Reports
Reports
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.
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.
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.
CRAVO - Carícia 002
The underground music scene is currently dominated by hard groove, a high-energy style reminiscent of the futuristic drum and bass sound, particularly influenced by LTJ Bukem. Cravo's EP, Carícia 002, exemplifies this sound, mixing in-your-face bass with jazzy piano and diverse beats suitable for various settings. However, Cravo's originality shines, featuring unique call-and-response chords and a mix of aggressive beats and atmospheric elements.
DMX Krew - Space Is Inside EP
The Spaces Is Inside EP (2025) by DMX Krew offers a modern take on '90s electro, featuring six tracks that showcase classic drum machines and a no-nonsense attitude. The EP stands out for its straightforward approach, relying on subtractive synthesis and rich, lush sounds, while maintaining a captivating melody. DMX Krew flirts with future funk elements and early electro inspired by Afrika Bambaataa. Soft chords, pulsating bass, and aggressive digi-distortion that evoke a retro-futuristic vibe. Overall, the EP combines nostalgia with fresh ideas, making it easy to approach.
Horses - Every Dumb Thing I Ever Did
Horses is a new project by Italian-born, UK-based producer Alessio Natalizia, also known as Not Waving. This work shifts the focus from ambient sounds to live-recorded loops, incorporating a non-genre-specific style. The album Every Dumb Thing I Ever Did (2025) draws on a broad range of influences, including folk, Balearic, medieval music, and minimalist composers like Steve Reich. It features a unique approach where instruments flow into one another, creating a cohesive soundscape. While it diverges from the ambient textures of Natalizia's previous Not Waving work, it captures the essence and feeling of folk music, enhanced by electronic elements that evoke a sense of mysticism. The album conveys emotional depth through combining folk and electronica in a captivating way.
Glaskin - Blue Light
The influential techno scene in Munich, Germany, cannot be understated, as the distinct sound, characterised by heavy rhythms and driving baselines, has become a mainstay of techno worldwide. The newest EP, Blue Light 2025, by the brothers Glaskin, exemplifies the club-centric ethos of the Munich style. Title of the EP: end-of-dancefloor energy and percussion, suitable for the warehouse or basement. The EP features offers for Colombians compelling beats of an unlikely influence from more ghetto tech spaces. Overall, the release reflects the groove and confidence typical of the Munich techno scene, while adding a clean, polished update to the dub techno greats of both Detroit and Berlin.