Audio At Juno Download

Review: It doesn't seem so long since the last album from serial badman Audio but lo and behold he brings us something new to soothe the soul on Ed Rush & Optical's legendary Virus Recordings. "Soulmagnet" is every inch the killer tech-stepping, neurofunk-mashing collection of tracks one might expect. After the intro "Fringe", we are treated to an array of dark, twisted flavours. Particular highlights include "Creature Comforts" with its stuttered, punchy kicks; the epic "Point Of No Return" and of course the title track itself "Soulmagent" with its driving, tech-y energy.

Review: Audio stunned us with his Genesis Device LP on Ed Rush & Optical's influential techstep label, Virus, last October and now he returns with the follow up EP - four equally superb techno infused sci-fi bangers. Brutally industrial from the off, "The Journey (Part 2)" kicks things off with driving bass and taught synths; "Sanctum" blends sci-fi samples with raw, tough rowdiness; "Prototype" strips it back to bleeps and military drum rolls before dropping into a chaotic Noisia-meets-Spor-meets-Current Value-style frenzy. Final track "Vega" completes the EP. Outstanding.