Gladio Operations Vinilo y CD

Review: A masterclass in stark 'Kontrast' comes by way of producer Elektrotechnik, whose latest 12" here for Gladio Operations does unsurprisingly well to contrast his prior digital-only issue for A-Traction Records. Through glommy, paralytic, salivary sound design, 'Sigma' and its corresponding remix by Larionov mission-state the EP: one pronouncedly unafraid of weight or womp, and yet which still scoops out a mercurial feel akin to a volatile solder metal prior, pre and post-solidification. 'Kontrast' and 'Die Bestie' on the B-side sound like said reflowed solder chucked through a giant techno kaleidoscope, as both tracks move increasingly hypnotic and heavy.

Review: Gladio Operations is on the cusp if hitting double figures and over the course of its first few releases has explored a fine range of electro. This latest transmission from Noamm and Brice Kelly is a second volume in their Split Machine series. The opener from Noamm is all caustic synth modulations and sweet metal snares over a rugged beat. 'Scientific Technological Device' that has more lashing metal textures and bright, visceral synths while 'Verruckter Wissenschaftler' carries on with the same aesthetic but has a more raw and direct groove. Brice Kelly takes care of the flip side with a more lithe and celestial take on electro that provides a great yin to the yang of the A-side.

Review: Gladio Operations continues to bolster its catalogue with an international five-track set showcasing both label newcomers and trusted affiliates. Protocolo Sysex, the new alias of Madrid's Fabio Vinuesa, sets the tone with 'NotTheFuture'ia dense, adrenalised workout packed with rugged basslines and twitchy sequences. It's a fierce opener that signals the label's club-facing intent. Sinitsin, hailing from Russia, debuts with a moodier, machine-led cut, its melody work striking a balance between precision and drama. Jauzas the Shining returns alongside Foreign Sequence, offering a cold-blooded, cinematic highlight with shadowy synths and detached vocal fragments. Teslasonic's 'Chubby Bee' acid-kissed electro is quick and wiry, while Igors Vorobjovs brings the EP to a poignant close with a brooding IDM coda rich in ghosted textures.