Catch Recordings builds on its already fine reputation with the news that the label is starting a new Various Artists series. Volume 1 is a five-track affair featuring label debutants NWO, Ste Roberts, and Hardacre, plus previous associates Nadsat and Bobby O'Donnell. These are artists who have been Catch friends for many years, and now seems the opportune time to bring them all together under one release.


Nadsat is the Catch label co-founder. A producer who brings intricate sound design and industrial energy to his techno. He opens up with the thrilling 'Only Human', a track with exceptionally inventive drum programming, offbeat hits, and a kinetic sense of late-night, futuristic energy that never lets up. Add in the elastic bass and soulful vocal and you have a meeting of real emotion and visceral grooves.


NWO is an artist inspired by avant-garde musicians who take influence from jungle, breaks, electro, techno, and jazz and distill it into their own fluid forms, that are raw and bass-heavy. 'Evolve' is proof of that with its drilling bass, slithering hi-hats and distant churchy pads tugging you in different directions at once. This is a track that manages to sink you into a widescreen cosmic atmosphere while also powering forward on solid drums.


Ste Roberts runs his own self-titled label as well being part of the team behind Hypercolour, and a long time Rinse FM host. His chunky techno is all about the club, and here he offers '235 Miles Away'. It's a grainy, dubbed out, and weighty cut built on rock solid kicks, with finely sculpted hi-hats peeling off the heady groove.


Hardacre is another fast-rising and promising talent. His music is club-ready but also detailed with the sort of moods and atmospheres that make it way more than just functional fodder. His excellent 'Man Machine' is stripped back jungle funk riddled with electro basslines and sci-fi motifs. It is future body music of the highest order and when the acid line comes in, the club is bound to shake.


Bobby O'Donnell is a Leeds legend and long-time Mint Club resident who debuted here in 2014 with his Lucid Dreams EP. He now runs his own imprint, E-Numbers. His high-speed techno offering 'Grandma's 30th Birthday' is rippled with airy little synth motifs and gurgling acid, while tight pinging kick drums power the whole thing along perfectly.


A vital first volume which suggests this series is going to be one well worth watching.