Back catalogue: House

Review: Coeur De Glace on DKO Records (DKO 34) delivers four fantastic electro tracks, each with unique influences and directions. Side-1 kicks off with Binary Digit's 'U Want Dis,' an exuberant, high-energy track that pays homage to old-school rave with its lively vocal samples. Fasme's 'Morning' follows, blending smooth electro with soft keys and a whimsical AFX melody for a perfect combination. Side-2 features GGGG's 'La Cueillette,' a feel-good, fun and melodic electro tune. The EP concludes with Mud Deep & Sans-Qui's 'Mesonyx,' offering IDM goodness reminiscent of Rephlex, Squarepusher, and AFX. Coeur De Glaceis a vibrant and diverse collection, sure to delight fans of electro and techno.

Review: Rhythm Section's latest favourite, (Oliver) Gallegos, evidences his mastery over the art of what we like to call the "speech tune" - a format almost as old as time. Think Rum & Black's 'Slaves' or Underground Resistance's 'Transition'; the formula is as such; a slow-built dance beat, at least over 110BPM by our estimation, over which a rousing historical speech plays out throughout the track. Though this form lends well to a 90s rave aesthetic, Gallegos finds himself at a post-comedown period of history, indeed in which "rave" is often bittersweetly thought to be anachronistic; and in which house music often reigns supremer. So, then, does he bring a record-breaking, body-moving homily vocal sample to an incredibly arranged set of house arpeggiations and medley-style sample cut-ups, working in a sort of auditory bricolage but nonetheless bringing them together under a seriously reflective memorial dance-dome.

Review: French electronic icon Laurent Garnier returns with the FABRICLG4 EP to celebrate the 25th anniversary of London's legendary club. This release showcases Garnier's signature range and opens with 'Playing with the Low-End,' a fierce 2-step track that nods to the heritage of UK club sounds. The journey then shifts to techno with 'Resonances from the D' barrelling along with great force and then on the flip side, 'Odyssee Maison' features deep house grooves with Dan Diamond and last but not least 'On the Way Home' rounds out the experience with ambient sounds. This one comes with "augmented reality artwork" by Atelier 14 and is another doozy from the already untouchable Garnier.

Review: To mark the passing of three decades since he established the now iconic Environ imprint, Morgan Geist has decided to reissue the label's long-deleted debut 12" - a solo EP that was just his second release. At the time, Geist had yet to develop the disco-leaning but naturally synth-heavy trademark sound he's become renowned for. Instead, he was investigating the stargazing potential of Detroit-influenced techno and jacking-but-spacey house. Check first the lightly bleep techno influenced excellence of 'Sands' and the more driving, upbeat and jacking 'Airpour', before diving deeply into the percussively rich deep techno wonder of 'Smear'. To complete the package, we get a suitably cosmic, pitched down ambient techno revision of the same track by The Connection Machine - back then a duo who had just released a fine EP on Planet E.

Review: After the much loved Delano Smith remix of Gigi Galaxy's 'Interview With An Alien' turned so many heads, Det 313 label has secured three originals from the Detroit producer otherwise known to as Gary Martin. Each shows he has a unique approach to the art of groove making, with 'First Night In Lemuria (DET313 version)' slower and more restrained than many in the game - almost like a Sheffield bleep anthem pitched down and augmented with a delightful, prodding bassline. 'Spirit World' is the big room pleaser of the trio, with a bubbling acid arpeggio slowly degrading and re-building throughout and some lovely sci-fi synthery going on. 'Inevitable' is the cheekiest and cheeriest of the three, all sharpened hi-hats and swirling electro beats and breakdowns that reveal its simple but damn effective musical heart to all and sundry. Nice work all round.

Review: This EP arrives with a confident, polished sound that positions itself at the cutting edge of experimental electronica. Opening with 'Empire Rising,' the track strikes an immediate balance between precision and mood, with tight percussion and shimmering synths that pulse through the mix, pushing the track forward without ever feeling rushed. 'Neon Horizons' adds a darker layer, its brooding atmosphere enhanced by off-kilter rhythms and an almost cinematic scope. The production throughout is intricate and layered, showcasing GNMR's attention to detail. The EP's strength lies in its ability to sound both futuristic and grounded, offering a glimpse of what's to come, while feeling timeless in its composition.

Review: After a superb outing on the Ninja Tools compilation, Gogo Gadgeto now steps out with a first ever full solo EP and it comes on the Lumbago label. These sounds are chock full of personality and a little spookiness. 'Gadgeto Theme' has snappy, silvery drums setting the tone under twisted synths and vocals. 'Electric Spliff' gets more warped and wonky with its bold leads and snappy old school tech beats. 'Spooky Adventure' is just that with its rugged drum funk and haunting pads and 'Weird Science (Gadgeto edit)' brings a twisted mix of rock riffs, snappy beats and electronic cool.

Review: Melbourne-based artist Dan Goul takes flight with his debut release, showcasing his impressive command of techno's deeper shades. Released on Berg Audio, this collection is an immersive journey through ambient textures, experimental soundscapes, and weighty dancefloor rhythms. 'Currents' sets the tone with its hypnotic groove, while 'Low Tide' explores a more introspective soundscape. The title track, 'Paraglider', soars with its expansive melodies and driving percussion, and 'Peninsula' closes the release with a mesmerizing blend of ethereal textures and pulsating rhythms. Goul's deft touch is evident throughout, seamlessly weaving together intricate sound design, hypnotic grooves, and moments of pure sonic bliss. This is a testament to Goul's artistry, a captivating exploration of techno's diverse landscape that will appeal to both headphone listeners and dancefloor devotees.

Review: The Fourier Transform label outlay an arresting sonic journey on their debut release, bringing together breakbeat, ambient IDM, ambient techno, and prog house under a single banner. Opening with Inkipak's 'Betwixt', we're met with sonorous low-mid square waves and machine-gun-fire breaks, recalling the breathtaking, verging on apocalyptic expanse of a warehouse rave turned laser light show turned warzone. We break from this warring weir with 'Omnicron Acid' and 'City Of Tomorrow' by Gimmik and Brian Kage respectively, which lowers the intensity and sonic flow via spacious atmospheres and dudding percussive pops. Finally, the perfect fusion of the former two moods is achieved on 'Corrosive Tongue', the lead synth on which sounds like just that.

Review: Berlin's Exit Strategy began their 12"s game releasing EPs in browned sleeves, shortly before branching out into digital-vinyl combo releases with original artwork in the 2020s. Now with over ten years of experience under their belts, they welcome five new artists for a playful bricolage in deep and minimal techno, privileging elite, razor-sharp additive sound design and future-soulful vocal tasters. Ivory's opener 'Rain' epitomises this, while Jimi Jules squelchifies the same formula, and Aera's 'Future Holdings' rolls out the same logic to its ultimate conclusion, veering towards complex, 3D-graphic melodic techno composed entirely of climbing saws.

Review: In alignment with London clubbing institution Fabric's 25th year, the huge figural techno head Laurent Garnier joins on for the former's Fabric Presents mix series, which selects artists to record different stylistic kinds of DJ mixes - separate to the longtime, peaktime, and often drum & bass-oriented Fabriclive series. Among the shortlist of artists drawn up, Garnier's name stuck out like a sore thumb, not least since those who are inevitably chosen had to have risen to fame in roughly the same timeframe as the Farringdon nightclub did. Fabric make the following promise: Laurent's mix, released here in the form of a deluxe CD compendium, will not only pay homage to the club, but also showcase his own mastery of genres and the diversity of his genius. The release will drop physical-only as a deluxe vinyl collectable and on CD and it'll also feature a new original four-track EP from Laurent.

Review: Fabric Presents Laurent Garnier is a remarkable 4xCD compilation that captures the legendary French DJs unmatched knack for selecting the finest in deep techno and house. With over 35 years in the industry, Garnier's sets have become synonymous with dancefloor transcendence and this collection is no exception. Here, Garnier focuses exclusively on fresh releases, reflecting his continued pulse on contemporary techno. Notable tracks include Deon Cole's infectious 'Where The Freaks At', the haunting atmospheres of Culoe De Song's 'Aftermath' and Anane's bold reinterpretation of 'Walking On Thin Ice'. Each vinyl side flows seamlessly, packed with standout moments, from the vibrant collaboration 'Shella Verse' by Sammy Virji & Flowdan to Equiknoxx's dynamic 'Urban Snare Cypher'. While Laurent's sets are known for bridging the genre's past and present, this collection highlights only new music, showcasing Garnier's enduring influence and impeccable taste. Fabric Presents Laurent Garnier is an essential snapshot of the genre's current sound, proving that Laurent's curatorial skills remain as sharp and relevant as ever. This compilation is a must for anyone invested in quality techno and house music.

Review: Few artists in electronic music are as legendary as Laurent Garnier. It is only right then that he finally makes his entry into the equally titanic and influential Fabric Presents series. His mix is a real doozy that here gets the full deluxe edition treatment and comes on 4 x12"s with a hefty booklet. The House Odyssey mix opens with afro house from South African producer Mr. Blase, leading into vibrant cuts from Cape Verde to Chicago. Newer faces like Culoe De Song, Neinzer, and Tal Fussman join stalwarts DJ Spen, DJ Lady D and Mike Dunn. The Rhythmic Resonance mix delivers high-impact techno moments from Red Axes, John Tejada, Electric Rescue, and more. Garnier's UK-focused Into The Low-End session includes Skrillex, MC GQ and more and all in all offers up a diverse mastery, from luminous house to bass-heavy techno.

Review: Future Electronics label head Gojnea76 is back with more of his avant-garde sounds in the form of this new double vinyl album. It is packed with dance floor potency and eight cuts of techno and acid dynamite starting with the sleek 'Mass Music'. 'Party Time' then brings some bumping house sounds with raw, slamming drums, 'Get Control' has well-swung kicks that punch like Mike Tyson under some woozy chords and acid stabs and 'Baby Pn' is another muscular mix of rock solid kicks, coarse percussive patterns and deft synths.

Review: In 2016, Peggy Gou debuted with her EP Art of War and allegedly sett ambitious career goals, including playing Berlin's iconic Berghain and contributing to !K7's DJ-Kicks series. She achieved both. This 69th edition of the legendary mix series seeks to reflect her musical journey across 18-tracks that blend disco, house, techno and electro-spanning tempos from 90 to 150 BPM. Highlights include her own exclusive track 'Hungboo' alongside works by Aphex Twin and Andrew Weatherall and shows she has wide tastes and the skills to knit those together into a fine, storytelling mix that rides up and down, covers plenty of emotion, and never forgets about the groove.

Review: To celebrate 15 years in the game and coming via Lithuania's Greyscale label, Gradient delivers Dub Stories, a two-CD masterpiece that focuses on his evolution. CD1 opens with 'Dub Story 1,' setting a vibrant tone that flows into the airy 'Dub Story 2.' Tracks like 'Dub Story 3' and 'Dub Story 6' pay homage to classic dub roots, while 'Dub Story 4' and 'Dub Story 8' push creative boundaries with dynamic melodies. CD2 continues the journey with the deep, evocative 'Dub Story 11' and the celestial 'Dub Story 13.' Tracks like 'Dub Story 16' offer serene, minimalistic breaks, while 'Dub Story 19' delves into deep, contemplative layers. The album closes with 'Dub Story 20,' a grand finale that leaves a lasting impression. Dub Stories is a fitting tribute to Gradient's legacy and a shining example of quality in the dub techno realm.