Techno News

Ole Mic Odd aka Mike Padgett is an exemplary specimen of the “New American Electro” which Kraftjerkz champions. Distorted drums, dark pads and sinister vocoder make him a remarkable LA producer. Robotronix combines the heavy American electrofunk rhythms of classic LA, Detroit, and Miami with menacing postpunk melody. Includes turntablist-friendly Detroit style remix by label boss, Kid Ginseng. At 067, Kraftjerkz could be America’s answer to Bunker. Let the DJs decide.

With Augustus Williams Metroplex welcomes one of Detroit's new generation of electro and techno explorers to the label. His debut titled ,,Increaser EP" offers four tracks of celestial funk deeply indebted to the classic sound of Metroplex. The EP starts off with ,,The Hook-Up", a bouncy yet minimal electro permutation built around a propulsive Bassline and a percolating synth arpeggio. On the other three tracks Williams flexes his techno muscle and shows his keen sense for deep and focused techno-soul with a futurist edge that has any dance floor heaving with energy. - most notably in the noisy abstractions of ,,Submission".

Pushmaster discs welcome a new talented artist on the roster, Earwax. Following great release on Planet Rhythm and ARTS, the Italian based producer delivers a massive debut solo EP on vinyl.

REMASTERED AND REPRESSED WITH NEW A TRACK!!

Four tracks including a superb deep vocal house cut that reminds us of the best production from the likes of Rick Wilhite and The 3 Chairs.

Collecting orders for repress!

Since 1991, Detroit’s own Strand has represented everything funky and soulful about Detroit Techno. Strand returns with 3 new selections on the Space Age Polymers EP on their imprint Harbonder.

A1: “ABAR” - Spacey pad, funky bassline, and relentless stabs create a syncopated groove calling feet to the dance floor.

A2: “3 Piece” - 21st century boom-bap electro drums teaming up with a hard, walking bassline morphing into an altered state of soul.

B: “Tensioner” - Ethereal strings, cosmic pads, intricate electronic percussion and a straight, no-chaser bass represents classic Strand.

Harbonder’s must-have, first vinyl release!

Another classic release on Makin' Madd Records in the rebound! This time it's The Shadow aka Lou Robinson of SCAN7) "The Lurking Shadow EP" which came out 1995 will be soon available again on solid black vinyl. Re-mastered edition - don't sleep! Special thanks to Mr. Terrence Parker!

Entering the two-digit era, Clear Memory presents this carefully curated compilation. Oscillating between Dark Acid Rain and L-Town-(Ultra)-Funk. Six surprises, six boxes of pandora, six welcoming arms, six uncanny offers.

Release comes in Red or Black Cover !

Omar S new Album titled YOU WANT Featuring John FM, Norm Talley, Ian Finkelstein, John Cloud, L'Renee, Brian Kage and Kingdom!!!

The Detroit Party Train brings you more Detroit In Effect Classics Remastered for 2019.

Comes with a risoprint as cover, limited to 150 copies.

Umwelt knows his craft. From no-nonsense acid-drenched electro assaults to more thought-provoking works, the Frenchman can shred speakers as well as soothe souls. The two sides of the New Flesh boss' sound combine as he returns to Shipwrec with the five tracks of Collapsar.

In the epic Galactic Empire, beats are lashed with punishing acid rinses as a bold cinematic backdrop takes form. Collapsar maintains the grandeur, broad expansive chords stretching above a plain of tight percussion.

A frigid stuttering synthline introduces Reflectivity, a line that breaks into a horizon-searching melody punctuated by crisp rhythms and arcing keys. The immersive quality of Umwelt comes to the fore in the sweeping soundtrack of Redemption Ark. That calm is cracked wide open with the frenetic finale; Day Zero incises from the outset, drums cutting into bulwark of bass before a barrage of keys attack.

In the year 2909, the first naturally-born human is found with endogenous AI code built into its DNA. As we cross into the 31st century, all living humans are controlled by a decentralized master AI known as MINDFRAME: The system has access to all of human consciousness with the ability to store and manipulate the data of every interaction and thought — even operating within your subconscious mind. It becomes impossible to know when or how you’re being controlled.

During each sleep cycle, our behaviors and memories are reformatted to align with MINDFRAMES control and order programming. Some have discovered that during these cycles, there are parts of the AI’s algorithm left exposed to extraction. Through meditative states, gifted cyber-shamans are now on a mission to reverse engineer enough of the AI to escape its grip and free us all.

FRANCOIS DILLINGER (Ben Worden) glides between the two worlds of electro and techno. His journey through the genres is dark while retaining a cerebral, dancefloor-oriented quality. This stems from influences of Industrial, Detroit’s rich history of electro, minimal techno, and even Ghettotech. In the studio, he uses primarily all external hardware and modular gear, utilizing Ableton for final arrangements and editing. His Live & DJ sets lean heavily into the generation of hypnotic loops, creating long protracted mixes between elements to form an unshakeable tension.

While he grew up an hour east of the Motor City, his musical roots were firmly planted there – taking hold over decades worth of defining moments in sound. As a fan, former promoter, and DJ he’s been a part of the Detroit scene for over 20 years, having lived there multiple different times. Currently, he also works with local Detroit label Infolines to manage branding and art direction alongside his wife, Ashely.

Prior to the MINDFRAME: CYCLES LP, he had released a track on SPEC-017’s VA release, and will feature a remix on an upcoming Specimen Records project as well. Early in 2021, his second album was released on Diffuse Reality featuring remixes from Keith Tucker/K1, Detroit’s Filthiest, and Squaric. Upcoming releases from DILLINGER include a variety of collaborative projects — Machine Men EP with Lloyd Stellar on LDI Records, an LP with Cyphon and Obzerv, and a number of VA releases with artists like RXMode (via Pareidolia Recordings), CYBEREIGN (via Science Cult), ADMN (via Infolines) and others. Look for other releases coming soon on Noise To Meet You, Roulette Rekordz, and Syntek Industries.

His previous releases have landed on Blind Allies, Natural Sciences, Dionysian Mysteries, Ukonx Recordings, Fanzine Records, and ZwaarteKracht—as well as a debut album on Narrow Gauge, ‘Chasing the Red’. Support for his music has come from the likes of Richie Hawtin, Dave Clarke, Jensen Interceptor, UMWELT, and others.

The newest joint effort on FIGURE JAMS unites two stalwarts in their own right, both of which have honed their specific sound over decades.

Having the A-Side to himself, Radio Slave goes for the murky and twisted end of the spectrum, forging some seriously hypnotic grooves. What skeletal claps and soaring synths make an exhilarating uphill rush, its psychedelic sibling‘s patterns soon lead into a eyes-down experience, predestined to lose oneself completely to.

Deetron instead builds on a dry drum framework, then cleverly fills in the space with robotic rhythms and lively synthwork for what‘s simply a fun tune to follow. He finishes things off more seriously though, sliding in these heavily submerged chords and going for a vibrantly soaring beatdown track.

We celebrate our seven year itch with 2 separate double-LP's containing the new and exclusive tracks and remixes taken from the Double CD Compilation with the same title.

The first vinyl part opens with excellent tunes by our Swissman Diego, another exclusive subway track by Munich-hero Richard Bartz, some deep birthday wishes by NY based John Selway, one more exclusive by Heiko Laux and a very beautiful ending by electro master Anthony Rother. Not to forget the 3 remixes by Samuel L Session, Steve Rachmad (aka Sterac) and di_indicator.

OOC Records is a new sub label and the latest member of the Subwax Bcn family. First release sees a Various Artists EP feat. 3 strong, versatile & raw dub techno and detroit sounds. Vinyl only, don't snooze..

Repress!

After a frenzied 2019 debut on Pinkman under his scarcely-used Amato alias, The Hacker brings his seminal sound to Mindri for the sublabel's 3rd release. Exploring desolate cityscapes and windswept tundras shrouded in winter's gloom, he provides 6 club tracks that are suitable for dancefloors at any stage of the night. From feverish 4/4 kicks to stalking electro and a chugging after-hours stomp, stripped back rhythms dominate throughout. Punching their way through misty pads in a relentless chase with metallic synths that are icy to the touch, these are 6 slabs of machine-driven grooves from a master of the art.

blue marbled vinyl

Kirk Degiorgio is becoming somewhat of a mainstay on the Belgian De:tuned label. Here he returns with 'The Unveiling'. The title track stands out with a classical synth progression and beautiful harmonies, resulting in an uplifting Detroit fused techno cut. 'Descent Module' takes you on a driving acidic trip and has all the characteristics of a hypnotic floater for the after-hours. On the flip you'll find two exclusive remixes from Kirk's 'Communion' album on De:tuned. Ian o'Brien showcases his vast musical talent and opens up his soul with a warm and lengthy retake of 'The Ladder'. Luke Slater debuts strongly on De:tuned and provides a rare The 7th Plain remix of 'Absorption Spectra'. Luke's take is a sentimental and lush ambient techno interpretation where its unique sound oscillates between a melancholic state of nostalgia and modern escapism.

Kevin Foakes (Openmind, DJ Food, Ninja Tune) created all the graphic work. Mastered by Matt Colton at Metropolis and pressed on 180 gr vinyl. A separate digital release will also be available at the usual digital shops. Stay tuned!

Repress

Brenda debut 12"

Burn it down again...

The brothers Burden return with new perspectives on key tracks from their 2015 album ‘Burn It Down’. Fresh for 2021, we give you ‘Reworks’.
‘Believer’ takes the lead with a new update and a killer dub mix. Instantly recognisable from that vibrant timeless riff, it encapsulates everything the game- changing double-O unit have been synonymous with since ‘Believe’ over 30 years ago. Complete with the legendary vocals of fellow legend Ann Saunderson (who also sung on their seminal ‘Black Water’ back in 2000), it’s proof that things are still worth believing in.

It’s backed by new takes on ‘Whatever She Wants’. A slight increase in tempo and extra large servings of vibes on the side, the contemplative filtered chords are even more hypnotising than ever. Delivered in both edit and dub form, it’s another precision reminder who to uplift with subtlety and class. Something Octave One have been doing since day one.

Italian artist Ocu is back for his 2nd release on the highly regarded Detroit side label. 'More Roads' is a jam packed 4 tracker that has the optimum balance of house party and club music while keeping the raw house feel the main focus. If you need the ideal record to point to that's currently a definitive house music classic, this is it!


'Fall Down' begins the EP in pure Detroit house style. The groove is highly addictive. All the well-placed elements ooze classic house music. Nothing goes over the top or tries to hard making this a sure-fire tracky winner. 'Raw Break' brings the fun back to house music. The broken beat works brilliantly with the keys and bassline to give it an almost Theo Parrish vibe as the melody creeps in to seal the deal. 'Feel Da Heart' has everything and more to be the house track of the summer. Understated and equally has smoothest of peaks and valley's. This truly could only come from an Italian's viewpoint of what is Detroit house music. That perfect blend of the two. Lastly, the title track bring it home with another memorable jam


After chatting with Ocu we understand his life work has been about exploring and consuming deep sounds. His background of repairing musical equipment for artist's along with his search for who in the scene was using those deep sounds the most creatively. It's that kind of background and devotion that sets up the foundation for this kind of quality of house music to then be made. And its no surprise that Detroit Side is the home for this memorable EP.

Vinyl Only no repress no digital promotion.

repress !


Following on from his recent 'Obey / Resurrection' single which continues to receive phenomenal DJ support, Robert Hood returns with the next release for his formidable M-Plant label !!

John Beltran aka Indio is back with a follow up to the great Detroit Dancer release earlier this year. Here with a even more Detroit sounding prodcuction that makes us think of early Detroit / Transmat releases..

On the remix duty we have 2 absolutely stunning remixes from Convextion / E.R.P.

A killer but hard-to-find track, In Love was originally released on the highly respected Smallfish Records as a limited 500 12in: the current asking price on Discogs is around £100.

Now, In Love is re-released with some excellent additions as a new 4-track 12in EP 300 limited run.

Four tracks that mix Techno/Deep House groove with rock-solid bass, Spaced-out Dub, Detroit and Acid influences, all uniquely Vertical Cat.

In Love is a deep spacious roller with a delicious bassline and dubbed-out fx.

Snow Creatures is deeper still, more Electro but still solid and spaced-out as f.

Moss is a Detroit Techno masterpiece with Drexciya-tinged melodies and acid bass.

You Shocker! concentrates the Acid with sweet beats and dubbed daft vocal cuts.

Vertical Cat has released music on Vice, Smallfish, Sulphur, Projector and Achingly.

Artwork by Celyn: celynbrazier (Luke Vibert’s artist)

A Credible Eye Witness & Ghost Ride team up once again to deliver another milestone of an EP, their third to date altogether! Traveling at light speed from planet to planet on a mission to make you dance, the Electro Scuderia proudly presents four brand new tunes tinted with robotic and funky tones. Heading 'Striptrix' introduces on A side a rhythmic electro cut made of cosmic swirls fused into Techno textures while well cadenced 'Khepresh' coming next links emotive synth elements to hypnotic arpeggios, gloomy pads and dreamy bleeps. Top notch! Climax of the 12', cerebral 'Spell Checker' combines on the reverse subtle oriental overtones to glimmering beats, ethereal synths and intelligent IDM beautifulness, leading the way to Detroitish 'Tias'. The most energetic track concludes the vinyl with a groovy trip, flavored with acidic notes and warm melodic flights! Craftily written and produced, 'Locked Loops' continues the voyage through cosmic universe started on A.C.E.W's previous release. An ultra dancefloor release powerful enough to penetrate any crowd!

12inch Special Limited Edition, 180 Gr. Translucent Green Vinyl.

2022 Repress

grey marbled vinyl

"Before This" is the third studio album by London based techno producer Ashley Burchett and the first release for his label Modwerks.

The culmination of three years work, this project has been produced almost entirely by Ø Phase from the music to the artwork to the accompanying videos.

No Hype Crew is a new collaboration project between two of Source Materials main stays - Nonentity and Ole Mic Odd. United by their love of hardware, the four tracks here have been created through bouncing ideas and building on live jams between their studios in Aberdeen, Scotland and Los Angeles.

This one dives deep into the emotive side of electro whilst still holding onto that raw edge you would expect from both artists solo work.

The irrepressible Plant43 spent a bunch of time over the winter of 2022 and 2023 writing some red hot new music. This is the first drop of what we're told is going to be a limited edition series showcasing what he made and it comes on lovely orange vinyl. 'Fierce Machines' races out of the blocks with edgy hits and celestial chords over a dynamic electro rhyth. 'Silent Core' then dials things back to a more empty and atmospheric sound with zippy leads and rueful chord work. 'Dark Veneer' is a busy mix of tightly sequenced melodic patterns over a jittery groove and 'Life In The Pod' is a clean, crisp, shiny metallic trip.

This fall, Detroit techno icons Octave One serve up the third volume of their Locus of Control EP series. The two-track offering again explores the ‘power or powerlessness people feel over the things that shape their world,’ and never has that been more true than during the last 18 months of the pandemic.

It has almost been two years since the release of the last installment. Of course, the pandemic largely explains that delay, but that doesn’t mean the celebrated Burden Brothers haven’t stayed busy in other ways. Already in 2021, they have served up their Reworks and Whatever She Wants EPs, and have also revived their more introspective 90s alias Never on Sunday for a new EP later in 2021. More than 25 years after first starting out, they continue to shape the modern techno landscape with their famous analogue approach, as this new EP proves.

It opens with the superb ‘Shameless,’ a heavily percussive yet elastic track that bangs from the start. The bassline is dark and menacing but also has a subtle sense of techno funk. Once the pixelated chords arrive, the track is doused in a cosmic energy that will take dance floors to the next level. Then comes ‘School of Seven Bells’, a straight-up seven- minute techno workout laden with rich layers of synth and a baseline full of suspense. It immediately gets you on your toes and the ever-evolving pads and loopy drums ensure maximum impact throughout.

These are two more thought-provoking, body-shaking tracks from techno’s finest.

PUBLISHED: 29TH JULY 2021

>>>>Cryovac Recordings is allowed to exist by artists and craftsmen that take up the cause and come together to share their skillset. A Cryovac artist is a master of their own style. They are heros that represent the best of Detroit’s spirit. From Dietrich to Desmond to the house of Archer, Cryovac is a product that is crafted at each step by years of know-how. The Cryovac machine continues its course through an ever changing technosphere.

>>>>James “jit” Pennington a.k.a. The Suburban Knight has the honor of techno nobility; with a warrior ethos he loyally defends Detroit around the world. The Knights tracks are legendary and his service to the underground code compels him to come to the aid of Cryovac. ”Lectrasonic” activates a hypersensitive conga rattling the night air and through swelling synth predatory melody becomes prey to a breaking kick.
>>>>Mike Petrack is a cool customer with an easy style and his tracks are the same. Petrack’s Info Lines record label is the latest concoction from this ever innovating techno collaborator. “Holy Redeemer '' rises with an infectious melody through bossa nova rhythm to a point of spiritual awareness inside a natural funk.
>>>>a.garcia & M. kretsch are a team that have learned to work in unison to develop all parts of a space with sound. Their construction and deconstruction of the techno sound is a reflection of a spartan Detroit ethos. “invasion” is a 4/4 minimal rocker that rings to life with an eerie synth attacking with waves of effect bringing a tone of other worldly dread.
>>>>Mollison folson a.k.a. Body Mechanic brings his gregarious personality to all genres he delves into. He is a musician of instrument and computer with a focus on freeky love music. “Everything” is a smooth and jazzy minimal mover that harmonizes synth over a funky bass line.

***
Pinball machine streets.
Teenage future time code.
Hear me sigh, make me snap.
Erasure.
***

Fabio & Grooverider have been at the forefront of UK dance music for over 3 decades. This is the roots of their story told through music.

The 2 London DJ's are part of the DNA of the global Jungle / D&B movement and they have remained relevant, cutting edge, authoritative and essential to this truly underground art-form since it's inception. RAGE could arguably be the ground zero of Jungle. The party was started at London's cavernous Heaven club by Fabio & Grooverider in 1988, at the height of Acid House fever that was making it's way up and down the motorways, slip-roads, fields and warehouses of the M25 and further beyond every weekend, troubling the nation, the police, your parents and the press as it went. RAGE was a different beast, it certainly channelled some of that Acid energy but pitted it against the new and exciting sounds emanating from Belgium, Amsterdam, Detroit, Sheffield, Essex and Hackney and in turn created a new style, a new sonic attitude and energy in the process. Rumbling bass-lines, narcotic synth rushes and roughly chopped and sped-up breakbeats all merged into a style that we now know as Jungle. Nothing like this had been heard before, this was a brand new style and it was coming out of London's West End and Fabio & Grooverider were the people firmly behind it.

RAGE is approaching it's 30th anniversary. It's sonic and cultural legacy is still being felt today, Fabio & Groove are still shutting down raves and festivals every weekend all over the world with their superior DJ sets and musical knowledge guided by their pioneering spirit. This musical selection you hold in your hands, the first of 4 parts, sees them delve into their prodigious memories and record boxes to select a true musical representation of the very beginning of one of the UK's most unique and influential musical movements of the last 50 years. Across 4 x 2 x 12"s compilations we are taken on the journey through the sounds of RAGE, accompanied with track by track notes from Fabio & Groove themselves. This is the sound of the underground, from the inside out.

This is a masterclass in the old-school. The roots. There is no filler here, it's simply ALL killer. Lovingly selected and programmed by the masters - 'The Living Shock' & 'The Ladies Choice'. Produced in conjunction with Above Board distribution and Fabio & Grooverider. All tracks mastered from original sources and fully licensed. Mastering by Optimum, Bristol. Artwork and design by Atelier Superplus. 2019

Repress

ES-Q is back on Dolly for a 2nd round! You Create, We destroy is the name of his 4 track EP full of UK lushness. Dance floor bliss for dedicated UK house breakbeat and bleep lovers!

After 10 Years As A Dj And Several Releases On International
Labels, Lydia Eisenblätter Has Founded Her Own Record Label,
Oam And Starts Her Next Chapter. Her Love Is Fully In The
American In¢uences Of Chicago And Detroit From The 90s. A
Mix Between House And Techno Paired With Rough And Dry
Elements, Groovy Bass Lines, Chords And Soulful Vocals. As A
Remixer, She Has Brought On Board The Up And Coming Artist
From Brooklyn P.leone And The Techno Legend Mark Broom
From England. Both Remixers Complete The Ep And Turn It Into A Complete Work Of Art.