Originally established in Sweden in the early '90s by Glenn Wilson, Planet Rhythm is now based in The Netherlands since it changed ownership in the mid '00s. Now part of the Triple Vision Music Group alongside cult favourites such as Fokuz and Yellow Stripe Recordings, this techno powerhouse has gone from strength to strength ever since with its relentless output. Key artists include the likes of Scalameriya, Alfredo Mazilli and Woo York, alongside legends such as Axel Karakasis, Tom Hades and Developer. Key releases which define the label are: A.Paul's Amalgamation (2010), Bas Mooy's Dolls And Decadence (2014) and Yan Cook's XX (2016).
Review: With over 20 years' of releases to his credit, Ramon Tapia is one of Europe's most experienced producers. As Silent Assassin shows, he isn't satisfised to stay in one place, and this four-tracker puts a greater focus on techno. That said, the techniques that define Tapia's productions are still present. The title track is a hypnotic, rolling affair that benefits from his propensity to deliver dynamic drops and builds. "Cathode" is more frenetic and intense, with dark chord sequences unfolding over a churning rhythm. There's a similar energy on "I'll Fix It", but Tapia makes nods to his house productions as a vocal loop is integrated into a galloping groove. "Fear" is just as dramatic, with chilling synths fused with tough kicks.
Review: Maintaining their commitment to nurturing the next wave of techno talent, Planet Rhythm has commissioned an EP from Brankelo. Galaxy bristles with the energy of classic styles and influences: the title track and "Cyber Circuit" are relentless minimal tracks that build and drop amid waves of steely riffs. "Perception" is in a similar vein, with visceral, looped chords and tones playing out over niggling hi hats and driving rhythm. "Red Bubbles" is deeper and more hypnotic, as Brankelo conjures up a dubbed out, rolling groove. Meanwhile, the metallic percussion and austere tones of "Uncanny" place Brankelo close to Sleeparchive's sound.
Review: Originally released back in 2009 and now reissued by Planet Rhythm, Daisychain's "Mamasei" is evergreen techno. Like many tracks that achieve this status, it operates on a straightforward approach. Utilising dense tribal drums, seductive builds and drops and crucially, an infectious vocal sample, these elements are then looped to infinity. It means that "Mamasei" enjoys the same status as that other great loop techno track - Andrew McLauchlan's "Love Story". It's also great to see that Planet Rhythm has commissioned Paula Cazenave, one half of Daisychain, to remix "Mamasei". In her hands, she toughens up the rhythm and drums, but retains the unmistakable vocal sample. After all, some tracks are too memorable to change entirely.
Review: Emerging from Planet Rhythm, ARKVS's "Moment To Breath" EP isn't your typical chest-thumping techno. Instead, it carves a space for a more contemplative kind of dancefloor experience. The title track sets the tone, offering a spacious soundscape with room for the listener's imagination to fill in the details. The underlying pulse is undeniable, but there's a restraint that invites a more relaxed physical response. This isn't a call to mindless jumping; it's a space to explore movement with intention. "Conditions" picks up the pace slightly, introducing a more percussive element without sacrificing the core breathability of the EP. "Exodus" is the closest the EP comes to a traditional techno banger, but even here, ARKVS maintains a sense of control. The energy builds, with pulsating bass and rhythmic stabs, but it never feels overwhelming.
Review: Up next on Planet Rhythm is Gunjack, the alter ego of long-serving producer Brian Gibbs. The title track is a frenetic affair. Based on a jacking rhythm, it also features an atmospheric, filtered synth loop. "Rocket Surgery" follows a linear rhythm and is powered by a succession of doubled up claps and niggling hi hats. "Pachinko24h" maintains this hectic pace, but sees Gibbs deploy an insistent stab over a lean, driving rhythm to devastating effect. "The Drumz" is a peak-time percussive banger, while Gibbs looks to the influence of Chicago for the insistent, jacking "The Walker". Rounding off this fine release are the organ stabs on the insistent "Atomic Aerobics".
Review: Yan Cook has become synonymous with distinctive, hard-edged techno. It's no surprise then that his latest release is out on Planet Rhythm. The title track unfolds to skipping metallic drums and dramatic chords that swoop menacingly, echoing Dave Clarke's Red series. On "Proximity", Cook puts the focus on a growling bass and insistent, steely percussion to create a powerful, bass-heavy track. "Antimatter" follows a similar path. Led by a grimy low end and a swung rhythm, it is also atmospheric, thanks to the presence of ghostly synths. In contrast to the other tracks, "Exomoon" is deep, Detroit-style techno, with Cook conjuring up warbling melodies.
Review: Coming up on Planet Rhythm, is Cave's "Street Carnival 2024 EP," a blistering exploration of the genre's darkest corners. The EP kicks off with "Skolopender," a relentless beast that wastes no time in establishing dominance. Its relentless bassline burrows deep, while hypnotic percussion weaves a spell that's impossible to resist. Next up, we have a remix of "Speleon" by techno heavyweight Ben Sims. Sims injects the track with his signature intensity, transforming it into a peak-time weapon guaranteed to send the crowd into a frenzy. Then with "Street Carnival 2022," we can see a glimpse into Cave's past sonic explorations. This track retains the raw energy, but injects a touch of carnivalesque flair, making it a perfect bridge between the intense opening tracks and the closing number. Finally, the EP concludes with "Tambores (Carl Falk Remix)." Here, Carl Falk takes the reins, transforming the original into a hypnotic soundscape. Tribalistic rhythms take center stage, creating a sense of ritualistic energy that leaves a lasting impression.
Review: Oliver Escapa, who has released on Drumcode and Reload, returns to Planet Rhythm for a collaboration with Linear Phase. The title track offers a unique perspective on techno. Over pounding industrial drums, a dystopian commentary unfolds about the malign influence of technology on the human mind. While at times it veers into the conspiratorial - most notably with the observation that "I used to be a simple man/now I'm part of the plan" - it is still refreshing to hear this politicised take on techno. "Geometric Accuracy" revolves around a steely, stepping rhythm, while "Fractal Encription" is a heads-down roller. Meanwhile, "Raw Sensation" is based on a funk bass and dramatic filtered builds - a world apart from the title track's ominous sensibilities.
Review: The latest release on Planet Rhythm brings together tracks from some of modern techno's most talented producers. At the minimal end of the spectrum, Temudo and Gustavo Bassiani both impress with their stripped back, steely rhythms, while Luca Maniaci's "Evanesco" is a futuristic, Mills-style stargazer. Representing the tribal sound is Angioma with the acid tinged "One More Lap" and Nachtwalker's deeper "Selfhelp". Of course it wouldn't be a Planet Rhythm compilation without some peak time tracks. Luca La Rocca & Ivision's "Nobody Stranger" is a tough banger, powered by grating metallic riffs and acid tones, while Linear System's "Blue Magic" is a jacking ghetto techno workout, standing out thanks to its repetitive vocal samples and relentless hi hats.
Review: Following last year's Flux & Form release, Deas returns to Planet Rhythm. "Basel" resounds to the same kind of acid ferocity that defines Wink's "Higher State of Consciousness", as spiralling 303s are fused with dramatic chord surges. The title track shares the same sense of drama - while not as frenetic, it also features wave upon wave of chord builds. "Romance" is a different proposition; stripped back and repetitive, its steely, percussive rhythm is led by insistent hi hats. On "Here", he changes tact again. Revolving around a stab-heavy groove peppered with soulful vocal samples, it reveals a house-focused side to this talented techno producer.
Review: Gunjack's latest release on Planet Rhythm, DUBWARS 003, is a tightly knit techno experience that propels you forward for its entire 24-minute runtime. The EP showcases Gunjack's mastery of the genre, weaving intricate pulsating basslines with hypnotic grooves, all shrouded in an atmosphere that's both dark and alluring. "The Fat Lady Sings" kicks off the journey with a driving kick drum that sets the pace. Layers of swirling synths build tension throughout, creating a sense of anticipation. A brief moment of melodic respite arrives with "Body Memory," before the unrelenting techno pulse returns in "Footprints In The Snow." This track stands out with its haunting soundscape and insistent rhythm that burrows deep. The closing track, "The Iceman Cometh," delivers a perfectly apt finale, leaving you feeling exhilarated and chilled in equal measure.
Review: "Emerge" is a phenomenal debut album that cements Berlin-based producer Red Rooms' position as a rising star in techno. The LP seamlessly blends driving energy with subtle experimentation, offering a well-rounded listening experience for techno purists and newcomers alike. Red Rooms' signature sound is on full display throughout the album. Clandestine sonic textures and short, infectious melodies intertwine with the powerful, locked-in grooves that propel each track forward. The album boasts several tracks primed to ignite dance floors. "No Turning Back" is a prime example, with its rave-ready stabs and relentless energy. "Transcendency" offers a more alien twist, merging driving techno with otherworldly drum patterns that will leave listeners mesmerized, while "Cypher" showcases Red Rooms' understanding of minimalism, channeling the spirit of Robert Hood with its stripped-down yet impactful groove. A must-listen.
Review: Veteran producer Dolby D teams up with emerging artist MarAxe for a release that is anything but formulaic. "Subdue" is set to a high pace -one that the rest of the EP emulates. However, despite the fast tempo, its rhythm is lithe, with subtle filtered builds combined with dense percussion. "Expel" is also powered by a relentless groove and percussive elements. On this occasion, the percussion alternates between delicate shards and powerful snare rolls that provide the back drop for a ponderous vocal sample. The title track maintains this fast tempo, but the sound takes a darker turn. Sheet metal riffs are fused with rattling hi hats , making for a furious finale.
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