Manchester’s Ourtime Music return with something of a electronic masterpiece After a 14 year hiatus, Salford’s elusive cosmic composer returns to his Sonic Insomniac guise with a debut LP of the finest underwater electro & crisply rendered electronica.
As Electronic Music knows no creative boundaries, Spiral Deluxe is clearly a profound and convincing example of what is possible in the times we live in today. Traditionally, they would be considered a musical quartet. Each of the 4 members contributing to make a special joint effort – the meeting of minds from different spectrums of the musical sphere, but if you move in closer to examine how each have modified the way they communicate in order to play with each other, its astonishing because it shows a entirely new platform on how collaborating can be from now on. A longtime vision of their drummer/percussionist and Jeff Mills – yes, that Jeff Mills! Before becoming the world renown and groundbreaking DJ, producer and artist he is recognized for, he was a drummer in his youth, which carried on up until he began DJing in the late 1970s. Since then, he had always carried idea to get back to his musical roots. This longtime dream began to surface a few years ago when Mills was bestowed a “white card” residency at the Museum du Le Louvre in Paris. It was there that he found the opportunity to form a band for one night and it opened the doors to a chance to materialize his dream. Since then, the formation has carefully evolved into one might describe as a “super band” – a group of highly skilled musicians, working together to reach a higher level of creativity. For example, although members are using electronic instruments, there is no MIDI syncing connection. Each plays their instrument un-attached as if any Jazz or Rock band would play together. Each having a vast amount of experience in live and studio projects, this release displays their wealth of skill and musical knowledge that comes from Jazz, Funk, Pop, Gospel, Detroit Techno and all forms of House Music. Yumiko Ohno – Keyboard, Gerald Mitchell – Keyboard, Kenji “Jino” Hino – Bass Guitar, Jeff Mills – Drums and Percussion.
Fernando Sanz has been steadfastly dedicated to the craft of beats and breaks, under the imprint Orbe Records, he has cultivated his own thriving techno community as artist and label head. Sanz forthcoming 3-track ‘Hohenheim’ EP for the Barcelona label, Lone Romantic, keeps the Orbe buzz rolling. ‘Hohenheim’ kicks the record into motion with the resounding thuds of a multilayered big-room kick while bright synths and sharp edged sci-fi machinery climb the walls in obscure and narcotic patterns. ‘Shimano’s Tribute’ is a study in the fundaments of techno that lull the listener with an extended 4X4 intro into a state of high mental absorption, just in time to drop the centre piece of the track, an eloquently ovular stutter sliced percussion sample. ‘Edelweiss’ sets the record on a outward course for somewhere between the hypnotic dance floor bliss of a pre-dawn Sunday morning and the impending angst beholden to glimpsing the dystopian sprawl of civilisation when flying out Monday morning.
Reedale Rise aka Simon Keat from Liverpool with Detroit-esque electro EP on Spæcial Recordings.
Reissue of the legendary debut album “The Silicon Dawn” by the US producer Dan Curtin, which appeared in 1994 on Peacefrog. In the best Detroit-style, Curtin managed to set melodies and harmonic levels over complex percussion, which at that time in an innovative way broke the usual techno standard.
Derek Carr on Russ Gabriel’s Ferox label with four trips through sublime machine soul. If you’ve listened to previous Derek Carr releases then you know what to expect – the beats flutter with thoughtful programming and the synths cartwheel through expressive patterns that speak to the same sci-fi fantasies that made B12 so iconic in the early 90s. There’s also space for a little subtle electro, as on the haunting ”Time Out,” bringing a touch of versatility to the record without breaking that shimmering vintage techno haze.
Metamrophic to present out first various artist compilation. This one features 3 up and coming artists, GOIZ, JEM, and Jacksonville, as well as one track from label head Dan Curtin. Of course the first compilation from Metamorphic had to be called Interstellar Groove Addictions, the unofficial slogan of the label since the beginning. These tracks are modern trips into the unknown, representing the mood of the label perfectly – fierce individuality, evolution in sound, and deeply felt emotional content.
After releasing HVL’s Away From Everything We Know 12” back in 2015, Organic Analogue welcome the Georgian producer back to present his long-awaited debut album. As a resident of the much-vaunted club BASSIANI, HVL conceived Ostati as a document of the sound of Tbilisi – centred on warm, outboard house and techno but with a noticeably understated mood. The club tracks take a pared down approach that favours space and meditation over bold brush strokes, but between the teeth-gnashing bite of ”Askinkila” or the rough and ready acid workout ”Continuum,” the sound is gutsy and dripping with character. Ostati spells out a space where dim lights and mysterious corners provide a playground for wild ideas to dart around in the dark. The overall atmosphere may appear subdued, but it’s merely a cover for the fiery spirit lurking underneath.”
Otis makes good on his long time friendship with the Partisan crew via four dazzling cuts of future-minded machine funk. From swinging techno to breakbeat and electro, all glued together by that 909 house vibe, the playful side of Otis’ unique sound masks an understated swagger that will rock the floor wherever it’s played.
London’s Frequencies Unknown present their maiden transmission ‘Intazonez’, a collection of fractured and futurist melodic machine experimentation with a human soul. Label operators Intareality give a 4 tracker that channels myriad influences while retaining a rare air of mystery and the essence of hazy studio encounters and programming sessions late into the night.
An astronomical conjunction has cropped up. Arpanet is back after a long interstellar hibernation and 30drop comes up with its particular vision of the abstract Elektro for the very first time. ‘Phases EP’ takes the primal Warp’s heritage blending hypnotic melodies with rhythmically complex patterns. Arpanet, which keeps the exquisiteness of its previous works for Rephlex, among other labels, gazes into the black profoundness of its own and unique universe. 30drop’s two cuts, ostensibly touched by the Aphex Twin spirit, are a spellbinding exercise of style. ‘Phases EP’ is experimental, atmospheric, rhythmic and, above all, flawless. This enthralling EP is presented in electric blue vinyl. A special shape for a very special alliance.
Dutch live-act and DJ duo Artefakt return to Delsin Records with an intricately produced three track release entitled ‘Falling Into The Light’. Artefakt began releasing music together in 2012 and now boast a discography spanning Field Records, Konstrukt and Deep Sound Channel, not to mention regular appearances on Delsin where their debut album entitled ‘Kinship’ dropped in 2017. Returning to Delsin, the pair’s next outing once again demonstrates their ever-evolving sound and is an exciting precursor for the launch of their own label later this year. Rolling drums open the release in ‘The Blue Hour’ as murky synths join hazy atmospherics, making way for ‘Weltformel’ with its racing syncopated percussion and ethereal pads that ebb and flow throughout the mix. Finally, ‘Falling Into The Light’ combines springy kicks with crystalline melodies, metallic elements and rattling effects to conclude a mesmerising release.
Conforce is back on his home label with four more of his richly detailed and hugely atmospheric techno tracks. It’s his first release on Delsin since latest album Autonomous back in 2017 and finds him in typical underwater techno territory. ‘Celestion’ kicks things off with smeared pads and rubbery, dubby drums instantly setting a hypnotic groove. The serene ambience makes it feel like you’re deep down in the ocean and various deft sonic details drift by the keep things on the move. ‘Vessel’ is another fathom deep track with supple drums undulating on the sea bed as beams of synth light things up from above. There’s melancholy in the pads that brings a rueful vibe, while ‘Zephyr’ is more troubled and turbulent thanks to the wet, gurgling synths and darker bass sounds. ‘Aerial’ rounds things out with heavyweight, rumbling kicks and ominous energy that keeps you on edge, despite the presence of beautifully celestial keys.
Tight electro/techno vibes from Frankfurt artist Chris Geschwindner on the first release of Aerobic.
Jonas Kopp presents his new own platform Tremsix, created by the inspiration of his 3 iconic labels from Detroit to continue the legacy of underground techno and electro movement. This EP Called Tremsix shows the vision and concept of the label, a perfect balance between minimal techno and electro represented by the creator of this new platform.
Returning to Hypercolour with the ‘Persona Non Grata’ EP, Mor Elian continues to flourish with four killer cuts of electro and techno infused goodness. Following 2016’s ‘Drum Vortex’ EP, Elian has clocked up superb releases for Delta Funktionen’s Radio Matrix label, Delft and her very own Fever AM imprint. On the ‘Persona Non Grata’, Elian serves up dusty electro beats, icy synths, headsy techno flavours and bottom end funk.
Delsin’s reissue arm once again looks to the revered back catalogue of Lost Trax for a second 12″ that picks out the best of the anonymous collective’s work. The EP features five cuts taken from two highly sought after EPs released on Tabernacle Records in 2011 and 2012. ‘The Eye’ opens things up with punchy drum programming and the sort of sci-fi effects and synths that immediately take you to a future intergalactic world. It’s a weighty but emotional opener, while ‘Pulp’ is more twisted and urgent, with warped synth sounds and busy, bristling drums and perc all building pressure throughout. ‘The Forest’ resets the mood with mystic synths and mysterious atmospheres that mix ambient beauty with suggestive skeletal beats. ‘B01’ then canes through the cosmos on a Detroit electro tip with slithers of synth, swollen pads and crisp hits and ‘Dominion’ rounds things out in hurried fashion. The restless electro drums pound away as prickly snares and cymbals, blurts of machine noise and sweeping pads all wrestle for attention and keep you on your toes. This is high octane electro and techno designed with metallic precision but oozing plenty of human feelings.
Emotions Electric with the first Various EP for the label. Strong quality selection of deep soulful Detroit influenced techno tracks from some of the finest underground producers.
Redshape stars in another deep tripping, sci-fi odyssey on his imprint for Present 16. Opening ‘The Gate’ reveals a slow but surely building burner that is classic Redshape, ripping the space-time continuum fabric apart at it’s spoken word climax narrating of solar winds, cosmic ray particles and the speed of light. Heed the track’s unmistakable call and take flight on an interplanetary elevator with parched, bone-dry percussion, twisting lines with propulsive bass and growls that rumble underneath, enveloping you in an air cabin of Jedi-level sound design prowess. The ride truly begins next with ‘Voyager’. It’s all aboard a throbbing deep low end countered by floating, melancholic sustained chords with twinkling bleeps and fading bloops that light up like the star-studded Milky Way. Frantic hi hats and modulated percussion work keep riders on the edge of their seat through this fantasy space-age joyride at warp speed.
The Hipodrome Of Music 