Hello! Will start to pick up reviews this month after a lengthy hiatus, also new podcast and some live bits (yes, I actually managed to leave Muswell Hill occasionally....)

B12: Practopia (B12) - 12" originally released June 2007
B12: Slope (B12) - 12" originally released June 2007

Never was wholly convinced by B12, their commital to the Detroit via Essex school of techno was admirable, but I never found myself warming to their music. Their label showcased some great artists, notably Stasis and the ever-prolific Kirk DeGiorgio, but their own records sounded way too sterile and clinical for my tastes. It lacked the street-level grit that I got with stuff from across the pond.

'Practopia' is considered to be their 'lost' record, the one that was supposed to be released way back in '95 and like anything that apes the Motor City blueprint, it sounds like it could have come from any time. Beige-box rhythms that function rather than fill and a range of synthetic moods from futurist-optimism to sombre solitude.

'Slope' is their first new material in about a decade and actually see's the duo in 'fun, fun, fun!' mode. A bouncy, melodically-happy riff twangs and bends to its own accord against, the B-sides aren't very good. I'm actually a bit lost now, considering I started this review with the aim of knocking down B12 a peg or two. They've gone and ruined things by releasing not one but two decent records. Fuckers.

Various Artists - Polymorphik Piece I/III (PuZZling Rec) - 12" originally released October 2004

Took ages to work our what this blank, unmarked promo was for years. And now that I have, I wish I hadn't bothered. Adolescent throwaway breakcore bullshit from Belgium. Only the partially amusing 'Levis Paf & Edit Press Lay' by Etschaberry provided a smirk. The unfortunately titled 'Paki' by Rony & Suzy, however, didn't.

Ammo / Szkieve - Perturbacée / Terra Amata (Ad Noiseam) - 12" originally released April 2002

Attractive picturedisc with two lengthy slabs of dark ambience. Its got teeth but doesnt really bite. And instantly forgettable as soon as its off.