Blackploid – Enter Universe [CPU01110011]

Blackploid has become one of Central Processing Unit’s stalwarts in the past couple of years. Martin Matiske’s project contributed a trio of EPs to the label across 2021 and 2022, with each of them showing off the kind of electro chops and production sensibilities that made Blackploid an ideal fit with the Sheffield imprint. Now, for CPU’s first release of 2023, Matiske levels things up with the debut Blackploid LP Enter Universe. Across these twelve tracks, Matiske leaves us in no doubt that he’s a prime mover in the world of modern electronic music. Enter Universe does not let up from start to finish, delivering a dozen pieces of leftfield electro that draws from the sound’s greats while also showcasing an unpredictability and flair that is all of Blackploid’s own.

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Blackploid – Enter Universe [CPU01110011]

VA – The Analog Theory EP [GO006]

Gladio Operations presents its sixth work, the third compilation tilted “The Analog Theory” featuring renowned producers from the electro scene in Europe. Side A EP opens with the French producer Jauzas The Shining and continues with the Spanish producer Univac. On Side B we have the debut in Gladio Operations of three artists. First off is the Dutch artist Lloyd Stellar, followed by German producer Martin Matiske and closes with the young and talented producer from Valencia, Uranio Empobrecido.

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VA – The Analog Theory EP [GO006]

Blackploid – Planetary Science [CPU01101111]

The Blackploid resurgence of recent years continues to gather steam. After laying dormant for some time, Martin Matiske’s project roared back into life in 2021 with a pair of EPs for Central Processing Unit. It doesn’t look like he’ll be taking his foot off the gas any time soon – not only does the new Blackploid collection “Planetary Science” complete Matiske’s hat-trick for the Sheffield label, but it also serves as a prelude to the full-length album which Blackploid will deliver on CPU in 2023.

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Blackploid – Planetary Science [CPU01101111]

Martin Matiske – Circle of Enlightenment EP [LDI007]

Martin Matiske’s superb new six-track EP Circle Of Enlightenment on LDI Records is based around the concept of one-mindedness and togetherness. The EP aims to describe the direct connection between human beings and the universe. Martin says: “Human beings are aliens always looking for answers to questions like why are we here and what life is about? We know the answer but won’t accept it. We are made up of the elements of space and are directly connected to the universe. Each person contains the energy of the universe and is connected with everything that surrounds it. We are one! We are here because we are here! Our mission is to be!” Circle Of Enlightenment is a brilliantly adventurous and storytelling new EP from the ever-excellent Martin Matiske.

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Martin Matiske – Circle of Enlightenment EP [LDI007]

Martin Matiske – Karakuri Ningyō [FMR011]

MATISKE, Martin - Karakuri Ningyo

Mixed emotions surround the first LP release by Femur: からくり人形 by Martin Matiske, being this his second long play. The German producer presents a record of clear Japanese reminiscence in a dystopic-futuristic, robotic, sci-fi aura, all bathed by the rising sun.

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Martin Matiske – Karakuri Ningyō [FMR011]

Blackploid – Strange Stars [CPU01100111]

BLACKPLOID - Strange Stars

Martin Matiske’s renaissance continues as he delivers another fresh EP as Blackploid for effervescent Sheffield imprint Central Processing Unit. In keeping with the German producer’s other recent material, we can hear echoes of his classic, mid-2000s Blackploid material. Strange Stars also continues his interplanetary theme, delivering a quartet of sci-fi powered cuts full of squelchy acid bass, star-fall electronics, Kraftwerkian melodies and beats so crunchy you could probably eat them for breakfast. Our picks of a very strong bunch are probably pulsating opener ‘Star Patrol’ and the turn-of-the-80s sci-fi movie feel of ‘Unseen’, but to be honest all four tracks hit the spot.

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Blackploid – Strange Stars [CPU01100111]

Martin Matiske – Melodic Motion [BAP148]

MATISKE, Martin - Melodic Motion

Melodic Motion sees Martin Matiske use his machines in a new way. Across four tracks, the German musician inspires. Melodic Motion sees Martin Matiske use his machines in a new way. Across four tracks, the German musician inspires. “Digital Emotion” is built on crisp drum patterns, patterns from which Matiske arcs rich analogue notes. Vocals, employed almost like samples, give a human quality to this future-world vision. Technology is a central theme of the EP. Human qualities melt in robotic currents in “Computer Dance,” colder electro tones merging with warm and cheer-filled videogame echoes. “Information Product” maintains some of the electro character of its predecessor. Yet this is far from a dark piece, its uplifting piano keys surging with optimism. The icier tones of “Transmission” closes. Warm arpeggios rise against a front of crystalline chords in this final foray into this ever-so-close world of tomorrow.

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Martin Matiske – Melodic Motion [BAP148]

Blackploid – Cosmic Traveler [CPU01100000]

Cosmic Traveler, a four-track affair, marks Matiske’s debut appearance on Sheffield’s Central Processing Unit. Given the long wait, it’s great just to see Blackploid back among the fray once again. But for the project’s CPU curtain-raiser to be an EP of such high-quality techno jams? Now that really is spoiling us. Cosmic Traveler’s title nods towards the sort of stargazing aesthetics one finds in classic Detroit techno. However, while there are undoubtedly ties to the Motor City in this music, the record ultimately steers less towards spacious atmospherics and more towards the taut, lean machine-funk of seminal practitioners like Dopplereffekt.

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Blackploid – Cosmic Traveler [CPU01100000]

Martin Matiske – Robotic Theatre [MST044]

MATISKE, Martin - Robotic Theatre

Moustache Records welcomes to the family the oldskool electro legend Martin Matiske with his Electronic disco-ish 12 inch EP release “Robotic Theatre”. This is a future vision of a theatre run by robots and is the era in which machines entertain mankind. Operas are written and played in a mechanical way. The pieces of “Robotic Theatre” deal with different terms of stage work. Track A1 is called “Acting Faces” and Refers to the rehearsing of the role, as well as the interaction of the actors on stage. The well-being of the actor does not often match what is played. He has to play even If it’s painful. B2 is the track called “Machinery” Human beings are machines that build machines today. The advantage is perfection and time saving. Robots as actors are reliable and precise. B1 listen to the name “Transistor Dances”its Like The Hungarian Dances by Johannes Brahms you just need a dance to express happiness and remind your culture. Dances bring people together. A robotic dance should not be missing in a play. The last track of the EP is the tune “Practise” a story about a robot the has to practise to achieve perfection and it is fun.” Don’tplay this underwater order now gone is gone.

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Martin Matiske – Robotic Theatre [MST044]

VA – Stilleben 046 [STIL046]

UHU/MORPHOLOGY/RONDO/DAS MUSTER/LUKE EARGOGGLE/MARTIN MATISKE/ENCOUNTER - STILLEBEN 046

Stunning 6 track VA record with loads of funky and icey Electro from the scandinavian parts of the mind. From listening to the dancefloor feel free to discover the teamwork glued together from Sweden, Iceland, Finland, Germany & France…

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VA – Stilleben 046 [STIL046]