Reports
Reports
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.
Local Analyst - Similar Structures
In Similar Structures (2025), Local Analyst takes me on a deep dive into the world of aquatic techno, building on the groundwork laid by Drexciya. Instead of reinventing the genre, he aims to craft bone-chilling dance tracks that capture the essence of the ocean's depths. The opening track sets the tone with heavy, tectonic sounds reminiscent of underwater terrains, and the album's themes of isolation and darkness are inspired by films like Sphere and The Abyss. Striking examples of eerie whale songs create an unsettling atmosphere which evokes the ocean's vastness. tracks highlights the fearsome beauty of unseen creatures beneath the waves.
Joanna - Gardeners’ World / If You Don't Want Me (Remixes)
There could be a resurgence of the Madchester sound on the cards, highlighted by the recent remixes of Joanna's tracks, 'Gardeners World' and 'If You Don't Want Me' by Ddwy and Andras. These remixes draw inspiration from the iconic Madchester era, embodying the spirit of aspirational energy and psychedelic influences from the late 80s and 90s. There's a growing interest in British culture and a potential revival of Britpop, as younger generations gravitate towards nonconformist styles and the resurgence of psychedelic rock. The chaos and flawed personas of the original scene have faded, and in their place, a raw, guitar-driven sound has emerged amid a pop renaissance. However, it questions whether contemporary remixes can reach the heights of classic bands like Primal Scream, suggesting a shift in the music landscape.
VIER - IIII
The underground supergroup consisting of Thys, Machinedrum, Holly, and Salvador Breed has released their first album, IIII, under the new project VIER. which is praised for its exceptional sound design, musicality, and production quality. IIII features innovative layering of organic sounds, creating distinct atmospheres and rhythms that allow each element to shine without clashing. VIER's approach melds emotion with sci-fi wobbles typically found in bass music. While the album is well-produced and evokes tenderness, it struggles to create deeply memorable moments. The breakdowns are standout features, suggesting that more of these elements could enhance its broader appeal and secure its place in the upper tier of bass music.
Phase Fatale & P.E.A.R.L. - Climbing Silver
In late 2025, Phase Fatale and P.E.A.R.L. released "Climbing Silver," a record that diverges from their typical styles. This collaboration embraces hypnotic 16-note grooves and minimalistic instrumentation. The B side features grittier synthesisers and unique rhythmic elements, creating a dense atmosphere. The EP showcases subtle evolution in its sound and, at times, combines heavy dub-techno influences with intricate polyrhythms. This departure from their usual sound allows for creative exploration, resulting in a deep techno record that captivates listeners.