eshu, the production collective and record label from nijmegen are back with their next offering. their 12th release is a various artists release that features blm, joburg and steven siwalette alongside label members ivano tetelepta and jocelyn abell. it comes on the heels of teteleptas absorbing dub techno album, senang, and is another high class offering. nijmegen based siwalette is first, previously contributed to the label as part of sys. his stragglers is a sparse but atmospheric track with industrial drones and slowly turning drums taking you through a desolate factory late at night. his second offering is alien encounter which is just as it sounds - a spooky, unsettling bit of cinematic sound design with menacing bass and icy pads all growing in loudness until they eventually consume your mind. lastly on the a-side, uk producer and fear of flying label boss blm lays down a skeletal groove thats embellished with beautiful, yawning synths. scattered little details and fx making this a cavernous piece that encourages your mind to wander and get lost. on the flip, jocelyn abell and ivano tetelepta cook up a heavyweight, mid tempo bit of dub techno with sharp hits and rolling kicks lulling you into a trance. last of all, the emerging j?burg picks up the pace with a perfectly chiselled bit of rock solid dub with looping drums and icy hi hats sinking you deep into its midst. this is an excellent ep that packs in a range of fascinating sounds for both the home and the club.

sys are three nijmegen based producers with different backgrounds, but with the same great view on music, delivering underground techno/dub with great sounddesign, slow tension building drum-patterns and off-beat rhythms. nocturnal is a deep pulsating rhythm with some nice dubbed out chord elements building slowly until the drumbreak hits and lifts the track to a higher level.monocle is about a steady irresistable groove instead of building to a climax. loose yourself in its simplicity and get sucked in by the slick sounddesign happening in the background.on the flip norman nodge delivers a great acidic remix perfect for warm up sets, peaktime dancefloor action or early morning moments.nice one again on eshu!