Clone Classic Cuts Holland At Juno Download

Review: It's been a while since Clone dipped into the archives and re-released a long-forgotten classic. Here, they revisit Clio's "Eyes", a curious Italo-disco classic from 1984 that sounds like a long lost Bobby Orlando production (for the record, it isn't (it just bears similar sonic hallmarks). As well as the superb, tongue-in-cheek original, the package also includes the Paris Version - yep, sung in French - the vocal-less dub and a spiralling re-edit from new school Italo producer Bottin. Cheap, cheerful and very, very good - a refreshing blast of original European dancefloor flavour.

Review: There's a reason that Drexciya are considered by many to be the most influential of all Detroit techno and electro acts. Aside from their addictive combination of mysticism and mystery, Gerald Donald and James Stinson made fabulous music - genuinely otherworldly electronic compositions that have stood the test of time. Whether you're a confirmed fan or Drexciyan novice, Journey Of The Deep Sea Dweller should be essential listening. The first of four collections of classic material to be released by Clone, it gathers together their brilliant early '90s works in newly remastered form. Bristling with raw analogue funk and far-sighted techno, it's a timely reminder of their immense talents. Simply essential.

Review: Following the first installment of Journey Of The Deep Sea Dweller, Clone delves back into Drexciya's archives for the follow-up. Like the first release, the Dutch label has been granted access to tracks from the Detroit duo's earlier releases, including Bubble Metropolis and The Unknown Aquazone, which fetch hundreds of pounds online. Journey Of The Deep Sea Dweller 2 is also fascinating for the way that Clone have curated and programmed it. "High Tide", from the ultra-rare, shamelessly expensive Uncharted EP issued on Somewhere in Detroit in 1997 kick-starts the release in abrasive mode as yelping analogue riffs and rolling snares rush in over a malevolent, insistent bass. And despite all the music media's talk and pontificating about Drexciya testing the boundaries of electronic music, invading our subconscious and bringing us to new worlds, it should not be forgotten that they were also entertainers par excellence. Even at their most obtuse, on the dystopian synths of "Unknown Journey", the duo were sneaking in EBM basslines and memorable hooks. It's a similar story on the squelchy P-funk of "Danger Bay" (also from Bubble Metropolis), which features a brilliant but daft 'ha ha ha ha' male vocal sample and "Dead Man's Reef" (from 1997's The Quest), with its mock-horror riffs unfolding over phased hats and murderous bass. The other misconception about Donald and Stinson was that they were merely an electro act. The warped, low-slung minimal techno of "Bang Bang" replete with mock robo vocals dispels this myth - and could be the sleazy counterpoint to DBX's pure minimalism - as does "Davy Jones Locker" (from 1996's True People: The Detroit Techno Album). With its warped bass and mysterious piano lines, the lithe rhythms seem to cruise in a space between Detroit electro and UK jungle. The tendency to inhabit these grey areas is also audible on "Journey Home", taken from the eponymous 1995 EP for Warp. On that occasion however, Drexciya push towards a 4/4 arrangement with their warm low ends and woozy synths making for one of the most nakedly emotive and personal takes on Detroit techno. In case the listener is in any doubt about Stinson and Donald's mastery of many sounds, the beautiful "Neon Falls", with its dreamy synth hooks and innate fragility brings this second installment of Journey Of The Deep Sea Dweller to a close. Forget the hype, myths and half-truths surrounding Drexciya; just drop the needle on the record and dive straight in.

Review: Few electronic acts could easily sustain three expansive 'best of' compilations, but then Detroit techno-electro fusionists Drexciya weren't your average electronic artists. In the space of little more than 12 EPs and a handful of albums, released in a ten-year burst between 1992 and 2002, James Stinson and Gerald Donald did more to push electronic music forwards than many of their Motor City peers. This third retrospective in Clone's excellent Journey of the Deep Sea Dweller series expands on the first two volumes, swimming between atmospheric IDM ("Aqua Worm Hole", "Vampire Island"), balls-deep techno workouts ("Nautilus", "Intensified Magnetron") and shimmering future electro (the futuristic Kraftwerk vibes of "Aquabahn").

Review: Clone's Classic Cuts reissue label has long been exploring the farthest-flung reaches of early Chicago house, unearthing little-known gems and giving them the remix treatment. Here, they breathe new life into a real lost classic - an early production from future DJ International star Sterling Void, originally produced (but never officially released) in 1988. It's pretty deep stuff - a kind of wonky mix of pleasingly E'd-up synth riffs, Mr Fingers grooves and jack-not-jack percussion. Despite its vintage, "Serve It Up" still sounds fresh and futuristic - a testament to Void's production and a sympathetic remaster. Steve Summers provides a pair of fine remixes, both of which sharpen the original without losing any of its rush-inducing late night charm.