Back catalogue: Techno (All)

Review: In celebration of their tenth birthday, Selador marks the occasion in style with a four-track collaborative EP, featuring tracks from 3D, Robert Owens, Olivier Giacomotto, Quivver, Dave Seaman, Hernan Cattaneo, Argia, and Jepe. The opening track, 'Known Love', is a deep, pulasting house tune that feels like an instant classic, perhaps thanks to the soulful, pop-tinged vocals - think LCD soundsystem meets Four Tet. 'Snailblazer', the second track on the EP, takes a much darker turn, with a chugging, EBM-esque feel. Full-bodied and complete with obscured vocals, this is the kind of track to pull out your bag when it's time to really get stuck in. On the B-side, 'Napkin Knowledge' draws on the glistening synths of eurodance, yet still securing the melodies to a grounded bassline and rhythm section. 'Salitre' is the perfect closing track, rising up in a gleaming, ecstatic melody, before delicately returning to ground level. A varied yet firmly cohesive collaborative release - the perfect way for Selador to kick off their 2023 catalogue.

Review: Oslo's A:G has been doing his thing successfully for some time, side-stepping expectations of music from his home city by delivering music that's frequently heavier and more mind-mangling. Here the Norwegian delivers the debut release of a new label, Nocturnal Expeditions, beginning with the restless acid lines, deep bass, vintage progressive house motifs and semi-bleeping lead lines of 'Beyond The Veil'. He opts for more stomping beats and LFO-inspired bass on the similarly psychedelic 'Patient Paradox', before reaching for rave piano stabs on the nostalgic excellence of 'First of 22'. Best of all, though, is closing cut 'Gone Full Circle', where ethereal melodiesm spacey pads and squelchy TB-303 tweaks ride a psychedelic house groove.

Review: The Abstract Eye aka Gifted & Blessed always makes electrifying music that brims and bristles with energy. It is dense and textural and requires close attention to unpack and get lost in but that effort is always more than repaid. This is another brilliantly heavy outing, a first on Technoindigenous, that makes great use of one of the most legendary bits of gear in any studio - the TR-909, Here the artist finds new ways to make it sing with acid-laced house, clattering percussion and cosmic synth work that will rewire your brain.

Review: Acoustic Vision crafts an exceptional EP bursting with rich techno personality. The opening track, 'Peyote Country Club' grabs attention immediately with its infectious rhythm, sharp percussion, and irresistible flow. A light yet captivating melody hovers over deep, bouncing basslines, building into a perfect storm of dancefloor energy. It's a standout cut that seamlessly blends a cool vibe with driving momentum. 'Human Endeavour' ventures into darker territory, offering a tribal groove layered with eerie, hypnotic elements. The haunting melodies create a sense of being swept into a deep, mystical rave, where the rhythm pulls you in. Subtle house influences sneak in as the track progresses, with distant keys adding a sophisticated touch that leaves an impression on you.
'Every Pleasure, Every Sin' shifts gears, delivering a refreshing blend of ambient house that feels like a breezy summer afternoon. The track is pure elegance that harkens back to the vintage early 90s. The remix of the same track turns things on their head, adding a wicked bassline, playful breakbeat, and a more ominous vibe. The inclusion of an acid line gives it a nostalgic, classic feel, ensuring this version stands out with its playful edge.
Definitely an artist to watch in the future."

Review: This new one on mysterious UK label MoonVoid Records serves up a trio of previously unreleased tracks that were originally recorded in the early 90s on tape cassette by Benjamin Wetherill under the Amethyst Moon alias. Apparently this EP is the first of a few, which is great news once you hear them. 'Lifestheme' is a crunchy and wiry electronic workout with fizzing synths and dense beats. 'Human At The Controls' brings slower rhythms and snaking synths and hissing hits while 'False Alarm (Look Over Your Shoulder)' spins you out in silky cosmic synths and snappy metallic snares.

Review: Inimeg Records label boss and general underground don Joey Anderson has always operated on the fringes of the deepest house and techno sounds. The New Jersey mainstay returns now with the Vanish EP on Obia Records while owner Wendel Sield also pops up with one tune. Anderson's trio ranges from the dusty, smoky basement dub of 'Vanish' to the ticking and glitchy minimal menace of 'Masked Ones' via the intense synth dystopia of 'Escape'. Sield's 'Cultivate' is a smeared, spacious cut with meandering pads and prickly percussion that zones you out for days.

Review: Circulo Cerrado introduces its first sub-label, here. E.T.D.G. is "where sound tells a story." Aniano invites you in with Una Serie de Crimenes Sonoros, a concept EP that blurs the line between fiction and reality. Driven by a techno undercurrent, the release continues the exploration of El Terror De Galdar while incorporating electro and minimal influences and drawing inspiration from 1980s sci-fi cinema and retro video games. The EP features TR-909 rhythms and intricate Nord Lead 2 synth work and delves into human darkness through electronic soundscapes.

Review: Apoena is the alias of Henrique Casanova, a DJ and producer from Brazil who heads up Allnite Music which presents his latest effort titled Oceanos Extintos. The mesmerising dub tech house of opener 'Eu Lembro' calls to mind classic Thibideau brothers, leading in to the frozen borders of the title track which will engulf you in its cavernous sound. Over on the flip, the steely and pummelling 'Trabalho Bracal' is by far the fiercest cut on offer, and the collaboration with Zenta Skai 'Fosseis' takes a u-turn on this trippy and contemplative electro jam.

Review: Behind The Mask's second release comes from Lorenzo Aribone, the man behind the label and someone with a sound that draws on a range of house and techno styles. The A-side kicks off with 'Again', a low slung and sleazy sound with warped basslines. 'Question' is an eerie, spacious sound with pulsing rhythms and dubby low ends then 'Fog' brings more raw percussion and insistent grooves. Last of all is 'Stone,' a heavy, marching house sound with hints of intergalactic synth work and razor sharp drums that keep you upright. Another fine offering from this young imprint.

Review: Shadowy techno talent Daniel Avery has been associated with playing killer sets at fabric for more than a decade now. He was entrusted with warm up duties at a very early stage in his career and now carries on his relationship with a second release via fabric Originals which is part of the iconic clubs's ongoing 25 year anniversary celebrations. Says the man himself about this new two-tracker, "as with every club record I ever make, [this one] has Room 1 coursing through its veins. I know that room like the back of my hand and this is how the room sounds in my skull."

Review: We shall never apologise for our love for the work of Steve O'Sullivan. His contributions to the world of dub techno are second to none. They are also mad consistent both in style and quality which means they never age. Here he steps up to Lempuyang with his Blue Channel alias alongside Jonas Schachner aka Another Channel for more silky smooth fusions of authentic dub culture and Maurizo-style techno deepness. Watery synths, hissing hi-hats with long trails and dub musings all colour these dynamic grooves. They're cavernous and immersive and frankly irresistible and the sort of tracks that need to be played loud in a dark space. In that context, you'll never want them to end.

Review: Third part of the compilation celebrating the tenth anniversary of the Milanese record shop. This collection is entirely composed of previously unreleased music, exclusively produced for the occasion by many artists of great relevance in the worldwide music scene, who supported the store over the last ten years. The artists who produced the music for this compilation are Egyptian Lover, Ellen Allien, Thomas Brinkmann, Neil Landstrumm, JD Twitch, Matias Aguayo, San Proper, Tolouse Low Trax, Jay Glass Dubs, Dj Marcelle, Jorge Velez, Tamburi Neri, Fabrizio Mammarella, Heith, Itinerant Dubs, Timeslip89, Kreggo and Intersezioni Ensemble. The entire work is composed of 4 x 12", plus a bonus EP.

Review: The Spanish Hypnotic Collective label attempts to capture its take on the Detroit Legacy with what looks like a new series of various artists' EP. There is plenty of Motor City soul in the gorgeous synths of Cignol's muted acid and deep house opener 'Distance' which is a soothing and reverential groove, but then its pure party from Barce, Alex Martin offers up 313 style tech and three further tunes on the flip explore blistering electro with high-speed funk and cosmic intent. Mission accomplished and we're already looking forward to the next one.

Review: Swiss label Introspection Audio Limited hist 12" number five with some exceptional techno workouts from producers based in Switzerland, Finland and Japan. Each track delivers a distinct atmosphere and emotion, perfectly crafted for the dance floor. Alessandro Crimi's 'Always' keeps it deep, dubby and minimalist, Needless layers up delightfully smooth drums and dub chords and a Tm Shuffle Myotatuuli dub remix is frosted with icy static and chilly winds. Celestial Sphere Aka Hirotaka shuts down with a more textured and snappy dub tech vibe.

Review: Exxtra Beats Records backs up its commitment to pushing things on with a new four-tracker of minimal and tech cuts. Edo Ecker's 'Extraluxxo' has warped synth lines that encourage introspection while the snappy beats make you move physically. Leff's 'Future Problems' has hazy and positive arpeggios that toot away over sustained chords and move at a nice inviting pace. Little Sea offers the snappy drums and gurgling acid lines of 'How I Wanna Feel' while Andrea Bertoli & DJ Bogdan's 'Extremely On Line' is a snappy and upbeat cosmic tech cut with wonky lines adding the charm.

Review: Berlin-based Equilibrisme keeps up the fine early work here with a third vinyl release. It continues its tradition of delivering a masterful fusion of deep minimal techno, lush chords and dubby grooves that slowly but surely bring a dance floor under their control. A collaboration between Berlin-based Uruguayan producer Martin Teysera 'Oniric' opens up with seven sublime minutes of leggy, reverb heavy dub swing, Canadian dub techno legend Altitude, aka Matt Thibideau offers the more bright and textural 'Liquid' and Man-L goes it alone with the delicate melodic delights of 'Animal Crossing.'

Review: Blackmarket is a New York party that has always led from the front and been a rare underground haven for threads. The label reflects that similar mindset and here label boss Taimur and long-time Costa Rican friend Artro link up for a four-track techno trip. 'Know Your Friends (Vox)' is a percussive workout with sinewy synths reaching into the cosmos. There is more low-end heft to 'Machina' which is weighty and dubby. A second version of 'Know Your Friends' is surging and metallic and last of all 'Elements' brings a touch of high-speed funk to a techno framework.

Review: Tom Wax has been knocking out high quality tunes at a high rate of knots for many years on all manner of influential labels. This time out he steps up with a one-sided and banging 12" for Plastic City in the same month that a bunch of remixes of the same single also appear. The original is all gurgle acid lines, yelping vocals and pure rave-techno energy. The arrangement fizzes and spits and is overloaded with lo-fi fuzz which only adds to the sense of rush as you get lost in the beats. A devastating cut for sure.

Review: As the artist alias kind of suggests, Abyssy takes a deep dive into the unknown depths of the human spirit. It finds the artist returning to Simona Faraone's label after several years and finds him exploring electronic sounds of the 70s and 80s, blending Berlin school minimalism with Detroit techno's soul and funk. It is a record that ranges in mood and tempo as it heads into oceanic depths where wispy pads and chattery percussive patterns collide in unusual ways. It's a largely abstract album of unusual sound designs and genuine electronic discovery that often has you wondering just how certain abounds have been made.

Review: DDS has tapped up the mysterious and enigmatic Japanese dub techno stylist Shinichi Atobe for another album. Discipline is his seventh for the label and each of those has been as faultless as the next - happily, this keeps up that impeccable run which started with a debut on the Chain Reaction label in 2001. The eight cuts on the record offer up delay-laden steppers, swaggering 909 rhythms, plenty of evocative pads and subtle backlit synths that bring a future feel to the soulful, authentic grooves.

Review: In the mid-90s, Audio Science released two CD-only albums, Aural X-Perience and Hypnotic, both of which gained critical acclaim and have since achieved cult status. This new double album on the Rezpektiva label brings together standout tracks from those revered recordings. It begins with the slow motion and psyched-out prog of 'Tales Of The Unknown' and takes in highlights like the slick house punch of 'Strings In The Night' as well as an unreleased Chill mix of 'Tales Of The Unknown' which brings new cosmic energy to the lush original. A great reminder of one of the 90s' finest innovators.

Review: Jonny Dillon is Automatic Tasty and One Foot in the Rave is his debut album on Winthorpe Records. An influential name in acid-driven electronic music, Jonny has spent over 15 years with labels like Acid Waxa, Further Electronix and CPU and knocks it out of the park once more with this new eight-track LP. It's immediately recognisable as his work thanks to its sonic blueprints, melodic acid grooves, bleepy funk and warm analogue textures. Tracks like 'The Apocalypse is Now' and 'Raymond Tuesday's Big Day Out' bring upfront energy, while 'Starry Night' and 'Ringfort' infuse subtle psychedelia to make this a captivating braindance workout.

Review: LILA mainstay Ayaavaaki and ambient veteran Purl speak different languages but used a translator to convey ideas to one another as they made this record. And they very much foment their own unique musical language on Ancient Skies, an album that blends ambient, drone and space music into richly layered soundscapes that are constantly on the move. Each piece is meticulously crafted and suspense you up amongst the clouds, hazing on at the smeared pads and swirling solar winds that prop you up. It's a record that would work as well in the depths of winter as a bright spring day such is the cathartic effect of the sounds. Beautiful, thought-provoking and innovative, this is as good an ambient record as we have heard all year.