This debut release from Iranian / Canadian producer Amirali really reminds me of the whole tech-house prog movement of the early to mid-noughties. That may feel like a bit of a backhanded compliment but the sweeping cinematic sounds and large echoing bass lines come together to make a promising debut release from Amirali.

The original is a little bit gothic, and sure, it takes leads from Booka Shade and label mates Art Department but everyone here is ultimately just singing from the same hymn sheet popularised by Depeche Mode and The Normal's 'Warm Leatherette'. As source material goes you could do worse, but it inevitably feels a little sterile in comparison to the real thing.

The original is backed with three remixes. Daniel Bortz's is more minimal with a large scale breakdown complete with pregnant pauses laced with paranoia. As Hrdvsion, Nathan Jonson turns in a starker electro-influenced mix - functional but it lacks the impact of either of any of the other versions.

Deniz Kurtel, also on Crosstown Rebels, delivers the stand out mix however. Adding in a dark bass line with distorted synths and drums packing masses of reverb it is the only version that really delivers on the promise of the original, the extra flourishes playing off the darker sounds the original feels inspired by.

Amirali's debut album is out this Spring on Crosstown Rebels. Beautiful World is out on 13 February.

After hearing Kotchy's mix of Empire of the Sun's 'We Are the People' a while back BlackPlastic has been looking forward to Kotchy's EP I'd Have To Be High and it is now out.

Off of the EP, 'A Superstar' is a sleazy mishmash of styles - one minute it's Prince getting frisky with a back-alley garage punk track and the next minute it turns into some seriously heavy bassline action. It's schizophrenic and doesn't know what it wants to be and highlights Kotchy as one to watch for the future.

Haily from Canada but now based in Berlin, duo HRDVSION have also had a stab at remixing the track and the result is a little more focused and possibly even better than the original. The influence of their new home has clearly influenced their sound with a dark techno sound rearing its head on this remix - the result is a paranoid, glitchy, sleazy track that manages to sound both credible and accessible.

You can stream the original track below and download the Hrdvsion Remix here (right click, save as).

You can also head over to Civil Music to listen to the EP in full or buy the 12" (which comes with a digital download for free).

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