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

EPM Selected Vol. 10 features twelve tracks from the EPMmusic archive with a focus to the left of the dancefloor; embracing electro, electronica, breaks, dub techno and the cracks in between. Volume 10 brings together EPM regulars such as Cristian Vogel, Oliver Way, Techmarine Bottom Feeders, Freddy Fresh and Theiz, alongside great tracks from Arno Vancolen, Carl Taylor, The Third Man, Athens Computer Underground, Ballet Mechanique and Paul Mac. Involved in the electronic music scene since 2001, EPMmusics label has over 120 releases to its name from a glittering spectrum of todays techno, house, electronica and electro pioneers. Nurturing a core set of artists has seen the label pick up numerous accolades, support and global recognition to become an established dance music force. As a snapshot into how we got here, the 10th instalment of our Selected series goes crate-digging in the vaults. We start Vol. 10 with a glitched out dub-techno excursion as Cristian Vogel takes on Arno Vancolens Substance #2 before we hit classic Lowlands 90s IDM via the shimmering understatement of Ballet Mechaniques Echo Catcher. Oliver Ways The Fabulous Mr. Baker, a track dedicated to the sadly departed techno and house producer, Tim Baker, builds upon layered pads and heart-felt keys, evoking the sound of early 90s Artificial Intelligence era techno. Having just released his fifth release on EPM, we trackback to Theizs debut album of 2023 with A Beautiful Off Day, washing over us with sun-dappled warmth and emotive melodies before Modulator (aka Freddy Fresh) gets a full-throated electro remix from Berlin based duo, CYRK with his track ProMars that first appeared in EPMs 20 year celebrations. Squid Ink Posse is a lesser-known track from Paris the Black Fus Techmarine Bottom Feeders alias but no less worthy of a fresh look, as its sinister electro sonics fit perfectly with todays uncertain times. Paul Macs quick step into rave breaks with Nothing Remains is the albums peak dancefloor moment, bringing an euphoric tempo rush and then The Third Mans Beneath the Mine Chamber takes us back into the bass-driven underworld of schizophrenic techno. Carl Taylors 2012 album True Faith remains a landmark release for the label, so its always a pleasure to shine a light back on this techno treasure. This time we head for the headphones with Guiding Light which gets a wonderful 2024 remaster by the mighty Chris McCormack. Athens Computer Underground takes us into a world of subtle 303 basslines and deft early AFX driven melody with the bubbling and mesmerising Cantharidine from 2020s All Lovers Young EP before Cristian Vogel dives back into the depths with more dub infused electronics on the sublime EarthSea from his continuous NEL adventures. Finally, Freddy Fresh emerges for a second time as we delve into his all-genre encompassing 35 Years of Music opus via the modular prism of Caledonia, a track drenched with introspective melody and the subtle touch of a true master.

Arno Vancolen, Ballet Mechanique, Oliver Way, Theiz, Freddie Fresh (aka Modulator), Techmarine Bottom Feeders, Paul Mac, The Third Man, Carl Taylor, Athens Computer Underground, Cristian Vogel, Freddy Fresh