Back catalogue: Techno (All)

Review: Fantastically uplifting trance fusions from Pescara's Yu, and up-and-comer with an evidently keen ear for the sublimer conclusions inferable from the dancefloor. Debuting for Discarded Gems, a Berlin-based label whose name takes after the common musical vernacular term that refers to lost tracks as 'gems', you can be sure that this riveting new release is at once subtly but drastically boundary-pushing, seeing value not only in the pearls, tanzanites and garnets of the world, but also the unpolished quartzes and agates. Working backwards (why not?), 'Tropical LED' brings electrance and Italo flavours to a techno form, as speak n' spell samples scuttle across the toppers; then there's the raunchier, industrial rock-intoned 'Robotik Hunter' and the unabashedly trancey breaks cut 'Another Destination', which comes second only to the cascading acid trance roller that is 'Beautiful Moment'. They all are, really.

Review: It is five up for the Cimedirapax label who turn to great Italian artist Yu. These cuts are the result of experimentation and research designed to maximise the impact of his kick drums and basslines and they come accompanied by hypnotic and captivating sound designs. 'Alpha Isolary Song' opens up with a nimble rhythm and nice squelchy synth bass next to hooky melodies. After the raw energy of 'Tempestivity' comes the dark adn acid-tinged bass menace of 'Forever Young' while closer 'Sun Remix Track' is another nice analogue workout with inventive melodies origin the character over the driving rhythms.