Techno News

True to her mission to keep the possibilities open from release to release, Danielle’s Soft Raw label brings through the supple, cybernetic sound of Austen. The London-based producer’s debut EP is brimming with infectious energy and inventive swerves, providing plenty of heat for the more mutant-minded corners of the club.

Medulla actually opens up with a more contemplative side of Austen’s sound, leaving the beats to one side and letting a sharply rendered synth line plot a course through ‘Merece Mejor’s hazy pads and shifting textures as an updated variation on the ambient techno tradition.

‘Medulla’ itself instantly dispenses with the pleasantries and jacks up the tempo, offering a fast-paced but light-footed rip through acidic techno with more than a little sprinkling of braindance on its corn flakes. The edits and fills are crafty, the sound design tweaked, and there’s space for surprise at every turn without derailing the floor-focused energy.

‘Reuben’ offers up a knottier broken beat construction with dense percussion locked into a rolling locomotion, while ‘Kusama’ summons the spirits of dubstep and channels them into a lean, intricately detailed piece peaking just above 140. As an added bonus, Austen also offers up an exclusive edit as a free download which throws the spotlight on the cheekier end of his approach in the club.

Soft Raw continues to explore the contrast between opposing qualities in cutting-edge dance music, reflecting Danielle’s taste as a selector and giving a platform to the most exciting new producers.

BOSS AXIS - GOLIATH EP - BlackFoxMusic 029 The ministers
of melody are back! Good things sometimes need their time.
And if you count the gap since boss axis' last release one thing
is immediately clear: when its about years, this is not just
"good" - its awesome! The titletrack "goliath" on the A side isn't
just named like a giant - with the huge break of 2mins in the
middle and the catchy melodic bassline it's a perfect peaktimemonster to burn down nearly every danceoor. "Goliath" also
gets a new dress by northern germanys Rauschhaus who
already releases on Traum Schallplatten or Paul Hazendonk´s
Manual Music. And this dress seems to be a short and breezy
summer-wear with openair-character. On the B side you'll nd
the dreamy "lost bridge" wich don't has to hide from the A side.
We don't know wich bridge they mean, but if everything what
they lose sounds like this techhouse-styled and groovy
dancetrack, we hope they lose some more... Last but not least
"the secret": with a classic sample wich is already used in a
classic early 90s ravetrack from suspicious the massive break
climbs to the top to explode with a stompy kickdrum and let
move every feet around the globe.

DJ Stingray 313's Aqua Team series returns to Micron Audio. Originally released as a two-part series on the ever-innovative WeMe, the records quickly became collector's items. 15 years later, Aqua Team is now back in full force, reimagined as a triple vinyl album of underwater sonic explorations, fully remastered to meet modern cyborg standards. "Serotonin" starts the series off in true DJ Stingray style - pounding drums and 808 bass kicks, airy yet striking arpeggios and haunting vocal loops throughout. "Straight Up Cyborg" is a dystopian journey through cybernetic blips, bleeps and static and progressive build that truly bring the track to life. An aquatic alien bassline, sonar-like leads and hovering snare move swiftly in "Star Chart"; "Silicon Romance" and "Counter Surveillance" are modish tracks instantly recognizable as DJ Stingray 313's unique Detroit sound. "You have a destiny, and now is your time to fulfill it" says the mantra-like sample in "Potential", an entrancing synth loop sure to send listeners and dancefloors deep diving into euphoria. Pounding drums, floor-shaking low-end, running percussion and atonal, ominous samples theme the nefarious tracks "Binary Coven", "NWO", "LR001" and "Mindless", footnoting much darker undertakings in DJ Stingray 313's Aqua Team excursion. Closing out the Aqua Team saga is the strongly-titled "It's All Connected". Thick drums, glistening arpeggios and ethereal strings shine brightly across a wide stereo plane, creating a thundering wall of sound. Aqua Team truly showcases the diverse facets of DJ Stingray 313's signature production, as vast and evolving as the seafloor itself.

Clear Vinyl

Farrago returns to his resident label Lenske Records with 'Flashpoint EP'. A pillar of the Lenske imprint and regular at the likes of EXHALE and Awakenings, Farrago's heavy-hitting sets and production have had an extensive influence on Belgium's techno scene.

Leading the A side is the cosmic expedition 'Quieto'. An energizing cut that incorporates the key ingredients of a true Farrago track - rave elements, a spiking vocal, eccentric hi-hats and a determined, driving beat that urges listeners to move. Following is 'No Competition', an exercise in wild percussion, thundering bass and the deep, dark synths that Lenske is known for. A smug voice calls out the track title repeatedly over the oscillating and menacing main horn synth.

On the flip is 'Beleiv' - a malevolent mix of dense bass, eerie sirens and slamming percussion. Arguably the heaviest track on the record, the hi-hats, echoing keys and fleeting breakdowns add an ethereal dimension, taking listeners on a mesmeric journey. Next up is the celestial 'Disc 1', produced entirely using Playstation 1 sound effects. Doomy pads are accompanied by twinkling keys and a growling bass that creates a feeling of euphoria as the track crescendos. A deep & hypnotic cut that closes out the record on a high.

Croatian DJ & producer heavyweight Insolate debuts on Luke Slater's legendary Mote-Evolver imprint with a massive four-tracker of pure bred techno ready for the dance floor. After leaving her signature on highly respected labels such as DJ Deep's Deeply Rooted, Developer's Modularz, Ben Sim's Symbolism as well as her Out Of Place imprint which she operates along with Volster, she now delivers 'Push' a finely crafted EP of peak time material. Opening the A side, fierce workout 'Outer Bass' is showcasing a sinister driving energy that is followed by the raw frenetic groover title track 'Push'. On the flip side 'Blow' is a trippy, no-compromise cut, while closing, classy atmospheric track 'Desire' finishes off the EP with its effortless soulful touch and elegant, melodic synth pads flying by.

Turntable magician and champion of all things strange in the world of dance music, Jerome Hill, joins Craigie Knowes for his debut record on the imprint. 4 mind-melting acid trax primed to contort even the most rigid of dancefloors.

Printed Sleeves - LTD

With precious Konik you'll get an Electro Techno master piece.
Kemi takes the second position here with No Beat, and a special Kick out from nowhere and an electro techno base totally shaking around and opening on an acid industrial feeling after the drop !

On the flip, FTR and Angi makes it with a light minimal lullaby ambiance... With, as usual... a fat kick for sound systems !
Resh G finishes the job with an Electro Techno/Disco banger.

Big !

A big welcome to Pablo Say with his debut EP on Terminal M

Wait, what? A new Quince? Call the newspapers! It has been YEARS since the Dutch techno producer from Utrecht found the peace of mind to actually release something.

In fact, the Anthology of Interest EP on the illustrious NOWHERE series is his first proper record in eight years. His daytime job as a medic kept him rather occupied. You might remember those times when there was a pandemic around? We missed Quince, even though his sound is rather timeless.

Fluid Detroit infused techno with pulsating rhythms, alluring keyboard stabs and sultry basslines, like on Ghost In The Machine and the extremely funky The Butterjunk Effect.

Opening track Meanwhile has that hazy peak time feel you love so much while dancing with your eyes closed. But the winner of this very versatile EP may just be Space Pilot 3000. A futuristic and jumpy electro-track where the worlds of Drexciya and Juan Atkins collide in a blinding orange supernova. Can someone call a doctor!

Red Vinyl

Red Alert, the first Rave series release is a fact!! Florence based underground Buio Club owner Sour smashed it again! These tracks will get the crowd raving no matter where!

This 4 tracker will supply you with more acidic dancefloor fuel, that will keep the crowd (c)raving for more.

Originally released in 1993, this record is representative of the first steps towards what is now regarded as progressive trance yet still remaining very much faithful to the percussive fundamentals of house music with early tribal influences. This EP comes with 4 versions of the same production ranging from euphoric trancey no beat moments to full on percussive driven beats. This reissue is made in honor of the late Roby J. who participated in producing this project. Remastered for maximum output.

Thomas Schumacher returns to Electric Ballroom showcasing his trademark combination of high energy, no-nonsense Techno and standout

samples from his vinyl collection.

Limited 200 copies! Over 2 years from 1st release, finally new project is released from 'TC White' - a sub label of 'TH Pressing'
presided over by 'Tominori Hosoya'. This sequel to 'Warm Seasons EP' of the last time is a seasonable EP named 'Cold Days EP'
by Tominori Hosoya's main project - 'Tomi Chair'. A side tracks - Original and Orlando Voorn Mix of 'Tomi Chair - Winter'
released from Detroit Techno Hero - 'Orlando Voorn''s legendary 'Nightvision Records' label on digital. This time we release them
on vinyl. And B side has the new music 'Tomi Chair - Remorse'. Original Mix & brilliant house style remix by japanese house
maestro - Satoshi Fumi who is known his great releases on the world's top labels such as 'Bedrock Records', 'We Play House',
'King Street Sounds' etc... This 4 tracks are the first time on vinyl. Enjoy this deep & emotional 4 track EP!

Repress of 500 copies, initial copies on blood red transparent vinyl First in a series of 4 song samplers showcasing the talents of some of the most innovative producers of the moment. Cititrax: Tracks Volume One features Amato, an edgy new project brought to you by The Hacker, Tzusing, a young producer from China known for his hard-hitting L.I.E.S. releases, our beloved Berlin based former New Yorker An-i, and Oliver Ho's stunning Broken English Club. The overall sound can be described as modern, uncompromising and guttural. Each artist reinvents dance music by bringing their own unique vision to the floor.

We continue to dig into the archives to unleash the Bonzai sound on to a new generation of fans and stir up cherished memories for those that know. Bonzai Compilation III – Rave Nation first saw the light of day in 1994 on CD and showcased the talents of a fine roster of in-house artists who were churning out hit after hit. Despite only being two years old at the time, Bonzai Records had already taken the electronic dance music world by storm with previous comps proving hugely popular across Europe and continues to do so with enthusiasm to this day. For the vinyl collectors, we’ve selected and remastered 9 tracks off the original release from Aqua Contact, Techno Junkies, 3XXX, Dialectrum, Jones & Stephenson, Airplay, Bountyhunter, Yves Deruyter and B.W.P. Experiments along with a first-time-on-vinyl appearance for Yves Deruyter’s remix of La Sirena by Aqua Contact. This limited 2x12” presented in a gatefold sleeve with original artwork is the perfect curation, providing you with a mighty arsenal of weapons to unleash on the dance floor.

For our 38th release we are very happy to present, 'Momentum'. A various artist EP featuring four floor focused techno tracks from Operator (UK), A Thousand Details, Sone, and U-SRD. From the UK, Operator opens up the record with 'Enceladus Outpost', driving and mental per his trademark sound. Seattle artist Sone, continues the expansive, heady theme with 'Accretion'. On the flip side, Portuguese artist A Thousand Details, delivers the goods with Treyarch Sentient, raw and powerful. Lastly San Francisco duo U-SRD present 'Not Everything You See Is Real', pounding and stripped back.

REPRESS ON BLACK / GOLD VINYL

Asquith returns with another hi-NRG club destroyer. 'Let Me' EP is Asquith’s fourth release - another example of serious tekkers from the northern powerhouse. Written whilst travelling on a plane, it’s a clear homage to early UK rave and euphoric dance. Higher Power has already exercised the shutter lifting rights in the mighty Panorama Bar, while Terror Barrier is a nod to Happy Birthday era Modeselektor with that thumpin' 909 drum. Hoofin' kick drums and melodic xtc for the mind, killers breaks and rave ready artwork - Let Me will take you on a trip, heading right under the M25.

Etruria is ready to launch its new "Astral series", a new output of exploring the deeper shades of techno, new languages, new horizons.

debuting the series is the young french "Blicz" who brings a fresh take of modern techno with a 3 tracks ep.

"Terraforma" leads the EP with raw, ravy and percussive beats, reflecting Blicz vision of extreme techno,

while "greet earthlings" break beating the flip of the ep with an hip hop influence rhythmic, with an old school rave synth taking back to basics.

"New hope " closing the ep in a softer sentimental way of deep and percussive touches on a heavy low ends.

2023 repress

Imagine Apollo 13 mission commanded by Mika Vainio and ERP and you might get an idea of the intergalactic atmospherics crawling from the new Phi chapter. Slovenian minimalism afficionado Evano returns to Phi with an icy pulse that starts the electro romanticism on the first track and soon turns to hypnotic four to the floor pace. Atonal minimalism intensifies with the last two tracks but manages to make the vacuum of music space sound incredibly human.
Artwork by Maja Poljanc.

Another powerful release from the Exist Dance catalogue, pioneering and shaping the sound of the US early 90's rave scene. A 4 track EP by High Lonesome Sound System - yet another project by Tom Chasteen and Mike Kandel - with a collection of different mixes of “Waiting For the Lights”. Overall a mighty rollercoaster ride in breaky prowess, playful sample wealth and driving synth riffs. Putting the Amen break to unprecedented monumental grandiosities on the dancefloor. Especially with the meticulous mastering on behalf of Manmade mastering. Can't go wrong, buy on sight.

Ikävä Pii’s vinyl debut is a collection of three original songs, complemented with two recent remixes by Arif and Monty DJ. The three original works (Palau Figment, Rampage and La Conga Di Corto) are some of Ikävä Pii’s early productions – but were recovered in London between 2020 and 2021, to be released on Flippen Disks.

Opener Palau Figment is a dive into a non-chronological sonic archive, a reluctant visit of a time past. Its saturated, driving drum machine beat is hesitantly accompanied by floating synthesizer play and takes us right into dream-land, grounded by a mono bass line that throughout the song is joined by a doubling replica in stereo - a memory of itself if you will; A nostalgic narrative told by a hardly comprehensible voice, while “Rampage” does a good job shredding it it right up, exposing the distortion of memory in its growing destruction of it’s driving force, the synthesized string sound that is eventually rendered nearly unrecognizable.

This painful process of acknowledgement finds its cathartic reconciliation on the flip. “La Conga di Corto” combines the tropes of the A-side into an ecstatic 5 minutes of loopy, shifty drums and broken up synthesizers. Arif’s Woo Reduction keeps it’s titles promise, taking few elements from the original track into a minimal club track that will make dancefloors pause and bounce alike. Monty DJ’s Transformation Dub is a much less minimalistic approach, stacking layers of percussion on top of each other, shifting form constantly.

FR Fels and Interviews join forces for a collaborative 12” entitled The Adventures of Helmut Muten. Comprising four tracks, the duo navigate across genres with ease.

Opening the EP with the late night bloom of Passage, followed by the rollicking groove of Drift, the scuffed beats of V5000 and, closing procedures, the beatless, brooding 3 Years

Form and Function presents a compilation of 4 transcendent cuts with a different approach in mind. It marks the start of a new chapter where the label will focus on two styles. The Form series will have a diverse sound palette where the weird and beautiful come together. The Function series on the other hand have a focus on dancefloor orientated tracks. We kick off with this new trajectory with FORM001

For his very first solo and vinyl EP, the Parisian DJ and producer NTBR offers three energetic, melodic and banging tracks, the whole embellished by a remix from Julian Muller. This EP is also a milestone for Raise Records, the production of its first vinyl, after five projects released in less than a year and a half. With Raise 001, the label launches a new series of solo EPs in order to showcase
Raise Agency artists.

Mastering duality, NTBRs productions balance between two sides, ravy and melodic, raw and subtle. Recognized and played by several artists and promoters in the biggest festivals, NTBR has already been able to perform in many of the leading venues of the European techno scene such as Griessmuehle, Fold, Rex Club and many others.

Repress

After releasing strong tracks on Sonntag Morgen, Rapid Eye Movement and digitally on Planet Rhythm, Phara now delivers us 4 stunning tracks on vinyl. His versatile production approach results in a mesmerizing, pulsating and at times raw sounding EP. This 'Mind Inside EP' is definitely a release that's going to make some waves for this young artist.

The sixth release of Form and Function, is the second one of the Function series. This time it's Qindek who provides his debut EP on the label. 'Reach For The Cosmica' is a lovely journey through Qindek's world. It's the perfect combination of both abstract and functional. The weird meets the wonderful. The package is topped of by Setaoc Mass who does an incredible job remixing Takes A pad.

On the A-side, the first track is 'Climate Shift'. A track that tells a story through dubby elements and chords, backed by a powerful and thumping low end. A movement of continuous energy and subtle but noticeable changes which have an impact on the track as a whole can be seen as the precursor for cosmic endeavors.

Next up is 'Reach For The Cosmica', the second track of this release. It's an epitome of the soundtrack of traveling through space. The minimalist build up tells us about how the journey just started outside of the atmosphere, transitioning into more depth that has been inaugurated by a sound that is the sonic equal of the rocket engine. As the beginning journey develops, there are few sudden bursts of power, together with the presence of the perpetual powers that cause the final move to outer space.

The arrival in outer space brings us to the 3rd part of the release and the first track of the B-side. Setaoc Mass gives the EP it's the concluding boost that gives us that last drop of power before the arrival. Elements of the original are still to be found, whilst given a little twist and a lot more of dancefloor energy. All while keeping the pace up to enter the final chapter of the journey.

'Take A Pad' exactly asks us what we need to do. Finding the ultimate balance between speed while preserving the right amount of power, is how sub-bass is working in harmony with the percussive elements.

Space is calling upon us with delicate voices. A beautiful ending of a classy and well crafted EP by Qindek.

Rolando Simmons - a revered name in certain acidic circles - joins Utter for the 'Human Remains' EP, a wildly inventive 8-track adventure that deftly dabbles in rave, IDM, Techno and beyond in classic RS style. The project is the creative brainchild of Mattias Östling, who has been on a prolific production streak since the late 2000s, firstly under the name Trackermatte before settling into work under his current moniker.

This particular release is a missing puzzle-piece of sorts, compiled and sequenced by Utter's Alex Egan from a self-released digital collection titled 'Human Touch' which initially surfaced on Bandcamp during the producer's golden 2016 'Walk On Strawberries' and 'World Building' era.

'Human Touch' was a curious selection of unmastered oddities - the first Östling made using audio signal processing environment Cecilia5 - which remained largely overlooked due to its digital limbo. The tracklist itself shifted, with bonus tracks appearing then disappearing. While the excellent Dutch label 030303 cherry-picked the original version of the title track for a 2019 2xLP of the same name, the rest of the material remained frustratingly unavailable on vinyl and elsewhere, including the elusive bonus track which prompted Egan to reach out to Östling in the first place, the stunning 'sq1_mc4_iloveu03a_149unedit'.

That track is firmly at the core of this new EP, under its new title 'Nueva Traditional', as well as the alternative CV Beszállás edit of 'Human Touch'. They are surrounded by every other un-pilfered gem that originally appeared alongside them - however briefly - with all material freshly mastered and cut by Anne Taegert at D&M. The artwork and large fold-out poster (included with the 12") were designed by the Timpani Mystique Agency.

No stone left unturned!

coloured vinyl

Newest Ruffneck Prime (DJ Ruffneck) at his own label - a great hardtechno banger!! Available on limited coloured vinyl!!

Support from: SNTS, Richie Hawtin, Esther Duijn, Paula Temple, Dax J, Jerome Keys, Vishscale, Edo Messina, Obscur Antism, Joseph Capriati, Rats On Acid, D.A.V.E. The Drummer, DJ Scot Project, DJ Hellraiser, Jack Wax, DJ Wank and more !!

12" (180g) with color jacket. 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. The upcoming record is live recordings from that tour and will be our 2nd series of "Axis Audiophile Series" with HD sound. 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. The upcoming record is live recordings from that tour and will be our 2nd series of 'Axis Audiophile Series' with HD sound.

A superb Ep dedicated to Rubick mr Mad Dog who recently passed away. RIP.

The First Release from Mtkvarze Records (MTKV001) brings together three of the most interesting Producers from the Mtkvarze club’s 2023 season. on A1 first track is from Sohrab, Mtkvarze’s Resident Artist now based in London, known as a truly gifted Producer with his hard-wired ability for dark melodic flair. The second track is crafted by one of the brightest Producers from Tbilisi, - Cobert, who has released almost 10 vinyl on labels such as Minibus, Amazing Stories, Partisan, 3n0 Records, Mung Records and Casa Voyager. The B side contains two tracks from Levan Grdzelidze, the mastermind behind the independent label Glispy Records, which has quickly gained recognition since its establishment back in 2021 and has already published six releases.

ALIEN D aka Daniel Creahan is a staple in the NYC underground. He co-runs SWEAT EQUITY and is one half of DEKALB WORKS. For this EP, he’s cooked up 4 heady dance floor churners that draw influence from many points along the UK hardcore continuum and US tech-tonic landscape. These cuts are applicable and psychedelically functional for all times of the night. Early support and play by CCL, AceMo, Miley Serious, 2Lanes, Wngdu, Devoye, Ru, Masha, Mazewski, and Furtive.

“Dream Burner'' opens up with a tantalizing, syncopated kick, a rim-shot rhythm, and a brain-scratching zoom…it starts out tiptoeing around the 4/4 and then fully gives the four only to end back where the track started…presenting you with the Beat in between the downs and ups. “Spicy Action” is the perfect mix of chill and party…dubbed-out breaks and synth stabs laced over traveling bass drum patterns. No seatbelts in this cruiser, so hang tight!

Flip to the B side. “Party Glitters” is a sunrise outdoor rave anthem. Blissed out techno breaks for the long-haulers. At 8 minutes and some change, this is one you’ll want to let work its own magic…it’s a goer! “Sunrise Deli” ends the EP with tangible optimism, the power of the kinship found at a solid rave. Lush synths ease in more brain-tingling techno percussion and bring the EP to a bright close.

300 copies pressed worldwide. Don’t sleep on this one.

Shortly after the thrilling bombs he dropped on Funky Shirts Records, Keymono undertook a new series of experiments resulting in the exhilarating and unapologetic “Piano Jams & Acid Leaks EP”, a powerful reaction of keyboards, synthesised chemicals and solid 4-on-the-floor beats. From vivacious house flavours to deep, soulful vibrations, this all-rounder marks the embarkment in a vigorous adventure carried by the newborn label Monocturne.

In this first issue:
- A1 will cause immediate physical sensations as well as a giggly and animated mood.
- A2 will deliver stimulative, energising cerebral and body effects with proven medicinal properties known for treating dance anxiety.
- B1, an unknown crossing intended for subtle head high, will provide both functional relaxation and a late-night buzz.
- B2 is a mentally uplifting hybrid which will rapidly spread to your inner soul while causing turbulent vibrations on your hips and feet.

return_backspace is excited beyond measure to present to the world the music of a young marco repetto.
conceived during the heydays of atari-sequencing, under his beloved moniker planet love, the bern-residing, italian producer at long last will disclose some of his earliest compositions

Dutch duo Abstract Division (aka Paul Boex and Dave Miller) present 'Aftermath EP', a four track package due *release date* on the eponymous imprint from Milan based collective Just This. Featured in the release are remixes from Peter Van Hoesen and VRIL. Title track is a subtle dancefloor killer with funky cyclic rhythms and peculiar harmonies, followed by 'Isolated', a subdued yet dizzying dose of syncopated drums and crystalline melodic inflections. For his interpretation of 'Isolated', VRIL mutates the stripped back hypnotism of the original into a maximal, angular workout, whilst Peter Van Hoesen focuses on the dizzying loops of the original, repurposing them into an immersive spiral of funk driven techno. 'Aftermath EP' fuses elements of ambient and soulful techno for an understated but powerful package.