Various – Kias Kollektion Vol. 1

Kias is the label off-shoot of Kiss Klub - an ever-consistent club night at Die Rakete and the cream of Nürnberg's Techno scene. Having made considerable headway with their inaugural release from Ostgut's Fiedel - the bourgeoning project present the 2nd record in their catalogue; a VA from 4 certified producers: Amotik, Tripeo, Nørbak and Distant Echoes.

Berlin based Amotik kicks things off with a lesson in simplicity. 'Taar' works to firmly substantiate the notion that less is indeed more as it gently unfurls behind rich, swooning synth sweeps and a rugged kick drum.

Nørbak then follows up with the aptly titled 'Hats Going Nuts' which sets closed and open hats flickering and interweaving over a sturdy, mechanical groove. The low end stays stead while the high end generates the focal point of the track across another cleverly refined production.

Dutch producer Tripeo then follows up with the beautifully jarring 'Eye Of The Beholder'. Trippy, flexible melodies and luscious chords are propelled by tight, sharpened drums and a deftly arranged structure.

Distant Echoes then concludes the VA with an aquatic sub- heavy jam titled 'Sommo Carattere'. Raw, metallic tones fall like rocks on to a throbbing kick as melodies slowly but surely gather colour as they unfold. The mood remains moody and stern throughout - the perfect way to cap off the 2nd release from a label proceeding with robust intent.