Gladio Operations presents its eighth release titled “Blue Binary Code”, an EP that returns to the various artists format and is accompanied by relevant names from the electro scene; Boris Divider, Igors Vorobjovs, Lectromagnetique, Francois Dillinger and CH415 aka Chris Morgan.
Francois Dillinger brings his futuristic visions to this classy new EP on EC Underground. It finds the sonic sculptor kick off with a warped bassline underpinning an eerie and slow motion electro cut on The Pilgrimage. Tangential is another snaking rhythm with mysterious pads and bouncing bass that makes for a truly original vibe. ‘Message Failed To Send’ has a hint of Kraftwerk retro-ism to its snappy snares and talk box vocals then ‘When It Was Free’ classes down with a gritty mix of celestial charm and deep space unknown. These are next level sonics as always from Dillinger.
Avoidant Records is back with its latest and most direct V/A to date – Planet Destroyed. Once again compiling unique artists from across the globe, AVD constructs a stellar line up featuring some of the best in the game alongside up and coming talent from the world of Electro. Since its inception, Avoidant has firmly focused itself on diverse, uncompromising sonics and this newest compilation once again sets the bar high. This 4 track vinyl sampler includes tracks from Marcel Dettmann, Slam aka Autonomous, LUZ1E & SOD-90 who’s contributions all embody the theme of the Planet Destroyed – Avoidant once again creates the theme to your dystopian future.
Zeta Reticula (Umek) makes his Censor debut with Star’s Wobble EP. A sizzly, mega-compressed five-track compendium of electro with ultra-scratchy highs and phase-freaked lows, it consists of three originals and two remixes. Of the former, ‘Unaided Eye’ boldly goes where few electro artists go, opting for a lower tempo, sparser soundscapes, and a more melodic underpinning. Of the latter, Sync 24 and Alex Jann serve up a tune that sounds like the bioindustrial workings of the Engineers’ spaceship from the Alien franchise. An overall extraterrestrial affair, transcending the limits of mere humanity.
Science Cult’s Occupants series is now on Vinyl for the first time and with version 1, assembling a global array of artists, presented as a double 12” Orange Color Vinyl LP. Astute observers may notice that there is more to the artwork than meets the eye. We find ourselves in a distant future where the remaining population of Earth is ruled by a mysterious A.I. that calls itself EVA. EVA has sent human-piloted research vessels to the farthest reaches of the galaxy to scout for potentially habitable planets and report any findings. These are the Occupants and they’re slowly awakening as EVA’s grip on their minds erodes.
Detroit based electro and techno artist Francois Dillinger (Natural Sciences, Blind Allies, Dionysian Mysteries) collaborates with LDI Records owner Lloyd Stellar for the imprint’s third vinyl release. Machine Men EP sees the pair working in a deep and contemplative sonic world, inspired by the potential future where the relationship between man and machine becomes blurred. The story of this EP takes place on a future earth, at a time where technological performance enhancing implants push identities of human and machine into a gray area which is no longer binary. On this earth, conservative groups oppose this development, stuck in the idea that machines are subordinate to humans. The EP explores this oppression of different ideas around identity, finding parallels with the same discourse and challenges that today we see in modern society and the fight against conservative, populist right wing politics to create an accepting and equal world. Specializing in moody, atmospheric electro, LDI Records (Lloyd’s Dark Imperium) are an essential label to watch.
The Hipodrome Of Music 