This Week

Played by: Juno Recommends Breakbeat

Played by: DJ Mau Mau, Juno Recommends Electro, Sikka

Review: Sonic Transmutations serves as a sonic odyssey commemorating the remarkable three-decade legacy of Clone Records. Celebrating its 31st year, echoing the Dutch national telephone code, and this 33-track mega-comp unites seasoned maestros with rising trailblazers, taking in a swathe of cuts from names like Aleksi Perala, DJ Sotofett and Dopplereffekt to John Heckle and his Head Front Panel project, Privacy, Steffi, Ryan James Ford and more. Dedicated at large to the electro genre, it's taken some three decades to bring this collection to life, standing as a testament to Clone's enduring musical legacy and unwavering commitment to exploring new sounds and structures. Extra tips include cuts from Legowelt, Keith Tucker's K1 project and Convextion's legendary E.R.P alias. Mega drop.

Played by: Juno Recommends Bass, Luun (Locus Sound)

Review: Long live team Alpha Pup, an excellently organised project that have moved onto the third edition of their epic '20/20' compilation series, exploring the most lethal reaches of underground bass music. Featuring hard hitting originals from the likes of Ivy Lab, Dismantle, Rocks FOE, Bakey and more, it's clear that the team have gone all out on this collection, with sounds ranging as wide as the hardcore inspired mysticism of 'Naananaana' from Rohaan, to the industrial techno-flavours of Ila Brugal's 'Cynical'. The whole project packs a punch, but our highlights would have to include both the intense metallic madness of Deft's 'OKURTHEEXPERT', alongside Manni Dee's monstrous 'Wet Slide' creation. Top work all around!

Played by: Dejan (SE)

Played by: Juno Recommends Breakbeat, Juno Recommends Electro

Review: It's always a pleasure to see Gutterfunk back in business, with this new four tracker from Protect Ryan being a welcome addition to their innovative catalogue of underground dance music. We are introduced to the project with 'DJ Weddings & Receptions', a glorious mix and match of nostalgic chord pumps, scattered rhythms and moogy bass pulses, injecting an overdose of energy right from the jump. Next, the sweeping pads and again lively breaks designs on 'Contact' give us a much more typical breakbeat roller, before 'Habitual Stepper' showcases some of the tightest drum processing we have heard in a hot minute, as we hear rhythmic mastery on display. Finally, a much more uncouth addition as 'Fleshlights (Bang Right?)' unleashes a furious display of choppy breaks and acidic synthesis, giving the EP a final touch of unorthodox flavour to round it off with a bang.

Review: The Occupants series is a split release project from Science Cult, the label that artists like Carl Finlow, Cygnus and Umek's Zeta Reticula project all call home. This first volume covers electro, but in the broadest sense. Thee J Johanz' "Woodpecker" is an acid-fried break beat track. At the other end of the spectrum, Aura Nox's "Mutiny On The Voyage To Azimut" sees the Science Cult artist voyage to the sound's outer limits. Remaining in that space is Blixaboy's dub-tinged "Bushido Initiative". St. Theodore presents a more ominous sound on "No Future", an arrangement that is led by a punishing sub-bass, and for a pure futuristic hit, it is hard to better the skeletal rhythms of Arsonist Recorder's "Heat Seek".

Played by: Juno Recommends Minimal Tech

Review: Four One Eye Witness favourites come together in a powerful display of collective talent on their latest record, showcasing a diverse range of styles and influences. Priori, Eversines, O'FortyFour, and Reflex Blue combine forces to deliver a dynamic and captivating experience. From Priori's hypnotic trance-inducing rhythms to Eversines' buoyant homage to early '90s acid house, each track offers a unique sonic journey. O'FortyFour hits out with some rude and elasticated energy, while Reflex Blue channels Motor City hydraulics and Drexciyan-indebted machine funk inspirations. Can I get a witness!

Played by: CC:DISCO!

Played by: Juno Recommends Electro

Played by: Juno Recommends Deep House

Review: "Nu Groove Edits, Vol 1" pays tribute to the iconic NYC record label that has enchanted music enthusiasts for generations. This release features a curated selection of tracks expertly reimagined by contemporary industry figures and celebrated curators, putting a well-deserved spotlight on the artists who shaped Nu Groove into a cherished and influential force within the music world. At the forefront of this compilation is Rheji Burrell, the champion of the quintessential New York house sound. Alongside his twin brother Rhano, the Burrell brothers played a pivotal role in shaping and defining the signature Nu Groove sound. Under various monikers, four of which are featured here, they left an indelible mark on the label and the house music scene at large. The journey begins with Bruise, aka Christian Campbell, an underground pioneer, taking on Burrell's 'Secret Code' released under his Jazz Documents alias. This re-edit breathes new life into the track, infusing it with contemporary energy while retaining the essence of its original form. Next up, the anonymous Berlin duo Acid Jerks tackle the deep house gem 'Tech Trax Inc.' by the eponymous pseudonym. Their re-edit embraces the essence of the original track, enhancing its hypnotic qualities and taking listeners on a mesmerizing journey through pulsating rhythms and immersive soundscapes. House purist Phil Weeks works his magic on Houz' Neegroz's 'All Night Long,' featuring vocals from Quiana. Weeks' rework showcases his dedication to preserving the soulful essence of the original, infusing it with his signature touch and creating a dancefloor-ready anthem that pays homage to the roots of house music. Rounding out this diverse collection of reimagined tracks, the unstoppable production duo of Honey Dijon and Luke Solomon takes on the iconic 'APT. 2A,' originally released by Burrell as N.Y. House'n Authority. Their reimagining of this legendary piece is a celebration of the past, present, and future, encapsulating the enduring legacy of Nu Groove.

Played by: Juno Recommends Minimal Tech

Review: Tunik makes a bold statement with A New Dawn on Dekmantel, showcasing his distinctive strain of jacking drum machine electro-techno. Emerging in 2020 with notable releases on My Own Jupiter and Furthur Electronix, this Barcelona-based, Argentina-born artist spreads his wings once more. Its five tracks effortlessly melds influences from 80s synth-pop, early 00s electro noir, and sleek modern techno, resulting in harmonically rich tunes that evoke both emotions and dancefloor intrigue. From the melancholic chimes of "New Dawn Fades" to the electro lament of "The Aeon" and the punchy rave energy of "Electro 01," Tunik's finely honed studio prowess, and Dekmantel's ever current curatorial, continues to shine.

Played by: Juno Recommends Electro, Juno Recommends Footwork/Juke

Review: Detroit electro icon DJ Godfather returns this week with the latest release on his ever reliable Databass imprint. "Hold Up" is next in a series of 11 EPs and sees him collaborate with Chicago booty bass pioneer DJ Deeon. This is the guy who laid down the foundations for what Godfather would soon expand upon with his explorations in the 'ghettotech' sound. Needless to say, the results make for one seriously down and dirty dancefloor workout. Elsewhere, the hi-tech soul beats of "Let's Talk Some Jit" equally satisfies, as does the emotive mood music of "Shake Them" and the in-your-face bass attack of closing cut "Squo?"

Played by: Harry Romero

Review: Here we have some recent recordings from veteran Detroit electro heroes Aux 88. Traditional electro is typically the order of the day here which, when produced with such aplomb as is here, not necessarily a bad thing. "Pocket Radio" is clearly indebted to Kraftwerk, with Autobahn-esque rolling bleeps that give way to a lovely and unexpected bassline halfway through. "Electro Slaves" is killer horror electro that could be Heinrich Muller at his finest as could be "If Am Was FM". Lastly, "Lock Groove", updates the sound somewhat with breakbeats and acidic squelches.

Played by: Juno Recommends Electro

Played by: Juno Recommends Electro

Review: The Dirty Rave Kitchen crew have pulled together a very tasty box of treats with this latest compilation drop as the second edition of their 'UNIVERSAL BREAKS' series sees them unleash naught but havoc. Featuring fifteen fiery originals and the likes of ALT SHIFT, SKIN TEETH, WeZ WhaTevR, Afghan Headspin and more, this is definitely a collection we would recommend taking in across a long form listening format. However, if we were to unleash our highlights, the pure ferocity of Paul Bassrock & WoTeR's 'In A World Where Music Had No Future', the abstract melodic pulses of 'OnDaMike's 'The Hills' and the glitching synthetic befuddlement of Tommy Lee Bones's 'Stalker Blocker' would be our primary jump outs.

Review: To mark the fiftieth release on his label, Moustache boss David Vunk teams up with Tafkamp. Inspired by Chicago house and electro, this three-tracker has a definite dance floor focus. "The Jacker" is a relentless percussive workout. Powered by rolling snares and featuring repetitive vocal loops, it's in the same vein as the output on Crème Organization's Jak offshoot. "Acid Party" has a more club techno focus, but even here, Vunk and Tafkamp populate its robust groove with spiralling acid lines. The sound of the 303 is also audible on "Interzone" - on this occasion, it unravels over an old school electro rhythm as the pair reach for the heights again.

Played by: S-File, Juno Recommends Electro

Played by: Pete Herbert, Juno Recommends Electro, Rayko

Played by: Juno Recommends Electro

Review: Following last year's Miami bass-focused release , Dynamik Bass System returns to Robotmachine. Focused on synergies between European and Detroit electro variants, the compilation starts with the vocodered funk of "Light Up The Dark". A more introspective take on the sound is audible on the dramatic synths of "Fade Into Oblivion" and the title track, where a warbling bass is paired with eerie melodies. On "The Infinite Void", Dynamik Bass System's focus switches to an 80s sound - with high-pitched vocoders combined with an electro funk bass - while he mines a similar period for the melancholic synth pirouettes of "The Cosmos Is Indifferent".

Played by: Juno Recommends Electro

Played by: Damo B (Outta Limits)

Review: Amentec have done a great job in assembling this top level collection of new school breakbeat action, welcoming no less than 14 artists inside across 13 hard hitting creations. The exciting thing about the project is that it leaves no breaks-inspired stone unturned, featuring the likes of Sound Synthesis, Inkipak, DAWL, Flatliner and more. From the intense, arcade style arrangements of Sub Oscillator's 'Ketzer' remix from Difool, to the more abstract acidity of Bobo's bulging 'Club Proxima', we see such an exciting range on display. Our highlights therefore have to include both the classy club-ready bops of Ova Doce's 'Keep On', next to the cloud-lining euphoria of MOY's 'Jovian Sunrise'. A truly top quality collection.

Played by: Fort Knox Five, Juno Recommends Breakbeat

Review: What an exciting project this was too open up as we see Tom Booze touch down on Bomb Strikes with a truly explosive compilation, hand-curated for maximum sonic impact. From start to finish this collection showcases the very best of the now in new school breakbeat, from the Asian-inspired string plucks of Lack Jemmon's 'Don't Stop' to the more dubstep inspired twists and grooves of YGT YGT YGT from Posij and the sizzling synthetics of The Funk Hunters & Kotek's rework of 'With You', originally from Haywyre'. The project is jam-packed with exciting creations, with heavyweights such as Krafty Kuts, PAV4N, A.Skillz, Fort Knox Five & more all providing hard hitting drops to make this one of the most powerful breakbeat compilations of the year.

Played by: Juno Recommends Electro

Played by: Juno Recommends Electro

Played by: DJ Mau Mau, Juno Recommends UK Hardcore

Played by: Juno Recommends Breakbeat, Juno Recommends Electro, Nala, Petko Turner

Review: Whenever we see the Dirtybird US logo appear in the store we know we are likely in for one hell of a ride, as they this time welcome the combined flavours of Nala & Nikki Nair inside for a beautiful two-track display. Following on from a blippy introduction, jam-packed with glitchy pad textures and synthetic dives, 'The World Is Always Ending' evolves into a custom-built breaksy barricade-buster, pulsing it's way through your speaker system with a combination of purposeful distortion and chilling vocal displays, giving the whole arrangement a very well thought out feel. On the flip, we take in the acidic drips and potent electronic landscapes of 'Escape', a very enjoyable back up bubbler that serves as a perfect B-side. Fiery stuff indeed!

Played by: Paul Langley, DJ Mau Mau, Maelstrom, Shadow Dancer, Alkalino, Juno Recommends Electro, Dominik Eulberg, Erdbeerschnitzel, DARK SKY, Kito Jempere, Resident Advisor, Seth Troxler, Sepia, James Zabiela, Lone, Icicle, Benji B, Zylva

Review: It's rare that an electronic album is the biggest album of the year, or at least the most hyped. That's certainly the case with Syro, Richard D James first official release under his Aphex Twin moniker for some 13 years. So, is it any good? For starters, it sounds like an Aphex Twin album. Listen through to the 12 tracks, and many of his familiar staples are present - the "Digeridoo" era rave breakbeats, the mangled synth-funk mash-ups, the intoxicating ambient-era melodies, the warped basslines and the skittish drill & bass style rhythms. There's madness, beauty and intensity in spades. In other words, it's an Aphex Twin album, and - as so many have pointed out since the album's release was announced - there's no-one else quite like Richard D James.

Played by: Juno Recommends Electro, Mr. Tea, Lloyd Stellar

Review: It would make for some debate but this More Than Machine compilation by Tronic may well be the label's most impressive release to date. Bringing together an all star cast of legendary, respected and fresh talent indebted to the machinist sounds of electro, Tronic slips out a surreptitious release into 2021 real diggers will recognise. John Selway appears twice with "Highest Order" and the harder edged "Blink Of An Eye" with Christian Smith (who also delivers an italo inspired solo number in "Pressure Drop"). Vince Watson goes both aquatic and cosmic in "Cyclon" next to CJ Bolland's "The Demotic Script", Sterac Electronics' (aka Steve Rachmad) phase driven "Reinstated" and a far flung Zein Ferreira collaboration with The Advent! Fresher vibes still from the UK's Second Storey and new age techno soul vibes from Client_03's "Regression Container". Your secret stash.