LESS, by Trium Circulorum

Sharp and witty new underground techno from producer and label namesake Trium Circulorum – returning to us this time with a fuzzy-yet-banging cassette release in LESS – an epic 90 minute techno tape housing a masterclass in underground dancefloor stylistics and hazy yet intense atmospheric soundscapes.

LESS carries some heavy weight with it, from the instrumentation to the mixing to the track-lengths, with the very shortest track clocking in at 8 minutes and 48 seconds. The scale is massive yet once you hit play and the BPM kicks in, you will find the tape flying by in a coasting frenzy.

The energy does not let up from Side A to Side B – though the production does see some small variation especially in tracks like HEART – which jumps in and out of the traditional four-to-the-flour kicks and a off kilter two step pattern for a nicely welcome mid project mixup. Or the heavily experimental synthesizers in HOPE which sound like a distressed brass choir simultaneously escaping a reaper yet tuning up their instruments at the same time!

There is a certain wholesome lo-fi-ness to the release, basking in its less than EDM quality resulting in a soupy yet satisfying blur. The Gaussian fade helps to ease the harsher sounds entry onto the scene – while solidifying a warm spot for the deeper side of the spectrum. Fuzzy booms pound away as synths shred and dance furiously atop the foundation that’s been set.

I haven’t heard this one on tape yet – but I can only assume the analog adaptation will do even more wonders to the mix, adding even more layers of hazy warmth and warbled personality to the tracks. Do yourself a favor and pick this one up, or at the very least give it a play or three via the digital edition! Both are available via Bandcamp

MPH EP05, by Monophonia

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From Brazilian netlabel Microforma comes this brief yet satisfying 4-track by Monophonia titled MPH EP05.

Clinical is presentation from the naming to the artwork, this one allows the sound to be the driving focus. Without the clutter of other forced interpretations, we are presented with 4 deeply satisfying minimal techno works – can we call them tracks? At almost 2 minutes a piece, these can be more perceived as the most exquisite loops you’ve ever experienced. Post-Techno indeed, short enough for fleeting attention spans, but addicting enough that you want to come back once it’s over. Rich and wholesome synthesizers construct microcosms in an instant, only needing moments to latch onto the host and inject the memory of eons…

Locked Grooves, by 400PPM

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Fresh from Berlin’s Avian Label is this collection of hypnotic tracks by 400PPM. Locked Grooves is a collection of experimental techno loops constructed by Shawn O’Sullivan. The release itself is 10 tracks of raw, relentless electronics, with satisfying jagged edges. I would even dare to call this a Punk interpretation of techno, with the often distorted tones buzzing from track to track, as well as the startlingly short track lengths (most tracks barely breach the 2-minute mark!).

All in all, its a breath of fresh air in the oft-over-produced techno scene. You can scoop the digital album for free now via Avians Bandcamp.

s​/​t, by Painted Faces

Raw, cavernous sounds brought to us by Lava Church.

Favorite Track: 10. American Basement

PRODUCTIVITY WORSHIP, by ` ` ` NEW FIGURE VARIETY

Fantastic Vaporwave from NEW FIGURE VARIETY

Twilight Sessions Volume 14, by Bing Satellites

The fourteenth volume in the ever-expanding Twilight Sessions series from Bing Satellites

Fluid And Dreaming Of Stripes, by Masaya Ozaki

Pre-order your copy now, this gem drops February 2nd! Lo-fi ambient from Japanese film composer and multi-instrumentalist, Masaya Ozaki. Part of the incredible eilean records lineup.

Our Season, by Lost Trail/Plains Druid

Good morning internet fiends and music lovers! Today I have some lovely sounds cascading towards me and my steaming cup of coffee; the latest split cassette release from Little League Records, OUR SEASON by Lost Trail and Plains Druid.

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