Back catalogue: Techno (All)

Review: "Instead of escaping somewhere else, this time I want to be here." We're not 100% sure if that's Fabiano or E35 Netherlands quoted, and woe betide anyone who thinks they can interpret such cryptic (not to mention borrowed) quips without asking the person who said them what they meant. Nevertheless, Landmarks very quickly presents itself as an ambient beauty born of this planet and nowhere else. At times the sounds are challenging - heavily textured tracks rather than the lush dreamscapes we often associate with the rather reductive 'ambient' label. Sometimes things are quite eerie, like the disquiet that materialises around halfway through 'Flowers On The Hospital Grounds', and the dense static waves of 'Saturated Memory On A Rooftop'. At other moments, tones invoke the mystery of night skies over Earth, or the rhythm of a world filled with enough life to mean we're still finding new species today.

Review: French musician Julienne Dessagne is behind Fantastic Twins and here presents a new album inspired by the Greek myth of Theseus and the Minotaur. Adapted from her composition for the dance piece Meandres, the record is a textural world of leftfield techno, kosmische influences and cinematic soundscapes across five tracks. Along the way, we're told the artist explores mythology and symbolism while drawing from opera, film scores and literary works. Her set up included modular synthesis and layered vocals which lend things a rather psychedelic edge next to the strikingly atmospheric synths and subtle sense of unpredictability.

Review: Lina Filipovich's Music for an imaginary dancefloor is an exploration of the boundary between club music and the abstract, guided by analogue synthesizers and a vivid imagination. Composed from improvisations between June and December 2022, the LP delves into ethereal realms with nervous energy and atmospheric textures that evoke imagery of surreal landscapes and otherworldly experiences. Unlike her previous works which focused on deconstructing existing sounds, Filipovich collaborates with the machines themselves in this album, allowing their aesthetics to intertwine with her creative vision. The result is a collection of tracks that pulse with intensity, drawing listeners into a dreamlike state where reality blurs with fantasy. The album's sonic landscape is rich with atonal drones and intricate delays, creating a sense of unease and wonderment. It's as if the music is speaking a language of spirits, beckoning listeners to explore the allure of the dark and the unknown. Miles Whittaker of Demdike Stare lends his mastering and additional mixing expertise to enhance the album's sonic depth, further immersing listeners in its hypnotic embrace. Overall, Music for an imaginary dancefloor is a stunning trip that defies traditional categorisation. It invites listeners to step into a realm where the boundaries of reality dissolve, leaving only the pulsating rhythms and haunting melodies to guide them through the darkness. Lina Filipovich's vision is realised with remarkable clarity and depth, making this album a standout release in the realm of experimental electronic music.

Review: Fluxion returns with a stunning full-length album that showcases his mastery of dub techno and chilled soundscapes. Opening with 'Life Motif', Haze begins with ambient textures that set a tranquil, atmospheric tone. 'Magenta' follows, delivering a hazy dub experience that channels island vibes, with deep, gentle chords that immerse the listener. 'Reflections' brings in deeper techno elements, with piano melodies riding over the rhythm to create a sophisticated, mature take on dub techno. 'Footsteps (Fluxion Rework)' is a poignant track, blending orchestral elements and church chimes, invoking a melancholic yet still, uplifting mood. 'Berlin' takes a turn into more traditional dub techno territory, featuring a deep bassline and club-ready vibe that remains true to Fluxion's roots. The album closes with 'Open Moves', a beautiful, emotional piece that blends classical influences with dub-influenced ambiance, leaving listeners with a sense of introspection and calm.Haze is a masterful exploration of dub techno's emotive potential, balancing deep rhythms, lush atmospheres and moving melodies. Fluxion proves once again why he remains a leading figure in the genre, seamlessly fusing elements of dub, techno and ambient like only he can.