Subwax Black Label Series continues their mystical Slavic underground saga with this next Techno bomb 313 stylee.
Velež – Eternal [SUBWAXBLS002]
detroit techno
Mystic Letter K – Soul Storm [MLK001]
MLK presents Soul Storm (MLK1) by Mystic Letter K (aka Cari Lekebusch), the first release in the new MLK series. The EPVcontain 2 extraordinary electro sonic experiments that will continue the story of a mystery in sound architecture science.
Redshape – Shift [PRESENT015]
Redshape returns to his own label with a retrovisionist release that looks back in time as much as it looks forward to the future. Revving up on the A side is ‘Shift’, a propulsive hurtle to the final frontiers. Starting off ominously with just drums, bass and a Pollock splatter of toms, the track is soon overrun by an army of relentlessly running basslines, let loose to steer in and out like searching headlights on a dark and endless highway. With a heavier kick, the track shifts into top gear with pensive pads soaring overhead, mesmerising squeaks and his signature attention to percussive detail. On the flip is ‘Drive’, which switches gears down a notch as an astrospace cruise along intergalactic coastlines – from summery California to shiny Coruscant. A rounded pounding beat with heavy sub bass bounces along to a breezy tropical melody and spacious percussive work, before riding off into a cinematic sunset that is as nostalgic as it is hopeful of the coming dawn. Once again on the edge of spatial sound but grounded in analog warmth, Redshape has presented a revision of classic record productions that truly punches as it is meant to be felt and heard – on wax.
Basic Soul Unit – Wallow [DOLLY027]
Basic Soul Unit returns with another deadly EP on Dolly, further investigating the thin dividing line between techno and broken beats. A-side “Wallow” is a menacing big room stormer with a delicate pad breakdown, with Voiski providing an alternate more driving techno version of it with a splendid melodic twist midway through the track. “Radiate” and “Joyride” on the B both have BSU’s signature rhythmic ideas and fresh energy with “Radiate” even going full-on Broken Rave! “Joyride” is that upbeat funky techno nugget that’s going to sit in your DJ bag forever.
3KZ – Not From Here [BALANS021]
The Dutch label Balans Records returns with it’s twenty-first instalment to the series. This time Darko Esser’s imprint presents a collaboration between Z.I.P.P.O and Kalean, under their 3KZ moniker. ‘Not From Here’ opens the EP with its flowing grooves & eerie pads to create a beautiful techno track followed by ‘Nature Of Motion’ that offers an astral like immersion to the listener with its haunting melodic rhythms. On the flipside ‘Circles’ & ‘Times’ switch up the vibe in a more intense & playful mood, resulting in a finely balanced EP of atmospheric driving techno.
Module Werk – Secrets Of The Utopian Mind EP [HLN004]
Classic yet fresh, part of the pantheon but exploring new forms: Module Werk continues where last year’s Interdimensional Traveler EP left off with a new stand-out four-tracker on Portuguese label Helena. Gravitational Tugs comes on in a Detroit rush of hi hats, claps and snares over an offbeat bassline, as stardust synths spin off into space overhead. Minor harmonies and a sparse breakbeat take Moment Of Inertia into darker territory, preparing the ground for the vintage Ismistik-style squiggle-and-stomp of Ritual Dance Machine. The mood lightens finally with Awakening, the kind of contemplative analogue electro to put on at an afterparty at your place, once you’ve changed into your comfiest pyjamas.
Johannes Volk – Designing Evolution [TOKEN073]
From his very first release, Johannes Volk’s strict yet creative adherence to the Detroit tradition has garnered him a position among the greats. Renowned these days as a producer with a seemingly-unending ability to produce classic-leaning futuristic techno, Volk has built a serious discography over the past 11 years. For his first Token offering, Volk goes above and beyond with the 4-track EP Designing Evolution.
J.C. – Vertigo [CBR007]
Detroit rooted techno tracks with morphing synths and layers of percussions and breakbeats designed for the dancefloor.
John Shima – Elements Unknown [FS005]
The Fifth EP on FireScope Records, the new sub label of the legendary B12 Records, welcomes Mr John Shima. The EP entitled Elements Unknown, is pure techno for laying back in a dark room and floating away, highly detailed layers of electronic sounds interweaved together to create emotion.
Spiral Deluxe – Tathata [AX074]
Spiral Deluxe is a band led by Jeff Mills. Initially formed for the performances in Japan (Tokyo/Kobe) and released “Kobe Sessions” EP (AX070) last year, they gathered again in October 2016 for European tour, when they named themselves as Spiral Deluxe. This record is live recordings from that tour and will be our 2nd series of “Axis Audiophile Series” with HD sound.
3KZ – Parallel Reflections [FIDES006]
“Parallel Reflections” is the debut album from 3KZ, the collaborative project between Z.I.P.P.O and Kaelan. This retro futuristic composition will elevate your mind, move your body, and touch your soul. Dreamy, romantic, and pure.
FBK – From The Escaped Planets EP [RSPX001]
Rekids introduces a new vinyl only series titled Rekids Special Projects, a more techno orientated division of the label. First up is Ohio-based producer FBK, real name Kevin M. Kennedy. Intricate drums and jagged synths initiate ‘You Are Not Fixed’ whilst a looped sample recurs throughout the mix. ‘Dynamonium’ then enters deeper territories as echoing stabs join a low slung meandering groove before ‘Set It Free’ ups the energy with rumbling kicks, distorted vocal murmurs and tantalizing melodies. ‘The Final Escape’ then closes the release with a syncopated drum arrangement, mesmerising chords and ethereal atmospherics.
The Pedestrian – Radical Hymns Of Innovation, A Mayday:Rhythim Is Rhythim Selection
Frequency vs Atkins – Mind Merge LP [OUTA005]
One day back in end of the Eighties, a pair of friends began sharing a deep love for music, the music we have been supporting, playing and now, able to put it out for your listening pleasure: ‘Mind Merge LP’ is a beautiful quintessence of Detroit electro, funk and techno, partially blending with contemporary electronic contaminations and we believe it’ll be as timeless as many of their records before.
Rings Around Saturn – UNTHANK011 [UNTHANK011]
A voyage into the outer reaches of immersive, ambient techno and electronics where boundaries are blurred between 80s bedroom boogie, Detroit electro, broken beat and Warp golden-era bleep. Based in Melbourne, Australia, Rory McPike has been putting out analogue and hardware-led sounds for a couple of years under both his techno and jungle orientated guise Dan White and Rings Around Saturn.
Luke Hess – Facette EP [ECHOCORDCOLOUR038]
Luke Hess is back on Echocord Colour with a 3-track bomb, super powerfull dubby spaced out Techno with the typical Luke Hess feeling, deep and melodic.
Russell E.L. Butler – I’m Dropping Out Of Life [CGI016]
CGI Records is presenting the new EP from Oakland-via-Bermuda based artist Russell E.L. Butler. I’m Dropping Out Of Life are 4 cuts of essentialist dance music that can provide an ecstatic escape from the drudges of professional life for all who so rightly seek it. Nice and versatile techno-electro tracks with as stand out tracks the melodic killer tune a2 and the deep floating b2 track!. I’m Dropping Out Of Life are 4 cuts of essentialist dance music that can provide an ecstatic escape from the drudges of professional life for all who so rightly seek it according Russel E.L. Butler
VA – CYRK 03 [CYRK003]
Collabo leaping towards classic Detroit stuff, with four tracks by Suburban Knight, Gerome Sportelli and Sierra Sam.
Phara – Paramount One [STHLMLTD041]
Fledgling Belgian artist Phara returns to Stockholm LTD wit a four track EP “Paramount One”. Smooth rolling and powerful Detroit inspired techno tracks by Phara.
Conforce – Hypothetical Future Point [TRSD004]
Dutch artist Conforce is back on his own Transcendent imprint with some filmic and atmospheric tripping techno action. Hypothetical Future Point sends you further into the more ominous and industrial spaces of his alias. Spiritual techno with with a wink to the past. Boris crafts music with attention to detail and blends influences from his Silent Harbour and Hexagon monikers that seems inevitable.
The Hipodrome Of Music 