erell ranson has got some serious credentials behind him. the french producer has been releasing music for over ten years, landing on a range of underground labels that more recently include barba records, subwax excursions and nightflight. on this release for uk label distant worlds, he matches the vibe of label mates john shima, derek carr et al with a gorgeous set of emotive, yearning techno reflections that call to mind the early uk scene pioneered by b12, baby ford and others. this is thoughtful, heartfelt stuff that works both as distinctive dancefloor material as well as intimate home listening fare.

following sterling entries from derek carr, john shima and mihail p, distant worlds reaches out to perseus traxx for a demonstration of the emotional heft and utopian optimism that classic techno promises in its most compelling moments. this is relatable, familiar territory, but executed with finesse beyond the reach of the average producer. a new mystery is bathed in swirling synth tones as elegant as they are moving, while simulacra places a bold square wave riff front and centre for an impactful deep techno meditation. circumstantial reframes the same rich melodic approach in a frantic chassis of snapping beats darting around the grid with playful glee, and then the map is not the territory applies the same logic to a mystical but rhythmically charged trip into the netherworld of machine soul.

2023 reress !! bassheavy electro with beautiful and complex melodies.

warm and melodic electro from sound synthesis.

4 tracks by tagwell woods, castel, mihail p, holovr

underground deep techno

new dwetroit techno inspired output by stephen lopkin

mihail p first came to light on respected label seventh sign before popping up just recently on verdant recordings alongside esb, and now he s back once again with the multiverse ep on distant worlds. his influences are clear, from the elegant melancholy and attention to detail of early uk techno to the snappy electro rhythms of drexciya, and he exercises those influences brilliantly on each of these four tracks. there are abundant tender synth lines criss-crossing intricately programmed drum machines in a true celebration of machine soul, all shot through with a heavy-lidded ambience that makes for some of the most captivating techno out there at the moment

second transmission from distant worlds comes courtesy of derek carr (for those that knoe, where we met, why so series). his music has been turning heads since the turn of the millenium but only in the last few years has he been getting the recognition he deserves. his productions have a timeless, celestial quality and reward multiple listens, there is always a hint of subtle beauty about his work and this is no exception. scisor and wraith are built for the club whilst fading fast and sunrise in system will work equally well in a club or for home listening. more than a nod to detroit in these productions but all unmistakeably carr productions.