Techno News

Mode_1 Reclaim EP by DIG Records

Cover // Augmented reality by Omer Avarkan


********************************AUGMENTED REALITY COVER ***********************************

After a stellar debut release in 2023, vinyl-only label Dust in Grooves, sees its anticipated second EP Reclaim, showcasing one of Dublin's gleaming underground talents Mode_1. Establishing DIG as a progressive sonic platform, founder Olivia Mendez is also curating a series of dynamic augmented reality covers for each EP. Adding more layers into the sound experience of the Reclaim vinyl is motion designer and visual artist Omer Avarkan.


Mode_1's dedication to uncovering layers of tough but rhythmic grooves, both as a DJ and a producer, has led him to make a mark on legendary techno imprints such as Knotweed, FiedelTwo, Truncate and Naked Lunch. Staying true to his advancing, dynamic sound laid with dexterous technique, Robert Kavanagh delivers a collection of four ominous tracks, pulsating with incandescent pads and pacey drums.


The EP opens with the relentless and driving Sigma, setting the tone for a swiftly moving ride across the record. With playful shifting of gears and jacking rhythms, the A2 flows into the next track Dusty Room, utilising the bleepy pitches in contrast to the expansive spheric tones, offering an energetic boost of a melodic techno work-out, with hints of sharp dub edges.


Reclaim on B1 highlights the versatility of Mode_1, comprising multi-layered scales, evolving spiral sounds and a build-up of reverberating tones that escalate with poise. As a closing track of the record, Platform 8 is one of those B2 sides that you keep reaching out to. This ultimate big-floor tool is loaded with advancing movement, keys with mystical undertones, and depth of texture that play with the infinite nature of the number eight.


Unlocking the animated cover of the EP and seeing it come to life virtually, adds a new dimension to the classic format of the vinyls. To unlock its motion, follow the riddle on the back.


All tracks mastered by Nihad Tule.


Words by Lora Mateeva, Orb Mag

Árni’s Reykjavik-based label NIX builds on early momentum with a third fresh EP, this time from Ocirala - a new anonymous project from an already established artist.

Ocirala was born and raised in London and moved to the Bailiwick of Guernsey to study ornithology aged 18, where they built up a database of the local flora and fauna with a focus on birds. Now they emerge from the wilderness with four mesmerising club tracks on Icelandic imprint NIX that are so naughty the artist behind them decided to pick a new name for the project. A global online marketplace for freelance services was used to read out the vocals in the tracks with the instruction to be “cheeky, sensual and horny”, with the result coming in the form of the four-track ‘I Want To Lick Your Brains’ EP.

What results is pure club sleaze. Opener ‘Track For NIX’ is a pounding techno cut with vast rubbery kicks, raw claps, dark libidinous vocals, and groans of pleasure up top. It’s an unrelenting banger to release your inner kink, while ‘I Want To Lick Your Brains’ is a punchy, high-impact house cut with slamming drums, as freaky synth stabs and edgy sustained chords are peppered with provocative spoken words. ‘No Fap Day 37’ drops into deep subliminal techno with sonar pulses and bleeping synths topped off with more erotic talk, before the twitchy and funky techno pumper that is ‘Gina Doesn’t Love Me Enough’ adds steamy and seductive vocals bringing real sexuality while the bold grooves power on.

Ocirala ‘I Want To Lick Your Brains’ EP drops via NIX on 5th May 2023.

"Ich Bin Wach" is the brand new release by Schwefelgelb loaded with 4 raw, hard stomping Techno bangers. This sharp and defined production perfectly balances familiar classic tones (909 and the like), heavy percussion and unexpected sonic experiences. Club suited arrangements range from 136 to 140 bpm in a highly effective sound, which wraps references from Industrial to Deep Techno in a unique garment. NPLX005 comes on 140 g colored vinyl including a download code and will be released 6th of October. The digital version contains a bonus remix by Tunegirl.

Shlomi Aber is taking over the 088 instalment of his Be As One Imprint with a cutting edge 4 tracker EP of stomping old school, Detroit and 90's influenced techno.

Limited copies, Inc Vinyl only versions.

Classy & well executed Techno twists on these legendary Hip Hop tracks. In high demand on Bandcamp & now on limited edition vinyl

Ellen Allien and the We Are Not Alone collective are back with a second edition of the We Are Not Alone series. A 36-track compilation split into 3 parts, each consisting of 12 cuts, dedicated to the infamous We Are Not Alone event series and the best of Berlin’s underground techno talent.

Ellen Allien's innovative party series We Are Not Alone was launched in 2016 and remains committed to inviting an exciting crew of artists to perform at the 36 hour events, now in a new home at RSO.BERLIN, where they returned with bang over 36 hours and 3 floors in May.

The second release of Dynamic Reflection's Time Crystals series explores the deeper end of the musical spectrum somewhat. Function's opening track delivers almost ten minutes of downtempo modulations before Viels' Fragile kicks in: punchy, gritty and dancefloor oriented.

Dynamic Reflection head honchos and curators Abstract Division give a 'less is more' college with Convolution, keeping tension high at all times without ever dropping the kick for more than a couple of beats. The closing track sees Ben Buitendijk, Shoal and Vand collaborating under their DOM moniker for this special occasion, delivering a piece of trippy and stubborn techno.

Quantum Realm is part of Dynamic Reflection's 15 year anniversary celebration: Time Crystals. This is the second of five EP's. Own all five and an all new, visual piece of art will appear.

Viels debut on Attic Music.

2025 Repress

Intemporal deep dub infused techno explorations created in the Chamonix valley

ARSENE returns to his native Chicago with a 4 piece slab of the real windy city house sound - this time appropriately sized up to 12" & including the full length version of "JACK SHIT". The other 3 bangers on the EP are "THE BREEZE OF YOUR SHIRT", "SMACKING YOUR HEAD" and "DX DAYS".

Nonverbal Language unveils its third chapter with CVRDWELL at the helm, delivering two originals shaped by emotional depth and precise sound design, backed by remixes from Casual Treatment and Mathys Lenne.

"The Message" blends groovy low-end, lush textures, and melancholic energy into a powerful statement for the dancefloor. Casual Treatment (Hayes, Token, Mord) transforms it into a deeper, hypnotic techno voyage.

"Haunted" descends into eerie, cinematic territory-slow, brooding, and charged with tension. Mathys Lenne (Mord, Hayes, Float) amplifies the unease with a remix that's both refined and fearsome

New tunes but old school sound by the hand of our friend Innershades using a Roland JV 1080, D-50, Yahama RY-30, SH-101, TB-303 and a JD-800 to execute this magnificent EP, faithful to the New Beat and belgian proto techno sound for the 4th release of our Impakto Series

Repress!

Mehdi M delivers his unique mix of headstrong house, techno, and post speed garage bass lines all rolled into one funky mission.
Inspired by the early sound of machine-driven production and exploring the wide spectrum of techno, Mehdi M crafts performances that balance energy and rhythm.
Through his label, Sonic Expressions, and a constant search for hidden gems, Mehdi continues to champion authentic, innovative music. Now part of Faith Beat, Ryan Elliott’s label, this new chapter has brought a deeper maturity to his sound. Excited for what lies ahead as both an artist and a listener, his journey remains one of evolution and discovery.

We are ecstatic to announce the fifth release on Cupula Recordings, featuring the powerhouse collaboration of Nuclear Waste and Corp. This release infuse the best elements of New Beat, EBM, and Synth Pop into a cohesive narrative.

“Nuclear Corporation" is an auditory explosion defying genre conventions.

ISA003 levels off our continued journey of navigating through quality music. ‘Demure’ by PHEEK seamlessly glides between paradigms of ambient soundscapes and minimal techno while MIHAI POPOVICIU hits in true tech fashion with a stellar remix.

AISSA RECORDS is a Montreal boutique vinyl sub-label of SULEIMAN RECORDS. Founded by DJ/producer Darem Aissa, the name of the imprint pays homage to Syrian poet Suleiman Al-Aissa, one of the most prominent contemporary Arab poets.

Out of Tune third EP by Saverio Celestri. Some unreleased tracks by the Italian producer recorded in his studio during the quarantine, a mix of techno breaks, acid bass lines and deep emotions inside here.

E-bony joins the INDUSTRIAS MEKANIKAS family to present DIGITAL DAWN, an album that defines his identity as an artist. Twelve tracks in which electro and techno intertwine to create a unique and personal sound. A sonic manifesto composed of twelve tracks that explore the darkest textures and the most hypnotic rhythms of underground electronic.

In this work, E-bony is not alone. The talent of Noamm is woven into four of the tracks, adding an additional layer of complexity and experimentation. The collaboration between both artists creates a unique synergy, elevating the DIGITAL DAWN proposal to a new level.

DIGITAL DAWN is released in 2×12″ format, a format that is still preferred by DJs and lovers of high-quality sound, guaranteeing a quality and sound pressure that will explode on the dance floor.