January: 8 electro releases you need to hear this month

Fairmont 'Carthage' EP (Mr Favourite Robot Records)

Jake Fairley, aka Fairmont, delivers three contrasting cuts for My Favourite Robot Records’ 150th release. Having built a name for himself in the early 00s on imprints such as Kompakt, more recently he’s been associated with James Holdens’ Border Community. The multi-layered title track blends progressive house and electro with its bulbous basslines, cackling hats and lush chord progressions. ‘Loose Teeth’ is more steely in its delivery, as barbed percussion and throbbing kicks take centre stage for a more rhythmic workout. ‘With Closed Eyes’ is the cherry on the top, as dystopian-sounding hooks combine with propulsive basslines to make for a potent finish.

8/10