Nx1 At Juno Download

Review: With releases to his credit on his own NX and Svreca's Semantica label, it's fair to say that Spanish producer Joan Sureda's star is in the ascent. DR EP won't do his reputation any harm either, especially as the doubled up tribal beats and whooshing filter on the title track sound refreshing and effective when compared to the droning, Gothic indulgences many producers have fallen foul of. The label has put together an impressive set of remixes: Victor Martinez doesn't stray far from the original version but toughens up the beats, while label boss Paul Boex delivers a version marked by tonal bleeps and repetitive industrial riffs. The best remix though is Aiken's, whose surging chords and infectious cowbells make for a curious but compatible combination

Review: Across their releases for esteemed labels like Semantica, Modularz and their own eponymous imprint, NX1 have shown themselves to masters of the kind of throbbing techno so beloved of producers like Function and Developer, and their latest release sees them arrive on M_Rec with four of their most devastating productions to date. Keeping their track titles typically brief, they opt to use the "MR" prefix this time round; "MR1" rolls forward with the inevitability of an out of control juggernaut, as pulsing bass slips between clattering percussion, while "MR2" offers abstract modular noise in conjunction with Fachwerk-style house touches. "MR3" offers a rasping bass and tumbling rhythm akin to Shifted's recent OCS banger "Chapter", while "MR4" combines subtly swung yet whiplash-inducing percussion with an ominous sequence of swelling chords and abstract drones.

Review: Joan 'Suri' Sureda unveils his latest recording project, which draws heavily on the influence of purist, austere techno sources. "001" starts the EP off in rumbling, menacing mode, as a wobbly bass and an off-beat rhythm underpin firing percussion and a euphoric chord sequence that spirals its way to a heady climax. "002" is somewhat more subdued as its wobbling, liquid bass underscores rich chords and militaristic, doubled up claps power the arrangement along. However, neither track can prepare the listener for "003". More slamming and based on a straight rhythm, Sureda's surging, building chords and nagging, hissing hats guarantees its place in peak-time sets. File somewhere between Sleeparchive, Sandwell District and Rob Hood.

Review: This second release by the anonymous NX1 is all about keeping it simple. "004" starts off with hazy, dubby effects before progressing into a hissing, driving techno track. "005" gets to the point faster, with rattling percussion pitted against a massive filter and heavy beats supporting the straightforward yet effective interplay between both elements. Finally, "006" opts for a similar approach; the groove is rolling, the filters twist and turn at every possible moment and the relentless, chain mail percussion ensures that the arrangement will have the requisite effect on peak-time dance floors. It's functional techno with style and grace.

Review: Joan Sureda delivers three more peerless, pure techno cuts for his NX1 label. Eschewing titles and concepts in favour of advanced sound design and thought-provoking sounds, he hits the target each time. "03 007" is a hypnotic affair, reminiscent of 90s labels like Pure Plastic or A13. A resonating chord is set to heavy claps and heaving drums, while the ticking metal bead percussion provides an extra layer of movement. "008" is more upfront and abrasive, with a surging bassline and a slamming rhythm also underpinning chords, albeit more intense ones than on the previous track. Finally, "009" is an ambient affair that flows and ebbs in an evocative manner.

Review: Spanish duo Samot & Surit aka NX1 continue their deep dance floor techno mission on NX1 04. Like its predecessors, the fourth instalment is all about fusing esoteric, soft-focus elements with robust, rhythmic elements. "NX1_04-010" sets the tone for the release, its eerie filters and spacey breakdowns unfolding over sharp, metallic rhythms and heavy beats. "NX1_04-011" is more moody, with grey scale textures combined with a bleeding acid line and a slamming rhythm, while "NX1_04-011 " brings the release to a fitting climax. There, the kicks are heavier, the percussion more firing and even the chords resonate with a darker intent.