Berlin electronica heroes Modeselektor and Apparat join forces again for their latest titled MORE D4TA, the holy trinity's fourth album is the first since 2016's III. Recorded during the pandemic period, the LP explores subjects such as lockdown and information overload, concocted in the outfit's idiosyncratic style of pop sensibilities with sublime electronic soundscapes. Gernot Bronsert and Sebastian Szary create the perfect backdrop for Sascha Ring's ethereal vocals throughout, creating a sound and aesthetic that are all their own, and showcases a group that is more reinvigorated than ever and passionate for their craft.
Front Line Assembly member Rhys Fulber returns to deliver his third artist album for Sonic Groove. As before, his ability to take a wider view of industrial is audible from the get-go, with the punishing, bruising rhythm of "Concrete Cogitation" imbued with neo-classical strings and the dense rumble of "Collapsing Empires" breaking into wired electronic blips. Sandwiched in between heads-down numbers like "Glory to Labour", Fulber also impresses with his ventures into home listening soundscapes, and the atmospheric "Dead Reckon" the ominous swells of "Transfiguration". The dramatic, haunting tones of "Empire Collapse" also shows that Collapsing Empires was designed for the mind as much as the feet.
[Re]sources is a Parisian imprint led by French bass music DJ-producer Tommy Kid. For its latest release, he"s tapped Bristol"s Jurango who returns to the label for his second release following up 2020"s Rift EP. The result is the deep dubstep journey of "Concrete Blossom". with Two more tracks are featured, such as the entrancing polyrhythms of "The Undisputed Sleuth" sure to transport you deep into the exotic, while the hypnotic beat arrangements of "Flourine Mink" will affect with strobe-like intensity
WSNWG showcases collaborations between label chief Rodhad and a variety of like-minded artists, all recorded in the warm creative environment of his Berlin studio. This release sees him team up with modular synth extraordinaire JakoJako for a full-length titled In Vere. Whether it"s the dreamy IDM of "Helonias" or the evocative ambient soundscape of Orchis, this release is largely experimental much unlike the label"s previous output. However, the duo make room for some dancefloor oriented material, such as the pummelling main room cut "Lilium" or the deep and linear minimal techno of "Passeri" (Floor mix).
Following up the excellent "Blu" a couple of months ago, Southern Italian duo Agents Of Time are back on Cologne"s esteemed Kompakt Records with another electrifying adventure through future disco sounds on the suitably titled "Interstellar Cowboy". An eagerly anticipated release, this neon-lit vocal number has caused a huge buzz online the last several weeks, and we just know it"s going to be one of the biggest anthems over the forthcoming summer. Label staple Gui Borrrato from Brazil steps in for remix duties, in addition to a handy edit.
Next up on London's Running Out Of Steam is Amsterdam-based Welsh producer Maroki, who channels from a rich pool of influences in addition to using his classically trained skills and employing expertly engineered sounds into this nice collection of tracks taking in everything from breaks, acid and techno. From the subterranean UK flava of opening cut "Emerald City", followed by the deep and mesmerising stepper "Alfred Stole My Brain", to the sci-fi electro beats of "Total Recall" and the ecstatic closer "Slower" and it's rolling jungle beats - Return To Emerald city showcases Maroki's distinct musical personality.
