Black Patterns – Black Patterns Vol.1 [LT020]

Black Patterns is a new alias from Lobster Theremin regular Snow Bone, launched to allow him to explore more obviously experimental techno pastures. In truth, Black Patterns Volume 1 is thoroughly in keeping with the fuzzy, distorted and generally bleak material that the hyped label has been putting out of late. Variously creepy, unsettling and freakishly intense, it’s a collection that rarely steps back from the dusty darkness of the crumbling warehouses and basement spaces most readily associated with this style of balls-out techno. As a collection of club tracks, it can’t be faulted. Given that it’s DJs that will be most interested in its’ throbbing charms, it would seem churlish to criticise.

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Black Patterns – Black Patterns Vol.1 [LT020]

VA – Invisible Darning [BT009]

Invisible Darning brings together 4 unique acts, covering a wide spectrum of techno and electro. Crystal Maze’s Crossroad Blues kicks off the EP with slow mo tripped out techno. Dez Williams’ Hand on Mouth follows up with spaced out, stargazing electro. On the flip we have Switzerland’s Echo 106 – 100M Splutter bringing stuttering arpeggiated synths for an epic showdown. Closing the EP Albert Van Abbe resurrects his dormant The Pulse Projects for the brutalist crunching Grounds.

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VA – Invisible Darning [BT009]

Privacy – Default Query [VV019]

Privacy debut on Valcrond Video. Mr. Privacy would hang around all day eating stuff and listening to Siamese Dream with Luke until the office manager who keeps things in line was forced to ask them both to leave. A deal was struck: In exchange for a continued flow of free snacks and treats, Privacy agreed to provide these 4 tracks. In the same way Privacy is unable to resist a warm chocolate croissant, no one who plays records in public for a living will be able to resist these audio delights.

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Privacy – Default Query [VV019]

Savage Grounds – Unpleasant Music for Unpleasant People [LXRC025]

Savage Grounds are CCO and Daniele Cosmo, co-owner of Lux Rec. A techno related outfit to explore a darker, noisier and more menacing sound. The EP has been realised by using only three machines. A Roland 808, a modular synthesizer and a Roland Space Echo. Every track has been recorded in one take.

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Savage Grounds – Unpleasant Music for Unpleasant People [LXRC025]

FOQL – Hopeless EP [NYH019]

FOQL - Hopeless EP

Overlord of Polish techno, FOQL, drops 2 originals and 2 remixes on this tape. Slabs of heavy, doomed out techno get complimented by remixes by Tapirus (aka Charlton) and the German techno duo Fallbeil. Peak hour madness.

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FOQL – Hopeless EP [NYH019]

VA – Those Shadows [STHLMLTD037]

The latest release on Par Grindvik’s long-running label is a diverse techno record. First up is Tor Lowkrantz aka Mighty Thor with ” All The Shadows”, a pumping, bleep-heavy track that fuses the hypnotic Sandwell sound with a groovy undercurrent.

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VA – Those Shadows [STHLMLTD037]

R-A-G – The Tales Of… Part 1 [MOSDEEP026]

RAG - The Tales Of Part 1

MOS Deep is back with a fascinating four track EP, The Tales Of.. Part 1, that veers from slow and beatless to fast and energetic. It comes from R-A-G and is a soundtrack to a distant world with corrugated drums, free flowing synths and lots of mysterious forces at work.

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R-A-G – The Tales Of… Part 1 [MOSDEEP026]

Stephen Lopkin / DimDJ – Split EP [ENDILL006]

LOPKIN, Stephen/DIMDJ - Inc

ENDILL006 goes split. Scottish Stephen Lopkin and Greek DimDJ have delivered quality Detroit informed house tunes straight for the floors, except “Grave Roll” which can be nice opening track. 909 turns 707 and It’s not Endless illusion without proper synth lines.

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Stephen Lopkin / DimDJ – Split EP [ENDILL006]

Peeping Tom – Voyeurism & Violence [PNKMN013]

Debut four tracker by Peeping Tom on the Pinkman imprint. Blistering techno and dramatic electro injected jams from this unknown Rotterdam based voyeur. Comes with an insert with pictures taken on the streets by the peeper himself.

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Peeping Tom – Voyeurism & Violence [PNKMN013]