IRO AKA Vinyl & CDs

Review: The Avidya label arrives with a bold new concept that sees it push itself to "step out of comfort zones to release a series of EPs of broad, challenging and deep music." The first affair is a fine one from four artists, the first of which is Lyon based procure A Strange Wedding from the Worst label. His slow trance locks you in and then Gothenburg trio Datasal come through with a prog rock and post funk and dance fusion. 84PC's contribution is peak time gold and Barcelona's Iro Aka arrive with another debut to round out this fine offering.

Review: Mirko Hecktor and Tom Sprenger founded Terra Magica in 2021 as a platform for their brand of psychedelically-charged house and techno, and they've quickly built up a strong identity and a burgeoning community of likeminded astral travellers. Look no further than this quality split release for all the proof you need, as Lucas Croon threads Balearic, prog and trance together before the label bosses (Hektisch Sprengen DJs) weave some mystical mantras of their own and Dea revels in boxy Chicago jack crossed with Island boogie. It's an eclectic mix to be sure, with another three joints taking in uptempo proto-trance and anthemic emo-acid-breaks aplenty. Draw for the big feelings and get freaky in the process - what's not to love?