Reports
Reports
Maeksll - When Sun Glows Through Rain
Maeksll's self-released project titled "When the Sun Goes Through Rain," released in 2025, captures emotions related to rain and modern urban life through a minimalist approach, primarily using a rounded kick drum and a bright, plucky synth. The EP showcases a haunting blend of techno beats and synth notes, while employing spacious synths and piano to create a distinct mood with uplifting textures. The music evokes imagery of city streets and rain puddles, with a mix of philosophical and heartfelt themes. The EP is described as an astral experience, both nostalgic and forward-looking, reminiscent of cinematic visuals.
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.
QRTR - ONDAS
The landscape of female expression in pop music is evolving. A shining example of this movement is Meagan Rodriguez, better known as QRTR, whose upcoming album ONDAS (2025) beautifully embraces the minimalist electronic sounds reminiscent of the 2010s.
Standout tracks like "I Guess I Don't" deliver a hauntingly atmospheric vibe, while 'Self-sabotage' captivates with its angelic vocals and breakcore textures. QRTR artfully weaves in engaging interludes, such as in 'Shell Call,' alongside the electrifying opener 'Put a Show On,' which sets an exciting tone for the album. The Latin-inspired rhythms accelerate to a fever pitch while icy vocals flutter over top.
With a blend of strong electro grooves and irresistibly catchy hooks, ONDAS is perfect for both club nights and adventurous road trips. While it may not redefine songwriting, this album certainly marks an impressive milestone for QRTR, reflecting her unique artistry and the vibrant spirit of female empowerment in music.
Psyk - Scope Drift
In recent months, some music industry professionals have criticised the hard dance and hard techno subgenres for being overly commercialised and focused more on visuals than sound. In contrast, a group of artists is moving toward a more minimal and intentional style known as deep techno. Spanish artist Psyk's latest EP, "Scope Drift," serves as an excellent introduction to the genre, featuring steady rhythms and immersive sounds that entrance listeners. The EP focuses on drums, captivating basslines, and intricate synthesis. It also includes a remix by Erik Luebs, which showcases a different side of deep techno with melodic depth. Psyk's title track stands out for its slow evolution and energetic feel, appealing to deep techno enthusiasts.
Albert van Abbe - Broken Cymbals
The "Broken Cymbals" EP by Van Abbe creates a lush, atmospheric sound influenced by My Bloody Valentine and Dub Culture. The music showcases a deep understanding of minimalism, with each track using fundamental sounds to foster creativity. Van Abbe uses enveloping, whispered horns and minimalist loops to create a haunting experience. Groggy tones combine with staccato elements and galloping subbase, showcasing dance music expertise. Van Abbe emphasises the power of selective sound choices and minimalist techniques, illustrating that creativity can thrive within self-imposed restrictions.
Blndr - Radiolaria
Blndr's HYPNUS045 release features intricately squelchy sound design and experimental rhythms that create a complex auditory experience. Blndr opens up with 'Dictyocha,' which blends unique percussion sounds with a deep atmosphere, and 'Acantharia,' inspired by Boddika's sampy vibe. 'Retaria' stands out as a dance floor anthem with evolving patterns and a darker, more occult aesthetic. The closing track introduces a cybernetic offbeat sound, reminiscent of machinery. Overall, the EP seamlessly fits into the Hypnus discography while encouraging exploration and deeper listening beyond just the dance floor energy.
Angel Investor - I Can't Smell The Roses Underground
Angel Investor's debut album, I Can't Smell the Rose Underground (2025), is an emotionally resonant blend of indie folk, distorted guitar sounds, and sepia-toned noise, brought to life by Jack Dione and Silas Johnson through Jane Records. The album features a mix of gentle melodies and grainy chords, tied together under wobbly vocals that feel so intimate. The album explores and twists genre conventions, merging shoegaze and grunge influences, especially evident in 'Stillicide' and incorporating early 2000s pop inspirations in 'In The Headlights'. The personal and uncomfortable themes resonate strongly in songs like 'I'm Gone', exemplifying a relatable loneliness. Produced with an analogue warmth, the album creates a nostalgic yet fresh listening experience, perfect for autumn nights. While some stylistic choices may detract from the overall narrative, the album's unique sound and emotional depth make it a standout debut.
Various Artists - Tectonic Sound
Tectonic Recordings, founded by Pinch in Bristol 20 years ago, is a significant player in the dubstep scene, known for its unique sound that diverges from mainstream trends. The label strikes a balance between influences from various genres, including Jamaican roots, world music, and footwork, emphasising playfulness and innovation over self-seriousness. The New compilation, Tectonic Sound (2025), showcases the label's current sound, featuring various artists like Pevrelists and Re:ni, and includes a mix of genres that blend techno and dubstep. Highlights include contributions from rising star Beatrice M and techno duo FJAAK, creating a dynamic collection that maintains Tectonic's innovative spirit with tracks that push boundaries while remaining accessible but stylistically forward-thinking.
The Hacker - Laser & Smoke
The Hacker, an artist known for his tongue-in-cheek approach to electro music, is set to release his latest work, Laser & Smoke (2025), via Rekids. The record blends retrofuturist elements with post-Y2K themes, particularly evident in the track 'Turborave', which features a bass progression paired with 80s drums and vocal shouts. The B-side, 'Harmonia', showcases a glitchy lead that invokes a playful yet grotesque vibe reminiscent of animated shows. Overall, the album is characterised as top-tier electro house music that embraces a fun, unpretentious spirit, underscoring the human quality of the tracks.
Klint - Dynamo EP
Klint's latest EP, Dynamo, on ARTS, showcases a unique blend of eccentricity and proficiency. The title track sets an off-kilter tone, while 'Subculture' explores sparse dub techno elements. 'Time Flies' captures a minimalistic groove with atmospheric sounds, evoking a truly esoteric experience. For a more straightforward techno vibe, 'Supernova' delivers pulsating energy with nods to 90s techno. Klint's sound is characterised by rich details and a blend of styles, firmly rooted in warehouse music but leaning towards the experimental, which makes the sound distinct and well-suited for a more bespoke club environment.