Music Reviews Tech

Emotional electronics, from Mexicali’s underground beacon: four essential releases

We live in dissonant, uncertain times, and maybe our consciousness struggles if we try to make it fit square corners and easy forms. So now is a perfect time to feature long-time favorite label Facade Electronics out of northern Mexico. Their opening releases of the year, from artists dotting different parts of the world, flow into a narrative — one uncomfortable, sublime, beautiful.

Flexur and Chill, with this Trautonium-inspired DIY synthesizer

I missed this when it dropped earlier this month — Synthtopia was there! But now is a perfect time to chill out to the smoothly gliding sounds of this original Trautonium-inspired synthesizer design in progress. Flexur can cool down an overheated Europe.

Peter Kirn - June 24, 2026

DIY + Unusual Music tech Tech

Noiseferatu: open-source, 45 algorithms, like a KAOSS Pad from Hell

Sleepwalking? Unexplained seizures? Neighbors have a rodent and plague problem? Don’t worry, and don’t be spooked by what some nuns told you! You just need the handheld, open-source Scaepe – Noiseferatu DIY kit!