tech house and minimal. Eliaz's 'Enbaspremal' is an alien sound with abstract designs and trippy pads and Lapucci then gets deeper and darker on the menacing 'To Be On Top.' F_Phono brings some nu-disco energy and bright 80s arps to 'Sollievo' then Marco Biagioli heads into more occult worlds with the eerie and haunting 'Strange Mirror' before Equinox's 'Intergalactic Space' offers a caustic electro workout.

Review: Eloelo Records's debut vinyl release features three original pieces by label head Elodie and a remix by Michael James. The A-side opens with the title track with its immersive, euphoric vibe that is sure to shine on powerful sound systems. The track is rich with vibrant energy and ear candy and Michael James' remix elevates it to a peak-time anthem with intense percussion and a thrilling breakdown. On the B-side, Elodie explores deeper emotions with 'Like To Dream,' a dreamy, introspective track inspired by Rominimal sounds, and 'Pineapple Ice' is a tranquil yet experimental piece that balances soothing tones with playful unpredictability.

Review: Ida Engberg's contribution to this release marks a striking departure from the Swedish techno DJ and record producer's usual sound, an unexpected, lush journey through the world of 2 step genre that's definitely not typically seen in her catalogue. The track is at once sensual and booming, designed for the late-morning hours when the dancefloor shifts from peak-time frenzy to more reflective, intimate moments. It pulses with a calm intensity, creating a smooth yet exhilarating rhythm that invites the listener into an immersive experience. On the flip side, 'Pink Monkeys' is a true sonic adventure, blending elements of EBM and sawtooth trance to produce a thrilling, psychedelic atmosphere. The track is a festival-ready anthem, charged with energy and unrestrained sound, allowing Ida to stretch her creative muscles even further. Meanwhile, Marco Resmann delivers two tracks that showcase his deep-rooted versatility. 'RIMA feat. Laatz' is a high-octane techno rollercoasterimenacing, frenetic, and impossible to ignore. Its relentless drive and chaotic energy keep the listener on their toes, offering a new, radical take on techno. Then, 'Dimensions' shifts into a more intricate, electro-driven vibe. Its low-slung groove is filled with subtle details, creating a balanced equilibrium that simultaneously engages both the mind and the body. Resmann's approach is detailed and meticulous, ensuring each sound has a purpose and brings the track to life. Together, these four tracks exemplify a mastery of genre-blending, pushing boundaries while still maintaining an infectious, danceable core that connects with listeners on a deep, visceral level.

Review: Swiss-French label Miniclic Records builds on the momentum of its first outing with another cultured EP, this time from Enzo Leep. He shows his knack for crafting kinetic grooves on the quick, tight tech opener 'Ultra Girl 'Elastic 140 Vision' which has all sorts of great and unusual sound designs. 'Forest 2.0' is grittier and more dark then 'Take This' (feat Margongon) is experimental in its blend of blues guitar smudges, female vocals and minimal drums. A minimalist Birdsmakingmachine remix brings more dance floor heft to what is a beguiling original.

Review: OGE White has released plenty of great slabs of wax by the likes of Philipp Boss, Hollow Fraud and Natalie Gardiner, and this time out it is the returning Enzo Leep who impresses with four tunes in collaboration with Giralda. 'Beat Goes On' starts things off in jazzy fashion with some manic chords dancing drunkenly about the piano next to a jumble of percussion and weird samples. 'Aroa T Lo Miro' then kiss it fresh with more breakbeats, steamy vocal samples, high-speed beats and a funky mood, then 'Hell Or Heaven' has a dry, percussive rhythm that is marbled with characterful vocal stabs. 'Conscious Of My Conscience' is a surefire winner with its seductive 80s soul vocals sampled from a well-loved duo.

Review: Eoin DJ is back with a tune that belies his age and taste: this one is a homage to Nalin & Kane's legendary 1997 classic 'Beachball' which was a huge hit in Ibiza and just about everywhere else in those heady and trance-tinged crossover dance-pop days. The EP blends sparse, organic percussion with potent bass and lush atmospherics that hark back to that era while also sounding contemporary - a fine mix of euphoric vibes and club-ready grooves. The title track you may well have heard as it has been something of a hit for a while in the clubs and has been championed by tastemakers like Job Jobse, Sally C and Spray. Bliss Inc's remix elevates the original into a modern hard-house anthem, while Infinite Well and On Lilac Skies deliver techno restraint.

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: Eris, aka. Enrica Falqui and Dea Dvornik, mint the Plexus 4 label with the 'Glimmers' EP. New outings breed novel vibes; so too does this exciting new house pairing bring future-facing, melancholic electro-progressive flavours to the table with opener 'Kundalini Rising' and A2 ensuer 'Serpente'. Both tracks shimmy and plod through the twinned vibes of alien atmospherics via a driven whimsy, nailing a sweet interplay of seriousness and affability. B-siders 'Anticipation' and 'Game Over' contrastingly move more minimal with things, using, revelling in the natural monophony of, their various analog synths, their delectably dedicated studio gear. The final track ends on an eerier note, suggesting murkier future ambi-topias to navigate.

Review: Twisted psychedelic sounds and wiry electronics are back en vogue right now and bringing with them a retro touch, which can be heard in the open of this new EP from Dutch label Hoarder. 'I Like The Sun' is crisp, vibrant techno with a 90s edge and after that, it's producer Existencia Pasajera who serves up three collabs. The first is with Dismal - 'Bullet Proof' brings sunny old-school piano stabs to acid-laced and raw tech beats. Dismal also steps up for the hyper-real colours and dreamy trance-techno of 'Hope To See You' then Mati F contributes to zoned-out 90s tech house stepper 'Mental Spirit' to close.

Review: NEM 100.1 Vol 1 isn't your standard deep house compilation. With heavyweight contributors like Danny Howard, Nicole Moudaber, and Armand Van Helden, this release feels like a meeting of minds with a shared purpose: to push familiar boundaries into unexpected places. Danny Howard and Eli & Fur's If You Were sets the tone with a blend of understated house rhythms and finely layered vocals. There's nothing overblown here - it's precise, refined, and confident in its restraint. PAX and Rui Da Silva's Touch Me follows, reviving the iconic anthem with modern production sensibilities. The track is driven by its deep, chugging bassline and stabs of melody that feel like a nod to the original, but also refreshing in their approach. Nicole Moudaber brings a more atmospheric element to the fold with Rise Up, featuring the London Community Gospel Choir. It's expansive, combining gospel depth with Moudaber's signature techno edge, resulting in a track that demands attention without feeling heavy-handed. Closing things out is Armand Van Helden and Mark Knight's Down to Earthia production that melds classic house tropes with a contemporary spin. Its punchy, syncopated rhythm and laid-back groove avoid the typical tropes, instead offering something warm, slightly off-kilter, and entirely captivating. This is a collection that doesn't fall into the trap of overused house formulasiit's bold without overstating, intricate without being pretentious. A strong reminder that these artists still have a few tricks up their sleeves.

Review: We're fully signed up fans of the work that Hedzup has been doing. It's a house label that works at the electronic end of the spectrum and likes to bring in weird and wonderful sound deigns next to their high speed beats. This new VA is a great window into their world for first timers, or another essential 12" for those already in the know. JNJS's 'Two Girls' is perfectly colourful and vibrant stuff with retro touches and future feels, Vern's 'Sunlake' is a nice cosmic cruise and Enzo Leep and Matpri on the flip both keep the silky and seductive sounds coming thick and fast.

Review: 'Fix The Pitches On Your Old Turntables To Improve Quality Of Life' on Mud Trax Russia delivers a dynamic and immersive experience in the world of minimal and tech house. The first side opens with Kirill Matveev and Wiklauri's 'Ioli (Kirill Version)', a track that offers a strong, late-night tech house vibe, filled with a driving techno sound. Ataneus' 'Napolitaner' follows, a deeper, chord-based piece with an atmospheric quality and fast-paced tech house elements, designed to energize the dancefloor. On the flip side, Genning's 'Red Lights' brings a fusion of dub techno with flighty, melodic techno sounds, building energy through airy, atmospheric layers. Etzu Mahkayah's 'Cs-13' closes the compilation with a melodic tech house track that introduces trance-like elements, offering a spacey, progressive soundscape. Each track expertly balances depth with dancefloor energy, creating an album that is both atmospheric and immersive, perfect for fans of techy minimal beats and progressive grooves.

Review: Limo Trax wind down the tinters and shoot us a knowing look through the Wayfarers, as their latest procurement in slick minimal house and techno blares out the limo stereo. This latest addition to their colours series comes in verdant green, and corrals the talents of Milion, Exonym, Dombee and Wodda, all of whom lay down a clacking sonic technic each. 'Tuin Van Bret' exposes the vibe with beeping chords and an injurious party-starting film dialogue sample, as swarthy, silly excitable funk ensues. 'Hagring' marks the A2 with a "gimme dem" sample and moody swells, while 'Brixton' pays homage to the legendary Lambeth area with a speed garage distributary, reminiscent of Serious Danger's earliest movements in the sound. 'Dark N Stormy' perfects this speedy trend, adding expulsive breaks and oozing licks between the four-by-fours.

Review: If you're thirsting for more of that horror soundtrack house then you're not going to want to miss out on this one. BOOOoo! is a new French label debuting with four protagonists in this buoyant sound, leading in with PO tapping into some serious scientologist vibes on 'Self Deception' before Venetia demonstrates the theory that the longer the note, the more the dread on delightfully creepy workout 'Fat Man'. Eliaz tips a bucketload of acid into the mix on 'Weuweueoou' and BOOH completes the picture with the throbbing jack track 'EVIL'.

Review: Contemporary British electronic pop expert meets singer-songwriter Elderbrook expands his sound with his new album, Another Touch, which comes after establishing himself on the world stage s the voice of the Grammy-nominated 2017 collaboration with CamelPhat, 'Cola.' He has described this new long player as a "journey of personal discovery' and on that trip, he explores themes of love, loss and life's ups and downs, packaged in catchy, feel-good dance-pop tracks suited for big clubs. Blending melodic house and tech grooves, while his vocals mix falsetto with more moody deliveries, this album perfectly captures today's dance music penchant for crossing over by offering up accessible beats with some catchy emotional depth.