Review: Kilumi is an album that Kenyan DJ/producer Coco Em started writing during the height of the pandemic in 2020, and explores elements of different sounds that kept her going throughout this difficult time. These studio experiments resulted in 70 ideas, each one reflecting a different shade of her musical style, which then further developed into this wonderful collection of seven tracks for Paris/Berlin-based imprint InFine. Starting with the smokey atmosphere of the deep and ethereal opening cut "Pace", be hypnotised by the sublime polyrhythms of "Yi Ingi" and an equally immersive and entrancing arrangement underpins a powerful message by vocalist Sisian on "Land (Black) First". This is followed by the sensual and evocative "Mbeni" featuring Janice Iche's breathtaking vocal delivery.
Review: La Fraicheur is a resident DJ at Berlin club Wilde Renate and brings a suitably tripped out aesthetic to Prophecy. This is audible on the sped-up chatter and experimental tones of "Renegade" and also on the late night ambient of "Morgan La Nuit". It's no surprise that this sensibility also permeates La Fraicheur's dance floor moments. The moody bass and assured swagger of the club-primed "Tirana" and the irresistibly moody "Gone" both resound to an otherworldliness, while adding to the albums out-there sensibility are the stream of consciousness vocals that accompany the warbling acid of "The Movements" and "The New Is Not Born Yet".
Review: Almeeva is the nom de plume of Parisian Gregory Hoepffner, a guy who, like many French electronic artists of the last 20 years, has a real thing for widescreen '80s teen romance - equal parts Shoegaze and New Order (think M83). The Oblite EP boasts five tracks, all of which feature brooding electronic undulation, like on the Black Strobe-esque overheating Fairlights of "Again" or the malfunctioning Terminator techno-in-a-church of "Dissolver". There's even a remarkable Smiths cover, "There Is A Light", which sounds like it was produced by the Art Of Noise for an alternative John Hughes movie. Totally rad.
Review: Istikaliya sees Aufgang rips up the arrangement rulebook. "Kyrie" sets the tone for the album, with a demure piano line veering unexpectedly into a slamming groove. A similar approach is audible on "Vertige", where hyperactive piano scale-playing suddenly lunges into tearing breakbeats that build dramatically. Most of the tracks on Istikaliya manage to strike a balance between these elements, but the most deranged has to be "Diego Maradonna". Like the unpredictable soccer genius that is named after, it swings unpredictably, from slinky, jazzy pianos into old school electro synth lines before ending up in tranced out climax, the finale to a weird and wonderful album.
Review: French brothers Mattieu and Damien Bregere show an almost schizophrenic approach to electronic music making on The Call. From the crashing drums, doomy vocals and dirgy guitars of "Madigan" and "Clunker" to the pulsing, bass-heavy groove of the title track, the album covers all bases. "Too Hard To Breathe" sees Spitzer recruit a kooky diva to their bassy adventure, while "Masbat" and "Vor" are based on irresistible chiming melodies. There's even some smart techno references, with the introspective "Sir Chester" recalling the unforgettable hooks of Carl Craig's "At Les". The Call is one of this year's most adventurous long players.
Review: It's been a fair old while since the last full-length from French techno pioneer Olivier "Oxia" Raymond; in fact, his only previous album was released eight years ago, way back in 2004. Tides Of Mind bears little resemblance to that set, which bristled with aggressive electronic intent. Instead, Raymond delivers at set that borrows as much from deep house and Germanic minimalism as traditional techno. Of course, there's the odd trip into skewed downtempo pop territory (see the dreamy Mesparrow collaboration "Travelling Fast") and some deviation from the 4/4 template - see "Sway" - but for the most part Raymond keeps the vibe deep, melodic and surprisingly soulful.
Review: Mexican producer Cubenx echoes pioneering countryman Murcof in creating dazzling electronica and affecting beats on this latest album, On Your Own Again. The Lone-esque tech-jumble of "Adrift At Sea", the icy and minimal "Lovebirds" and the deep, beatless Animal Collective-recalling "Mist Over The Lake" all stand out, but there's truly unique production and wide-eyed arrangements at every turn on this impressive release.
We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners who may combine it with other information that you've provided to them or that they've collected from your use of their services.