Reports
Reports
Torn Hawk & Black Deer - Torn Hawk/Black Deer
The L.I.E.S. label, curated by Ron Morrelli, is known for its unique sound, which blends esoteric elements with dance music. The collaboration between Torn Hawk and Willie Burns, Torn Hawk/Black Deer (2013), features two tracks that exemplify the label's distinctive approach.
The first track, 'Apex Break,' incorporates elements of dusty house beats with a fluctuating melody, offering a dynamic listening experience. The second track, 'Warm Sprawl Shorter,' diverges significantly, presenting a 15-minute exploration that combines space disco, dub, and country influences.
While L.I.E.S. is traditionally a dance label, these tracks deviate from typical dance music, focusing instead on creativity and atmosphere. The listener experiences a sense of serenity and euphoria, with rich melodies and textures that evoke nostalgia and a carefree spirit. The collaboration showcases innovative approaches to "Lo-F" music, appealing to those seeking something different.
Josi Devil - Make It Better / Restless Sleep
Bristol's latest musical export, Josi Devil, has released Make It Better / Restless Sleep (2025), which captures the essence of post-dubstep sounds from the 2010s. The opener, 'Make It Better', features growling subs and a rugged groove reminiscent of the stellar sound of the old Swamp 81 sets. The follow-up track, 'Restless Sleep', employs a restrained approach with intricate percussion and old-school garage elements, making it a potential favourite among DJs. The release reflects a trend of artists looking back and rediscovering the 2010s styles, distilling it, and pumping out audio gold.
Thys, Nikki Nair, Kelbin - Cheese Interface
The trio of Thys, Nikki Nair, and Kelbin released Cheese Interface in February 2025. Through Copenhagen's absorb emit imprint, they showcase a unique and expansive club music experience. The title track features heavy kicks and surreal drops, creating a guaranteed dance floor favourite. The follow-up track, The Wasp, combines electro and garage elements with heavy bass and intricate hi-hat grooves, evoking a sci-fi atmosphere.
Erik Luebs - Glimpse of Reality
Erik's minimalistic techno revitalises a classic American subgenre with immersive, dance-floor-focused productions. His release, Glimpse of Reality, features tracks that blend early American techno elements with organic influences reminiscent of Japanese artists.
The track 'Beat Lifeless Heart' showcases machine-funk rhythms and eccentric percussion, while 'Pretending' explores deep nautical themes with dark, bioluminescent synths. 'Bliss Means Leaving' offers mechanical precision, focusing on lights in murky depths. 'An Embrace' diverges into EDM influences while maintaining an unsettling quality through euphoric riffs. Luebs' work presents a crisp, fluid take on the bleep-heavy genre.
Mr. G - Getting’ somewhere? EP
Mr. G returns to his label, Phoenix G, with the Gettin' Somewhere? EP showcases a techy yet classic sound. There is a mixed bag of sounds on the record, with the opener featuring subtle house beats and a quiet vocal element, while the second track turns things up and ventures into shift techno with a revivalist vibe, employing more synthesisers and shorter samples. The closing track is a call back to 2024's The Fifth Chakra (Ambient Space Tek). It is an ambient exploration reminiscent of his earlier work, combining distant vocals and minimalistic melodies.
Red Pal, UK Runtz & MC Bush - Say Wha & Doing It Again
Strange Times aims to revitalise the UKG underground by introducing fresh sounds that echo classic garage vibes. 'Say Wha' features gritty drums, choppy hi-hats, and nostalgic adlibs from MC Bush. On the flip side, 'Doing It Again' combines lively instrumentals with playful lyrics, referencing classic UKG elements as MC Bush returns with more of what makes him great. Both tracks celebrate the raw energy of the garage scene and resonate with its history.
Edward - Deep Sea Villain
Edward's transition to a more active, dance floor-focused style retains a surrealist vibe. His music features vivid house beats with oddball ambience, highlighted in his remix of Trybet's 'Mood Setter.' The EP showcases a more rough, ready, vintage sound with dusty drums and hypnotic melodies while bringing back a resonating ambience alongside garage grooves and glitches. Deep Sea Villain is a strong addition to Edward's and Oyster Cult's discography, suited for deeper nights.
Michael J. Blood - Raven / Hemoglobin / TRGR
Michael J. Blood is a Manchester-based producer and DJ known for his innovative and saturated sound within the underground dance music scene. He has gained recognition for his dynamic song structures and ability to infuse soul into his instrumentation. His latest record features tracks like 'Raven,' which combines heavy 808s with energetic synths, and 'Hemoglobin,' showcasing his distinctive dubby chords. The closing track, 'TRGR,' pushes the limits of sampled house with chaotic yet inviting energy. Blood's eccentric and DIY approach makes his music hard to categorise, blending authenticity with a modern edge.
Helena Hauff - Multiply Your Absurdities
Helena Hauff's release, Multiply Your Absurdities, represents a shift from pure albums to focused dancefloor releases. Known for her iconic presence as a DJ in the techno and electro scenes, Hauff maintains a strong sense of self despite the industry's push for producers. Multiply Your Absurdities reflects her storied experience in various performance spaces and includes tracks like 'Multiply My Absurdities,' which features a blend of tranquil melodies and gritty rhythms, and 'Humanoid Fruit,' highlighted by acidic sounds and industrial influences. Overall, the record combines underground techno's unique essence with the raw power of industrial music, poised to become a cult classic.
Sasha GiGi, JADED & Surya Sen - Coins (Extended)
It can get disheartening how seriously dance music takes itself these days. Contemporary dance music longs to return to more energetic and fun tracks like those from Groovejet and Utah Saints. The latest single, Coins (Extended), by Sasha GiGi, JADED, and Surya Sen, embraces a playful and catchy style reminiscent of early pop club rap while maintaining solid dance music production. The track features engaging wobbles and a memorable rap chorus, revitalising a sense of fun in the dance music scene.