Jeff Mills - Exhibitionist (React)

Famed for the explosive nature and raw energy of his sets, “Exhibitionist” captures the true spirit of a DJ set from Jeff Mills. As engaging as his previously well heralded Liquid Rooms CD selection, the speed at which he works is breathtaking. The occasional slip-up is actually welcomed, as it adds a level of reality, which is often missing from studio recorded mixes. Jeff contributes roughly half of the music on this mix, whilst the other suppliers hail from all corners of the globe.

Using and abusing nearly a half century of records, this CD displays the versatility of Techno. Oscar Mulero’s ‘“B2” from CR007’ is a deeper than deep outing, with a comatose bass, submerged percussion and wavy keys. John Arnold’s “Respectful” is a gorgeous flute-centric outing, where beautiful Latin keys and neat percussion back the vivid flutatious warbling. Jeff’s own “The Bells” tolls louder than many of his other cuts, as irresistible keys, a cold-hearted bass and jacked beats meet. Put together as an audio-visual documentation of the whole DJing experience, the accompanying DVD sheds a great deal more light on how Jeff operates. JF

Common Factor – In Between (Soma)

One of the most skilled programmers in the game, Nick ‘Common Factor’ Calingaert makes music that you can feel is his. “In Between” sees disjointed percussion join beautiful keys and touching synthetics on a space inspired ride. Daniel Ibbotson’s Remix is a funny swing-styled rhythmic re-take, with skyward looking keys, fuzzy synths and an almost Fingers esque sinister bassline. “In Trouble’s Arms” brings forth a kaleidoscope of mesmerising keys, as a mellow bass links with FX fizzes underneath. JF

Tim Wright - The Ride (NovaMute)

Continuing the current fashion for Hip-Hop/Electronica fusion business "Luciano's Dancehall Remix" of "The Ride" provides a vogel-esque minimal techno take on the style. Clipped beats, subtle stabs and some great retro snares/panning effects and what only can be described as a techno glockenspiel build towards the vocal drop (vocals by Juice Aleem) which fits suprisingly well with the 4/4 rhythm. Things continuously build throughout the track in a pleasing manner so... yes not bad at all. Unfortunately the original isn't quite there being in the electroclash miss-mash uncultured style.

Various - Mutant TG (Throbbing Gristle Remixes) (NovaMute)

70s innovators Throbbing Gristle are given the now seemingly obligatory "benefit year" remix treatment, though this doesn't always bear sweet smelling fruit, as heard via the Steve Reich remix album of a few years back, where some great potential was wasted; TG however come out of this risky ordeal in pretty good nick thanks to some inspired efforts from Carl Craig and Ratcliffe, both taking on "Hot on the Heels of Love".

Carl Craig's "Re-Version" builds in his own effortless, relaxed style with a classic synth/ Kraftwerk style bassline, brutal but effective edits and the spatially expansive production that only the Detroit peeps can carry off. Conversely Ratcliffe takes a "wall of sound" approach, with ultra warm strings, many subtle layers and the originals great disjointed melody, creating a real 3am special.

The other tracks aren't up to much really, though I guess the Two Lone Swordsman's vocal version of "United" has some merit but unfortunately off-set by a Mr. Ozio bassline. However if your feeling flush the two beauties mentioned above could warrant investment.

Speedy J/Literon - Collabs 200 (NovaMute)

Top quality minimal techno here from old hand Speedy J. Is really good to hear some stuff with real depth to the production and floor filling potential - the way good minimal techno should be.

"Snacker" is reminiscent of Luke Slater's Classic mix of JB3's Forklift in terms of progression but much cleaner and with some extremely clever and funky edits. "Knicker" takes its cues from the Drumcode style but again with a cleaner production. A rolling bass line and more sublime edits finish off the package.

Both tunes on this release have apparently been doing the rounds, and been popular as MP3s for sometime - so they made a full release; a good example of how file sharing is not always a bad thing... as a bonus a couple of MP3 only tracks are available free at www.speedyj.com.

Tim Taylor /Andy Slate – Nite Daddy / Jungle People (Missile)

This double A side from Missile sees the imprint hit the target. Tim Taylor’s “Nite Daddy” delivers the killer blow, courtesy of unstoppable tribally beats, mashed up opulent disco strings and a bumbling bass whirl. Andy Slate’s “Jungle People” is slightly off the mark, as animal noises, tension raising keys and laughable vocals do the damage. JF

Plastikman - Disconnect [NovaMute] (UK)

The forgotten man of techno (well forgotten by me anyway) shows there is still life in the shades and form of a 303 acid line and the computer voices of yore. The pop length three minute opener "Disconnect" is I am afraid not the highlight of the EP the morose lyrics not doing me any favours, however face is saved by the clever minimal techno ambience of "Headcase" and "Digital/Divide", definitely Mr Hawtin's forte.

LFO - Freak [Warp Records] (UK)

LFO of erm... LFO fame return to their roots with a new single comprised of dark electro numbers and sounding good for it. The title track "Freak" is going to make you freak apparently and is ably backed up by the twisted darkcore of "Butterslut" and the drexciya-esque pure percussion of "Whistle While You Jerk" (the highlight track of the three). Bades well for the upcoming album.

Jake Fairley - Crisis [Sender Records] (Germany)

One of Germany's clutch of Techno imprints, Sender comes up with the goods again, this time in the form of the debut album from Jake Fairley. Focussing on breaks as well as emotionally varied Techno, Jake has produced a diversity to elevate this offering further than many purely Techno albums. "Exploder" literally does just that, all over the place, thanks to a rave influenced bass, tickling percussion and an ear splitting synth.

"Ebos" sees tight percussion combine with a ghostly wavering bass, bleeping compressed keys and smooth synths to produce a cool dancefloor mission. "Yugo" splatters a distinctive bass over clapped percussion, as jerky keys do the rest of the work. "Intersteer" is a barely mobile bass heavy percusser, with a crushed feeding back synth and warm spiritual keys. An under-rated artist, who will hopefully get some of the respect he deserves, thanks to the release of this album. JF

W JH - Omocha EP [CNTMN8TD] (US Promo)

Faceless pummeling loop Techno from a European, who makes his US debut on Chicago's Cntmn8td imprint. "Senshu" takes fast hard percussion, overlaid tribal drums, finger clicks and a skin deep bass to produce an energy-laden journey. "Gangu" is all about the synth, as a rip roaring ear bleeder of a synth steams through all in its path, and a low-down bass shadows it. "Omocha" is the pick, with its soiled bass, muffled plodded break, tickling cymbal and wavering mechanical synth. JF

Urban - Bust A Nut [CNTMN8TD] (US Promo)

Often the sphere of silent Millsian type producers, Urban injects a little more fun, and a little more life back into Techno, with this little number. The original is a beaten percussive ride, with added bongos, a purely evil synth, unrecognizably cut vocals and an all round bouncy feel. Paul Langley takes it somewhere else completely, his mix relies on a doped pounding cymbal, eerie bass, a rattling synth and reams of bleeps. While the "Headroom mix" sees a disgusting synth repulse all, while the bass frightens and insane cymbals smash things up. JF

Shaun Rudiman - "My Life, My Grooves" [7th City] (US)

A return to form for 7th City with this E.P. "I'm Just... " is Classicly styled shimmering floor mover with subtle building melodies and rhythms combine to make this the best techno release for a wee while, in a similar vein to Aril Brikas classic "Art of vengence". 3 of the four tunes are pure quality and leaves one hoping for good things from 7th city in the near future.

Ben Sims - Manipulated Remixes [Primate] (UK)

If you like your techno hard and funky, this is a must have double pack. Appearing on Gold vinyl featuring reworkings of Ben Sims' original by the superbly talented Adam Beyer, Joel Mull and Jel Ford. Beyer's track stands out, the loudest by far with some crazy Spanish or Brazilian sounding vocals and percussion, have already seen it prove its crowd pleasing effects. Joel Mull's remix is more minimal and features broken shuffling beats. Two tracks by Sims are very characteristic. The D side stands for downer on this one though, darker, deeper and too contemplative for me. Small piece of advice, get a (more rigid) black copy!

Unknown - Unknown [Dark] (UK)

Detroit styled Electro and techno from this unknown producer, though I suspect it to be the once hotly tipped Aubrey. The opener is full of nice Electro stabs and builds well, track 2 is a melodic house tune which would not be out of place @ the end with its bright production. The flip is a dark abrasive number too far for this reviewer. It seems Mr A is moving back towards a more trad sound which is certainly a welcome change of direction.

Archive - 04 [Archive] (UK)

Dark and hard "Celestial Highways" sampling UK minimal 4 tracker ideal for those 4 am free party moment's. Bits of Mr Bicknell in here and a keen understanding of what moves the floor, a score draw of 2 all on the good track standard track coefficient.

JF = Jon Freer (www.mosoul.co.uk)