The sheer volume of new music released on a daily basis means that for even the most dedicated enthusiasts, some gems will invariably go unnoticed. 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. Theressia – R153 [Cosmism Records]
Taken from Theressia‘s debut album, Zoma, “R153” combines gnarly, experimental sound design with catchy, head-nodding beats. Crunchy, heavily compressed drums and overdriven bass growls take center stage, backed up by wonky samples and creepy vocals.
2. Sun Genam and Altjira – Spaceracer [Diffuse Reality Records]
This is chaotic, psychedelic IDM-meets-breakbeat courtesy of Sun Genam and Altjira. “Spaceracer” is an unusual (but highly effective) combination of high-intensity beats, rapid-fire bass stabs, evolving trance pads, and off-kilter arp sequences.
3. Linear System – Space Exploration 33 [Edit Select]
The opening track from the latest release in Linear System‘s ongoing series, “Space Exploration 33” is a heady, hypnotic techno cut that does its title justice. Eerie pads build to an unnerving crescendo as subtle, precise drums and wobbly sine waves keep the groove going.
4. Paradox – Detronic [Sneaker Social Club]
“Detronic” sees drumfunk and jungle pioneer Paradox demonstrate his talents at a slower tempo, incorporating elements of dub techno and electronica into a lush broken beat journey. The same attention to detail, mastery of low end, and ability to mine the most out of a singular idea that are present in uptempo works are also on display here.
5. Denham Audio – How Could I [Myor]
Right at home on Coco Bryce‘s Myor imprint, “How Could I” is a lush deep jungle cut infused with Denham Audio‘s trademark chunk and grit. Shimmering pads and forlorn vocals float above deadly breaks and rumbling sub bass to create a soundsystem banger best enjoyed with your eyes closed.
6. Halos – III [Annulled Music]
Halos delivers a beautiful, introspective track that exists in the hazy space where electronica and dub techno meet. “III” weaves grainy dub chords and swirling delays around sparse, synthetic beats, leaving plenty of negative space to give each element a chance to shine.
7. Work The Peripherals – Horizon [Companion]
Blissful, expansive deep house with clear Detroit techno influences, “Horizon” morphs the ambient aesthetic for which Work The Peripherals is known into a more propulsive, dancefloor-ready groove without losing its meditative quality.
8. Dave N.A. – Signal [Typeless]
“Signal” pushes breakbeat into exciting new territories. Dave N.A. draws from IDM and experimental music with challenging sound design; from techno with precise drum programming; and from sound system culture with well-timed vocal samples.
9. Marco Ramos – Angara 1.2 [Subsist Records]
Marco Ramos channels the rugged, quirky sci-fi style of early Detroit pioneers such as Robert Hood and Jeff Mills while injecting the precise, methodical production of contemporary European techno to create a timeless yet modern sound. “Angara 1.2” is pure machine funk from the far distant future.
10. Aa Sudd – Menodice [Midgar Records]
“Menodice” takes the listener on a moody midtempo trip though syncopated beats, subterranean bass sequences, and mangled technoid sounds. The track sees Aa Sudd at his absolute otherworldly best.
