The sheer volume of new music released on a daily basis means that some gems will invariably go unnoticed, even by the most dedicated enthusiasts. Crate Digging is a monthly roundup of top-tier tracks you might have missed from across the electronic music spectrum.
From obscurities uncovered during trips down Bandcamp rabbit holes to the latest releases from legendary artists, Crate Digging is here to keep your collection up to date.
1. Gimenö – Ports (Live Mix) [TUTU]
The first single from Gimenö‘s debut album, the Movement LP, “Ports” is a dreamy, melodic techno jam. This version was recorded during a live show and rearranged in the studio to pay tribute the natural spaces and sounds surrounding his hometown.
2. Specter – Integrated Circuit [Angis Music]
Chicago house luminary Specter combines thunderous, snappy drums with soulful chords and sparkling arpeggios into a delightful hybrid of deep house and techno. Inspired by a ’60s crime drama, “Integrated Circuit” has a chaotic but charming sort of energy.
3. APOENA – Retoside [Allnite Music]
Deep, dusty house grooves with a touch of dub techno grit. “Retoside” shows off APOENA‘s knack for getting the most out of a minimal number of elements through subtle changes and clever use of effects.
4. Benson Streaker – Ulterior Guidance [Canapé Records]
A shuffling, summery, and sophisticated cut from enigmatic producer Benson Streaker which combines punchy, old school drums with glittering synths and a propulsive bass line. Ursula Rucker adds an otherworldly, sultry edge with an introspective spoken word vocal.
5. hsian – sun halo [play labs]
“sun halo” is as immersive and psychedelic as techno gets. Centering the track around a swirling, ever-evolving synth lead and syncopated analogue drums, hsian brings in grainy pads at key moments to add additional tension to the journey.
6. Bungle – Segment [Prestige Music Group]
Brazilian drum and bass veteran Bungle delivers a leftfield trip through steppy drums, funky chords, and quirky effects. All of these elements are run through a filter that makes the track sound like it’s being played in a cavernous hall.
7. Shydow – Paradox Interactive [Harthouse]
“Paradox Interactive” sees Shydow blend stripped-down, rolling percussion with heady, subtle effects and undulating, melancholy pads. The result is a deep, hypnotic techno groove with just the right amount of funk.
8. IGLO – Sun’s Way [Warok]
“Sun’s Way” is loopy, uptempo techno from Germany’s IGLO that explores the meaning of the scarab in Ancient Egyptian civilization as a symbol of resurrection and solar cycles. Various layers of percussion, vocal samples, and metallic sequences are brought in and out of the mix, subtly changing each time, reflecting the track’s conceptual basis.
9. Earth Trax – Swamp [Aus Music]
Tougher and more sinister than Aus Music‘s usual output, “Swamp” by Earth Trax is a minimalist slice of machine music. Sharp TR-808 drums form the rhythmic basis of the track, complemented by menacing bass growls and warped effects which create a dark, ominous atmosphere.
10. Herman – Echo Trip [Banofee Pies Records]
“Echo Trip” by Herman is a detailed, expertly-crafted amalgamation of electronica, IDM, and techno that weaves wonky, percussive rhythms and shimmering dub chords around tight, mechanical drums and booming sub bass.
