- Exploded View – ‘Orlando’
Isolation… Despair… Loss…
This is the sound that defines present more than any other. Do not expect easy and catchy melodies. Claustrophobic to its core, ‘Orlando’ is the brand new gem from Exploded View, Annika Henderson’s main expression vehicle, along with the Mexico-based crew of Crocodiles producer Martin Thulin, Robota‘s Hugo Quezada, and Jessy Bulbo‘s Hector Melgarejo. Turn the volume up, and prepare to get lost in the sound of nothingness. Nothing worthy comes easy after all. Expect casualties…
Christos Doukakis
- LA-4A – ‘Transmitter’
What I like in techno is not only the beat. I never like the beat only. From extreme metal to techno, I like the avant -noir-experimental- sounds (and the solos in metal, too) helped by/helping the beat.
Damn, this track sounds good. It combines all the above in an extreme, better industrialized way.
John Pallas
- Phonothek – ‘Heavy Thoughts’
Georgian duo, Phonothek, have released their debut on Cryo Chamber. Pulling together elements from various genres, Phonothek deliver a dark ambient album that is completely fresh and packed with surprises. ‘Heavy Thoughts’ is one of the tracks on the album that really seems to stand out, as it shows so many aspects of these artists. This is a particularly moody melancholic track, with almost a film-noir feel to it, conjuring images of some detective mulling over a case in a dark smoke-filled room. Kick back and let this brilliant track take its hold on you.
Michael Barnett
- Winter Severity Index – ‘Athlete’
‘Athlete’ is the track I chose out of Winter Severity Index’s latest release ‘Human Taxonomy’ released in May 2016. It is a WSI trademark song, cold wave, gray, melodic and groovy enough to replay it over and over again. I strongly believe that ‘Athlete’ is gonna get its fair share on the dance floors of dedicated clubs and in the playlists of radio broadcasts in the genre. WSI are building a strong name in the dark wave world, and it’s all on their music. Enjoy!
Mike Dimitriou
- Hvide Sejl, Varg, F. Valentin – ‘Women In Love’
I think the North has totally got the forefront position and the highest level in new music. This album is proof of that. I don’t know if it’s the best one, but it’s interesting —a little too much. (What else is interesting in northern countries other than the land and the women?).
Hvide Sejl, Varg & F. Valentin, the core of Danish label Posh Isolation, give 70 minutes of ambient/drone/new classical music on ‘Brazil’, an album comprising 12 tracks full of mystery that bring to mind cult and obscure movies… The perfect soundtrack.
John Pallas
Compiled by Christos Doukakis, John Pallas, Michael Barnett & Mike Dimitriou