Tokyo’s Form@ Records have just released their latest compilation, “Art Form 5”. The first 2 editions of this highly acclaimed series originally hit Japanese stores in the late 90s, and, due pressure from collectors, they were recently reissued, globally, by WRWTFWW. While Form@ initially ceased operations in 2003, the imprint began business again in 2020. “Art Form 3” then appeared in February of last year, followed by the fourth instalment in August. This, fifth, volume collects 12 fresh exclusives from a range of international artists. Most of whom are making their Form@ debut. Where the album’s predecessors could be called “IDM”, everything here is a little more “house”. A dance floor 4 / 4 drives the majority of the music on offer. Creating compositions for minds and feet, situated toward the mellower end of techno.

There are still tons of nods to 90s electronica innovators. Kuni Ron’s “Learning”, for example, is very Detroit-y, very Carl Craig, very “Virtualsex”. Sophisticated, complex and displaying a quality that’s timeless. Darren Nye’s “Breathe” too tips its hat to Mr. Craig, classics of his such as “At Les”. Its combination of fluttering frequencies and filtered rattling also summons the depths of Peter “Baby” Ford’s IFACH. Soeik’s “Soft Passage” mixes muted Basic Channel dub textures with finger clicks, claps and a skipping beat. Perfect for a warm summer’s night spent shimmying under the stars, and recalling the soulful tech of Ibadan sides, such as Ferrer & Sydenham’s “Sandcastles”. Lovetrip’s “Grown” is more of a tribute to the chillout room. Its rhythm motoring, but dubby bass and chiming cascades taking the listener on a gentler, softer, psychedelic excursion. The futuristic fusion of Rai Mundo’s “Green Energy” rivals Uriel’s syncopated flights for Andrew Weatherall’s Emissions. Mint Deluxe’s “Kraketene”, all snapping snares and acidic squiggles, breakdowns of bells and gongs, like everything on the album, is shot through with moody, emotive, symphonic synths. In this case, the final fade approaching The Sabres Of Paradise’s “Smokebelch”.

Several of the remaining numbers, though, are decidedly modern. K_Schreiber’s “Scaling New Heights” is growling, but introspective, 21st Century electro. Initially tempered by plaintive piano, MinimalArchiv’s “Sojourner” transforms into a tribal, TB-303 workout. SigEnt’s “FebAmbWaltz” bangs bleep up against drum & bass. Gavin Sherrington-Blane builds his minimal mover “VHS Player” from a bottomless B-line and a percussion loop. IM-RN’s “Cosmic Rain” goes in for a bit of dark, trance-y, Sci-Fi jack. Having interviewed imprint founder, Eisei Yorimitsu, I do get the feeling he’s not one for resting on this laurels, or looking back.

“Art Form 5” can be ordered directly from Form@ Records. Please aim to order physical copies by September 11th.