Back Catalogue

Review: Orca Recordings' fifth releases sees Canadian producer XI return to the label's fold. "Immunity" sees the producer confidently experimenting with a slower tempo than we've previously seen him attempt, with a track that combines a house groove with a UK garage swing, combining lush auburn tones and sinister bass in a way similar to countryman Kevin McPhee. "Squeeze" on the other hand is a quicker affair, combining crackly drums, booming bass and airy melodies that recall the lighter end of the Berghain sound. On the strength of this release XI is heading for big things, and is certainly one to keep an eye on in 2012.

Review: Summer's coming and Manchester producer xxxy has decided to have it. Big time. An excellent and vital producer, who's been impressing hugely over the last year with mixes on Fortified Audio and Ten Thousand Yen, xxxy steps away from his more woozy bass mode on "Everything", which simply leaps out on first listen thanks to a Chicago-esque vocal chopped up anthemically yet tastefully over some hands-in-the-air Juno stabs and jacking drums. Trust us, this is going to be huge. Up next, "I Know This (Can't Be Love) is pretty essential too, thanks to an unlikely mix of acid basslines and pitched-up vocals. Hugely recommended all round.