The IMF label closes out a superb 2024 with another vital collection of essential techno sounds curated by founder Marcel Fengler. HARDPROOF VA 07 once again follows its vision, bringing together the techno stars of tomorrow with some of the genres most consistently innovative pioneers. Maltas Human Safari is first up and is an emerging star who blends hard groove, tribal and fizzing energy in his music. His Sunset in 93' is magnificently designed linear techno with fluttering percussive lines and swirling pads adding detail to the drums. There's an exotic but unsettling edge to the jazzy melodies that will keep dancers on their toes. Felicie is shaping modern techno on many different fronts: the Amsterdam-based Frenchwoman has hosted her own Fastgroove Klub project at Rex Club and dropped her hugely intense signature sounds on the likes of Exhale and Mord. Her fantastic 'Komodo' rides on dubbed-out drum loops with scruffy kicks and mind-melting percussive patterns adding to the intensity. It's fast but nuanced and packed with deft designs. Berlin's Regent blends his hometown's gritty aesthetics with fresh rhythms and cerebral designs that make him a favourite at cult spots like Tresor and About.Blank. Here he offers 'Cassius' which brings raw texture and darkness with hammering hits and a groaning bassline. It's a perfect soundtrack for strobe-lit warehouses that never let up. Frankfurt mainstay Michael Klein is next and brings a lifetime's experience of the city's legendary clubs which colour his sounds next to a love of straightforward and dubby rhythms. 'Hot Pot Smell' is big, muscular techno with raved-up piano stabs and a pulsing bassline. Chopped vocal fragments and oversized hi-hats all add to the irresistible sense of motion. Last but not least is Oddible, aka the red-hot Indian duo Alex and Zain who have a darkly seductive sound. With its psychedelic synth swirls, their excellent 'Flamingo' closes in style with pent-up machine funk and slithering lines of metallic percussion.