Back catalogue: Techno (All)

Review: This bumper 12" covers plenty of thrilling techno ground in a variety of different ways. Raffaele Attanasio goes for the jugular from the off with steely, tightly packed drums and synth surges that electrify the groove. Markantonio brings layers of wailing diva emotion to his 90s-sounding drum funk and Mattia Trani offers the unrelenting warehouse density of 'Dogtown'. Elsewhere there are more lithe and funky cuts from ZIPPO and a synth-washed roller from MUTE8. All of these are high-impact sounds for the peak time.

Review: 'OHM Series #11' presents a vibrant mix of techno with contributions from four talented producers, adding depth to the ongoing series. On Side-1, Christine Benz's 'Sunset' opens with warm, enveloping chords, creating a serene atmosphere that feels like a sunset on a tropical island. Following that, Brizman's 'As We Should', featuring Linn, shifts the tone with a lighter, dub-infused house sound, perfect for a more relaxed vibe. Side-2 kicks off with Hidden Sequence's 'Dub Cycle', a darker, more ominous track, weaving catchy dub techno rhythms that pull you in. Finally, Martin Jarl's '02_37 AM' brings a smooth, ambient dub feel with a traditional techno edge. This airy composition evokes the timeless sounds and reminds us of Model 500's Starlight. This edition of OHM Series showcases diverse approaches to dub techno, balancing the atmospheric with the rhythmic - and all delivered with precision.

Review: With over 15 years of history behind it, Detroit's Cryovac label is run by producer Andy Garcia - who also happens, conveniently enough, to be an employee of the local pressing plant, Archer Record Pressing. They've released countless V/A and split 12"s, inevitably of high quality, with this one being no exception. Divided between Drivetrain on Side-1 and a certain A Garcia & M Kretsch on Side-2, it achieves a dynamic equilibrium between foundational Motor City sounds and inventive exploration and innovation. Drivetrain's '3am' is a driving electro-infused track that merges funky rhythms with melodic touches, crafting an atmosphere that is futuristic and engaging. 'Discipline' follows, bringing a raw, classic techno energy that feels timeless, with its steady groove serving as a reminder of the genre's impactful origins. The flip sees Garcia & Kretsch delve into different sonic territories. 'Ai_me' pulses with influences from Detroit and Chicago's late 80s underground, delivering a rhythm that's robust and propulsive. Rounding out the EP is 'Squeaker', a brooding piece that creates an unsettling yet intriguing landscape, blending eerie tones with an alien-like ambiance. Bridging techno's historical essence with forward-thinking creativity, this release's balance of nostalgia and innovation ensures it will resonate with listeners from across eras.

Review: Ida Engberg's contribution to this release marks a striking departure from the Swedish techno DJ and record producer's usual sound, an unexpected, lush journey through the world of 2 step genre that's definitely not typically seen in her catalogue. The track is at once sensual and booming, designed for the late-morning hours when the dancefloor shifts from peak-time frenzy to more reflective, intimate moments. It pulses with a calm intensity, creating a smooth yet exhilarating rhythm that invites the listener into an immersive experience. On the flip side, 'Pink Monkeys' is a true sonic adventure, blending elements of EBM and sawtooth trance to produce a thrilling, psychedelic atmosphere. The track is a festival-ready anthem, charged with energy and unrestrained sound, allowing Ida to stretch her creative muscles even further. Meanwhile, Marco Resmann delivers two tracks that showcase his deep-rooted versatility. 'RIMA feat. Laatz' is a high-octane techno rollercoasterimenacing, frenetic, and impossible to ignore. Its relentless drive and chaotic energy keep the listener on their toes, offering a new, radical take on techno. Then, 'Dimensions' shifts into a more intricate, electro-driven vibe. Its low-slung groove is filled with subtle details, creating a balanced equilibrium that simultaneously engages both the mind and the body. Resmann's approach is detailed and meticulous, ensuring each sound has a purpose and brings the track to life. Together, these four tracks exemplify a mastery of genre-blending, pushing boundaries while still maintaining an infectious, danceable core that connects with listeners on a deep, visceral level.

Review: Italian DJ and producer Luigi Madonna sources high-technical pressure on his latest release for Planet Rhythm. The Shinto torii on the front cover appears in stark contrast to the EP’s otherwise manic mechanics, with the sonorant ‘Red Gate’ - if it is to reflect any kind of religiosity at all - bringing meaty, dreaded kicks and a reflective lead stab, as of a doomsday techno-cult, not a decentralised polytheism. Hardly the peaceful image we’re met with on the sleeve! ‘Untuned Harmonics’ files back the A1’s textural bark for a more dynamic calculation in sound, while ‘Over The Sky’ ravels automatic growls and yaps around seething hats.

Review: Chris Liberator's experimental techno label Maximum/Minimum forms part of the Stay Up Forever Collective umbrella, which has been going for a heck of a long time (since 1995-ish), charting untouched terrains of teratological UK hardcore techno. An offshoot imprint dedicated to the "creative corruptions" of the Stay Up Forever crew, Liberator and co. would originally release these ones without catalogue numbers, that is until the market beseeched them to behave more conventionally. Now, well past their 65th V/A release, comes their latest, a decapitatory pummeller fronted by Sonico's 'Did You Say Acid?' and Zyco Seon's 'Citric Frequencies'.

Review: Medellin producer Marck D (Charlie Escobar) is a new Planet Rhythm poster child, though his digital releasing repertoire is nonetheless colossal even without them, his many affairs including Illegal Alien, Phobiq and IAMT. Shocker it is, then, that 'Dune' is Escobar's first ever 12"; the record brings ultraphonic chord slurries ('Behind The Chord') and federated, intergalactic-dynastic codes of techno honour ('Atreides'), riding the sand-wormed thematics of the Frank Herbert sci-fi classic.

Review: Serious seriality from the OHM Series, an imprint and sole patent owner of the rare, aurally administered chemical known as Omega X. The alphabetic Greek letter ohm determines impedance / resistance in an electrical circuit, and so too do each of the dub techno tracks released on the OHM Series amount to tergiversating transductions, their chillout chord-knocks and hardened beats never quite letting us settle. Though titles like 'Innocence' and 'Downtime' persist here, the tracks perhaps inadvertently prove that flow is impossible without resistance: Separation's track is especially unorthodox in its strange reordering of phaser, pan and saturation effects on the pad-stab, which produces an unusual swirling effect.

Review: ***B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition***


Martinou's 'Matter EP' delivers a stunning blend of atmospheric and melodic techno across four stunningly beautiful tracks. Side-1 begins with 'Solid Core', an atmospheric piece that draws you in with its tribal rhythms and dub-influenced elements. The production is layered and dense, creating a deeply textured soundscape that feels vast and otherworldly. 'Better Place' follows, offering an ethereal journey through techno. Its delicate, airy melodies float over a steady, driving beat, creating a sense of weightless movement that feels almost spiritual. Side-2 opens with 'Expanding', a smooth and wonderfully melodic track that shows Martinou's talent for crafting intricate, emotion-filled techno. Its subtle progression makes it both soothing and engaging. Closing with 'Reality Bends', the EP edges closer to trance territory but with a electro beat.. Overall, 'Matter' is a masterful EP for people that love deep emotional techno.

Review: Fresh from serving up a superb set of off-kilter house cuts from Newcastle-based maverick Man Power, Timo Rotenen's Echocentric imprint has turned to regular Belters contributor Dominik Marz. The long-serving producer has delivered an EP of nostalgic, energy-packed delights that variously doff a cap to dance music sub-genres of the 1990s and early 2000s. For proof, check the gargantuan 'Honesty', where mind-bending noises and sharp, trance style stabs rise above stomping beats and deep, sub-heavy, bleep & bass style low-end pressure. Similarly excitable and mind-altering is EP-opening slammer 'Honesty'. Elsewhere, 'Only One' sees Marz pepper a stabbing bassline and hissing house beats with raw bleeps and nostalgic samples, while 'Never Use Quantize' is pleasingly wayward - like early Chicago house crossed with NYC freestyle.

Review: 59 Bel is back with another transmission from its HQ in Paris and again it's an interesting take on techno. Ian Maur opens with a minimal cut that is urgent and hurried yet barely there. Deluka brings some sci-fi imagery to the loopy sounds of 'My Underground' and Louis The 4th takes off on dry, glitchy minimal beats on the serene 'Ongoing Motifs.' Model HZ's 'Render' is a more synth-laced bit of classically inclined techno and Askkin's 'Life Spectator'' comes full circle with another eerie, sparse sound for freaking out late-night dancers.

Review: Merv keeps it super deep here with a trio of supremely tasteful techno cuts doused in dub culture. 'Sliver' is first and awakens the sense with some gentle rattling chords that sound like distant thunder rolling in with a storm. 'Embrace' is airy, with big kicks and frosty pads shimmering across the airwaves and crisp hi-hats cut right through. 'Strain' is last up on the flip and is an elongated journey through some sugary melodic pixelations, a frosty dubscape and hints of melancholia. All are perfect for those late-night and intimate back room sessions.

Review: Mesh Convergence is an artist from South Spain and this is his debut EP. But you would not think it because these are some hi-spec and original techno sounds. 'Reflection Of You' blends prickly percussive loops with distant claps, a percolating low end and tense chord work. 'Despite Everything' has a deft rhythm that floats just above the dance floor and is run through with searching synths and 'Before It Fades' gets more deep and minimal with curious synth sounds and sparse open hi-hats held together with a rugged lead. 'Still Not Over It' is gritty, fizzy, evocative techno for large, dark warehouses.

Review: This superb EP from Metapattern, who has already impressed dn Hayes Records and MORD, is a bold reflection of his identity as an artist. It draws on classic techno but repurposes it with a contemporary edge that belies the producer's mastery of the genre's foundations at the same time as finding him pushing its boundaries. Inspired by Berlin's dark energy, these tunes are minimalistic yet deeply purposeful as they emphasise real restraint, which allows every element to really make its mark over heavy grooves.

Review: Mihail P's 'Multitudes' EP on Analog Concept is a gem for those who appreciate techno with ambient and emotional undertones, aligning with the subtle artistry of Nuron, John Shima, Derek Carr, CIM and Future Beat Alliance. The opener, 'East At Dawn', sets a delicate tone, weaving beautiful ambient techno melodies with hints of electro. Its graceful synths and deep bass resonate with a sense of introspection, creating a lush atmosphere. Another name in this style that is making waves is the fantastic Gilbert. His remix of 'East At Dawn' shifts gears slightly, infusing an upbeat energy and a more tech-focused rhythm while maintaining the Detroit-inspired warmth of the original. On Side-2, 'Paradox Of Automation' balances gentle beats with an intricate, celestial melody. The track's refined production and harmonious layers lend it an otherworldly quality. The EP closes with 'Ghosts Of Tomorrow', a triumphant, melodic composition that feels both uplifting and ethereal, like a final, hopeful transmission from another realm. 'Multitudes' showcases Mihail P's talent for blending ambient techno with emotive depth. Another winner in his discography.

Review: This mysterious, limited-edition techno release strips everything back to pure sound, delivering four futuristic tracks that span electro, techno, house and acid. Side-A kicks off with 'U Like It Raw (Red Hot)', a deep, rolling techno cut infused with raw energy and a hypnotic house vocal that keeps the groove locked in. 'Red Eye Drive' follows, channeling old-school acid techno with minimal, atmospheric production. Dubby and stripped-down, it's a heady, late-night journey through misty soundscapes. On Side-B, 'Wannado' embraces electro and acid, with a futuristic, spacey feel that twists and turns through intricate layers of sound. Closing out the release, 'Headz Vol 3' drifts into floaty, ambient-acid territoryialien, ethereal and deeply immersive. With its varied but cohesive vision, this record is a great example of the depth and range in underground electronic music. A true gem for those who seek something beyond the ordinary.

Review: Mono Junk only loosely uses techno as a foundation for exploration of various different forms on this new EP on Cold Blow. The opener has jacked-up beats with an electro feel and prying bass that brings great bounce. 'Gamma' is brilliantly dark and moody with domineering synth notes and shuffling hi-hats getting heads down and feet marching. Katerina's Mind mix of the opener then opens it up into a more expansive and widescreen synth world and the Sansibar is pure muscular rhythm.

Review: Utrecht's MRE makes his debut on 200 Records here and in doing so shows a passion for Detroit-style techno sounds. His rhythms draw from techno and breaks and ambient also helps cloud these classic, timeless grooves. 'Corizen' opens on a deep, dubby tip with languid chords for inward reflection, 'The Upper Room' then brings some gorgeous synth work straight from the Motor City and 'Do You See The Lighthouse Yet' is a lithe mix of wispy pads and elastic rhythms that ooze class. 'Zero Three Zero' shuts down this most sophisticated EP in a melancholic fashion.

Review: Serenity is a mental health charity label that is now back with more sonic gold, this time in the form of a reissue of Marco Bernardi aka Octogen's 'The Journeyman' from 2008 on Soma Recordings. It is an immersive, emotive sound with lush and ethereal pads and a moody bassline that keeps you locked. The B-side offers two original tracks from Bernardi 'Travelling to the Sun' is one to hypnotise floors with its hypnotic chimes and raw drums, while 'Little Tiny Crickets' delivers a fast-paced IDM twist with some killer synth work. As always, proceeds go to charity this time Papyrus UK who support youth suicide prevention and MusicSpace.

Review: Eindhoven underground acidcore distributor and label Flatlife generate yet another mind-melter for the nitty masses, supercolliding tracks by four of the foremost DJs come sound-summoners on the subterranean scene. Flatlife have dispatched rapid-response rave Apaches since 2009, and A-siders 'Septic' and 'Lord Of Darkness' bring a fittingly mid-noughts feel to things, during which time the roughage of hard dance fused with the encroaching gloss and finesse that came with digital sound tech that defined the decade. The mood is horrific, with 'Saure' climaxing to apocalyptic, territorial levels through waspish yamps and kick crushings, while the aggro is not lost on the ensuing 'Out Of Order', somehow the most relaxed of the four.

Review: Viewfinder returns to Rescan Records with their third release on the label, a four-track journey through house and techno. The A-side offers two straight-up house cuts, 'Solace' and 'Let Go', featuring infectious grooves, sampled percussion, and catchy stabs. Flip the record over for a techno turn, with 'Roxtone' pushing the BPMs higher and delivering a high-energy workout. Mihail P closes out the release with 'Natural High', a hypnotic blend of breaks, bleeps, and ethereal pads. With its diverse range of sounds and infectious energy, this release is a must-have for any fan of quality electronic music.