May 5, 2023
As the echoes of the early 90s subside, the era of UK rave culture continues to cast a long, vibrant shadow on the electronic music landscape. Among the labyrinthine archives of the era’s classics, one name resonates as both a beacon and an enigma - Illuminatae. In 1993, their seminal record, “Tremora Del Terra,” graced the world with a tantalizing glimpse of techno transcendence. At the time, the track might have been considered a fleeting moment in the rapidly evolving landscape of electronic music.
“Go Ahead London,” a 2001 double-sided single release by the German techno project, Tesox, is akin to a time capsule, encapsulating the raw essence of the early 21st-century electronic music scene in the United Kingdom. The record, still shimmering with the energy of a bygone era, unfolds to reveal the Tesox’s mastery over the techno landscape, with two distinct versions of the same song offering a rare glimpse into the art of remixing.
In an era where electronic music was still expanding its sonic horizons, Integrated Circuits’ 1994 release, “Thing Thang,” held a distinctive place in the hearts and minds of listeners. Oh, the quaint days of the ’90s, when the internet was just gaining momentum and electronic music was yet to become a household staple! Now, nearly three decades later, we find ourselves revisiting this groundbreaking German release with the same enthusiasm as we did when it first dropped.
In an era where electronic music has evolved into an ever-changing, multifaceted universe of genres and subgenres, it is essential to revisit the roots that have defined the foundations of techno. Standing at the forefront of this movement, Edge Of Motion’s eponymous release from 1992, steeped in the vibrant atmosphere of Amsterdam, remains a timeless treasure trove of techno excellence. The duo, comprised of Dylan Hermelijn and Gert-Jan Schonewille, have left an indelible mark on the techno landscape, and this record stands as a testament to their prodigious talent.
Oh, the audacity of time! How it sneaks past us and leaves us with our memories of a time when house music was not just a genre, but an entire movement. It was an era when people would lose themselves in the magic of the underground club scene, with the pulsating rhythm taking them on a journey that transcended their mundane, everyday lives. There’s a certain charm in revisiting the roots of the genre, and that is exactly what we shall do today, as we delve into Lidell Townsell’s 1988 release, “Jack The House.
In the ever-evolving landscape of electronic music, few artists have managed to consistently captivate the imagination of their audience while simultaneously pushing the boundaries of their genre. Technasia, the Paris-based project of Charles Siegling and, until 2008, Amil Khan, is a perfect example of this rare breed. With a career spanning over two decades, Technasia has become synonymous with innovation, quality, and excitement. Their 2002 release, “Passages Vol. 1,” exemplifies the duo’s relentless pursuit of excellence and provides a snapshot into the mind of two artists at the height of their powers.
In the annals of electronic music history, certain releases stand out as pivotal moments that not only embody the essence of a particular era, but also help to shape the sonic landscape of the future. The 1989 release of “Elektric Dance” by Jungle Crew, distributed by the US-based Play House Records, is one such milestone. It’s a testament to the vibrant and rapidly-evolving scene of the late ’80s, when musical boundaries were being stretched and transcended at an electrifying pace.