downfall theory embarks on a new chapter as it hosts a full release from a producer other than its owner, sanys. myztical isn’t exactly a newcomer though, and the ukrainian producer has already two releases to his credit on nicz records. given the title of his debut on downfall theory, it is no surprise to learn that myztical is using it as a means to question reality. inspired by the science fiction writer philip k dick and decades of electronic music, he certainly succeeds on venturing into uncharted territories on the title track. muffled, repetitive vocal samples, an atonal rhythm and relentless, slightly distorted kicks show that quite often, simplicity is the most potent ingredient. on “faith of our fathers”, myztical disappears farther down the wormhole. splintered rhythms, deranged howls and a deranged filter push his vision for broken beat techno into the abyss. “substance d” sees the ukrainian hotshot return to a more linear approach, pounding kicks underpin ghostly shrieks before a breakdown sees the track descend into grimy, woody mcbride-style acid. the accompanying vocal sample, the embodiment of a bad trip, only serves to accentuate the track’s darkly hallucinogenic qualities. finally, there’s “shifted realities” - it revisits the jagged filters of “faith of our fathers”, but does so against the backdrop of a pounding industrial kick and a grungy, low-slung rhythm.

nice price deal !!! it’s been nearly two years since the last sanys record. in the meantime, techno has flirted with noise and industrial, often resulting in gloomy self-indulgence. thankfully, there is no such creative verbiage on this seventh instalment of downfall theory. “seizure” starts the release with a robust, stepping rhythm and relentless stabs playing out against atmospheric, eerie textures. it’s like shed’s wax project jamming with deepchord. next up is ‘natural high’. this is one of sanys’ darkest moments so far, inspired by the depth and length of the st petersburg winter, it sees the russian producer lay down a visceral, muddy rhythm, against which ghostly shrieks and waves of frosty chords, blown in from the baltic sea, meet.

russian producer sanys has impressed with a series of raw techno records on his downfall theory label - and his latest release further showcases his talents. dominance starts with atmospheric synth washes before a granular bass and relentless percussion propel it forward. like previous sanys releases however, this is not straightforward linear techno and a rumbling vocal and insistent drums will keep the listener engaged. my concern sees sanys opt for a different approach, with a pulsing bass and a crystalline synth line going up and down the scales, intertwined with a vocal snippet, while told you so features another stylistic shift. on this occasion, it s back to the darker sound that was audible on some of the earlier downfall theory releases. tight, snappy drums and robust, insistent claps provide the basis for a droning, murky bassline that cuts through the arrangement like a lighthouse rays in the dark of night. finally, irish producer eomac, one half of lakker, delivers a version of dominance that centres on lithe broken beats, ghostly melodies and insidious tonal shifts. as its title suggests, dominance shows sanys has become a master of the techno form.

sanys delivers another killer techno release on downfall theory 05. slowly and without hype, the russian producer has gained the interest and respect of those around the globe who crave pure-sounding dance floor techno and the fifth release on his label delivers this effortlessly.

deadly poison is the fourth installment of st petersburg-based producer sanys on discerning downfall theory series. retaining to the a/b format and treading a heady, analogue-hued line with releases thus far on predecessors control freak / event horizon, forward thinking logic and daily situation which supported a stunning rework from chicago-based, detroit-born producer alex israel, deadly poison continues to march on in gritty, idiosyncratic fashion only this time fractioning off and multiplying into four distinct, yet symbiotic floor workouts. on the a-side hired guns kicks off with no-holds barred, full-on weighty bass weaponry before grab them back in reins things in, just a little: a dystopic soundtrack full of clanging machines rung through with the filmy dread of a waning humanity. on the b-side concern continues in plain rude as distorted vocals are twisted into evil barks and plied with itchy hats to warning chimes and a bounding bassline in this weird and wonky builder. down and dirty then concludes—as the title suggests—in deep, raw analogue terrain. having already caught the attention of people like blawan, rivet and brendon moeller, deadly poison consolidates sanys skills as a one to watch maker of provocative, sensitive and fiercely independent dance music.