Collection: Techno / Minimal / Electro

Released via Underground Resistance in 1993, Black Moon Rising by Scan-7, helmed by Trackmaster Lou and featuring The Elohim, remains a quintessential Detroit techno classic. This electrified motor city soul and funk masterpiece is now reissued for the first time in 31 years, maintaining its power to ignite dancefloors and alter minds. The title track, 'Black Moon Rising,' achieves a perfect balance with its crisp Detroit techno sounds tempered by melancholic synths and melodies, creating an uplifting effect amidst the edgier releases of its time. The lo-fi production adds to its unique charm, making it a standout. 'Pathway Through Time' and 'Introducing Scan-7' continue to push boundaries with their innovative sounds. 'System Work' stands out with its quirky, driving melody and out-of-phase vocals, propelling the track forward with relentless energy. Black Moon Rising embodies the essence of techno, with synth stabs, acid leads and a robust bassline, making it a timeless release that remains influential in the techno scene.

When the original version of this two-tracker originally appeared in early 1993, CJ Bolland was at the peak of his powers, spearheading a new wave of Belgian techno producers associated with Ghent's soon-to-be-legendary R&S Records offshoot. His stock, and that of his contemporaries, has risen again in recent times - hence this useful reissue. 'Camargue' was, like the second track on this 12", co-produced by British producer (and Advent member) Cisco Ferreira. Rich in jumpy organ riffs, saucer-eyed motifs, sweeping synth-strings and bounding beats, it's tech-trance from a point when trance was not the commercial beast it would later become. Flip-side 'Tokyo' adds Japanese-influenced melodies and sparkling electronic motifs to a typically Belgian 'Hoover' bassline and storming techno beats. Like 'Camargue', it's breathlessly brilliant.

The Gospel According to Victor (TGAV) kicks off its inaugural transmission on wax with an EP of driving, timeless, yet modern house music from label-owner, Tro.

Inspired by a cryptic, otherworldly occurrence in Toronto in the summer of 2023, TGAV001 sees the enigmatic Berlin-based producer present the gospel of his musical sensibilities: four slices of dancefloor-oriented mind-music, seamlessly blending novel sound design techniques with hypnotic grooves reminiscent of 90s tech-house / minimal nostalgia.

Source 02 makes the first time stepping out on wax for Lorenzo Batlle, the latest signing to emergent Uruguay label New Source. At a time when club music from the Southern Hemisphere is finally getting a little more shine, it's exciting to catch up on fresh talent bringing a different slant to the techno blueprint. There's a whiff of the spooky, schlocky sound you might hear on labels like Eya, but other melodic nuances and rhythmic tricks mark Batlle's sound out as his own. Rich, full-bodied productions that will absolutely work it in the dance - get some insight into what's coming out of Uruguay and bring something a little different to your set.

Z@p has been part of the Uruguayan techno revolution for several years, making his mark over here in Europe and in turn sending a spotlight back to his homeland. This time out he lands on the Montevideo Electric Recordings label with four more of his stylish and deep cuts. 'Submarino' kicks off with slow, sludgy electronics and before thumping kicks drive things onwards beneath skewed acid. 'Sensations' is a more bouncy affair with a rising tension that hurries you along and keeps you on edge before 'The Box' blends acid and minimal into an impactful arrangement that never lets up. 'Frank 717' rounds out with the most punchy kicks and sleek synths of all.

Polarity keeps on the early pressure and quality it has shown over its first few releases with another searing EP that is aimed square at the floor. A quarter of different artists contribute to the '4 Intense Stories EP' and Giuseppe Angeloro opens up in bristling fashion with 'Sequenza Libera' a coarse acid workout. Cedric Dekowski's 'Roayal' has a more trippy take on techno with its unusual sci-fi energy and Luca Piermattei's 'Aerial Silk' has you in freefall as the synth sequences ride up and down the scale over mechanical beats. Thilo Dietrich shits down with a nice techno stomper with plenty of warped lines.

Che dropped this x-rated EP back in 1994 with production from the one and only Mr Fingers himself. It came with a warning about the scene expressed in the recording being "a fantasy in the age of promiscuity" and advice to "always wear a condom''. The four cuts are hardcore deep house with classic Heard synths and chords which originally came with four mixes on Trackmode Recordings. They are all included next to a newly unearthed version from the archives of Alleviated and each of them hits a super sweet spot where cosmic pads and dynamic drums meet in harmony under the sleazy vocals.

The unstoppable and always innovative Derek Carr returns with a new outing on Trident that is as potent as thew UK's weapon defensive system of the same name. It kicks off with the bumping beats and vamping chords of 'Ill Met By Moonlight"' then takes in 'Skeksis II' which is a more brain frying and acid laced techno cut. There is a super sweet garage feel and soulful house edge to the liquid grooves of 'Going Thru Life' then 'Nod' shuts down with some Detroit style hi-tek soul to round out Carr's most diverse and effective EP for a while.

Exarde clocks up its 15th outing here with another bit of brilliantly direct to dancefloor techno tackle from Zuul. There is a sense of celestial mystery to his opener 'The Devil's Wanted In Here' in the chrome-plated melodies while the drums are pure electro-funk. 'Phazer Quest' ups the ante with some prickly acid spraying about the face of the silvery metallic drums and sustained chords and moon the flip comes the rasping bass and slapping drum funk of 'Talkatron' while a more circuitous route is taken by the searching synths of closer 'Nieur Acid.'.