White Mice: Nothing Never Done Before The Time (Basic Replay) - 12"

The recent run of White Mice reissues are most welcome, his utterly satisfying take on mid-eighties digi dub is near perfect. Mastered by Basic Channel's Moritz Von Oswald. This is spacious and warm with a really nice underplayed horn section. The original is sublime, but the alternative version is drastically sparse in comparison. Tempo's are reduced and vocals are amped. Get this and the three 7" releases and I'll regard that as a good start.

Jesse Rose: Let's Start Again EP (Dubsided) - 12"
Modeler: Island Life (Dubsided) - 12"

On Rose's effort, it's the Akufen-inspired 'Suggestion Box' that elevates this otherwise pedestrian foray into booty house. Skillful cut up vocals repetitvely stab alongside the precise rhythms, an unexpected smart jazz breakdown disassembles everything before starting up again. Modeler's effort is more accomplished, the title track is full down jazz sophistication with a propulsive kick. But everyone really gets this release for 'Mint Condition'. Having been caned by the likes of Villalobos, it's not that difficult to see why.

Various Artists: Detroit Underground Part 4 (Detroit Underground) - 12"

Only a matter of time before the dense, brain-scrambling rhythms that is the calling card of IDM would start to appeal again. With minimal's 'less-is-more' attitude quickly running out of steam - certainly fallen out of favour here in N10. The opening data rush of Richard Devine's remix just sounded urgent and full of vitality. Apparat's effort continues his fascination with loops, and Venetian Snares just continues to do what Venetian Snares does.

Electro Music Specialists: Exoplanet Voice Transistors EP (Satamile) - 12"
Bolz Bolz: Transatlantic Treasure EP (Satamile) - 12"

Electro. One of those genres that always seem to sound timeless. Probably because of its 'looking to the future whilst sounding retro' manifesto. Remember when electroclash suddenly appeared as some sort of viable youth movement? OK, so it was predominantly populated by absolute twats, but it resulted in some decent tunes. Well NYC-based Satamile Records don't peddle any of that. Their idea of electro is rooted firmly in the male-driven world of hip-hop, sci-fi, drum machines and furrowed brows. And whilst these were released in 2001, it's found friends here in N10.