Back catalogue: Techno (All)

Review: Acid Sessions Vol. 3 is another white-knuckle journey into the world of acid with five top talents in the field all pushing their own limits. Acidulant opens with "Serpentacid' featuring hypnotic 303 grooves and relentless energy, then Sarufaromeo & Papaverhof deliver 'Acid Nihonshu' which blends atmospheric depth with chaotic acid vibes. G303 takes you beyond with 'Live Long and Prosper,' an interstellar anthem filled with cosmic acid and resonant grooves. Paul Renard closes with 'SO36' which is all about the fat rhythms and powerful dancefloor drive. Long live acid is what we say.

Review: Adam Beyer and Green Velvet are legendary names in techno music for over 30 years now. Their powerhouse track 'Simulator' receives a set of fresh remixes, extending to some producers to show off their version of this lofty new classic. First up, Mha Iri, a pivotal figure for Drumcode, delivers a scorching remix. She retains the original's fierce bass stabs, using them as formidable motifs, while injecting an abundance of intensity through electrifying builds and drops. Next, Odd Mobb, an emerging talent from Australia recognized by Fred Everything and Skrillex, infuses his four-minute rework with high energy. His remix emphasises the low-end elements and introduces vibrant new bursts of color, creating a dynamic rendition that keeps listeners engaged. Finally, Chris Avantgarde, known for his inventive productions, crafts a remix that defies genre boundaries. Combining elements of breaks, bass, electronica and techno, his interpretation spreads across all of his personal influences. Pressed on neon green 'rippled' vinyl, this record looks as dangerous as it sounds.

Review: Furthur Electronix's first two Furthur Journeys Into compilations tune plenty of heads and shift plenty of copies. The third one keeps the quality levels high with more explorations around the periphery of underground electronics. Chris Coco opens with a soothing synth sound before Jake Slazenger brings crystalline synths and abstract modulations to the mid-tempo '168B.' There is more pace and twisted acid energy to Global Goon's untitled contribution and then old school jungle comes to the fore on the super stylish and atmospheric Gavin Masih cut. Monika Subrtova's 'Alata' is a serene and widescreen ambient synthscape that brings things to a suitably poignant close.

Review: FoxBam Inc returns with its fourth EP featuring a powerful mix of floor-shaking productions. The release includes contributions from Gez Varley, best known for his work with LFO and classic tracks like 'Quo Vardis' alongside Italian acid producer Vikkei and label founders Foxtrot and Egebamyasi. This new one opens with the acid-heavy 'Battle Scars' while Vikkei delivers the hard techno 'Hip 'n' Crack.' Egebamyasi explores bass-driven wobbly dubstep with 'Mandubchester' and Varley's 'Saturn One' brings cinematic vibes to his signature techno style. Launched in 2023, FoxBam Inc is already becoming a key player in the underground.

Review: Rhythm Section's latest favourite, (Oliver) Gallegos, evidences his mastery over the art of what we like to call the "speech tune" - a format almost as old as time. Think Rum & Black's 'Slaves' or Underground Resistance's 'Transition'; the formula is as such; a slow-built dance beat, at least over 110BPM by our estimation, over which a rousing historical speech plays out throughout the track. Though this form lends well to a 90s rave aesthetic, Gallegos finds himself at a post-comedown period of history, indeed in which "rave" is often bittersweetly thought to be anachronistic; and in which house music often reigns supremer. So, then, does he bring a record-breaking, body-moving homily vocal sample to an incredibly arranged set of house arpeggiations and medley-style sample cut-ups, working in a sort of auditory bricolage but nonetheless bringing them together under a seriously reflective memorial dance-dome.

Review: Few labels in techno are as consistent as Planet Rhythm. This latest 12" comes on flame red vinyl and Federico Gandin is the man stoking the fires. There is no messing about here as 'The Storm' soon takes off on classically inclined loopy minimal techno grooves with urgent calls and synth pulses. 'Les Intrepides' then pairs a bendy, elastic baseline with scuttling sound FX and tunnelling beats. 'The Hideout' is more glitchy with broken loops and underlapping drums carrying you away while 'The Arrival' actually marks the end in serene, deeply cosmic techno style.

Review: Roger Gressen explores the finer end of the dub spectrum, whether crafting deep techno or micro house. He is a master of deft synth designs that always brings his sparse soundscapes to life. Once more here you will be gazing on at wonder as lithe melodic details drift by over serene arps and lithe drums. 'Jubilee' is super seductive with its wispy of melodic light and 'Nikuman' rides on pillowy low ends with eons of open space above for you to get lost in. The exquisite eight minute closer 'My Quiet Place' shuts down with glitchy claps hanging next to widescreen synth smears. Gorgeous.

Review: Ghost in the Machine takes it back to the start with a searing new acid outing on Zodiak Commune Records. This is a special poster edition of the 12" and it's packed with dark and unsettling moods and monstrously heavy kicks. Opener 'Wall of Fire' is just that with an assault of distorted drums and barrage of prickly percussion and warped synths that blow your brains out. 'Flame Grilled' is another textural and chaotic sound with fizzing textures and ear-splitting acid lines then 'Inferno' picks up the pace with lashings of 303, hammering hits and unrelenting drums. 'Heartburn' shuts down this raw warehouse carnage with pulsing synths and driving drums that leave you exhausted.

Review: GiGi FM's Virgo Space Acid is another mystical techno odyssey. Channelling "2025's energy," she fuses acid textures, reworked 909s and mantra-like vocals across four transformative tracks that range from the hypnotic opener 'Calibration' to the soaring tension of the title track and the emotional dubscape of 'Floresta.' Each cut explores healing, intuition and self-empowerment through sonic minimalism as GiGi refines her craft into a deeply expressive language that merges an urge to move with real moments of introspection. This is not just club music-it's ritual and release from the forefront of experimental techno.

Review: Gilbert's Astral Harmonics, released on the esteemed Distant Worlds label, is a standout addition to the techno landscape, showing the label's commitment to quality over quantity with only it's 13th release in the last 8 years. The EP opens with 'Lost Frequency,' a track defined by its tight bass and precise rhythm programming. The production is top-notch, with futuristic accents and expertly layered melodies that create a crisp, engaging sound. 'Quantum Echoes' follows on Side 1, offering a slower, electro groove that flirts with downtempo and ambient elements. The track's beautiful, almost magical melody gives it a serene, otherworldly quality, making it a perfect blend of genres that stands out in its subtlety. Side-2 kicks off with 'Earthscapes,' a unique fusion that combines the energy of broken drum and bass with melodic inspiration drawn from both Detroit and UK techno. The track's great bassline and rich atmosphere push the boundaries of techno, offering a refreshing sound that actually pushes the envelope of techno. The EP concludes with 'Particle Drift,' an ambient techno piece that feels like a nod to the greats of the genre. Reminiscent of artists like B12, Stasis, Future Beat Alliance, Derek Carr, John Shima, and As One, this track provides a soothing, contemplative end to the journey, wrapping up the record with a sense of calm and introspection. Astral Harmonics succeeds due to Gilbert's ability to craft intricate, boundary-pushing techno, and Distant Worlds' dedication to curating exceptional releases. One of the smoothest techno records out this year.

Review: Two new Drumcode signees from Sweden team up for the first time ever on 'Deadly Valentine', a gothic x-marks-the-spot in big-cheese techno. The first joint single outside of compilation or album formats, Giordani's flair for melodic structure and genre blur rubs against sonic streamliner Skils' skills, repurposing a vocal line Giordani stumbled on during a Spotify deep dive, and which now comes anchored by gladiate grooves and ghostly dual-language lyrics, tossing over sincerity and satire. Skils handled the initial structure, though the pair refined it across versions and sessions before locking in the final cut.

Review: Layton Giordani reigns as one of the thing-pins of "techno's new school", and his latest collab with Tiga and Audion is a neat testament to this fact. 'Let's Go Dancing' indeed does make clever use of breathy effects and rising reeses, but the track's main message - its exhortation to go dancing with us - is best conveyed by its vocal message, which, by the sheer power of repetitiousness alone, grabs us by the arm and corrals us into the dance whether we like it or not. A rabble-rousing, slick new techno rumpus, you won't be allowed out of the nightclub for as long as this one plays back.

Review: This EP arrives with a confident, polished sound that positions itself at the cutting edge of experimental electronica. Opening with 'Empire Rising,' the track strikes an immediate balance between precision and mood, with tight percussion and shimmering synths that pulse through the mix, pushing the track forward without ever feeling rushed. 'Neon Horizons' adds a darker layer, its brooding atmosphere enhanced by off-kilter rhythms and an almost cinematic scope. The production throughout is intricate and layered, showcasing GNMR's attention to detail. The EP's strength lies in its ability to sound both futuristic and grounded, offering a glimpse of what's to come, while feeling timeless in its composition.

Review: Portugal has always had its own thriving scene right back to the days of 90s rave and techno. But in recent times it seems to be having a wider cultural impact with the arrival of plenty of great artists, labels, radio stations and collectives getting proper recognition across the global underground. Just over the Tagus river from Lisbon comes this new label oDYSea from the Caparica coast, and it's headed up by Penelope. GNMR's 'Zen' kicks off with cosmic tech and snappy kicks then Pakzad's 'I Could Never Imagine' is a mid-tempo and warped tech cut with hissing hi hats and psyched out colours. Eversines's 'Randomized Controlled Trial' is taught and trippy techno then Oscillator Man's 'Turning The Mix Up A Bit' is an acid-laced sleaze-fest.

Review: A dynamic fusion of ghetto electro, trance and techno, this record is a fresh spin on familiar sounds. The title track, 'Booty Trance (feat Detroit's Filthiest)', is sure to stand out with crisp production that blends high-energy trance melodies with the raw edge of ghetto electro, creating an electrifying single. 'Another Time' shifts gears, drawing on 90s influences to craft an electro-techno hybrid that feels both nostalgic and forward-thinking. Its futuristic vibe and driving rhythm make it a standout for fans of classic electro with a modern twist. On Side-2, the Rawtakes Refix of 'Booty Trance' strips back the trance elements, leaning deeper into electro with a nod to Cybotron's iconic 'Clear'. The result is a grittier, street-smart version that feels grounded yet innovative. Closing the EP, the remix by Aura T-09 and Wheez-ie transforms the track into a hardcore techno anthem. The stomping beat and reimagined trance melodies elevate the energy, blending celestial tones with raw intensity. This EP is creative within the techno genre with diverse interpretations that will resonate across dancefloors and playlists alike.

Review: After a superb outing on the Ninja Tools compilation, Gogo Gadgeto now steps out with a first ever full solo EP and it comes on the Lumbago label. These sounds are chock full of personality and a little spookiness. 'Gadgeto Theme' has snappy, silvery drums setting the tone under twisted synths and vocals. 'Electric Spliff' gets more warped and wonky with its bold leads and snappy old school tech beats. 'Spooky Adventure' is just that with its rugged drum funk and haunting pads and 'Weird Science (Gadgeto edit)' brings a twisted mix of rock riffs, snappy beats and electronic cool.

Review: Sub Basics's Temple Of Sound is back with new music from Henry Greenleaf who appears under his new moniker, Greenteeth. It is a project he is clearly using to cook up smart back room minimal sounds going off this evidence: 'Loxton' is a slow motion and prowling groove but one with deep, menacing bass and nice louche percussion. 'Jungle Love' is another subversive sound with a snaking rhythm and dubby low ends, dusty hi hats and late night mischief. Last of, 'On & On & On' plays out over all of the flipside with shuffling drums that are light and airy and topped with wispy drones. It's delightfully hypnotic.

Review: Drumcode's limited series is back with a bang here as Simina Grigriu steps up with four thrilling and rolling cuts that will destroy any main room. The drums are front and centre on 'Declare Me' as they power on beneath twanging synths and pulsing beeps. 'Astral Waters' has a more funky techno style with glitchy claps and rolling bass, then 'Technology Of Prayer' brings trance-tinged synths to the party. It's one to get hands in the air before the closer 'The Right Calibre' sinks back into a deeper techno sound with rubbery kicks and hypnotic synth loops.

Review: Following the success of last year's Walks, Group Listening returns with a new 12" for PRAH Recordings. The title and artwork both explore themes of decay, expiration and musical renewal and the music was in part inspired by a small DIY festival in Bristol. Paul Jones explains the title represents a radical, open call for change while 'Tell Everyone Everything' is a layered, intense synth soundscape with destined pads and nimble chords that lock you in the here and now. The release also features remixes by Ancient Plastix and Loggsplitter who bring sub-aquatic dub and mind-melting rhythmic intricacies.

Review: Capybara France returns with its second ever release, splitting a six-track sonic bay between acid house and techno lowriders Guile, Francisco Fresen, F&I, Marcos Coya, Andre Arruda and Raff&rod. All hail from Latin America, for which the rotund marsupial mammal that this label names itself after is likewise the spirit animal. This release pairs a rather arid and minimalist tonal palette with surlier, deeper sonic gateways. Best of the bunch has to be F&I's 'Streets', which blends industrial punk percussions, pitch-drooping dreamatic pads, and street-smart affirmatives in the vocal register.

Review: As always there are no frills, no fads and nothing fancy about this fresh slab of techno goodness from Planet Rhythm, just pure and unadulterated rhythms to lose your shit to. Gunlock is the one firing them out and 'Thorax' sure does come at you like machine gun bullets, while 'Mo' Future' is more metal and trippy with its busy, tight synth loops. '19th & Nicollet' keeps things lively with nimble drums and shot, pithy synth details that ping about the mix. There is more brutalism to the hammering drums of 'Good Droids Gone Bad' and still space for two more techno tools that will rewire any dancefloor.

Review: BOOOoo! returns with its fourth V/A, bringing together Ildec, Pagenty, Phase O'Matic, Gogo Gadgeto and label head BOOH for a tightly assembled five-tracker. Steering into the murkier corners of electro but with a light touch, their next comp offers a range of moods without ever dropping to fully into the abyss. From 'Volviento AMT' to 'The System Is The Matrix', each artist contributes a knowing cut, one which leans dark but stays danceable, threading twisted textures and low-slung rhythms without losing sight of playability.

Review: Ohm Series #10 continues to be a shining example of the remarkable work being done in the dub techno genre, consistently featuring top-tier producers who excel in their craft. On Side-1, Monomood kicks things off with 'Spring In Space,' a track that boasts deep sub-bass hits and long, blending chords. Its strong kick and clean production make it a powerful example of dub techno at its finest. Following this, Octal Industries delivers 'Rewind Repeat,' a piece that layers epic strings and a soaring melody over an abstract broken beat. Powerful and evocative! Side-2 opens with G-Prod and Taho's'"Light Forest,' an uptempo dub techno track with a techy edge. Its smooth production and dancefloor-ready vibe make it a seamless fusion of technical prowess and groove. Closing out the release is Gradient's 'Track 4,' which offers classic dub techno sounds. Gradient's exceptional craftsmanship is evident in this track, which epitomizes the lush textures and hypnotic rhythms that define the genre. Overall, Ohm Series #10 upholds its reputation by delivering high-quality dub techno that resonates with both purists and new listeners alike. This release is an ideal example to the innovative spirit of the genre.

Review: Vuo returns with another entry into his ongoing Ruutana City Mood Series, with this one being on eco black wax but a green vinyl version is also available. Ohm & Kvadrant open with a smoky, textured roller driven by icy drums. Armin Bender follows with 'All Or Nothing' which offers a lighter, more optimistic vibe with airy pads. Tm Shuffle strips things back on 'Efficient Answers' to deliver a gritty, minimalist basement groove. Closing the EP, Gonzalo Villarreal presents 'Curanto', a raw, percussive cut bathed in rich echo and reverb for a captivating close.

Review: Finnish label Vuo kicks off its year with a second instalment in the Ruutana City Mood Series. Once again it brings four vital dubbed out grooves to a lovely green marbled vinyl starting with Ohm & Kvadrant's 'Borsen' which is a smoky, grainy roller with icy drums. Armin Bender's 'All Or Nothing' brings a little extra light and optimism in the airy pads and Tm Shuffle pairs things right back for 'Efficient Answers' which is a gritty basement jam. Gonzalo Villarreal's 'Curanto' shits down with tons of lovely echo and reverb on a raw percussive cut.

Review: Thomas Schumacher's latest project brings together a vibrant mix of artists, channeling the raw energy of contemporary techno. The first track strikes with unrelenting force, its driving rhythms and layered atmospherics creating a powerful opening statement. Franco Smith and TimiR take a slightly different approach, crafting a hypnotic blend of pulsing basslines and tight, percussive details that hit with surgical precision. On the flip, Mark Porter's contribution strips things back to their bare essentials, letting subtle, looping melodies glide over crisp, metronomic beats. Gonzalo Cavalli rounds off the collection with something more emotive, layering shimmering synths over a steady, groove-laden foundation. This release is as much about showcasing individual artistry as it is about exploring techno's evolving formsia versatile and deeply considered collection.

Review: Planet Rhythm's brand of techno is utterly timeless and always futuristic. The latest trip around the stars is a various artists EP that varies in mood and tempo. Shekon's 'Hypno' (Phara remix) kicks off with big, boisterous drum loops full of bounce and swirled with coarse synths. Gotshell takes a more deep approach with gurgling basslines making for a subterranean sound on 'Sindrome De Volar.' KaioBarssalos's 'Detroit' then taps into a classic 313 techno style with shimmering pads and earth-shattering drums. Netty Hugo's 'Ecxtrem' is a pulsating cosmic closer.

Review: Spooky Wooky return with a newly nourished Pandora's box worth of tunes, welcoming four new producers each for their own scare, as well as an opening fourfold fright. Joining forces only under the name Spooky Wooky, 'Cauchemard Ambulant' puns on the French term for "waking nightmare" terming it a "walking nightmare", with fidgety, motile synth snaps and pops aligned alongside bow can scrape samples and strange monstrous gurgles. Our faves among the solo cuts have to be Lazer Man's 'Fuck The Bass' and Gogo Gadgeto's 'FREAK', both of which seem to convey a sort of crazed elvish otherworld.

Review: Planet Rhythm's special series continues with a sixth instalment here and this one is another various artists banger. It kicks off with Stipp & Edvvin's 'Everything' which is high-speed and punchy techno before Toni Alvarez strips things back and drops the sleek, percussive minimalism of 'Deep Inside.' Tom Rotzki's 'Signature Groove' is another pent-up and funky percussive techno bumper and last of all comes Gockel, a turbo-charged sound with buoyant kicks and plenty of machine rawness defining the grooves of 'Push The Pace'.

Review: We're always happy to be in the orbit of Planet Rhythm and this time Stipp and Genex lure us in for a dancefloor collision with their macho techno tools. 'Last To Act' is a big old wall of drums and percussive loops with a funky rhythm and 'Overcall' is pure mind music with its twisted, silken synths and ever-present drum pressure. 'Places' keeps things upright and punchy with cantering kicks and whirring machine sounds and 'All In; shuts down with a jacked-up mix of analogue drums and deep-sonar pulses. It makes for quite the thrill.

Review: Gale-force sonic apneas from Planet Rhythm, the label and unstoppable phonic force from Rotterdam. The imprint's latest V/A release in the Dubwars series this time takes on its own name, 'Minerals', and welcomes rambunctious techno troilers from the likes of Unknown Code, OFF / GRID, and Luca Accardi. Rhythmically dragged, diminished stab-chords define the A1 and A2 against metal girdered kick patterns, with 'Moment' especially nailing that ever-sought-after sweet spot of energy and anhedonia, a mixed feeling perhaps only achievable within techno's ambit. Dub techno inflections turn to infarctions, as Accardi's 'Minerals' sucks the sonic substrate dry with ballistic echoes, giving way to Gockel's minimal mountaintop NDE, 'Meditation In Tibet'.

Review: Wolfgang Voigt's groundbreaking project Gas returns with a definitive reissue of its self-titled debut album, originally released in 1996 on Mille Plateaux and now reintroduced by Kompakt on CD format. This release marks a long-awaited return to the foundational essence of Gas, as initially envisioned by Voigt. Gas unfolds across six expansive, untitled tracks that drift seamlessly, each a captivating journey of ethereal loops and rhythmic undercurrents. Distant echoes of classical motifs add to the album's enigmatic allure. This debut stands out for its airy, evocative atmosphere and its exploratory nature. Gas not only revisits a pivotal moment in electronic music history but also underscores Voigt's enduring influence and avant-garde spirit, setting the stage for the techno and ambient genres to unfold from his influence. There is quite nothing like the first four Gas albums.

Review: If it feels like we've been waiting a minute for some fresh material from the ever-excellent Roger Geressen, then the wait has been worth it as he gifts us this exemplary extended EP which borders on mini-album territory. The Dutch producer has evolved his sound in subtle ways over the years, but his affinity for mellow atmospheres abounds on this drop for Chapelle XIV, leading in with the relaxed broken beat machine soul of 'Other Dimensions' before switching into the more heads-down roll of 'Oceans Of Ganymede' and 'Solar Flare's winsome synth lines and snappy electro rhythm section. 'Future Visions' continues the exploration of broad melodic vistas and 'Moons Of Mercury' goes in hard on the delays for shimmering results. 'User Interface' completes the picture with a perfect sign off on this refined and immersive six-tracker from an artist you know you can trust.

Review: Ukrainian producer Volodymyr Gnatenko returns to Kalahari Oyster Cult with 'Mershiy' - a long-awaited follow-up that trades the drive of his last appearance on the label for something deeper and more exploratory. Spread across six tracks, it drifts between ambient dub, acid and pointillist electronics, with flashes of trance and IDM woven through. There's a widescreen, cinematic quality to it - detailed, immersive and immaculately spaced. Ushering in faded memories of 90s ambient, only re-imagined through a hi-def lens. Repeated listens reveal ever more off-world textures, insect rhythms and a creeping sense of unease. It's introspective, meticulous and beautifully produced.