Reports
Reports
Eden Aurelius - Entre Nous
Eden Aurelius is a US-based electronic artist who gained recognition with her 2024 release Plateau on Co:Clear, featuring a remix by Purelink. Her sound combines nature and technology, producing warm ambient music that feels both familiar and inspirational.
Her latest album, Entre Nous (2026), explores themes of modernity, decay, and optimism through intricate electronic textures. The album mixes delicate tracks leading into a meditation on ambient braindance in its title track. As the album progresses, it delves into darker themes, incorporating elements of bass and post-garage music that ponder humanity's relationship with nature and capitalism.
Aurelius uses subtle, danceable beats sparingly, adding depth to her soundscapes, and her uncanny use of them encapsulates darker moods while maintaining bright, airy melodics. The album invites deeper reflection with each listen, suggesting a glimmer of hope amidst darkness.
Buttechno, Triš - The Spirit
Buttechno and Triš have gained attention through their 2023 album In You Head, which similarly blends various musical influences like grunge, stoner rock, trip-hop, and future garage. This time around, the themes focus on experimental textures and emotional experiences, creating a liquid soundscape that evokes nostalgia and isolation. Vocals are treated with heavy effects, adding a reflective depth. The duo's exploration of a genre-queer sound allows for an immersive and diverse expression. While not groundbreaking sonically, the album presents a clear vision, intertwining themes of loneliness, distrust in technology, and human connection. Its experimental nature crafts a poignant reflection on contemporary life, making it a record for deep listening rather than dance-floor engagement.
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.
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.
Vaarwell - 3am on the northern line
The London-based duo Vaarwell, originally from Portugal, is making waves in the UK underground music scene with their album 3am on the Northern Line (2025). Their sound blends UK garage with uplifting synth elements, offering a refreshing take amidst typical club bangers. The album is a reflective homage to the UK underground, drawing influences from key artists like Burial and Mount Kimbie.
The duo showcases angelic vocals and soft synths, highlighting the contrast between club influences and more introspective sounds. However, there are moments where originality feels lacking, particularly in garage sections that seem overly nostalgic, whereas their strength lies in vocal-driven melodies.
One standout track, 'Safe', balances nostalgia with modernity through emotive vocals and intricate breakbeats, creating a cinematic, exhilarating experience. Ultimately, while Vaarwell has a knack for texture and emotion, they need to innovate beyond familiar influences to fully realise their potential.
Viagra Boys - viagr aboys
The Viagra Boys have reinvigorated garage rock and punk with their unique songwriting and tongue-in-cheek humour, drawing comparisons to the original Oasis sound but with a more authentic vibe. Their latest album, Viagr Aboys (2025), showcases their gritty psychedelic guitar riffs and punk-inspired lyrics, embodying a summer feel even in winter. Their effervescent sound is joined by experimental exploration this time around. Some moments risk feeling zany for zany's sake, and the lyrics can verge on the nonsensical, but the band's nonconformity shines through. There are added layers of introspective depth, while the band maintain their iconic sound. Overall, the album's critical acclaim is well-deserved as the band stays true to their style while introducing new elements.
Anthony Child - of the Beginning
Anthony Child's work under his own name differs significantly from his techno alias, Surgeon, but not as much as you might think. While Surgeon produces high-energy tracks, Child's music is more mellow and introspective, incorporating classical writing techniques and emotional storytelling.
Of the Beginning acts as a spiritual sequel to his earlier work, blending nature-inspired sounds with softer atmospheres. It showcases contrasting emotions through various sound palettes. Ultimately, Child's work explores complex feelings and the tension of decision-making, distinguishing it from Surgeon's focus on escape. The diverse nature of electronic music highlights how artists experiment with a range of genres and techniques. Of the Beginning acts as a spiritual sequel to his earlier works, showcasing softer, dreamier atmospheres and an emotional depth. The album features contrasting sound palettes and explores turbulent emotions, blending hopefulness with underlying tension. Overall, the album represents a unique artistic exploration, distinct from Surgeon's more energetic techno sound, addressing personal and societal themes.
L.F.T. - Hell Was Boring
L.F.T. (Johannes Haas) has consistently released high-quality music, evolving from an electro sound to a more gothic post-punk style in his latest album, Hell Was Boring (2025). This album showcases a more bombastic production style, blending punk and DIY aesthetics while maintaining accessibility. It captures a nostalgic vibe reminiscent of 1980s bands like Bauhaus and Siouxsie and the Banshees. Standout tracks include 'Waste Your Facelift', 'Going in Circles', and 'Iron Sights', highlighting L.F.T.'s improved songwriting and the collaborations, such as 'Totengräber' with Felix Kubin, introduce dynamic elements to the sound. The album blurs the lines between electronic goth rock and industrial music, making it an impressive and replayable work that resonates with a confident, rebellious energy.