Home  Labels  

Modularz

Filter

My filters

See all
Genre
See all
Release Date
Not Forthcoming
78
Forthcoming
2
Last 6 Months
1
Last Year
5
Modularz

Modularz

From deep, minimal flavours to full on thumpers, American label Modularz has been setting off strobe lights left, right and centre with its powerful palette of techno frequencies. Modularz was founded in 2009 by Adrian Sandoval aka Developer and has released stompers from the likes of Staffan Linzatti, Rhomb, Roll Dann, Patrik Carrera, Adriana Lopez, Elyas, Hattori Hanzo and label don Developer himself. Sub-labels are Olympian and Developer Archive.
...Read more
The Sleep Thief
MOD 082
10 May 24
Techno
Un-controlled Movements
MOD 081
03 May 24
Techno
Pan American Wav Division
Various
Review: Featuring music from across the Americas, the latest compilation on Modularz sees household names line up alongside newer talent. Veteran producers Developer and Jeremy Caulfield both deliver understated interpretations of modern minimalism, led by subtle, snaking grooves. Remaining in that field, Juan Trujillo's "Massive Flood" serves up a more layered, dystopian sound, while Jonas Kopp's "Tremsixxed" leads the compilation into a loop techno direction, powered by dusty drums. This is also a collection of extremes: The Ripped's abrasive industrial techno on "Self Aware Image" represents the most intense iteration of the Modularz sound, while at the other end of the spectrum is Uun's wonderfully esoteric electro, "Book Of Miracles".
 from $1.89
MOD 077
07 Jul 23
Techno
Muted Icons
Review: On the latest Modularz release, label owner Developer does what he is known best for - delivering tough, expertly crafted dance floor techno. "Ancestral Communication" is based on dense, pounding drums, with the arrangement littered with vocal samples and ghostly synths. "Everyone Everywhere" sees Developer opt for a similar approach, with a pulsating groove underpinning wave upon wave of nocturnal chords and glassy percussion. "Ethnic Rooted" sees the US producer opt for a more stripped back approach where dense, rolling drums dominate, while "Tough Touch" resounds to robust kicks and hypnotic one-note riffs. For anyone with even a passing interest in club techno, Muted Icons is an essential purchase.
 from $1.89
MOD 069
21 Oct 22
Techno
Protocypher
Review: Zachary Lubin follows last year's Omronicon release on Modularz with this collection of purist techno, which is designed exclusively for dance floor use. "Protocypher 1" and "2" are dense, coruscating workouts that resound to pummelling drums and visceral rhythms. Meanwhile, on the third instalment of "Protocypher", Lubin slows down the pace to deliver an intricate tribal groove and the sixth volume is a chugging, hypnotic affair. There are no such subtleties on "Protocypher 5", where a slamming rhythm prevails, while number seven resounds to doubled up kicks and relentless metallic riffs. The eighth and final "Protocypher" is based on a similar approach, with droning riffs unravelling over impenetrable drums.
 from $1.89
MOD 064
15 Jul 22
Techno
Probo Tapes
 from $1.89
MOD 062
03 Jun 22
Techno
Maleth
 from $1.89
MOD 061
20 May 22
Techno
Genetics
Review: Following releases on labels like R3volution and ONI, ASKE steps up with this hard-hitting release for Developer's imprint. The title track resounds to dense, acid-soaked drum patterns, but the intensity is tempered thanks to the use of hypnotic synth tapestries. "Ad Eternum" sees ASKE head down a dense, driving route. Powered by a rolling, churning bass and ticking percussion, he adds a sense of depth to the arrangement with layered, eerie soundscapes. "A Message from Orion" is a heads-down affair, where waves of relentless percussion are combined with insistent acidic tones. Lastly, ASKE rounds off the release with "Symbiosis", a rumbling tribal workout that features insistent percussion and psychedelic filters.
 from $1.89
MOD 057
18 Mar 22
Techno
A Dying Breed
Review: The latest release from Developer is a diverse affair; it moves from the deep, atmospheric pulses of "Witchwork" to "Cowards Stay Silent", one of the producer's more typical tracks. Supported by tough kicks and rasping percussion, its purring bass really stands out. The release takes a drastically different turn on "Charm Them With Silence". Led by discordant synths and insistent filters, its pulsating bass and hi hats come together to make a rousing peak-time track. The brilliantly named "Olmec Blood Tool 21" is another intense affair, with Developer painting a grey synth tapestry over steely kicks drums and sharp percussion.
 from $1.89
MOD 053
19 Nov 21
Techno
Metamorfosis
Review: DarkForest boss Bernardo Hangar drops a ten-track bomb on Developer's label. Powered by grainy drums and razor-sharp percussion, this is a devastating collection. Both "1-01" and "1-02" are led by wild rave riffs, while on "1-02", Hangar goes down a slightly more nuanced route, with a throbbing bass complemented with swirling filters. In keeping with the Modularz sound, the fourth piece is a dense, looped affair, fuelled by swirling filters and bruising kicks. Meanwhile, "1-05" sees Hangar draw on the sound of influential underground producers like Mike Parker to create a bleep-laden arrangement that resounds to dense percussive builds, which sonically is in contrast to the tripped-out approach audible on the sixth track. All told, it's a compelling techno collection.
 from $1.89
MOD 051
24 Sep 21
Techno
Solid State
Review: Crime As Service may be a relatively new name in the techno scene, but they make a compelling debut on Modularz. Inspired by the tribal / loop sound of the late 90s and early 00s, Solid State takes all of the most dynamic elements and recasts them in a dynamic, contemporary setting. "Dara Storm" is a cavernous affair, built around dubbed out effects, a pumping groove and the deepest sub-bass since Basic Channel set out their stall. In contrast, "Sandworm Team" see the duo favour a noisier and darker approach, with electronic blips swirling in over a relentless groove. Meanwhile, "Carbanak" is a spaced out but still forceful workout, with Jeff Mills' sci-fi sensibilities merged with Ben Sims' looped tribal sound. It's an exhilarating release and one gets the sense that Crime As Service have only got started.
 from $1.89
MOD 050
09 Jul 21
Techno
Omronicon
Review: Lubin follows his 2015 debut album, Revisions Of You, with this expansive second long player on Modularz. It begins in haunting mode with the eerie textures of " Vessel", but soon afterwards, Lubin shifts into heads-down mode with the dense kicks of "Keeper Of Visions" and " Xenon", while on "Probe" he delivers a claustrophobic, bleep-heavy banger. The title track sees the US producer take a few steps back to deliver an angular, percussive workout, while "Synthetics Processing" resounds to sheet metal percussion and robust kicks. While tailored exclusively for the dance floor, this collection also caters for deeper tastes and the hypnotic grooves of "EMP" and "ESP" showcase Lubin's ability to craft more atmospheric techno.
 from $1.89
MOD 049
09 Apr 21
Techno
The Rationale
Review: Linzatti follows his 2017 debut album, The Dynamic Dispatch, with this collection of dynamic club tracks. The moody, understated tones and pulses of "A Rush Of Reason" provide a hypnotic introduction, while on "Revolving Worlds" and "Not Alone", steely percussion and angular rhythms prevail. Linzatti's production approach is measured throughout his second artist album - and is best exemplified by the rolling, throbbing groove of "The Simplifying Man" and the layered tribal tech of "The Fly". That said, he also knows how to craft peak-time bangers as the tough drums of "Seconds" and the visceral kicks and eerie bleeps of "A Ripple In Time" so effortlessly demonstrate.
 from $1.89
MOD 48
05 Feb 21
Techno
The Sword
Review: Apparently recorded near Mount Fuji in Japan, The Sword is a functional but atmospheric affair. It starts with the driving rhythm, razor sharp percussion and eerie synths of "Sword 1", which sounds like Terrence Dixon and Mike Parker jamming together. On "Sword 2", Hanzo focuses on pummelling tribal drums, which provide the backdrop for tone-shifting bleeps. "Sword 3" is deeper and dubbed out, and sounds like a slightly tougher, steely take on the house sound of labels like Sistrum, while on the fourth "Sword", Hanzo puts his focus back on a stripped back approach, with a lean rhythm providing the basis for otherworldly soundscapes.
 from $1.89
MOD 047
24 Jul 20
Techno
Sangre Por Oro
Review: Deep within the pores of techno you'll find Developer, an artist tirelessly producing techno like a motor-neuron being printed in 3D. This album, Sangre Por Oro, translates to that (and Blood For Gold in English) with a soundtrack that sends our consciousness spiralling into a new cosmological space. Flecked with sci-atmospheres, subtle industrialisms, trippy vocal snippets and touches of dub techno, Developer's tracks come together for full warehouse purpose. Thematic and melody can be found in numbers like "Over Cold Seas" alongside heavier tracks like "Headhunter" and "Boogie Down", with dubby touches in "Jive Keep Me Alive" and opener "Risky". Golden.
 from $1.89
MOD 046
01 May 20
Techno
Every Choice Never Made
Review: With releases on Balans, Field and Stockholm LTD to his credit, there is no doubting Staffan Linzatti's pedigree as a producer. What is surprising on this record for Modularz is his ability to create a wide palette of styles. There's the string-led, neo-classical "A Game of Guessing", followed by the complex, stepping rhythm of "Revoke". In line with the usual style of Modularz, "Mystery Man" is a tough, tribal affair that resounds to robust drums and ticking percussion. On "Induced Compliance" and "The Mind is Racing", Linzatti ventures into a sci-fi dimension, thanks to the use of eerie synth sequences and rolling, steely drums.
 from $1.89
MOD 045
06 Dec 19
Techno
Nuit Blanche
Review: Over the past 15 years, Paul Ritch has released music on some of techno's most respected labels, including Drumcode, 100% Pure and SCI + TEC. So it makes sense that he has hooked up with Developer's Modularz. In keeping with the imprint's style, "Nuit Blanche" is a looped, chord heavy affair, while on "Insomnie", Ritch opts for a similar approach, albeit this time with broken beats supporting the steely percussion. "Revelation" sees him deliver a straighter dance floor track, thanks to the use of monstrous kicks, while he keeps the audience guessing with the abstract, layered piece of electronica that is "Rixe".
 from $1.89
MOD 044
14 Oct 19
Techno
Disruption Phases
Review: Coming up in the music scene of Kansas City and currently residing in Detroit, Ryan Maloney aka Uun is also involved in the label and event series Modern Cathedrals; known for their eerie broken beat techno and Eden events. He has released previously on Mord and Soma and makes a welcome return to production with this riveting EP for ever reliable Los Angeles-based imprint Modularz. Be captivated by his skillful sound design and surrender to the void, on the brooding atmosphere presented on the Disruption Phases EP. The deep mentalist trip of "The Vizier", to the full throttle peak time intensity of "Cenotaph" or the body bashing broken beats of "Veiled Union" - this is modern techno at its most austere.
 from $1.89
MOD 043
09 Aug 19
Techno
Foreign Slang
Played by: Felix Kroecher
Review: Celebrating its tenth anniversary, Modularz delivers a split EP featuring label owner Developer and upcoming producer Roll Dann. "Ritual Master" is every bit what you would expect from a Developer track - ominous, streamlined and deadly effective as he loops a hypnotic electronic riff over a pounding kick. "Lone Mystic" reveals a different side to his canon, as he fuses a repetitive vocal sample with an eerie organ riff. On the flip side, Roll Dann immerses a tough techno track in colourful rave riffs to create an unusual hybrid, while "Soul Bag" is a more typical Modularz track, as eerie tones unfold over a lithe, rolling groove.
 from $1.89
MOD 042
28 Jun 19
Techno
I Will Guide Thy Hand
Played by: Laylae, Kike Pravda
Review: There's no info on the producers behind the latest missive for Modularz, but suffice to say that it'll appeal to fans of the label's heads-down sound. The title track starts the release in firing form, with oppressive kicks and a steely rhythm providing a basis for the pair to deliver a stinging, pulsating groove. On "Jack And Verge", Nurbak & Temudo follow a relatively similar approach, albeit with sharper drums and a searing bass to the fore. Rounding off this impressive release, on "Value Of Icons" the production pair put their focus on tribal drums and the kind of loopy approach that will appeal to fans of Ben Sims.
 from $1.89
MOD 041
17 May 19
Techno
40
Review: Modularz marks 10 years at the forefront of underground club techno with a release that will surprise as much as it entertains. Label owner Developer sets out a ferocious agenda with the thundering "Rattle Bell", which forms around a repetitive, ringing tone, while on "Haunted Cave", Rhomb tunnels down the worm hole with a serving of mysterious throbbing rhythm. Surprisingly, there's a deeper dimension to this anniversary release; Heretic's "We Are Left To Dance In The Ashes" resounds to a dramatic, bleak synth-led melody, while a chord-heavy workout from Astronomical Telegram in the shape of "Saara" shows that Modularz isn't as singular as might have been imagined.
 from $1.89
MOD 040
05 Apr 19
Techno
WAV1095
Various
Review: Developer's label drops a monster 18-track compilation that showcases a diverse range of modern techno styles. There's the drum-heavy loops of CNCPT's "New Science & Telekinesis Facility 10" and the buzzing, percussive grooves that define the contributions from Emitto Audio's "Mars Radiation Terminal 20" and Insolate's "Cern Research Center 35". Taking the compilation to a bleaker place is the eerie, oppressive mood on Patrik Carrera's "Mars Radiation Terminal 25", but there are also more esoteric contributions such as the hypnotic tones of Ryogo Yamamori's "Center For Cyborg Data & Control 75". If you are looking for a view of where dance floor techno is headed, WAV1095 offers a ringside seat.
 from $1.89
MOD 039
08 Mar 19
Techno
OFF GRID
Review: Developer has many facets to his sound, but he starts Off Grid with its most visceral iteration. "He Was" features noisy kicks, snappy percussion and a somewhat disturbing vocal sample proclaiming 'he was a Londoner'. Vocal samples also feature on "Get Down Motive" but they murmur their way over a leaner, less visceral rhythm track peppered with eerie organs. However, it seems like the LA producer's default setting remains on the darker side for this release; "The Resistance" is led by urgent percussion and Sleeparchive-style lone bleeps as ghostly textures unravel in the background, while "Faded Nights" is another noisy, visceral workout.
 from $1.89
MOD 038
16 Nov 18
Techno
The Mercurian Particle
Review: US techno wizard Developer is back on his trusted Modularz imprint, this time alongside the lesser known DJ Surgeles, and the duo pack quite the punch with these five cold-hearted dance burners. Developer's "Infinite Numbers" opens on a bit of a cavernous tip, unleashing whole swarms of chilling bleeps over a stripped-back techno beat, and "Glimmer" ups the ante with yet more speed - and by that we mean velocity, not the powdered type! DJ Surgeles' "Hidden Places" follows with an echoing, hollow mass of drums and bass, while "Pulsating Orbs" bounces up and down with a distorted tone of voice, and "Out Of This World" steadies the ships by forming a thick, oozing layer of beatless ambience. A dish best served cold...
 from $1.89
MOD 035
24 Mar 18
Techno
Dead Architect Series Part 4
Review: The fourth instalment in the Dead Architect series is a proper heads-down affair. It starts off with label owner Developer delivering "Utero", a visceral, pulsing groove encased in concrete kick drums. Rhomb, who has released a few EPs on Modularz, also keeps the focus on peak-time sounds with the rave stabs and subterranean bass of "Helix", which unfolds over a galloping groove. Rebekah maintains the intensity levels with the chain mail percussion and relentless rhythm of "Reflex", while CNCPT, another artist who has released before on the US imprint drops "Frazil". While it's not as fast-paced as other tracks, its dark tones and rasping hi-hats bring this split release to a close with a menacing undercurrent.
 from $1.89
MOD 034
08 Dec 17
Techno
Surface Textures
 from $1.89
MOD 032
09 Oct 17
Techno
Approaching Singularity
Review: Mark Hawkins takes a break from his controversial house project Marquis Hawkes to deliver four purist techno cuts on Developer's label. In some ways, Singularity sees the UK producer return to his roots. After all, Hawkins originally released hard techno on labels like Djax and Uglyfunk in the early 00s, but this new approach is more linear and streamlined. "One Ten" sees him drop a firing percussive track that resounds to eerie riffs, while on "Entranced", he combines a mesmerising synth riff with a pulsing acid backing. "Mist" is slower and more murky, while "Alley Groove" is the rawest track on the release, combining a stripped back metallic rhythm with frequency shifting tones.
 from $1.89
MOD 30
07 Aug 17
Techno
Cart subtotal: