Reports
Reports
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.