New releases this week: Techno (All)

Review: The iconic UK duo's equally recognisable second self-titled album i better known as the Brown Album i remains a towering achievement of early 90s electronic music. Originally released in 1993, it blurred techno, ambient and rave into a sprawling, richly detailed soundscape. This deluxe reissue, spread across four records, is the most rewarding edition into one of the genre's most enduring masterpieces. The remastered original tracks i from the shimmering melancholia of 'Halcyon + On + On' to the urgent pulse of 'Impact (The Earth Is Burning)' i still sound breathtakingly vital. 'Lush 3-1' and 'Lush 3-2' in particular benefit from the new half-speed vinyl cut, giving extra weight to their cascading synths and intricate rhythms. The real treasure for longtime fans lies in the bonus material including live recordings like the propulsive 'The Naked and the Dead' and the hypnotic 'Sunday'. Meanwhile, the lavish packaging i complete with a hardcover book, vintage flyers, and even a slipmat i reinforces how pivotal this album was in shaping Orbital's legacy. Sprawling yet intimate, futuristic yet deeply human, the Brown Album still feels like a world unto itself i and now, it's more expansive than ever.

Review: Cocoon's iconic compilation series returns with its 22nd volume, and it soon becomes clear Sven Vath's label still knows how to curate forward-thinking electronic music with precision and style. While Cocoon has long been associated with quality techno and electro, this series has become its true hallmark. Presented on a deluxe vinyl edition where each track gets its own side, the sonic fidelity is pristine and gives each production the space it deserves. Superpitcher's 'Dream B' is a futuristic techno voyage that swells with melodic elegance and otherworldly textures. DC Salas shifts the mood with 'Escapism'. a track steeped in Goa trance vibes but grounded with a modern, polished edge. Marcel Fengler delivers 'Aura', a euphoric and high-energy techno track. Joe Metzenmacher's 'Da Freak' brings funky flavor into the mix, with an infectious bassline that demands repeat listens. Joseph Capriati surprises with 'Cosmopop', leaning into a lush 80s-inspired synth pop and electro pop. Matthias Schildger's 'Distorter' closes with pounding broken beats, injecting grit and tension into the collection.