Reports
Reports
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.
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.
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.