#3 Feat. Banner in Techno (Peak Time / Driving)

We continue with a slew of formidable dance tracks with a 3-track EP from Buenos Aires producer TimiR. Across releases on Hypnostate, Fabric and Legend - TimiR has already developed a clear and distinctive sound characterised by serrated bass synths and highly expressive percussion. His 'Dare' record lays out 3 cohesive by singular productions that build on this trope as they work to blend elements of Psytrance and Techno to striking effect. The title track kicks off - here TimiR weaves an immersive tapestry as a menacing low end generates a kaleidoscopic tunnel while clever dynamics have LFO signals flicking sparks across the floor. Sharp, percussive breaks burst out and seize attention as they work to punctuate the flow of energy while a swooning vocal tops off an arresting production. 'Phantom' then follows up with sturdy sub work which lays a burly foundation for another dose of expressive flair from TimiR. More spectral vocals adorn a thorny branch of sound braided with explosive fills, raw, palpable synth signals and a warped melody that works as the driving force of the track. 'Switch' then finishes up with a clinic in dramatic sound design. Heavy subs and an arsenal of low-mid synths cascade alongside racing drums, forming another intricate base layer for a melody which blooms out with lucent colour, bringing another VOLTA coup to a close.

TimiR

#14 Feat. Staff Picks in Techno (Peak Time / Driving)

Next up on VOLTA are Balthazar & JackRock - a duo who perfectly capture the label's core those as they deliver music that's as powerful as it is poignant. Heavy-duty club tracks imbued with passion and flair. 'Ethereal Drive' kicks off with a truly standout club track that melds disparate shades of sound and through adroit production, forms something that's equal parts dynamic and haunting. A pure, crystalline vocal decorates a barbed bass line that consistently rubs shoulders with a fierce, heavy kick. A bit-crushed organ drops in some murky blobs of sound adding to an otherworldly atmosphere before 'Space Crush' closes up with a big-room behemoth. A wall of industrial-grade sonics power forwards, one kick at a time before a synth line bleeds in, catching the listener off guard. Another unique contrast develops as rich, heartstring chords pull away from the stormy low-end and bloom into a warm embrace of a breakdown. Energy quickly builds, hammering back to earth with force, capping off another stellar addition to the VOLTA catalogue.

Balthazar & JackRock

#28 Feat. Staff Picks in Techno (Peak Time / Driving)

Lisbon's VOLTA maintain consistency with 3 more servings of deftly expressive Techno courtesy of Brazilian producer HNGT working alongside collaborators Tao Andra and Lutgens. Working alone - HNGT kicks us off with 'Voices In My Mind'. A stiff kick is the track's ballast, occupying a dimly lit underbelly alongside sparse zaps of bass and a pulsing Prog-bassline. The low end pins down a tension that remains tightly coiled throughout while smokey textures and melodies form spectral hues overhead. The track then opens out across a beautifully cinematic breakdown as an airy vocoder glistens into focus before 'Dark Sun' follows up with some intricate psychedelia. Here, HNGT works alongside Romanian talent Tao Andra who dashes in some of her vivacious flair and together the duo set serpentine melodies curling and flexing over another rugged low end. Delicate FX use casts trippy signals to the far corners of the stereo spectrum before 'Nebulous Unity' sees the return of Lutgens to VOLTA as together - the duo finish the EP off with a hard-edged DJ tool. Jagged signals and cold but nimble bass frequencies as the key ingredients here; together they work in tandem to dial in a rolling boil perfectly suited to peak time floors.

HNGT, Tao Andra, Lutgens

#44 Feat. Staff Picks in Techno (Peak Time / Driving)

Lisbon's Volta Records deliver a deadly 2-hit combo from blossoming Brazilian producer Mila Journeé. As a beloved member of Solomon's Diynamic family, Mila Journée has accrued many hours going toe to toe with some of the world's most premier selectors. Here - she channels this experience into 2 standout productions that spark with a unique and ear-catching energy. Title track 'Bay 2' kicks off with the force of a power plant as it omits lightning signals. Brazen percussion, frazzled electronic frequencies and a steely kick are rolled out in marching rhythms across an urgent and direct DJ tool. 'Gamer' follows up with more head melting frequencies as the bones of a straight 4/4 Techno rhythm are fleshed out with more high voltage tones that work to dial in a bold, peak-time vibe specifically design to shock the floor into action.

Mila Journée