August: 7 electro releases you need to hear this month

MSTRKRFT 'Operator' (Last Gang)

It’s been a long time coming, hasn’t it? The last time we heard music from MSTRKRFT was almost five years ago and their last album ‘Fist Of God’ was dropped back in 2009. Far too long in our opinion, and we think Jesse Keeler and Al-P must have heard the cries for more because their third album is about to pop any time now. ‘Operator’ finds the duo’s electro just as jagged and razor-sharp as before; if anything, it comes back with a fiercer edge. The album feels more raw and acidic, with opening track ‘Wrong Glass Sir’ making no apologies for how brutal it is. ‘Runaway’ is just as mind-bending, but comes packed with vocals that soften the blow slightly. After four tracks of fast-paced hellfire, ‘Playing With Itself’ slows everything down with a fantastically trippy interlude, but ‘Party Line’ brings back the demonic static. There really is no respite this time round: after a five year absence, MSTRKRFT have returned with something outrageously harsh and rebellious. It’s a great album – just not a very ‘pleasant’ one.

8/10

Cute Heels 'Third Skin' (Dark Entity)

We’ve kept an eye on Colombian producer Cute Heels ever since his track ‘Silence Complot’ was the highlight of a Helena Hauff set we saw at Brickworks in Nottingham. His ‘Third Skin’ EP is full of the same kind of nostalgia-flecked electro, with the title track standing out as a pulsating, venomous cut aimed at the floor. ‘Lipstick Information’ is more Italo-infused, yet still hammers home. And as for remixes of the title track? Steffi and our favourite The Hacker have more than got those covered. Exceptional.

9/10

Djedjotronic 'Touch The Ground' (Boysnoize Records)

Djedjotronic has been crafting darkness-drenched electronic music for as long as we can remember and he just seems to get better with every release. Boysnoize Records has been somewhat of a home label for the French producer, and now he returns with the techno-focused ‘Strapon’ EP. Three of the four tracks are Berghain-aimed rollers that drive with intent and rarely stray from a strict 4/4 groove. ‘Touch The Ground’, though, is right up our electro street, and if a staggered, forceful drum pattern is what you’re after then you’ll love this. The acidic twangs are integral to the feel of the track and give off mutant vibrations every time they wobble and flicker.

8/10

Jerome Hill 'SRTX013' (Super Rhythm Trax)

Having been in the game for over two decades, Jerome Hill’s output is never bound by genre. It might be hip hop, it might be acid, it might be Chicago house that bangs with malice. His next EP on Super Rhythm Trax is a jackin’ four-tracker that doesn’t mess around. Opener ‘It’s Time For The’ puts a unique, spliced-up spin on Cajmere’s classic ‘Percolator’, with the original’s vocals, whistles, clicks and zips all re-arranged alongside a thumping kick to give the cut a welcome (if not crazy) breath of fresh
air. ‘Chicken Head George’ centres around a monstrous bass riff and ominous pads, while ‘Def Jam George’ is a stabby, bass revelation. ‘Lollypop Lady’ features a wild Otis Redding sample and rounds off a bonkers but super-fun record.

8/10

Westbalkonia 'Zigarette Für Mich' (Westbalkonia)

Leipzig trio Westbalkonia have always made music that’s firmly tongue-in-cheek, and their latest track is a slab of wild electro that’s as bright and colourful as the EP’s cover art. The oscillating riffs are prominent from the off and they whirr and loop with malice. The vocals are a tad cheesy, like that of an 80s Europop song, but the instrumental version has enough drive and power to keep you happy. In fact, the version without any lyrics oozes cool and will work at peak-time in any set. Imagine Todd Terje on steroids and you’ve on the right track.

7/10

Boys Noize 'Euphoria (Skream remix)' (Boysnoize Records)

Back in May, Boys Noize exploded back into the forefront of dance music with his fourth LP ‘Mayday’, and it was a no-brainer for us to crown it Album Of the Month. The fast-paced and ferocious record marked a real return to form for the German producer, and we’ve been waiting eagerly for some remixes to accompany its standout tracks. ‘Euphoria’ is undoubtedly one of those highlights, and now Skream has transformed the cut into a Carl Craig-esque monster. Zipping synths and a chugging groove are the order of the day, and if this wasn’t out on BNR then it could’ve easily found its way onto Innervisions. Skream’s really come into his own with his productions lately, and this is one of his best yet. Watch out for it hitting a dancefloor near you soon.

9/10

Boston Bun 'Banana' (Free download)

Annie Mac’s Free Music Mondays series has always thrown up some gold when it comes to fiery downloads that don’t cost you a penny and we always check every week to see what she’s offering. Recent bangers from Doc Daneeka, DJ Haus and Roni Size have kept us occupied, but Annie has outdone herself now with a huge Boston Bun freebie. The Ed Banger hotshot has proven he doesn’t need to stick to one sound to make a good record and ‘Banana’ is glitzy pop that’ll you find it hard not to shuffle your shoulders to. The percussion is catchy and, with vocals that glide and seduce, there was no way we couldn’t cover this. Head to the Annie Mac Presents SoundCloud to get your copy.

8/10