Kirk Degiorgio At Juno Download

Review: As something of a mainstay in the more upbeat and classy end of techno, UK don Kirk Degiorgio is always a safe bet for a robust, streamlined cut. With both mixes of "Divine Logic" he stays true to form, letting the arpeggios lead the way in a warm and embracing 'Main Mix', but it's the 'Dub Mix' that lights a fire under the same refrain and imbues the idea with a sense of urgency. Immaculately presented, pumping in all the right places and packed full of old-skool charm, this is everything you would hope for from a Degiorgio release. Recommended.

Review: Kirk Degiorgio makes his Rush Hour debut with "Ripple Effect". The title track sprinkles beautiful and elegant electronic liquid textures over some tasty beats and B side "Time Spins" takes on a futuristic sound, utilising big kicks and rhythmic snyth lines. Future electro tech at its best from Kirk Degiorgio here!

Review: The man sometimes known as As One or Esoterik (to name just a few of his many alter egos) returns with the Swarm EP, bringing his truckload of influences and experience with him. His A.R.T label (Applied Rhythmic Technology) has previously released early work by legendary artists like Aphex Twin and Carl Craig, and this release won't damage that lofty reputation one bit.

As a former soul-boy and rare groover, Degiorgio brings something different to his Detroit-leaning Techno excursions, as seen on A Way of Life which combines beautifully arpeggiated keys and life-affirming chords to keep you locked in the for the ride. While A Way of Life is an airy cosmic odyssey, Swarm is heavier and more pumping, with some dark textures laid over a driving beat that'll keep the floor working easily. Final track Distant Realm keeps the hi-hats high and adds some distantly modulating pads for texture, all the while keeping the vibe peak-time and club friendly. It's obvious that a journeyman of Degiorgio's calibre has picked up some tricks over the years, but when it sounds as good as this, it's almost as though he's showing off.

Review: One of the most positive developments in contemporary techno is the resurgence of Kirk Degiorgio's ART label - and this release completes the 90s revival, welcoming long-absent producer Ian O'Brien back. "Promenade Eleven" bears little resemblance to the jazz-not-techno approach O'Brien was exploring a decade ago, but its jerky Detroit rhythms, neat claps and chiming bells do bring with them a deep musicality that has long been O'Brien's underlying signature. Degiorgio's take features a more brittle rhythm to begin with, but the heavy claps signal a ramping up of intensity and the arrangement's groove assumes epic proportions soon afterwards. Finally, newcomer The Third Man takes a stab, and his scuffled beats and brooding organ solos bring an element of new school restraint to the release.