L_cio
VP004

Four devastatingly precise workouts from two of Portugal's leading techno talents, VOX99 and VIL, drawing on the sound of late-night (and morning-after) raves at some of Lisbon's darkest venues. The dub techno moods found on 'Sqs1' and 'Sqs2' are split by their differing sense of space, the first claustrophobic where the second expands. 'Suli's Tiger' is the grainiest cut, while the loopy 'Not Proud Of My Behaviour' provides an unashamed hands-in-the-air moment. In other words, an all-round killer. Early support by DVS1.

Lisbon's Paraíso is back. For the second release on the label, again some of the most essential underground producers of Portuguese origin were recruited to contribute towards a solid VA 12".First up is Silvestre, the Lisbon-born, London-based producer and DJ who has been releasing super inventive dance tracks on Diskotopia and his own excellent Padre Himalaya. His track 'Todos Juntos' is a tough yet playful take on piano house, accented by a gritty kick drum and a youthful vocal sample. DJ Ze MigL follows with his 'No Space' - the Lisbon veteran, who is a true techno pioneer and has released on Chi Wax and Djax Up Beats in the mid 90s, delivers a sonic techno belter, trippy and energetic in equal measures, fit for frenetic peaktime action in any rave deserving of such title.On the flipside, Algarve duo Roundhouse Kick of One Eyed Jacks fame serve up 'Acid Life', right on their flawless brand of romantic, evocative house music, complete with heavenly melodies and a fat bassline. Aveiro's Mind Safari (1980, Subsubtropics) rounds up the record in cosmic fashion with 'Enter Sandman', an arpeggiated journey through space and time, meant for dancing with our eyes closed and our heart open.The result is a dynamic, strong, colourful sonic palette that perfectly depicts the best of today's landscape in the much talked-about Portuguese music scene. Dive in - and feel the fresh waters of Paraíso for yourself.