Back catalogue: Electro

Review: A releaser that crackles with an energy that could only emanate from the shadowy corners of the Swedish electronic underground. Anna Kohlin, label co-head and architect of hypnotic soundscapes, guides us through a diverse sonic landscape, her own 'What Time Is It?' leading the charge. Built from the evocative textures of the Roland JV-1080, it shimmers with a sunrise glow, ethereal pads interweaving with delicate melodies. Kohlin, a master of contrasts, doesn't shy away from the shadows, injecting her creation with sharper, dynamic elements that add a touch of grit to the dreamlike atmosphere. Eric OS throws down a challenge with 'Timeout', a sonic time capsule that transports us back to the early 2000s. Analogue warmth collides with the raw energy of digital sound, vintage synths intertwining with crisp beats in a nostalgic yet undeniably fresh sonic tapestry. Baby Rollen, armed with a looped double bass sample and the crisp snap of a 909, crafts a hypnotic groove with 'TwentyTwenty Home'. A warm 303 bassline snakes through the mix, adding a touch of acid-tinged euphoria to the already infectious rhythm. Basement Space and Mans Glaeser, never ones to shy away from the unconventional, deliver 'Space Glaezer', a sonic maze that twists and turns through intricate textures and unexpected rhythmic shifts. Kohlin's curation is nothing short of masterful, showcasing the diverse and ever-evolving landscape of the Swedish electronic music scene. Inside Out 002 is a testament to the power of electronic music to transport, inspire, and defy expectations.

Review: ***B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition***


The second release on 3 Mats features a cast of emergent artists dealing in the vibrant seam where electro synthesis and techno focus collide. If you rate labels like Partisan and EYA you'll be into this record, without a doubt. Frankfurt producer Philipp Boss opens up the record with 'Die Schone', a collaboration with Gianluca, while Gabriel Belabbas creates a rolling warm-up delight of electro breaks with an iconic sample on 'Dance With The Speaker'. Muelsa's 'The Future Is A Trap' is a raw, boxy machine workout and Nico Lampariello finishes the record off with an acid laced workout for the darker side of the dance.

Review: With over 15 years of history behind it, Detroit's Cryovac label is run by producer Andy Garcia - who also happens, conveniently enough, to be an employee of the local pressing plant, Archer Record Pressing. They've released countless V/A and split 12"s, inevitably of high quality, with this one being no exception. Divided between Drivetrain on Side-1 and a certain A Garcia & M Kretsch on Side-2, it achieves a dynamic equilibrium between foundational Motor City sounds and inventive exploration and innovation. Drivetrain's '3am' is a driving electro-infused track that merges funky rhythms with melodic touches, crafting an atmosphere that is futuristic and engaging. 'Discipline' follows, bringing a raw, classic techno energy that feels timeless, with its steady groove serving as a reminder of the genre's impactful origins. The flip sees Garcia & Kretsch delve into different sonic territories. 'Ai_me' pulses with influences from Detroit and Chicago's late 80s underground, delivering a rhythm that's robust and propulsive. Rounding out the EP is 'Squeaker', a brooding piece that creates an unsettling yet intriguing landscape, blending eerie tones with an alien-like ambiance. Bridging techno's historical essence with forward-thinking creativity, this release's balance of nostalgia and innovation ensures it will resonate with listeners from across eras.

Review: The Berlin-based 432HERTZ crew kicks on here with a new various artists 12" packed with electro heat. Rinaldo Makaj gets things underway with the serene grooves of 'Computational Universe', which has some of the nicest snares we've heard in some time. Rickie's 'Mesosphere' is a nice off balance sound with thumping kicks and melodic bass, then it's time to get sleazy and more than a little ghetto with the raw Electric City jam 'Escape From Reality.' Pumio Space brings a little colour and playfulness to closer 'Mario's Juice'.

Review: Fabric Originals releases the collaborative EP of Irish-born DJ, producer, and label owner Mano Le Tough and electronic musician and DJ Perel. This EP marks the second release in the label's new series, 'Future Memories,' which pairs a "legendary" producer with fresh talent, with the aim of safely bridging the ideas of generations (heaven forfend the new generation reject the old ideas!). 'Entertain Us' brings progressive house synth eighths to wonderstruck female vocals, while Perel and Tough share respective solo contributions on the B-side: 'Homage' is the self-described electrance love song written for a secret love object, while 'Infinite Scroll' indulges the contemporary screen-mirror percept, with sloshing sound effects and slow-burn builds suggesting that an embrace of the impending technological infinite need not necessarily amount to a doomscroll.

Review: Mihail P's 'Multitudes' EP on Analog Concept is a gem for those who appreciate techno with ambient and emotional undertones, aligning with the subtle artistry of Nuron, John Shima, Derek Carr, CIM and Future Beat Alliance. The opener, 'East At Dawn', sets a delicate tone, weaving beautiful ambient techno melodies with hints of electro. Its graceful synths and deep bass resonate with a sense of introspection, creating a lush atmosphere. Another name in this style that is making waves is the fantastic Gilbert. His remix of 'East At Dawn' shifts gears slightly, infusing an upbeat energy and a more tech-focused rhythm while maintaining the Detroit-inspired warmth of the original. On Side-2, 'Paradox Of Automation' balances gentle beats with an intricate, celestial melody. The track's refined production and harmonious layers lend it an otherworldly quality. The EP closes with 'Ghosts Of Tomorrow', a triumphant, melodic composition that feels both uplifting and ethereal, like a final, hopeful transmission from another realm. 'Multitudes' showcases Mihail P's talent for blending ambient techno with emotive depth. Another winner in his discography.

Review: On The Button has been hosting parties in Leeds now for around a year. They have been successful, too, which is no mean feat in a city that has seen more than its fair share of nights come and go in a little over a few months. Now the Yorkshire born founder Miles steps out with debut EP to encapsulate the identity of the brand. It makes for a varied listen with spaced out electro-tech to start, gritty electro menace on 'Depths of Mind', a thumping space cruise on 'Nights over Yorkshire' and darker workout on 'Conscious Exploration.'

Review: Mix-O-Logy is an alias of Dublin-based artist Phil Robertson and here he makes his bow on the Rawax label with a series of super electro joints. 'Electro People (Feel Me)' is unpinned with an edgy bassline that brings the menace to lithe synths. 'Akataka' is again defined by a bassline, this time it groans down low and keeps you on edge and the kinetic kicks and percussion unfold with a celestial twist. 'Candyman' has a deep space feel with crystalline chords and wispy sci-fi motifs. Last of all, 'Phenomenon' is the most physical with what sounds like Tetris or Mario video game effects racing about next to the crispy drums.

Review: This mysterious, limited-edition techno release strips everything back to pure sound, delivering four futuristic tracks that span electro, techno, house and acid. Side-A kicks off with 'U Like It Raw (Red Hot)', a deep, rolling techno cut infused with raw energy and a hypnotic house vocal that keeps the groove locked in. 'Red Eye Drive' follows, channeling old-school acid techno with minimal, atmospheric production. Dubby and stripped-down, it's a heady, late-night journey through misty soundscapes. On Side-B, 'Wannado' embraces electro and acid, with a futuristic, spacey feel that twists and turns through intricate layers of sound. Closing out the release, 'Headz Vol 3' drifts into floaty, ambient-acid territoryialien, ethereal and deeply immersive. With its varied but cohesive vision, this record is a great example of the depth and range in underground electronic music. A true gem for those who seek something beyond the ordinary.

Review: Mono Junk has long been putting Finland on the map with his unique take on techno for decades. The irrepressible talisman this time makes a solo debut on Cold Blow with his IATI EP. As always it is atmospheric stuff that brings more than just machine grooves: the opener and title track marries slick drums with molten synth work and a dreamy male vocal which has a meditative effect. There is also synth heavy techno such as 'Love Divine' and the deep and bleeping sonic pulses of 'I Am Yours (You're Mine)' to lock you in. Another artful EP.

Review: Mono Junk only loosely uses techno as a foundation for exploration of various different forms on this new EP on Cold Blow. The opener has jacked-up beats with an electro feel and prying bass that brings great bounce. 'Gamma' is brilliantly dark and moody with domineering synth notes and shuffling hi-hats getting heads down and feet marching. Katerina's Mind mix of the opener then opens it up into a more expansive and widescreen synth world and the Sansibar is pure muscular rhythm.

Review: Finnish twosome Morphology has released some incredible records over the years - mostly of the intergalactic electro time - but we'd wager few are as sonically sparkling, life-affirming or pleasingly melodious as their latest two-tracker. 'Destroit', the A-side cut, is simply sublime: a far-sighted, futuristic fusion of crunchy, Chicago-influenced machine drums - all snappy snares, tough kicks and fizzing cymbals arranged into a delicious post-electro rhythm - intergalactic chords and bright, breezy electronic melodies that tap into the sci-fi sounds of purist Motor City techno. The duo opts for a warmer and woozier, acid-flecked sound on flipside 'Distance', a classic-sounding chunk of deep ambient techno tailor-made for late nights and early mornings.

Review: Danny Krivit aka Mr K, that veteran of the Roxy and Paradise Garage, turns his attention to the 80s for his latest Mr K edits aka brush ups for the sound systems of today. 'Pleasure Boys' by Visage epitomised the new wave crossover sound when was released in 1982, and Krivit would eschew the vocal, using two copies to concentrate on and extend the thunderous synth bass break in his sets instead. Here he recreates the trick - a bare bones riff that still sounds enormous on a club system.

For the flip, Krivit goes a little deeper with his edit of 'Emotional Disguise' by Peter Godwin again ditching the overwrought new wave vocal in favour of the atmospheric synth stylings of the instrumental, which he recalls being a big tune with hip-hop crowds at the Garage and Roxy alike.

Review: The crucial Mr K is back with a special repress for Record Store Day 2024. This one throws it back to his two superb edits of Kratwerk's 'Trans Euro Express' which is cited often as the start of techno. Side A offers stripped-down, bare drum bones, with naked drums shaped into futuristic fusion, while Part II adds synthetic context. Deconstructing Kraftwerk's original sci-fi masterpiece at a slow, smouldering pace, it presents a classic in an entirely new light. This release unlocks doors of serious DJ creativity and should be snapped up quickly before it's gone again.

Review: Utrecht's MRE makes his debut on 200 Records here and in doing so shows a passion for Detroit-style techno sounds. His rhythms draw from techno and breaks and ambient also helps cloud these classic, timeless grooves. 'Corizen' opens on a deep, dubby tip with languid chords for inward reflection, 'The Upper Room' then brings some gorgeous synth work straight from the Motor City and 'Do You See The Lighthouse Yet' is a lithe mix of wispy pads and elastic rhythms that ooze class. 'Zero Three Zero' shuts down this most sophisticated EP in a melancholic fashion.

Review: Serenity is a mental health charity label that is now back with more sonic gold, this time in the form of a reissue of Marco Bernardi aka Octogen's 'The Journeyman' from 2008 on Soma Recordings. It is an immersive, emotive sound with lush and ethereal pads and a moody bassline that keeps you locked. The B-side offers two original tracks from Bernardi 'Travelling to the Sun' is one to hypnotise floors with its hypnotic chimes and raw drums, while 'Little Tiny Crickets' delivers a fast-paced IDM twist with some killer synth work. As always, proceeds go to charity this time Papyrus UK who support youth suicide prevention and MusicSpace.

Review: Cultivated Electronics Ltd's For The Floor series is back with another split EP on 12" and it's packed with floor-facing cuts that showcase a mix of regular label artists next to fresh talents. Volume 4 presents two tracks each from Bristol-based Ben Pest and Maelstrom. Pest is known for his jacking live hardware techno and electro and delivers bass-heavy, distorted vocal beats with 'Who Would Have Thought I'd Be' and '26 Hybrid,' while Maelstrom, who is co-founder of RAAR, contributes his signature dark and rave-inspired sound on the cyborg funk of 'Permanency' and dystopian energy of 'Ascii Twins'.

Review: ***B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition***


'Lords Of Miami' is a fantastic name for this new one from Domesticated, a label run by one of Berlin's best electro aficionados, Robyrt Hecht. Sshadess, The Coomers, Girlcop and Emscho Shoshe each contribute original cuts ranging from the janky to the smooth, with choice bits like 'Carbonara' remaining unpretentious and not-too-produced, yet also peppery on the glitches. Shoshe's 'Give Up' lends an experiment to vocal booty house too, adding an extra creep factor to the genre with freq-scooping phasers on the sample.

Review: Electro labels don't come much more revered than Bunker outta the Netherlands. This latest 12" missive from the hallowed underground hideout is a face off between Manasyt and Sam Lowry across nine visceral cuts. This sound clash brings plenty of fresh perspective from the Bulgaria and China based artists. There are dark and jacking cuts with eerie sci-fi edginess as well as future horror-movie style sounds and experimental, unsettling electro sketches. Essential stuff.