Reports
Reports
Mike Dehnert - Berlin Rush
Berlin Rush (2024), Mike Dehnert's latest release, showcases his signature minimal techno style. The record opens with 'Shadow York,' featuring alternative grooves and futuristic elements. The title track, 'Berlin Rush,' highlights Dehnert's dub influences with a sparse, metallic sound ideal for intimate club settings. 'Isotope' introduces a playful, tumbling bass that encourages experimentation among listeners. The record is designed for a laid-back, grooving experience rather than the intense dance floors of Berlin super clubs.
Bjarki – 10,000 Steps But Still Biting My Nails
Bjarki, the Icelandic producer, offers a preview of his upcoming compilation album, A Guide to Hellthier Lifestyle, with the standalone single 10,000 Steps But Still Biting My Nails. This track departs from his signature big room sound, leaning into more conceptual, aquatic themes reminiscent of Drexciya. The song features subdued percussion and atmospheric elements, creating a feeling of external pressure symbolised by water references. The rhythmic vocals evoke a sense of crowded thoughts. Overall, this release suggests a broader exploration of Bjarki's sound as he moves away from ultra-dance tracks. The single is now available for streaming, with the compilation set to release on December 12th.
Neel - Movimento EP
Neel, a key figure behind Spazio Disponibile, has launched a sub-label called Spazio Nero, focusing on dancefloor techno. The first release, the Movimento EP, explores a unique sound that combines hypnotic, dubby, and minimal elements with percussive beats. The tracks create a cavernous auditory environment with deep bass and intricate organic sounds. While tracks like 'Azione' and 'Visione' emphasise danceability, 'Riflesso' and 'Moto' stand out, embodying a darker, more immersive vibe. The EP features slow builds and reflective sounds, making it a promising start for the Spazio Nero sub-label with hints at further ventures into deeper techno explorations.
Drvg Cvltvre - When Dawn Came
The esoteric stylings of Drvg Cvltvre, also known as Vincent Koreman, are characterised by their trippy and acidic synthesis, creating trance-like tunes that push the boundaries of electronic music. His latest release, When Dawn Came, showcases a departure from his previous works with a darker and more robotic timbre. The title track features unorthodox mixing and a peculiar soft sharpness, while 'Trapped Under Ice' introduces conceptual elements with contrasting soundscapes. The album concludes with 'Till Dawn Came Crawling Up The Stairs', which presents a more metallic and aggressive tone, completing the cycle from light to dark.
nthng - Two People
Nthng's latest release, Two People, sparked my interest in dub and electronica again. The intelligent use of dynamics and how Nthng plays with sound and erosions effortlessly within manufactured space as tracks flow between soothing climaxes, which resonate through the ear canal before subsiding to quiet echoes. Nthng's successful experimentation with different genres, particularly applauding the track 'In Static' and the abstract composition of the final track, 'Don't Be Scared', breathe new life into the 0000 label. The Two People EP is the logical next step in Nthng's evolution.
Cherryphonic - Industrial Collapse
Cherryphonic's latest release, Industrial Collapse (2024), is a fast and noisy record that showcases the artist's high-tempo and high-octane style. The tracks create tension through rhythmic percussion and deep bass melodies, evoking a sense of impending danger. The immersive and aggressive sound keeps listeners on their toes, with chaotic BPMs designed to elicit an uncontrollable response from audiences.
Chicago Boys - Dance Department
Chicago Boys aims to modernise the old-school Chicago acid sound in the upcoming Dance Department. The group attempts to balance classic Chicago elements with modern production, with praise-worthy riffs and pockets of originality. However, the Chicago Boys struggle to fully commit to a style as they still search for their unique voice within the genre. Overall, the record is a solid effort with potential, particularly for fans of classic acid sounds.
Mumdance - MD003
Mumdance has been pioneering the UK music scene for years, constantly pushing boundaries and exploring experimental territories. With the release of MD Dubs in 2022, Mumdance continued to self-release, creating a sparse and grimy workout that pushed the limits of techno and other base genres. However, with the release of MD003 in 2024, Mumdance surprised fans with a departure from his usual style, creating a record that exudes campy, kitschy, and fun energy. The A-side is a poppy dance music case study, while the B-side ventures into edgier territory, weaving a fantastical and surreal journey. The entire record feels like a deliberate concentration of EDM tropes, turning it into a riotous celebration.
Ellery Cowles - Sonic Control
Synchrophone has given the reissue of Ellery Cowles's Sonic Control, originally released in 1995, new life. The record's timeless and futuristic nature is apparent through its crystal-clear percussion and minimalistic yet creative production. Sonic Control demonstrates how to properly reissue classics for new audiences to enjoy. Pick up Sonic Control now, especially as it's available on limited blue marbled vinyl.
Tiger Stripes - I Heard It Through The Bassline
Tiger Stripes' latest release on Radio Slave's Rekids imprint features two techy house tracks. 'I Heard It Through the Bassline' is a fun, disco-infused track with palpable repetition, while 'Everybody's Doing It' is a more delicate, deeper cut. The tracks showcase Tiger Stripes' versatility but may not stand out in the crowded tech-house scene. The release offers a peak-time party track and a chilled-out cooler, making it suitable for the club and workouts.