Various – Tronic 2013

Christian Smith's long-running Tronic Music label serve up a compilation of all-exclusive tracks, showcasing some of the label's forthcoming gems for the new year.

There was a time when the name Christian Smith meant one thing: driving, loop-based techno. But that was then, this is now, and there's none of that here at all. Instead, we're treated to 15 tracks that operate mostly in tuff, chugging tech-house territory, but also take in deeper, proggy vibes (Jewel Kid's Tempo Definition, Guy's Mercury) and some straight-up house, too (Per Hammar's Fever Mode, Smith's own disco-infused Keep On).

With some other respectable names including Pig & Dan, Dosem and Coyu also making an appearance, this is a very strong collection of club tracks that'll appeal to house and techno heads alike.

Out: This week

About: You can find Tronic Music on Facebook.

Pig & Dan – On Edge/Reka

I know what you're thinking… right about now is the time I should be doing a round-up of other stuff from last week. But I'm tired, so I'm gonna save that and crack on with this week's releases for now…

Starting with this simple two-tracker from Pig & Dan, which sees the duo firmly esconced in the tech-house territory they've been making their own of late. On Edge itself really ain't NOTHING but a chuggin' midtempo groove, but sometimes that's all you need, n'est-ce pas? On the flip, Reka works busier percussion, techno synths and proggy flourishes for a White Isle-friendly feel.

I suspect the latter might be the one that gets more plays, being a tad more immediate/accessible, but it's On Edge that stands out for me… that said, both are pretty strong. P&D don't make tracks that aren't.

Out: This week

About: This comes on Christian Smith's Tronic Records