Machine Command – Nuke It from Orbit

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Originally formed in 2013 as Halcyon Days, this Rotterdam-based project initially channelled the stark, muscular EBM of Nitzer Ebb. However, the 2023 rebranding to Machine Command and the addition of vocalist Jaansen in 2024 has introduced a compelling “futurepop” twist to their sound, blending aggression with synthpop accessibility.

The title track, Nuke It From Orbit, begins with an atmospheric prologue before launching into a stompy beat reminiscent of Front 242. The contrast here is key; the poppy vocal delivery provides a bright counterpoint to the grit, culminating in a powerful chorus bolstered by a choir that adds a significant sense of gravity.

The EP also features two distinct reinterpretations of their previous work. The Fear730 Remix of Decline and Rise Again leans into industrial territory, opening with harsh, bitcrushed arpeggios and electronic drums that eventually settle into a driving 4/4 kick. The addition of metallic percussion gives the track a mechanical, factory-floor energy.

By contrast, the Coherer Remix sees the Finnish producer returning to his electro roots. He transforms the EBM original with a signature robotic bassline and builds tension through the use of rising and falling synths. By repeating key vocal fragments from the original, Coherer manages to create a genuine electro-focussed floor-filler while maintaining a respectful nod to the track’s EBM heritage.

In summary, this is a powerful, explosive EP that lives up to its name – after all, sometimes you just have to nuke it from orbit; it’s the only way to be sure.

Maschine Brennt – Digital Detox

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Artist: Maschine Brennt

Release: Digital Detox

Format: Streaming

Link: Maschine Brennt Bandcamp

Operating out of Stockholm, Joacim Thenander is a veteran of computer-based composition, with roots stretching back to the industrial synth outfit Systema The Affliction in the late 1980s. Under his Maschine Brennt moniker, he continues to prove why the Nordic electro scene remains a powerhouse of innovation and technical discipline.

The title track, Digital Detox, opens with an arpeggio that initially feels like a nod to classic New Beat, yet it quickly evolves into something more structured and refined. The “Kraftwerkian” influence is evident through the use of robotic digital vocals and a meticulously crafted atmosphere, all held together by a rock-solid rhythmic section.

The second track, Man or Machine (00001100), is a fascinating piece of production. The intro evokes the nostalgic aesthetic of an 80s home computing programme, setting a playful yet clinical tone. Interestingly, Thenander opts for a “four-to-the-floor” kick drum here rather than the syncopated percussion usually found in electro, giving it a more direct, dance-orientated energy. However, the interplay between the bassline and those signature synth lines keeps the track firmly rooted in the electro genre. It is a superb addition to his discography and another strong showing for Swedish electronic music.

Commuter – Oblivion EP

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Artist: Commuter

Release: Oblivion EP

Format: Streaming

Link: Battery Park Studio Bandcamp

A true child of the 80s, Commuter has spent a lifetime absorbing the textures of Acid House, EBM, and New Beat. That encyclopaedic knowledge of the genre is on full display here, resulting in a collection of tracks that balance grit with mechanical elegance.

The title track, Oblivion, wears its Kraftwerk influence proudly, echoing the early dystopian vibes of Anthony Rother. From a production standpoint, the use of dreamy delays on the arpeggios provides a sense of vast, cinematic scale above a rock-solid bassline. Be Yourself follows with a more kinetic energy; it features beautifully discordant arpeggios and minimal leads that feel like a subtle nod to the Blade Runner aesthetic.

The driving force of Photonic lies in its “cold” synthesis, offering a stripped-back, minimal arrangement that allows the rhythmic bass to do the heavy lifting. The highlight for me, however, is Almost Predictable. The track is built around a robotic bassline and perfectly placed discordant stabs that create a palpable tension. As a musician, I find the way the building arpeggios eventually melt away particularly clever; the dark synths manage to convey that classic “hope through sadness” trope that made 80s electronic music so emotionally resonant. This is a highly recommended release for those who like their electro with a bit of soul.

Robert Cosmic – ElectroVision

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Artist: Robert Cosmic

Release: ElectroVision

Format: Streaming / Vinyl

Link: Mars Frequency Bandcamp

Madrid’s Robert Cosmic has long been a cornerstone of the electro-techno landscape, known for a raw, physical sound that feels as much like a narrative as it does a dancefloor weapon. This release is a treat for collectors, bringing three iconic, long-sold-out tracks back into the light with a fresh remaster, alongside a previously unreleased vinyl debut.

The record opens with Siempre Chandal, a masterclass in minimalism where a persistent Spanish vocal sits atop a driving, repetitive bassline. For the gear-heads, 101% is the standout; it deviates from standard electro tropes by utilising complex chord and arpeggio progressions that provide a sophisticated melodic depth rarely found in such hard-hitting tracks.

The atmosphere shifts with Viajeros, where expansive pads wrap around the vocal core to create a sense of space and movement. Finally, the new addition Door Mir closes the set with a flurry of activity. It features a quintessential electro bassline and frantic arpeggios, offset by female vocals that cut through the dense, busy production. Whether you are a synthesiser enthusiast or a casual listener, the rhythmic urgency of this EP is undeniable.