Reports
Reports
Pompey - Sung Tug
Discovering indie folk artist Pompey and their 2024 single Snug Tug through an Instagram post feels like new-age "digging". The song Snug Tug begins with an ordinary guitar that transforms with emotive lyrics discussing childhood struggles and anxiety. There are dynamic shifts in the music, with bursts of guitar and lo-fi production that create an authentic, imperfect sound. The lyrics convey themes of self-discovery and the challenges of finding happiness amidst external influences. Overall, Snug Tug delivers a powerful message about self-acceptance, resonating well as summer approaches.
Fort Romeau - Come Closer
Rawax has long been a key player in the house and techno music scene, and Fort Romeau's return to the label brings a fresh sound with the Come Closer EP. This release is a more intimate effort than his previous work, focusing on dub techno swells. The title track stands out with its blend of icy chords and warm analogue textures. As the EP progresses, a warm groove with minimalist influences reminiscent of post-Detroit artists takes centre stage, slowing things down for a more methodical vibe, complete with trippy vocal samples. Each track incorporates futuristic acid sounds, adding a psychedelic dimension without overwhelming the listener. Overall, the EP exemplifies proper club music, skilfully blending EDM, psych, and dub elements.
Valentino Mora - Hailstorm
Valentina Mora, known for their unique blend of tech house and ambient music over the past decade, has emerged as a notable talent in the techno scene. Their recent release, Hailstorm, is a 2-track EP on Hypnus Records, characterised by lush atmospheres and a departure from traditional percussion. The tracks evoke a sense of blissful stillness with a focus on sound design rather than rhythmic elements. The record exemplifies restraint and showcases deep, ambient aspects of dance music, creating an almost Balearic feel that captures both urban and natural environments.
Boston 168 - Your Acid Mate 001
Boston 168's latest record represents a shift from their signature acidic tech tones to a more contemporary sound influenced by early 90s acid and modern rave culture. The duo combines atmospheric elements with dancefloor acid, creating a playful vibe that reflects the current state of free parties and outdoor venues. While maintaining their techno roots, the duo showcases a more organic, kaleidoscopic approach, moving away from high-energy structures. Despite not fully leaning into their new sound, the album reveals a blend of fluctuating grooves and unstable melodies, marking a successful departure from their previous style. The record captures a nostalgic essence while infusing it with a fresh, youthful energy, allowing it to resonate in various settings.
Caterina Barbieri, Bendik Giske - At Source
Caterina Barbieri and Bendik Giske's collaboration, At Source (2026), blends ambient, neo-classical, and experimental music, showcasing Barbieri's minimalist, analogue approach and Giske's unique saxophone sound influenced by electronics. The album exemplifies their mutual respect and interplay, with Giske's saxophone harmonising with Barbieri's electronic effects to create an emotional narrative. Tracks evoke imagery of nature and folklore while exploring the fusion of human and electronic elements. The piece contrasts high-energy moments with subdued sections, highlighting the duo's ability to craft a melodic and textured listening experience. The album remains accessible despite its experimental nature, making it suitable for a range of situations and resonating deeply with listeners.
Rødhåd, Antigon - Artefacts
TSSRCT is a new label created by Hadone and UFO95, with its first release featuring their collaboration under the Civic Instruction alias. The inaugural EP, The Future Remade (2025), showcases hypnotic techno tracks designed for immersive experiences. The label emphasises exclusivity and meticulous craftsmanship through ultra-limited vinyl releases, which include an engraved metal plate.
Artefacts is the second limited run, featuring renowned artists Rødhåd and Antigone. Rødhåd's track 'STRUKTURES' combines powerful percussive elements with organic sounds, while Antigone's 'OSTINATO IV' offers a more restrained, genre-bending approach that includes electronic and ambient influences. Together, the limited release aims to energise without overwhelming, capturing the essence of tracks that resonate with DJs and their audiences.
Josi Devil - No More
Josi Devil's latest EP, No More (2026), evokes a primal, ancestral sound reminiscent of early British YouTube music, low bit rate and all. It blends elements of dark garage UK techno and bass house, showcasing a raw, minimalistic style with heavy bass and atmospheric effects. The tracks feature vocal stabs that contrast with their rolling beats, while others draw on dubstep and industrial influences, emphasising groove and tension. Rumbling kicks and grime-infused trap beats shape the club-ready sound. Overall, the Josi Devil balances nostalgia with innovative musical ideas, suggesting it may have timeless appeal, especially on wax.
DANG - THAT MAN IS A LIZARD
DANG is the creative outlet of artist Alex Benson, featuring animation and music. His eclectic style merges garage rock, alternative sounds, and 1930s B-movie propaganda and themes, creating a warm yet surreal soundscape characterised by heavy static and fuzz. Benson's work often references classic media, blending humour with deeper musical complexity. His use of layered vocals and varied samples showcases his unique artistic voice. While his style may not have been adopted by the mass market yet, it offers a distinctive charm and energy that sets him apart in the creative landscape.
Maara - Ultra Villian
I've been reflecting on the influence of Big Beat and Trip Hop on today's culture, especially amid lingering societal anxiety. Maara's album Ultra Villain (2026) stands out as a modern take on these genres, combining sensual vocals and dreamlike sounds while drawing inspiration from iconic artists such as Massive Attack and Portishead. What's exciting is how the album doesn't rely on clichés and incorporates contemporary elements like grime and UK funky, making it feel fresh and immersive.
Maara perfectly balance warmth and coolness, creating a dreamy atmosphere. The overall sound has a cinematic quality that reminds me of action films, blending boisterousness with a sense of femininity. Listening to this album truly transports me away from the monotony of everyday life into an engaging, cinematic experience.
John T. Gast - Infant
John T. Gast is an enigmatic figure in the UK underground music scene, known for his experimental sound that merges various influences, often creating a sense of lost or haunted media. His latest release, Infant (2026), features off-kilter sounds reminiscent of old video games, showcasing organic loops and rugged samples. The album stands out due to its warm, cohesive sound inspired by but not copying Aphex Twin, blending unsettling ambient elements.
As the album progresses, it takes on a more industrial tone with tracks that utilise hypnotic loops and deceptive rhythms. There's an overwhelming theme of haunted media, with unsettling, glitchy soundscapes. Gast's rejects contemporary production norms, leaning into surrealism and the aesthetics of lost media folklore.