Review: Black Dot provides a compelling addition to Mechatronica's offshoot White sublabel. Building on an exemplary catalogue that already includes Das Ding, Credit 00 and Cardopusher, this EP is sure to delight fans of wave-inspired techno. "Morality of Violence" sets the scene with haunting shrieks unfolding over a low-slung, droning groove and morbid synths. "Black Dot (Version X)" continues that journey into doomy electronics, with an androgynous vocal set to an undulating bass. "Kiss Of The Leaf" sounds like Black Dot has relinquished control of the machines, resulting in a jarring, claustrophobic rhythm. In contrast, "Hatred" is a slow-motion dirge that wouldn't sound out of place on Downwards. The label has commissioned Cardopusher to remix "Black Dot" and he delivers a piledriving, clubby workout.
Review: Late Night Approach follow their 2020 release on Klakson with another fine electro EP, this time for Mechatronica. Delving deep to draw on the sounds of Detroit and in places, mining the legacy of early 90s UK techno, the pair deliver a series of stunning tracks. "The Naus Tribe" and "Nausology" both follow a similar path, with a fusion of ghostly synth lines and acid blips unfolding over rolling 808s. "Physico" is more stripped back to begin with, but then its steely drums give way to spaced out pads and a robotic vocal. The title track is led by angular drums and a squelchy groove, with these elements providing the basis for atmospheric chords, while "Unleashed Bastards" rounds out the release to the sound of frenetic break beats.
Review: Maelstrom follows last year's Heat Wave release on Mechatronica with this fine follow-up. The title track revolves around a busy, glitchy rhythm, monstrous subs and a series of smart drops and builds, while on "Lest We Inhale", a similar approach applies, as acidic tones and bleeps are woven into the stop-start rhythm. "Lost Axis" sees Maelstrom wear his Detroit influences in plain sight, with dreamy synth textures fused with a throbbing bass, while on "Never Crash", he strips back his sound again to deliver an acid soaked banger. Closing out this varied release is the cinematic ambience of "Szdet Drops".
Review: "Smart-155," the latest EP from Poly Chain, is a testament to the incredible talent of Ukrainian composer and DJ Sasha Zakrevska. Following her highly acclaimed Fairy Disco LP, this release presents a powerful collection of cold and calculated electro tracks that will leave you in awe. Poly Chain's sound design, showcased in tracks like 'Iris-T', is reminiscent of the renowned DJ and producer DJ Stingray. The breakneck pace and steely textures create an intense and captivating sonic landscape. As the EP progresses, 'Tryton' and 'Atacms' introduce fluid synth shapes while maintaining the tough and edgy mood established from the beginning. Beyond the impressive craftsmanship and skill showcased in each track, "Smart-155" serves as a commentary on experienced hardship, unwavering hope, and the power of expression through music.
Review: Gravitational Effect joins Mechatronica, home to electro luminaries like Anthony Rother and Zeta Reticula. Passenger 1982 is focused on the more melodic side of the sound, and both "DualSonic" and the title track fuse mellow pads with laid back rhythms and brittle drums. Pushing in a different direction, "Gravitational Waves" and "Pleiades" draw on typical electro influences, with squelchy bass, rolling 808s and evocative synths prevailing. Gravitational Effect continues to explore this approach in a more club-friendly setting on "M87". Most impressive though is "X-Ray Burst": combining the best of both worlds, its angular rhythm provides a backdrop for spellbindingly beautiful electronic melodies.
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