Marcel Fengler’s place within the pantheon of German techno master’s is undisputed. As one of the first residents of Berghain / Panorama Bar, Fengler has been a constant on the global circuit for over 20 years. But his influence doesn’t stop at the DJ booth. Since 2011 the sound craftsman has sought to introduce new and younger talents via his imprint Marcel Fengler Index (IMF). A commitment he doesn’t plan on stopping soon. Leading the charge by way of EP opener, ‘Driftless’ is fast-rising Dublin native Aero. Set to a rollicking backdrop of rumbling bass and sawing synth, the track is unwavering and chugs with thunderous momentum breaking in parts only briefly before swiftly setting off again galloping vehemently to its close. Rove Ranger is a prominent name in the Stuttgart scene and founder of the Vision Ekstase party series. His HARDPROOF offering ‘Chordal’ is ironically titled, in the sense it is anything but. The melody is a somewhat caustic mix of brittle drums, heart palpitating bass and creeping effects. A subtle inclusion of a chiming string lead late on makes for the track’s most “cordial” moment, but this is soon overrun by the tenacious melody we first hear. Gareth Wild is synonymous with London’s techno scene, a landscape he has helped shape with his EarToGround label and via his imitable presence as a resident of Fold. On ‘Switchblade’ he instils a tense energy from the off employing a rolling kick and industrial percussion that are set to a swirling windstorm. The core beat is unwavering methodically churning its way through clanking metallic tones and stormy reverb before sharply ending. Classically trained Berlin resident Dajush picks up the baton for track 4 with his 90s leaning contribution ‘Repeating’. Launching into life with a panning, wobbling bass the melody gradually introduces glitching snares, shuffling pads and fluting overtones making for a kinetic ambience and a feeling the track could play on infinitely. Argentine veteran Kid Riot is the alias of Juan Benedetti who has been an instrumental figure in his country’s underground culture for over 25 years. Closing out the EP with ‘Countdown’, he opts for a driving bass set to an ensemble of stuttering claps. A thudding drum and a chorus of off-kilter bleeping then proceed to take hold to the see out the final measure of the track.