#15 Feat. New Releases in Techno (Raw / Deep / Hypnotic)

A natural fit for the Token label and now a regular contributor, Nørbak presents his new release Flauta on the Belgian imprint. Keeping things driving and dense, his productions boast a raw intensity, continuing to describe spacious rooms with roaring atmospheres.  The title track serves as a firm introduction to the project; Flauta is a typical Nørbak A1. Claps on the kick, thick sound design on all levels, and tribal percussion make for an imposing first track. Finding groove in the chaos is never difficult for the Portuguese artist, his seamless blend of functional and mental techno make for quite a recognizable sound with reliable effect. On the other hand, his followup Despida sharpens the tone and focuses its elements. Proving he can do just as much damage with a more minimal approach, Nørbak drops the claps for shakers and whips up a distorted stab as the main driver of the track. Despite the versatility of his records, there is something very homogenous about the tonality of his drums and synths - they seem electric, and Despida truly nails that aesthetic. Moving on to the B side, we have yet another facade of the project. While Golpe has a classic foundation, Nørbaks flamboyant sound design guides the tracks arrangement, making anything but a loop. The records structure makes for clear accents that insist on a pulsating atmosphere. This moves perfectly into the EPs conclusion. Camarada resembles more Despida in the minimal construction, retaining a lot of the squelching lead textures. Mastering the question/answer style of techno, Nørbak is able to capitalize on the tonality of his sonic experiments to create swing on the dance floor. Obscure, quick, and elusive, Nørbak wraps up Flauta with restraint and efficiency. 

NØRBAK

#88 Feat. Staff Picks in Electro (Classic / Detroit / Modern)

London based label Natural Selection mark the beginning of their new 'Selected Works' series with an exquisitely curated 38-track VA compilation, which brings together some of the most respected names in the worlds of Techno, Electro, IDM & Industrial Electronica, including SHXCXCHCXSH, N?rbak, The Advent, NX1, Charlton, MAEDON, Somatic Responses, Plant43, Annie Hall & more. Together with all the artists involved in the project, Natural Selection show their solidarity with those suffering through the humanitarian crisis in Palestine by donating all profits from the release to the PCRF (Palestine Children's Relief Fund). Great efforts have been made from everyone involved to come together and support this vital cause. Natural Selection are well known for bridging the heavier spectrum of Techno, Electro, IDM, Acid, etc. with new, experimental style and form. One can always expect the most cutting-edge, hard-hitting, underground electronics via their releases and also their regular label nights, which have gained notoriety for daring lineups and extreme diversity in sound.

SHXCXCHCXSH, NX1, Charlton, Tremor, Uun, ASEC, HMMND, Mist Gasp, Rommek, NØRBAK, The Advent, Radial, Operator, Hiroaki Iizuka, Ryuji Takeuchi, HIRT, Kodah (UK), NEMRAC, Plural, Monya, Maedon, Andrømeda, Cailin, Duellist, Acidic Male, Swarm Intelligence, Somatic Responses, Scald, Jadzia, Shun, EKATA (UK), Alex Jann, Obzerv, Annie Hall, Plant43, Blixaboy, Noamm, Ivna Ji, The Subdermic, Rough, Mina Lord