Heavily inspired by early rave and Detroit Electro, Paul Blackford's first release on Breakin' Records was described as a pioneering UK take on the Detroit Techno Bass sound. Since then, he's released tracks on labels such as WIDE, Deadlock Records and Twilight 76. In 2009 he set up Militant Science as an output for his own and other artists' material, with support from DJs such as Dave Clarke, DJ Stingray, DJ Godfather, EDMX, Keith Tenniswood, and many more. Blackford's latest release on CPU turns up the bass and tempo, think Kraftwerk vs Detroit In Effect.

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Following a short hiatus, Superlux Records returns for their 9th exploration into the expanses of house, techno, and electro by welcoming the exciting, emerging Dutch producer and DJ Mathijs Smit to their roster.

As soon as Smit grabbed the attention of the Superlux crew with his hybrid production style and trademark vocoder work, they knew these were earworms destined for their catalog. Marking his first solo EP since 2021, Smit showcases his development In the studio on the 'Twisted Minds' EP with four modern, stylish house cuts loaded with versatility for use from peak time to warm up.

The release starts as it means to go on with 'Changed My Mind (But Not Myself).' A sleek, forward-thinking house jam that salutes to the past with a fast-paced, organ bass melody and intricate drum-machine programming, setting the tone nicely for what's to follow. The A-side wraps up with 'My Mind Is Yours'. Shades of golden-era Italian progressive to this one, a straight no-nonsense feel-good party starter; mark your cards for summer.

On the flip, we get deeper into the groove starting with 'Plugger'. A shuffling beat underscores a moodier bassline with acid flourishes to give this one a bit more of a basement feel, although the bright synths do leave enough versatility in this one to work in multiple settings; a testament to Smit's dexterity on the buttons! Closing out proceedings is the interminably funky 'Quiero, ' the last track submitted by Smit, which is suitably the one to close out a seriously impressive debut on the imprint.

The release continues Superlux's proud lineage of discerning dance music, with Smit being a welcome addition to a roster already sporting the quality of N-GYNN, Paul Blackford, LVCA & Thoma Bulwer. Expect more as the label continues its development in 2024 and beyond. More

Rave connoisseurs Superlux have once more compiled another fantastic genre-melding release, this time calling on the versatile sounds of Laudrup. The London-based Colombian’s eccentric yet dancefloor-orientated sound sees the talented producer land three originals on the sought-after imprint, alongside a hazy remix from label co-founder and regular, N-Gynn. Laudrup’s ‘Siempre EP’ captures the essence of Superlux, as they maintain their stay at the forefront of the underground, always thinking outside of the box.

Opening track “Siempre” is a simmering trip, bubbling synths and splurges of acid create a futuristic and mechanical atmosphere, as crisp drum work maneuvers you through the smoke-filled mornings in the club. “Laura Palmer” consists of wonky drum patterns, leaning towards a more mysterious narrative than its predecessor, meticulously arranged from beginning to end, urging your thoughts to wander.

On the flip side is “Untitled 03”, leaving everything to the imagination with pensive broken drums playing the driving force in this track, while a warm and sub-heavy bass works its magic deep within the energy of yet another innovative production from the rising producer. Closing the EP is a deep and emotive encounter with N-Gynn's “Double Drop Remix” of “Siempre”. The six-minute trip swallows you up, sweeping you away into its transcending mood, while intricate details cruise around an elasticated body. Classy rave sounds as always from the UK producer.

Laudrup is coming into his element in the foreseeable future with this dynamite release. Not one to be missed! More