Review: Following on from his contribution to the recent label compilation, Hollden delivers a full-on solo release for Second State. The release starts in dramatic fashion on "Slacker", where dramatic chord stabs billow and build over peak time kicks. While "Physical Provider" is less intense, it still creates a sense of drama thanks to its steely rhythm and dramatic synth builds. At the other end of the spectrum there's "Dandelion Mine", where Hollden delivers a deeper but still dance floor-focused dub techno workout. The Portuguese artist changes gears again on "Garrote", and layers noisy analogue tones and menacing chords over a dense wall of steely percussion.
Review: The latest compilation on Second State looks to Europe and beyond to deliver a diverse range of contemporary techno tracks. The dance floor highlights on SUM 10 vary from the tangled acid of Yotam Avni's "Afrika Salam" to the dense loop techno of Tahko's "Relieved" and Kai van Dongen's "Hypno 5". However, it's not all about club-focused material, and Mistake Made drop the atmospheric break beats of "Othau", while Indira Paganotto explores a similar, albeit more stripped back sound on "Katsumi". SUM 10 also sees the label branch out into an ethereal direction, thanks to the vocal-led groove of Giorgia Angiuli & Boston 168's "Entrainment".
