Tags: Dub Techno

Review: Sound Signature are at it again with their dark, driving and jackin' grooves. Every time Theo Parrish decides a tune is worth pressing up nice and loud on vinyl, it's wise to pay attention. And so it proves here, with Chicago native Spekter dropping one-sided 12" "Pipe Bomb", a deadly and pounding excursion into the murkier corners of house music. It's not one for the faint hearted either, as an overwhelming sense of moodiness pushes ever forward, dripping in twisted samples and heavy techno kicks.

Review: If you've ever got a few hours to spare, check out Legowelt's discography - the Dutch analogue fetishist is astonishingly productive (and, of course Legowelt is simply one of Danny Wolfers' many pseudonyms). Here, he adds another label to the growing list with a surprise appearance on Andrew Morgan's Washington D.C-based Peoples Potential Unlimited imprint. Unsurprisingly, Wolfers explores many of his favourite themes on Puzzles in Life, merrily skipping between melodic, bubbling deep house (the excellent title track), slo-mo Detroit futurism ("Video Phone To Space"), super-slo stargazing boogie (the superb "Cruise Till The Sun Shines") and woozy, intergalactic ambience ("Los Alamos Motel"). In many ways, this is an unusual turn from PPU, but it's a calculated gamble that's more than paid off.

Review: Dub techno don Luke Hess has been a mainstay of Omar S's FXHE label for as long as we, or anyone in fact, can remember. The Motor City talent dropped this particular EP, 'Dubout EP #3.13', back in 2011 but it now resurfaces and has aged to perfection with some extra touches from Smith himself. 'Narrow Road' is strident and direct dub techno with signature FXHE chords. 'Leads To Life' is more liquid and paired back with an undulating bassline and a cosmic feel to the swirling pads. 'Unity Excerpt' closes with more icy beats, hi-hats and skittish synths that snake throughout the mix.

Review: killer new heat from Omar S on his FXHE label featuring Desire on vocals + backed with an instrumental mix.

Review: The Mysticisms label welcomes Coral D aka Duncan Stump for a debut outing here that marks the first new music to be part of the ongoing and most excellent Dubplate series. This artist has a long history of crafting "deep dub electronic swing" in his roles in Mock & Toof, FX Mchm and his 6000 Degrees project. This one finds him bringing some dub reggae influences as 'Dissolves' is built on a chugging rhythm with smeared chords. 'DR 55' is then a masterfully laidback digi-dub groove that warps space and time and so leaves you utterly hypnotised.

Review: Waage is a firm favourite amongst dub techno fans. The Icelandic producer has long been turning out icy and atmospheric rollers for the heads and here he works alongside a fresh name, Quantal, who is sure to go on to big things. Here they land on Thule Records, a legendary label in its own right with roots going back to 1995. They kick off with the textured dub of 'WQ1' which has glitchy sounds paying over the rolling drums. 'WQ2' is much more smooth and streamlined, with an underwater current that sweeps you off your feet, then 'WQ3' leans into the wind with hypnotic techno drums and vamping chords that melt the mind. Last of all comes 'WQ4', a timeless dub with infinite horizons and the most frictionless drum loops.

Review: JS is an alias of James Zeiter and is also the name of his own label. This seventh transmission once again showcases his signature take on minimal, dub and techno. 'JS-07' rolls out with deep, pillow drums and well buried sub bass that slowly sweeps you up and locks you into a state of hypnosis. 'JS-07R' on the flip side is run through with slightly more warmth and light, like beams of sun piercing the surface of an ocean and catching microscopic organisms floating on the sea bed. It's a heady sound full of soul.

Review: 'PULSE 01' is the first release in PITP's new series, which is an ongoing exploration of ambient tech, while offering a more structured display of beat-driven ambient music. Pulse 01 features brand new tracks by SYNE and Influx.

SYNE is Dennis Huddleston from the UK, who is most recognized for his ambient work as 36. He returns to his SYNE alias for the first time in nearly 5 years, with only his second record since his 2017 self-titled debut LP.

'Dystalgia' is a 12 minute opus, spread over 3 movements. Soaring pads and razor sharp percussion combine for a dynamic, emotionally charged journey in sound. Showing love to the Detroit greats, but recognising the distinct UK influence which made him fall in love with Techno in the early 90's, it's a surprising pivot in Dennis' sound and one which all lovers of beautiful, melodic ambient techno should enjoy.

Influx is the techno/acid/trance moniker of James Bernard. With his first release in 1993 (Braineater EP on Sapho Records), Influx is no stranger to techno and acid. This project had been in hibernation for nearly 14 years until his 2021 remixes for his collaborative album with 36 and awakened souls (The Other Side of Darkness). Revel Dub is a dub-techno excursion with sprinkles of ambient and psy-trance rounding out the frequencies. The Slow Version dials back the tempo to half-time and travels to more ambient dub territories.

Review: Planet Rhythm are back with a stellar new collab between glitch veterans SND and RTN; a vacuum-packed blitz of minimal dub and aerated space ensured by a trio of savvy spacemen. It's not the first time this supergroup have worked together, but despite that fact, it might just be their best work: 'Chain Reaction' pays homage to Basic Channel's now-defunct label of the same name, vocoded stabs pulsing below depth-charged kicks, while the chordal dub vibe continues throughout. 'Th.12.9' is like a stripped-back Barker bit, while 'Ice' and 'Locked' recall the clippy and atmospheric enviro-dub of GAS. '77' is the most fun, edging into swung, poppy territory.

Review: Move D's latest release, Something 'Bout The D, on his own label Source Records, shows his enduring ability to produce excellent electronic music. Regardless of the genre, David Moufang is a name people trust and purchase without listening. On the A-side, 'Aspiration 2010' mesmerizes with its deep, dubby vibes, infused with low-slung acid elements and techy nuances that permeate the track. On the B-side, the title track 'Something 'Bout The D' channels Detroit-style 90s melodies with ambient undertones, creating a nostalgic yet forward-thinking atmosphere. 'Marshmellow Boots' on the same side offers a departure into deep house territory, with a light jazzy touch and ambient backgrounds that envelop the listener in a gentle, smooth embrace. Move D's ability to blend diverse influences seamlessly is on full display here, making Something 'Bout The D a must-listen for fans of ambient and deep house alike.

Review: Since rebooting their long-dormant Droid imprint earlier in the year, the Idjut Boys have used it as a vehicle to release some of their most wild, heavily electronic music in years. Portion Out of Control sees Dan and Conrad continue this trend with pleasingly heavy, mind-altering results. On 'Gum Saucer', they expertly work a pulsating, throbbing groove to the max, peppering a druggy bassline with breathless drum machine fills, delay-laden electronic motifs and brain-melting noises. 'Gas On Tap' is a more stripped-back chunk of new wave/EBM insanity that once again prioritises dubbed-out, echo-laden percussion, while 'Tartine De Merde' is a deeper, woozier chunk of intergalactic machine funk. Finally, 'Quick Bowl' sees them twist a raw, arpeggio-driven groove into a multitude of nightmarish, echoing sonic shapes.

Review: Steve O'Sullivan keeps on trucking with that dubbed-out minimal tech house scene he first pioneered as Bluetrain so long ago. This time he's stepping out on the Phonogramme label with the sleek 'Turf Wars (90s Disco Mix)', a smart reduction of the filter house sound which will work wonders in a heads-down, long-trucking DJ set. 'Stronger Dub' is a slightly deeper cut with some lush vocal licks run through the echo chamber, and then the original mix of 'Turf Wars' lands on the B2 in a marginally chunkier form for those who like a more prominent bassline in their arsenal when keeping a marathon crown on track.

Review: Matt and Mark Thibideau have been quietly issuing plush, melodious strains of minimal house and techno for a long time now. While they may be more of a cult concern for those in the know, the quality of their productions remains an enduring delight that works magic on a dancefloor. Look no further than this new record for Berg Audio, which leads in with the swirling synthesis of '5 Stage Development' in a masterful display of dubby techno before the delays get ramped up even further for 'Slate Range'. Balancing the meditative pulse of their synths with a crisp line in drum programming, they delve into further realms of dubbed out 4/4 perfection with 'Serge 5.0 (rework)' and bliss out in style for closing cut 'Monumental Change'.

Review: Few producers have proved quite as adept at crafting nostalgic slabs of dancefloor retro-futurism as Luca Lozano. The Sheffield-based producer's inspirations are hardly hidden - think bleep & bass, early breakbeat hardcore, acid house etc - but he still manages to meld familiar rave-era sounds into pleasing new shapes. The headline attraction on the producer's latest EP for Super Rhythm Traxx is arguably 'Summer of Love (Endless Mix)', a pleasingly bouncy, sub-heavy chunk of melody-laden, dub-flecked breakbeat attractiveness laced with spacey synth sounds and trippy electronics. It comes backed by a more upbeat breakbeat hardcore style revision from DJ Steve. Elsewhere, 'Breakbleep' lives up to its descriptive title and 'My Little Kawai' sounds like a deep house, acid-sporting tribute to Ability II style dub-wise UK techno.

Review: Brooklyn-based Malik Hendricks does a fine line in raw, deep but visceral house sounds that cannot fail to make an impact both physically and emotionally. He has done so on the likes of Bliss Point, Coloring Lessons and Darker Than Wax before now and here arrives on People Of Earth with more compelling cuts. 'Move On Up' is a steamy and sweaty house thumper with impassioned vocal swirls, 'All Mine' layers in some heavenly melodies that manage to uplift the mood in a subtle fashion and 'Feeling Like Larry' references the great Mr Heard, surely, with its balmy cosmic pads and spiritual house depths. 'The Way' (feat Tane) is licked with acoustic guitar riffs that bring to mind open-air dancing by the Med.

Review: Dutch artist Frenk Dublin is evidently a master of minimalism and sublimation, with his new EP for Echo Ltd. here somehow managing to convey abyssal levels of depth, all while not seeming to reveal too much or indulge too many complex parts. It's this paradox that rests at the heart of dub techno; like dubstep, the trick is to emphasise weight and space, while layering things subtly enough not to betray the mystery. It's a well-deserved release for the esteemed label, following up priors on Dub Communication and Planet Rhythm. The most polished gem? 'Static Dub', which uniquely blends both high and low chord stabs, and gets them to take up wholly different rhythm- and freqspace.

Review: The captivating journey that is US-based house legend Satoshi Tomiie's 'Magic Hour' album on Abstract Architecture persists here with Magic Hour Disk #3: Wave Dub, its third dancefloor-focused instalment. This latest addition comprises four tracks, further enriching the compilation that embodies three years of Satoshi's artistry and commitment. The house sounds are the and elegant, with deft synths and cosmic melodies doing the colour and emotion to his effective grooves. Additionally, the release features two remixes by DJ Honesty, who adds an extra layer of depth and variation to what is a nice and deep, dubby EP from Abstract Architecture.

Review: 'PULSE 01' is the first release in PITP's new series, which is an ongoing exploration of ambient tech, while offering a more structured display of beat-driven ambient music. Pulse 01 features brand new tracks by SYNE and Influx.

SYNE is Dennis Huddleston from the UK, who is most recognized for his ambient work as 36. He returns to his SYNE alias for the first time in nearly 5 years, with only his second record since his 2017 self-titled debut LP.

'Dystalgia' is a 12 minute opus, spread over 3 movements. Soaring pads and razor sharp percussion combine for a dynamic, emotionally charged journey in sound. Showing love to the Detroit greats, but recognising the distinct UK influence which made him fall in love with Techno in the early 90's, it's a surprising pivot in Dennis' sound and one which all lovers of beautiful, melodic ambient techno should enjoy.

Influx is the techno/acid/trance moniker of James Bernard. With his first release in 1993 (Braineater EP on Sapho Records), Influx is no stranger to techno and acid. This project had been in hibernation for nearly 14 years until his 2021 remixes for his collaborative album with 36 and awakened souls (The Other Side of Darkness). Revel Dub is a dub-techno excursion with sprinkles of ambient and psy-trance rounding out the frequencies. The Slow Version dials back the tempo to half-time and travels to more ambient dub territories.

Review: Knowone Records continues to deliver exceptional dub techno with their latest release, honoring the classic sound of Basic Channel. The first track is a nod to Maurizio's iconic M5, expertly capturing its deep, rolling basslines and hypnotic atmosphere while adding a unique twist. The production is immaculate, with a driving yet subdued energy that immerses the listener in its echoing soundscape. On the flip side, 'Track 2' takes a more minimalist approach, stripping away layers to create a deeper, more haunting dub experience. The track feels like a dub of a dub, with its cavernous spaces and subtle, shifting textures. The result is a track that feels both timeless and fresh, maintaining the label's commitment to high-quality, atmospheric techno. This release is a welcome addition to Knowone catalogue, pleasing both long-time fans and newcomers alike with its expertly crafted, immersive sound.

Review: Legendary techno producer & one-time member of LFO Gerrard aka Gez Varley returns using his G-Man alias to present us with four tracks of dub techno magic. Anyone familiar with his classic tracks like 'Quo Vadis' and 'Spartacus' will know what to expect here. Rhythmic basslines, grooved out percussion & dubbed out synth lines on top. On the A-side, 'Catch' kicks us off with typical minimalist groove, the tempo neither too fast nor too slow. 'Dice' is a classic example of dubbed out tech house, perfect for DJs looking for a transition tool. On the B-side, 'Throw' is made for late night car journeys on European highways. Closing out the release is 'Strike', possibly the funkiest track of the four. A release for anyone into modern and classic Detroit influenced dub techno.

Review: Ste Roberts, under his STEDIT alias, has been building a reputation for taking beloved classics and flipping them on their head. This latest release is no exception. Two synthpop anthems, once the defining sound of an era, have been reimagined, reworked, and unleashed across dancefloors all summer. It's not about the big-room bombast or predictable edits that cater to easy thrills. No, Roberts is more nuanced than thaticrafting something that feels at once familiar and alien. The first rework, Depeche Mode's 'It's No Good,' is a masterclass in restraint. The track's dark undertones remain, but Roberts pulls it into a gritty, subterranean space. It's a slow burn, keeping the tension tight while the vocals float above a relentless, pulsing beat. Then comes the flipiHuman League's 'Don't You Want Me.' What was once pure pop joy is now something altogether darker, more elusive. Roberts has stripped it back, laying bare the iconic vocals against a stripped-down, funky groove that simmers beneath the surface.

Review: Bluets' debut on Kimochi Sound seamlessly integrates into the label's well established and distinctive style. This one, with a hand-sprayed sleeve as always, opens with "if you can imagine," a confident bit of microhouse that mixes rich melodies and a lively bassline. 'Action Potential' echoes RDMA's aesthetic with its precise beats and on the B-side you will find a vaporous melody that weaves through sparse downbeat house grooves to make for a dreamlike atmosphere. Closing the EP, 'Buong Bilog' features distorted IDM rhythms and a poignant refrain that balances twitchy textures with melancholic tones. This carefully crafted release bridges home-listening electronics with dancefloor clout.

Review: Sub Basics is back on his own fledgling label Temple of Sound - but under a new alias. As Tommy Basics he leads into a fresh house sound but still serves it up with plenty of his textbook bass-heavy low ends. 'Latitude' is a bubbly groover with dusty drums and fleshy basslines that get you moving and warmed up. 'Longitude' is even deeper, with smeared dub chords and woody percussive hits peppering the laid-back and inviting groove. Two stylish sounds from this versatile producer.

Review: Natural Expressions takes another dive into the rich pools of dub-informed techno and tech house with this must-check four-track split release. Vapnik works spatial magic over Marco Hessler's 'Spacewaves' with some monumental chord treatments that keep suspense high and the mood psychedelic, before Gradient slips into something more comfortable on the smooth cruising immersion heater 'Flight Above The Fog'. Merv's 'Serpent' opens up the B-side in a quintessential workout of submerged, bass-loaded dub techno, and Collogne completes the picture with a swirling masterpiece fit for a Deepchord album.

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: Astonishingly, 18 years has now passed since Gilles Aiken - probably more celebrated these days for his work under the alternate Desert Sky alias - first offered up off-kilter tech-house tracks as Edward. Last year, he impressed with a wonderfully deep and unctuous EP on deep house imprint Smallville; here, he makes his bow on another must-check label, Kalahari Oyster Cult. In keeping with the imprint's love of all things trippy and otherworldly, opener 'Tentacle' sees him wrap chiming lead lines, psychedelic synth motifs, weird noises and layers of percussion to a chunky, locked-in house groove. Aiken then goes off piste via a skewed, druggy and at times dreamy tech-house remix of Trybet's 'Moodsetter'. Arguably best of all though is impossible-to-pigeonhole flip-side 'Dr Octo', which is immersive, unsettling, tactile and eccentric in equal measure.

Review: Phenomena is a rather incredible 39th full-length album from the pioneering Lithuanian dub techno label Greyscale. Like all those that went before it, it is a captivating excursion into cavernous sounds. In particular, this one delves into the wonders of nature - meteor streams and starling murmurations - and flips them into immersive soundscapes. In mixing up vintage and contemporary styles, Basicnoise navigates deep emotional depths with technical finesse. 'Midnight Dub' has lush and organic chord progressions, 'Sakura Season' pays homage to Detroit techno's smooth, futuristic spirit and 'Reduxtion II' delivers crisp production and powerful frequencies. These are just some standouts along the way of this profound musical odyssey.

Review: The Aniara label out of Sweden has always come at things from its own sideways perspective whether dealing in house, techno, or something in between. This new two track 12" allows different artists to take care of one side each, beginning with DJ Marathon's 'Track 1.' It is the sort of breezy, balmy cut that encourages your mind to wander amongst the stars as you get lost in the pulsing deep house beats. Ebende's 'Elevate' picks up the pace but remains a dubby delight, with warm, molten chords rippling out to infinity and cuddly kicks carrying you to a mindful place.

Review: Simoncino is like a direct link to the earliest roots of deep house. His sounds are coated in tones of tape hiss, dustiness from his analogue machines, and dreamy synth work that speaks of his Italia heritage. This newest EP is another class outing on Quintessentials that finds him leaning into dub. 'Dub Theory I' is mid-tempo but with nice drive, 'Dub Theory II' has more thunder in the claps and darkness in the bass. 'Dub Theory III' brings shards of melodic light that cut through the muggy atmospheres and 'Dub Theory IV' is a nice Maurizio-style techno roller for early evening or the dead of night.

Review: Andres Klein is Ackerman, and My Dub is his fresh new platter on Syncrophone. It's a classy fusion of minimal, house and tech with, as the title suggests, dubby undercurrents. 'My House' is first up and comes with some gospel inspired vocal stabs over slamming drums. The title cut is more techno leaning, with tough percussion and chords smeared all over the beats. 'No Vacancy' then brings some grit and menace with its coarse surfaces and prickly hits. Last of all, 'No Vacancy' gets a remix from Swedish techno stylist Skudge who smooths things out into pristine loops that roll with great dynamics.

Review: Isolee will always be a favourite of many simply because of his classic 'Beau Mot Plage' tune on Playhouse some 20_ years ago. The same quirkiness and interesting sound design that resonated in that tune feature in these four cuts on the young but impressive Resort Island label. 'Chopstick!' is deep, dubby, swaying tech house with bubbling synth work and 'Love Algorithm' is another deep, paired back sound with musical bass and swirling pad work. 'OMG So Random' pairs melancholic chords with signature barely-there beats and wispy, nostalgic melodies and finally a 3rd Paces Dub of 'Love Algorithm' is a grainy, quietly intense roller to close.

Review: Cult minimal label Cabinet is back with another vital two tracker, this time from Brudan. It kicks off with the glitchy beats and silky, warming, machine soul of 'Time 2 Play' with its silky grooves soon to lock you into a heady vibe. On the flip is the more stripped back 'Music Makers' which is a little more minimal and abstract in its designs but is just as much of a seductive sound that worms its way deep into your brain. Both of these are tasteful tools for discerning selectors.

Review: Following his recent impressive release for Animals On Psychedelics,2 is the second appearance of rising Ukrainian talent Volodymyr Gnatenko on Treviso, Italy's Where We Met. It opens with the moving twilight breaks of 'Een' on the A-side, followed by the evocative slo-mo beats of 'Twee'. Over on the flip, Gnatenko finally ups the tempo on the tranced-out euphoria of 'Drie', with 'Vier' following in equally elevating and psychedelic fashion that will have you reaching for the lasers.

Review: Matt Thibideau, a seasoned producer with over 30 years in the industry, presents Subduction & Shadows, his latest venture into the dub techno genre under Kontakt Germany. On Side-1, 'Subduction' sets the tone with uptempo dub techno beats that exude a positive vibe, making it a standout track for the dancefloor. Thibideau's strong programming skills are evident, ensuring a smooth and engaging flow. Flipping to Side-2, 'Glow' transports listeners with Detroit-inspired 90s chords and an elegant production style. The track's epic strings add a hypnotic layer, enriching the overall experience. Closing the EP is 'Shadow,' a deep and driving dub techno piece that feature a smooth melody that concludes the EP on a high note. Subduction & Shadows showcases Thibideau's ability to make some of the best dub techno around. He continues to impress each time.

Review: Cotonete are a genuinely unique proposition: an eight-piece French jazz-funk outfit who performed live for a decade before recording their first single in 2016. They've delivered a couple of great albums since, including this year's brilliant Victoire De La Musique. 'O Ceu E Preto', a Brazilian flavoured number, was one of the highlights of that album and here gets reworked for house dancefloors by French veteran DJ Deep and pals. On side A, he joins forces with fellow local legend Dimitri From Paris to deliver a chunky, bass-heavy vocal version that sits somewhere between Masters At Work's more Afro-house-infuenced efforts and Deep's own late-night dancefloor hypnotism. He explores the latter side of his musical personality further, alongside Romain Parcet, on a flipside dub that exquisitely deep, trippy and delay laden. It's a genuine triumph!

Review: For a couple of years a decade or so ago Visionquest was a DJ collective and label that ruled the world. In the time since it has sunk back to the shadows, regrouped and come back as another vital force in the underground. This EP brings together a wealth of real talents not least the one and only synth wizard Mathew Jonson who opens up with the artful sounds of 'These Tears.' Cesar Merveille's 'Decennium' then gets wonky with tightly coiled minimal drums overlaid with pensive chords. On the flipside 'Wonder Wheel' gets a little more eerie and trippy with hunting keys leading you down a late-night maze and 'Dirty Pathways' from Vinyl Speed Adjust layering up the deft synths and airy rhythms.

Review: Premade heavyweight Obscure Shape and classically trained musician Conrad team up; Berg Audio proudly welcome them as a new duo addition to their roster, together under the name Urban CC. Throwing back to real-deal minimal-ambient techno of a steezy kind, something between Maurizio, Move D and Ghost, 'Pegasus' and 'Marly' cycle through fluttering dub techno and 1-2-step garage respectively, the latter bringing an eyebrow raising combo of yearnsome garge vocal science and pulsewidth techno shots, post-drop. 'Hadban' sneaks a cheeky drum & bass bullet train onto an otherwise techno-centric platform, marking Sleepnet-style vocal etherics and sold-on-us liquid. 'Shagya' finally restricts the mix, with a dubtech-house full of beeping, filtered vocal shouts; a Strictly Rhythm-meets-Chain Reaction contraction.

Review: French artist and Recit De Voyage label owner Molly makes a move to the Stolar imprint here run by Philipp Priebe. Her On The Road Again EP is as smooth as deep hose gets, certainly on the opening title track. The classic drums are paddy and frayed around the edges, the analogue percussion soft-edged and the chords dreamy and smeared. 'Infinity Love' is no less cuddly, but a little more driven with balmy pads up top smooth the whole groove. A pad laced Lawrence remix reminds us why the Smallville man was so hyped from the off while an ambient mix soundtracks sunrise in a summer forest and a second Lawrence remix is delightfully dubby.

Review: Athens dub techno producer Fluxion debuts their latest LP on Vibrant Music, riffing on his earliest days as a member of the trailblazing Chain Reaction crew whilst also bringing said early pioneering stirrings into the present moment. Recorded between 2023-24, this record plays back like an impression of back-roomed delirium; blackout moments in intra-club corridors, where one's sense of time is lost. Louder music may pump away in the room next door, but that's OK, because nothing comes close to this affective hotbox. Branching out from "dub techno" in its strictest sense, 'Touch' adds superluminal, vacuumed Whammy guitar to a swelling, motionless chord repeated throughout the track, and bluesy dub crackler 'Reflections' indulges mournful piano above a scape-squinting mix; 'Desiderium' is the third highlight of ours, powerfully evoking the sense of something irrevocably lost.

Review: Dana Ruh has been around some time now, and has always been a champion of seriously moody and stripped back house sounds. They are deep but never short on drive and have come on several well regarded labels. Her next outing is on Yecad Music and despite its title is not a best of. It features, across multiple parts, a suite of new and original cuts that show exactly where the artists is at right now. 'Case of the V' kicks off with heady pad work and nice prickly drums, 'Bruv' then gets a little more direct with drums that lean into the groove and 'KMA54' has a fresh broken beat sound with more carefully layered pads full of dust. 'Babel' shuts down with raw percussion to drive you into action.

Review: This new one from El Triangulo Records is the debut single from North Satellite's 2023 album, Past Life Half-Lived. It features several different and equally good versions including the original LP vision by the legendary Metro Area man Darshan Jesrani and alternate versions by Eugene Tambourine and Conrad McDonnell of Idjut Boys fame. The 12" is limited to 300 copies and for our money features some of the best cosmic disco and analogue drum grooves we've heard in a while. Of all the highlights, the opening Cosmic Freestyle is the one we love most.

Review: Thomas P. Heckmann is back with a new outing under his Metric System moniker. His return to Kontakt brings fresh house depths with opener 'Velo-City' kicking off in urgent fashion with quickened drums and spoiling synths locking you in. 'Traveller' is a dubbed out cut with a fleshy, liquid low end filled with reverb and echoing hits that disappear off to the horizon. Last of all is 'Soul 440' (Vril remix) which ups the pace and brings sleek dub house energy and majestic cosmic synth details. All three of these are nice and cultured cuts.

Review: Stiroll's Sofia marks the Ukrainian artist's return to Greyscale Records with his first full-length album, painting a sonic portrait of a day in the life of a suburban area. The album invites listeners to experience the subtle intricacies and layered sounds of a community awakening, bustling, and finally resting as night falls. The journey begins with 'Intro - Dusk,' a brisk and atmospheric opener that evokes the early morning stillness before a city stirs to life. The full chord remnants and distant echoes set the stage for the day ahead, capturing the anticipation of the morning. 'Standbye' follows, offering a more airy and purposeful vibe, moving away from minimalism to suggest the first signs of activity, as if the world is slowly beginning to wake. 'Foundamental' continues this progression, riding along with gentle sounds punctuated by flares of static, hinting at the humidity and energy building in the air. The track flows effortlessly, mirroring the natural rhythm of a day gaining momentum. As the day matures, 'Sequence To None' introduces more serious, conflicting chords, perhaps reflecting the push and pull of daily routines and interactions. The crisp production and deep bassline ground the track, offering a sense of structure and direction. Midday arrives with 'Vidlunnia,' a sparse, downtempo piece that feels like basking in the warmth of the sun. The chords wash over the listener like rays, creating a relaxing, chill-out atmosphere with a broken rhythm that invites reflection. The pace slows with 'Interlude - Fall Moon,' where a churning, almost mechanical heartbeat drives the track forward, building tension as the day begins to wane. The ominous mood that emerges in the second half hints at the challenges that often accompany the close of a day. 'Nulle Part' shifts the mood with a more pronounced beat, offering a straightforward yet catchy rhythm that feels both harmonious and conflicted. The hypnotic quality draws you in as it moves toward a positive, yet complex resolution. 'Fall Control' then soothes with heavily processed sounds, offering a brief moment of respite before the album's closing tracks. 'Hope' stands out as the most original dub track on the album, blending strings with a lofty melody that soars before plunging into deeper, more uncertain territory. The track feels otherworldly, capturing the complexities and contradictions of hope itselfia fitting theme as the day begins to wind down. Finally, 'Outro - Dawn' signals the end of the day and the album, with ambient washes that gently alert like a clock, leaving the listener with a sense that it is time to close. Sofia is a meticulously crafted album that encapsulates the ebb and flow of daily life in a suburb, bringing together the sounds of different people and languages into a unified, sonic narrative.

Review: RDS's latest for Jamming Is Life captures the essence of imperfection with raw, vintage machinery. The EP opens with 'Creek,' a deep acid-driven track that teases and builds, offering a mesmerizing, hypnotic rhythm. It's an immediate dancefloor mover, full of controlled chaos and shifting tension. Next, 'Chronicles' pulls us into darker, more mysterious territory. With tech-heavy beats and a tight, swirling atmosphere, it walks the line between groove and unpredictability. The driving rhythm never quite reveals its destination, keeping things fresh and engaging. On the B-side, 'Slappy Whappy Dub' stands out with its tribal, proggy undertones. The track builds slowly, adding layers of tension with each beat. Finally, 'Synergy-Lo' rounds things off with a subtle, trancy techno cut, bringing a satisfying, smooth close to a release built on unpredictability and rhythmic mastery.