Ken Ishii stars in Deepsomnia's tight new techno compilation

Manila-based techno purveyors Deepsomnia have announced the release their first various artists compilation, featuring work from a select pan-Asian cast including a gilded entry from Japanese techno pioneer, Ken Ishii. The Tokyo-based DJ and producer should need little in the way of introduction. A regular on benchmark label R&S since 1994, Ishii's early work caught the attention of techno legends such as Dave Clarke and Luke Slater, helping him to generate international acclaim as an Asian standard-bearer for Detroit-flavoured techno. His name is right up there with pioneers of the genre, and it's beyond doubt that he helped to put Japanese techno on the world map.

In a reference to the origins of the music contained within, the compilation is titled 'Oriens' – the Latin word for 'east'. The six-track compilation was curated by label owner Alinep as a showcase for the finest techno the region has to offer, in the process shining a light on Manila's growing underground dance movement. 'Oriens' opens with the hypnotic locked-groove of 'Stuck In Reverse' from Mumbai's Skeef Menezes, before rolling into the ultra-deep acid textures of Alinep's 'Bloop Control'. Jakarta's hard-as-nails techno don Ecilo serves up a trademark driving acid jam on 'Planet Slaughter' before genuine master Ken Ishii enters the fray with the sonically stunning rhythmic workout of 'Y Explosion'. Next, we travel to Kuala Lumpur with the heavy atmospherics of Kuma's 'Cateran', before taking the short trip to Kuching with Hadiid's dramatic closer, 'Esotera'. While Ken Ishii is certainly likely to generate the most heat – thanks to his immaculate output over many years as well as his outstanding contribution to techno in Asia and beyond – on 'Oriens' he finds himself in good company. All of the artists included represent in style, with each of them managing to deliver work that stands up well to that of the Japanese maestro. The compilation is a solid selection of genuine techno and should help to further solidify Asia's standing as a welcome member of the global underground.

'Oriens' is due out on January 9 via Deepsomnia. You can pre-order it here