July charts

A new chart from me has been long overdue, and the amount of good music I have come across recently compelled me to put this together. I could have easily come up with 15 or 20.

1. Kangding Ray "OR" [Raster-Noton]: We already talked about this when we featured a ssg mix from Kangding. Pretty easily one of the best albums of 2011. I cannot wait to hear this live at Labyrinth!

2. Nuel "Aquaplano Ltd 03" [Aquaplano]: Nuel's latest productions are definitely exploring some new territory for him, going beyond the prototypical Aquaplano sound. The clearest element that remains is the incredibly high quality. His forthcoming album on Further is even more special. Hopefully we will be seeing a lot more of Nuel in the future.

3. Various "Composure - Ambient Techno for Japan" [Music 4 your Legs]: I am very biased about this one, as it was put together by two friends and collaborators of the ssgs: Mindgames and Disk Union. Regardless, I think it is a very strong compilation in its own right. For me the standout tracks are from Donnacha Costello and Dozzy. This should be available soon internationally, with a digital release to follow. And all proceeds go to charity, so that is another reason to get it.

4. Regis "In A Syrian Tongue" [Blackest Ever Black]: It is only fitting for Regis to have an EP on Blackest, as his ouevre has clearly had a strong influence on the aesthetic this label has been cultivating. Unsurprisingly the music here is arresting and powerful, with "Blinding Horses" being my favourite track. Also keep an eye out for Regis' remix of Percy X forthcoming on Soma Records. The King.

5. Unknown Artist "Solaris Series 1-3" [Hidden Hawaii]: Following on from their excellent QNS series in 2010, Hidden Hawaii is back with another limited edition project from unknown artists. Not every track across these 10"s is amazing, but there are enough strong cuts to justify purchasing all three records.

6. Dadavistic Orchestra "Dokument .02" [Dust Science Recordings]: This is an album length exploration of the sounds they began developing on their 1st EP. Given the history of the producers, it is not surprising that the album is reminiscent of '90s ambient techno, but certainly not in a backward-looking way. Careful, thoughtful sounds. Perfect for headphones and late nights.

7. Mount Kimbie "Carbonated (Peter van Hoesen remix)" [Hot Flush Recordings]: PvH is really at the top of his game right now - this remix, his contribution to the Marcel Fengler "Berghain 05" mix, and his next track on T2X, are all brilliant. And put together they represent somewhat of a departure from the sound he has become identified with, all feel lighter and more open. This remix reminds me a lot of dancing outdoors at Labyrinth. I've had it on repeat since getting it.

8. ASC & Bvdub "Symbol #2" [Auxiliary: Symbol]: This collab might have seemed like a strange combination, but when you listen to the tracks you can hear that these two guys really gel. What I like about this EP is that both bring their distinctive sounds and manage to combine them in such a way that you are end up with music that neither could have done on their own. Simply put, a proper collaboration.

9. Le Petit Garçon "Traena (Biosphere Remix)" [Breaking Olympic Records]: I haven't had a chance to listen to Biosphere's new album yet, but I have been hearing good reports. What I do know is that this remix is a beauty. Releases like this and the Dadavistic Orchestra are indicative of a slow, but noticeable, resurgence of ambient techno. This makes me happy.

10. Gesloten Cirkel – Moustache Techno Series 001 [Moustache Techno]: The whole EP is pretty strong, but basically it is all about "Yamagic". Nothing too complicated here, it is just raw, wild and jacking. Heard Dettmann rip apart the Berghain dancefloor with it the other week. Proper techno bomb.

I'll try to get back into the habit of doing charts on a monthly basis... And please let us know in the comments what your current favourites are.