Eyes fixed upwards, scanning for signs, Eddie Merced returns with another three excursions into the deepest end of the techno spectrum. As ever, the thematic backdrop of the record draws on the mysteries which lie behind closed doors, but which remain all-too vivid to the people who witness them. This sets a mood for ‘Algo en el Cielo’, which translates as ‘Something in the Sky’, a brooding masterpiece defined by the deep expanse of pad which hangs in the background of the track. It’s a powerful, driving slice of techno schooled in the well-established art of machine soul, but as this track demonstrates Merced’s singular approach gets stronger and more roundly defined with each release.

‘Zulu’ finds Merced experimenting with dissonant textures to contrast with his more melodious atmospheric style, leaving space for the drums to take a leading role as he toys with more expression percussive forms. The pressure maintains, making this a potent club tool even if its sound design and production reach past the basic functionality of most DJ-focused tracks.

‘Not From This World’ completes the EP in a vivid swerve into the outer limits of techno, where angular bleeps and a sharply angled beatdown evoke the non-conformist approach of such scene legends and restless innovators as Terrence Dixon and DJ Bone. It’s a head-turning approach that keeps Merced’s consistently soulful, groove-oriented approach intact no matter how far out it travels.