New releases last four weeks: Electro

Review: Italy's finest sound-purveyors Slow Motion proffer a fantastic new release from CEO Fabrizio Mammarella in collaboration with Rodion, collaboratively recorded at the Marche Synth Museum (Museo Del Synth Marchigiano). A fully functional recording space, the museum houses several private collections of Italian electronic musical instruments, gathered over the many years since their creation; whether the artists actually got to use any of these classic machines remains to be uttered, but we can't deny that they were inspired. Both artists do thorough justice to their Marche region roots here, laying down eight slices of industrial dungeon-electro, mind-melting acid rollouts and spoken-n'-spelled ritual dances.

Review: Once Once is the brand-new EP by Argentinian producer and DJ Jorge Savoretti, a four tracker chock full of late-night grinders. The title track is an eerie tribal builder that has a great blend of groove and catchy percussion elements, all working towards a peak. 'Magic Carpet' has more of a house bounce while still keep the mood futuristic and hedonistic. On the second side there is spending Reflex Blue remix of 'Magic Carpet'. This one is more energetic and adds a bit more of a break to the rhythm that includes a very fine acid line to it. 'Activation' really rounds out the EP with what we feel might be the strongest track, a sexy funker that has a darker tinge to it that we really like. The 14th release for the Berlin based label Talman Records has another great record in its catalogue.

Review: The creative partnership between Tiga & Hudson Mohawke expresses a mutual love of "hardcore romance," a liminal state where the bounds between euphoria, melancholy and the raw power of friendship disintegrate completely. Recorded in Los Angeles from 2019-2023, these commonalities ebbed and flowed through various recording sessions, culminating in their debut album - L'Ecstacy - the sounds in which "all come from the same place, the same musical universe," in Hudson Mohawke's own words. Referencing the album's locus of bouncy elasticity and cinematic gloss - "we're building a particular kind of zone where it all fits together. A place lost in time." With guest appearances by luminaries like Abra, Channel Tres, and Jesse Boykins III, as well as album artwork by Wolfgang Tillmans, the result is delivered with "no apology, no cynicism, no irony, no winking."

Review: First released back in 2007, UR's 'Hi Tech Dreams' is widely regarded as one of 'Mad' Mike Banks' most perfectly formed EPs - in part because its blend of optimistic techno futurism with dancefloor darkness offers a neat summary of the 'dreaming of utopia, living in a dystopia' message at the heart of Underground Resistance's militant ethos. But analysis aside, it's simply a terrific record - as this timely reissue proves. A-side 'Hi Tech Dreams' lives up to its promise, with far-sighted melodies, tactile riffs and soulful vocal samples rising above a loose-limbed Motor City techno beat. In contrast, 'Lo Tech Reality' is a moodier and more melancholic chunk of breakbeat-driven techno, while 'Hold My Own' is a murky, hip-hop influenced downtempo head-nodder.

Review: Those who know, know how strong the Dutch electro scene has been since the early 90s and Netherlands label BAKK has a special compilation here with many excellent electro tracks to enjoy - no less than 11 tunes in total, spread across three pieces of wax. The list of artists is impressive, from Legowelt, Antenna, SFV Acid and more. This pack starts off with a stunner called 'Bos Ochtendmist' by Legowelt, a phased out and radiant futuristic theme song that's just downright beautiful! Rather than imitating any other city's history of the style's, these artists have their own style - see Aurora Halal's 'Spiral' as a great example, or Sfv Acid 's 'Urbanfury' which adds some nice IDM influences. The slow and deep bass on Tala Drum Corps's 'Gargoyle' is killer too. An early candidate for best electro comp of the year 2024.

Review: Balkan Vinyl has a strong resume of releasing excellent 90s inspired IDM and electro since the first release in 2010. Veteran producers Posthuman (Cousins Richard Bevan and Joshua Doherty) own and run the UK label. For this release they call upon a legendary friend Luke Vibert, to make a staggeringly great, joint EP. 'Still In Love' kicks off the record and brings Luke's familiar acid techniques to the party while sampling classic 80s and 90s dance tracks and samples within it. 'Android Webber' is quintessential sound Vibert is known for that balances a quirky IDM grit and a downtempo slow jam. For the B-Side, Posthuman offers the futuristic electro stormer 'Grad' followed by the sexy, slow burner 'Forever Circles'. A match made in acid house heaven.