Digregorius
Nocturnalia

Quality techno from this Dutch Techno Don! A stalwart of the Dutch techno scene since the mid nineties, Jeroen Schrijvershof has been ploughing his own furrow aside from the typical norms and standards of the techno scene with lasting integrity and unflinching dedication throughout the years. A coinage derived from the sharp, clinically designed blends he has come to be known for, that Search-sound has long established as a blueprint for DJs seeking laser-guided weaponry into their sets, and Jeroen's maiden effort for RYC follows that very guideline. Starting with the massive pound of the title-track, "Enigma", the EP knocks into your system with blunt force, ushering us into a no-frills corridor of hydraulic kicks and sizzling static. As per usual with Jeroen's compositions, minimalism serves a purpose of exponential effect. True to the fuel-efficient philosophy of the producer, "Modules" harnesses a controlled avalanche of modular signals and no-prisoner, big-room techno dynamics to forge a piece of exquisitely raw rave material that can move blocks of concrete with its nose. Letting the groove a little bit looser, "Object of Ridicule" spins at fierce tempo whilst relying on the same limited palette of chiselled drums and ominous strings to plunge the dance floor into a darker, neo-noir paradox of rhythmic straightforwardness and mystery-shrouded ambiguity. Topping the release off is "Circle Park", a cut that further exposes Jeroen's constant juggling between atmospheric opacity and a surgical, technicist approach towards production. A matter of thoroughly finessed textures and obsession for the faintest detail that shines through "Enigma" with unrelenting ebullience. More than anything the fruit of an endless search for fresh, unheard forms of transcending techno expression. In reflection to the release's outstanding character, we decided to have it pressed to 180g audiophile vinyl so y'all purists can revel in Enigma's heavily detailed sound spectrum.

SAISEI founder Junki Inoue continues his vital archival work uncovering the riches of Japan’s distinctive electronic music scene and bringing them to new audiences around the world.
The PMA EP compiles four dynamic tracks recorded around 30 years ago by the duo of Shigeru Nakamura (drums/vocals) and Mikio Kato (synths) aka B-2DEP’T.
Nakamura and Kato’s first album as B-2DEP’T, Products Plus, appeared on cassette in 1993 on Trigger Records, the predecessor label to Transonic (given a retrospective on SAIS004). Its bright yellow and blue retro-futurist artwork – which is echoed in the design for this reissue on SAISEI – matched the sounds held within: inventive, out-of-the-box dance music blending overseas influences with an idiosyncratic Japanese sensibility.
Two tracks from Products Plus appear on this EP, All tracks re-edited by Junki Inoue and regular collaborator Yuzo Iwata for vinyl extended play and available now for the first time on vinyl. ‘Clockwork Giant Panda’ appearing in a version co-produced with Yoshinori Sunahara (ex - Denki Groove), merges a breezy US house groove and bassline with twinkling, almost parodic Japanese keys that act as a kind of meta commentary on Western perceptions of Japan (a concept pioneered by Yellow Magic Orchestra). The two parts of ‘BSMH’, or Body Sonic Mental Health from ‘Products Plus’, were originally remixed by Daishi Hisakawa of Tanzmuzik, who draws on darker sounds from Europe and the UK: restless Depeche Mode synth harmonies spiral above a pacy EBM pulse, with robot vocals intoning the titular slogan. The package is completed by the unreleased track ‘PMA’, whose driving, bass-heavy mood falls somewhere between Sheffield bleep and the ambient techno of early Biosphere.SAISEI is a Japanese word which translates to ‘reproduction’ and ‘to play’ (as in playing records). Japanese culture is widely known for its traditional nature just as much as it is for being forward into the future and this label’s concept does justice to exactly that. Having started digging for records as early as 16 years old, Inoue delved into productions from 1990s Japan to uncover these native gems. SAISEI’s core concept is to recapture and reintroduce unique pieces of Japanese electronic music onto vinyl, to an audience it never reached before as most of this music was only released in Japan.

Franck Collin aka Fleck E.S.C. returns to Science Cult with a meticulously crafted EP full of precisely programmed drums, intricate bass patterns and IDM informed synth work weaving throughout.

American DJ and producer PTHGN joins the Fides Records family with his debut EP Binary Operation, marking the 17th release for the label. The 5-track Binary Operation EP underscores PTHNG's profound grasp of classic Detroit electro. With his lively basslines, pulsating drum breaks, long and dreamy pads, and unique urban vocal snippets, he crafts timeless dancefloor anthems. His use of retro-futuristic electronic leads and SFX adds an edgy dynamism into the EP, further establishing PTHNG as a fresh force to be reckoned with in the electro scene.

The 22nd release on Anthea’s sought after Partisan label comes from Dutch duo, PH Project. The Picnic Records affiliates have blossomed in recent times, and rightly so, their tight productions make them a firm favourite and the “Edge Of Impact” EP pays testament to this fact. Infectious club room energy that showcases not only their innovative sound, but their incredible chemistry as artists, an animated blend of low end leaning house and techno on the established London/Berlin label.PH Project delivers another exciting output, a statement release preparing you for what is to come...