Direction by Reset Robot

Many who are familiar with Reset Robot’s style of stripped back deep techno with warm synths, will also know of his eclectic variants ranging from melodic tech house to thumping techno. This particular release showcases the harder side of his style with heavy percussion and dark atmosphere.

Providing the solo remix is German artist Heiko Laux who has been influential with releases on Klockworks, Soma, Tronic, Figure and his own label Kanzleramt. Along with many solo tracks he has also has also worked alongside Joel Mull, Diego Hostettler, Sammy Dee and Steve Rachmad.

“Direction” opens the EP with a pounding kick drum and wispy synth line layered over the robotic female vocal that is the track's main hook. Dubby stabs add to the atmosphere and building tension of this dance floor focused cut of peak time techno.

Heiko Laux’s rework of “Direction” is a deeper take on the original with a spacious mix and slow building structure. Distorting the vocal into an ambient texture with an ominous presence, the dark and stripped back remix is understated with captivating suspense.

Track three “Polara” is a morphing soundscape of dystopian textures layered over a rolling groove. Mechanical with precision engineering in the sequencing of the sounds each part is a piece of an intricate puzzle. Trademark of Reset Robot’s style, this deep techno cut is both intelligent and perfect for the club.

Finishing off the release is “Beams” which has the hypnotics of a rippling synth blended with bursts of melody and eerie atmospherics. Trippy and precise, the momentum is unrelenting and full of drama. Its slow and steady approach keeps you on the edge of your seat, and played loud it would be near impossible not to dance.