various: refraction vol 4

If you've encountered Titonton Duvante's Residual Recordings over the years, then you'll be all too aware of their ability to conjure up genuinely thrilling and thought-provoking electronic works. Indeed, while he's best known as a DJ/producer in his own right, Duvante's own A&R skills are impressive, with Residual counting on everyone from Fym to Boo Williams to Garrett David over the years. As with their last various artist collection, the label owner has done another expert job at rounding up some great troops here, with four emerging producers delivering the goods courtesy of Refraction Vol. 4. It starts with Rukka's "Stellar Radiation". Full of zippy, nimble synths, and clever cowbell sounds, "Stellar Radiation" is a brilliantly constructed slice of intergalactic funk that brings the rabbit role in some style. Teakup's "Believe" is a more stuffy, techno-focused cut, the likes of which has been produced in a unique, urban-influenced vein. Miscellanea I on the Is / Was label, it's another reminder of the Ohio native's undoubted talents. Sepehr's "Exit Your Body" plays out like a vintage cut from The Martian. Loaded with funk and soul motifs and characterized by its 808 sounds, this is techno of a real swagger and panache. Deep but brilliantly catchy, it's indicative of the label at its very best. It's then left to Italian producer Pressure Point to see you out, a task he fulfils in some fashion thanks to "So Far So Good". Another track with its roots in classic sounds, it too maintains a sort of contemporary edge.