Yesssss….! May Techno reviews are here. I enjoy these so much. Every month there’s just such an abundance of music to choose from. Slam’s album, Dark Channel, is an absolute must. It’s just the kind of techno I love (well, there are many styles I’m into, but this album features some seriously dark and weighty productions). The rest of the releases are brilliant, too. Especially that Advent release, featuring some previously unreleased cuts is PROPER.
So the mix is right here, and the reviews below. Enjoy!
Slam
Dark Channel
[Soma]
I’ve spent a fair amount of time with Stuart and Orde (AKA Slam) over the years and their humility and down to earth nature really complements their music. They’ve done so much and been around for a while now, so their humble nature belies their legendary status. I was hyped to receive the promo for their new LP and one listen confirmed it was as powerful as I was expecting. These guys know their stuff (and then some), and every track does the business. In fact, when I was selecting my “favourites” to include in the mix, I struggled not to just grab the lot. Anyway, what does it sound like? For me, it hits all the touchpoints I need; heavyweight, with the right balance of darkness, groove and power. The textures vary, but the core energy is cohesive and I seriously want to hear the whole thing played live on a massive system.
The Advent
Circulate
[Paraiso]
The Advent doesn’t need an intro. ‘Circulate’ works its magic right from the get go with a core motif that stays the same throughout. Around that, Cisco builds a mesmerising cut, with various elements weaving in and out to keep it interesting. Subtle shifts in energy add tension while a seductively simple melody enters the frame midway through. Dance floors will erupt to this one.
Beppu
Erase & Bias + Signal/Tape Noise
[Organic Analogue]
This is taken from Beppu’s album IPOP. The LP contains 17 tracks, which traverse a range of styles. I wanted to include this particular piece because it’s got so depth and solemnity. It sounds like a rainy evening in an abandoned industrial area, with the grey strings adding emotion and a big fat bassline designed to rattle your eyes in their sockets. As it develops, more melodic elements are introduced and we drift away into the cosmos… Gorgeous.
Cie
Stenzelberg (Mar io Remix)
[Form & Terra Records]
This is real computer music, in that you can really hear the machines at work. I was immediately wrapped in the sonic narrative, (very) punchy beats and steadily increasing intensity keep you locked in as Mar io does his thing on this excellent remix. Wait for the breakdown, the hairs on your neck will be standing to attention - trust me.
D-Leria
Let It Be
[Amotik]
Amotik is a name I associate with quality techno. His label is already proving to be a platform for exactly that, guided by his own inimitable style and expression. The percussion here is programmed to perfection, while the chopped up vocal is sure to bring your nervous system into balance. That repetition is soothing, a solid groove to connect with while your body gets put through its paces. Then we’re launched into space as the track gets almost psychedelic with reverb and echo effects cultivating a immersive space. Time to get lost…
Designer Music
The Truth
[Planet E Communications]
Uffff, those organs and the way this one builds and builds … dare I say, Biblical! Once you’ve listened to this loud, and felt its full force, you will understand why it’s called ‘The Truth’. Prime Carl Craig. If you haven’t seen the film Desire: The Carl Craig Story, get out and catch it. Magnificent.
The DirtBirdz
Bass BangEr
[Distrackt Rec]
High-octane galloping rhythms - Check! Repetitive vocal clip - Check! Gnarly synth lines - Check! I love stuff like this, straight up, no messing about, track made purely to get you out of your head and into your body. Just moving, and feeling that energy flow through your mainframe. Sounded banging in the mix as well.
Estella Boersma
Vision
[EB-REX]
Hefty and rumbling like a juggernaut careering down an empty highway, this one starts off with such a moody vibe. When the beats kick in, they’re so clean and incisive. Then it gets all ravey with a synth melody that has echoes of the hardcore era. The drum-heavy breakdown is a delight… Put your hands in the air, make some noiiiiiiise!!
MJSB
Movement Meditation
[Create Define Release]
As the title suggests, this one is going to take you a little deeper. Dense production wraps you up and submerges you in its thick frequencies. A variety of subtle elements sweep in and out of the background, to create a kind of audio hypnosis. A female voice instructs you to “feel your connection to the Earth through your feet”, and with that we’re going into a trance-like state where we become one with the universe…
Luxus Varta
Gelatin 55
[Specimen Records]
Elegant machine funk here from Luxus Varta. Alright, it’s electro and not strictly techno but I couldn’t resist getting it on the page. The piston-driven beats draw you in, while a symphony of bright pads keep it very heady and ethereal. Not forgetting that funky bassline… When they’re working together, it’s a feast for the auditory system, tantalising the eardrums…
Luke Hess
Metanoia
[DeepLabs]
This one is from Luke’s exceptional album Arkeo. Like Slam’s LP, it was very difficult to select one tune (or a few in the case of my mix) from this collection. I’m besotted with every track on this release… so much cosmic, dubby goodness to dive into. ‘Metonoia’ is the closing track on the album, and it’s such a beaut. One for a late evening excursion into your own mind, introspective yet full of groove and expanse. It’s just over six minutes long, but it feels like an eternity. Get the whole album and prepare to drift away into the abyss.
Owelle
P13 (Nite Fleit Remix)
[Creaked]
Nite Fleit goes all in with this rework. It’s a nasty one, full on intense workout with little room to breathe. But who needs to breathe when you’re diving head first into bombastic beats and rugged bass?! You can always tell when a producer had fun making their music, and that really comes through strong on this one.
PETRU KSS
Mirage (Developer Remix)
[City Wall]
Developer toys with our emotions here, creating a sinister, unnerving atmosphere worthy of a driller killer horror film. The low end percolates with menace, as a swathe of marauding layers implant a sense of foreboding and unease. That said, you want to dance, too, as the rhythms permeate into your structure encouraging you to move uncontrollably.
Risa Taniguchi
Hypes Come Hypes Go
[Mind Medizin]
Risa Tanigochi has been making regular appearances in my reviews pages for a while now. Why? Simple - because she throws down every single time. ‘Hypes Come Hypes Go’ pulls you in with its alluring rhythmic composition, with an irresistible build up and a repetitive vocal sample. When it unleashes its full power not long after the two-minute mark, ooofff… You’ll be unleashing your own full power. As it gets into the final section, there’s another key moment of tension-release, by which point you’ll have evaporated into a cloud of high vibrations.
Ruben Ganev
Esoteric
[mould.audio]
Dark atmospherics and gravely textures - impossible to review during the day with the current sunshine - this one is for late night voyages. There’s a tribal feel, as if you’ve landed on a distant planet and encountered a village of advanced yet ancient indigenous beings. Or maybe that’s just my wild imagination. Regardless, the vibe is captivating and engrossing. My main barometer for including music in my reviews is “Do I want to get out of my seat and dance to this one?”. With ‘Esoteric’ it was a resounding “YES”.