Long Reads

More absorbed than ever in electronics, Yann Tiersen’s latest album ‘11 5 18 2 5 18’ finds the Breton composer sampling and resampling old tracks into compelling, exquisitely wrought fresh shapes… with an occasional nod to the dancefloor. Who knew?

The 2020 self-titled debut album from Working Men’s Club won universal acclaim, but their follow-up, ‘Fear Fear’, is arguably even better – a glorious collision of “scuffed” electropop, clubby energy and outright bangers. Frontman Syd Minsky-Sargeant reveals its story

The Norwegian press came up with the name Bergen Wave to describe the large number of bands and producers – of all shapes and genres – that developed in the west coast city of Bergen in the late 1990s. We’ve picked out 10 of the best electronic albums associated with the movement, although we’re starting the story in another place at another time…

After reneging on their plan to never make another album, Röyksopp are back with two cracking long-players at pretty much the same time, both featuring a host of collaborations and bolstered by some mighty peculiar multimedia content. But then the often weird and always wonderful Norwegian duo don’t like doing things by halves

‘Tresor’, the beguiling third album by Welsh artist Gwenno, is a love letter to the language and folklore of Cornwall. Celtic identity, embracing electronics and a mixing desk that once belonged to Martin Hannett all play their part in her colourful journey

Inspired by female philosophers, mystics and poets, ‘Spirit Exit’ – the new album by Italian composer Caterina Barbieri – is a modular synth fantasy, billed as her most profound work to date. Strap yourselves in for a cosmic journey…

Stephen Mallinder may have just three solo albums to his name, but he’s been a serial collaborator throughout his career. Here are some of his finest moments…

It’s been nearly 30 years since Stephen Mallinder was last involved with Cabaret Voltaire, the act his name will always be associated with. Throughout that time, he’s never stopped creating, innovating and pushing forward, but his story isn’t as front and centre as you might expect. It’s time for an adjustment… 

On the release of his autobiography, ‘The Sound Of The Machine’, Karl Bartos opens up about working with Ralf and Florian, unpublished demo recordings, and how pioneering technology helped to create Kraftwerk’s extraordinary legacy

Operating in various guises since 2006, Gnod‘s latest album, ‘Hexen Valley’, is inspired by the Yorkshire town of Hebden Bridge. It sees them channelling psych, electronics, noise, drone and even a bit of Lou Reed, to rousing effect