Progressive House

Review: Friendsome Records and Ams how up for a fourth time here with a new EP that is a perfect blend of sunshine and otherworldly atmospheres. Inspired by nature, to which Ams is reportedly deeply connected, and influenced by progressive house and trippy electronic music, this 12" showcases her true style and might be her best work yet with proggy vibes, old-school UK tech-house influences and dynamic rhythms. 'Bol B' is a fine start with chunky drums and lush layers of synth, 'Control Freak' is a psychedelic wonder and 'Clair De Lune' brings blissed-out ambience before the stunning melodies of closer 'Sunrises'.

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: Transgender environmental activist Chris Korda founded the Church of Euthanasia (CoE) in 1992 and advocated for the end of humanity's destructive practices. Korda's work itself transcends activism by drawing on art, music and technology in groundbreaking ways. A retrospective of her oeuvre at Goswell Road unites her CoE actions with her personal creative practice and showcases original banners, archival materials and unseen paintings. Korda's music, meanwhile, is generated by kinetic virtual sculptures and collaborative algorithms that reflect her vision of machines as equals in the creative process. Her unique approach challenges traditional boundaries and results in some gorgeous groves that are powerful physically and emotionally.

Review: Jacopo Latini returns to Altered Circuits with a four-track EP that sharpens his minimalist approach while maintaining his signature melodic touch. Focused squarely on groove, each track explores subtle yet impactful progression and opener 'Sharp' sets the tone with eerie atmospheres, vocoded vocals and fluid 303 squelches. 'Impulse' rides a hypnotic FM bass and sharp percussion for a dramatic yet refined journey. 'Bright Sound' balances modulated leads and deadpan vocals with euphoric touches and closing track 'Rave Harvey' bursts with '90s trance energy which marks a bold shift toward high-intensity club euphoria and minimal design with maximal impact.

Review: Shiffer and Paul Brenning's latest collaboration is a masterclass in restraint and groove. The tracks here unfold slowly, each element carefully placed, allowing the deep, rumbling bass and crisp percussion to speak for themselves. There's a warmth to the production, with subtle melodies peeking through the smooth rhythms, creating a hypnotic effect that pulls you in. The vibe is steady yet unpredictable, and you can feel the influence of house, techno, and everything in between. It's an understated but impressive exploration of sound.