CONRAD VAN ORTON — Know How

Conrad Van Orton – Know How arrives on Key Vinyl as catalogue KEY055, a 12-inch techno EP that promises a collision of frenetic energy, melody and a hint of introversion, as hinted by the label’s own note “Rome!”. The four tracks showcase the producer’s knack for balancing driving rhythm with subtle harmonic touches, making the release a compelling addition to any underground set. Key Vinyl’s autumn 2026 output is dense, with Know How sharing its release day with Antonio De Angelis’ Krypton (KEY054) and following a string of earlier outings such as Marcal’s Khaos Theory (KEY056) and AgainstMe’s K4PSA (KEY057). This positions the EP amidst a series of releases that explore the label’s commitment to forward-thinking techno, reinforcing its reputation for delivering tracks that work both on the dancefloor and in the DJ’s crate. Side A opens with “I Wish I Could”, a track whose title suggests a yearning that is matched by a restless groove, setting a tone that feels both urgent and melodic. It is followed by “Smiling Eyes”, which picks up the momentum while introducing a slightly more reflective atmosphere, creating a seamless flow between the two A-side cuts. On the flip side, “Aida” continues the momentum with a darker, more insistent pulse, offering a contrast that deepens the EP’s emotional range. The record closes with “Glow In The Dark”, a piece that brightens the mood without losing the underlying drive, making it a natural endpoint that still leaves room for further manipulation in a set. Within Conrad Van Orton’s recent discography, Know How follows a productive 2026 that saw the Sakura EP on Parallel 41 Records, the 10-inch Boyz In Da Hood Vl. 1 on SECRET KEYWORDS, and earlier outings on Prima Materia, Dogma Rec and Mitsubasa Records. The progression from those releases to this Key Vinyl EP underscores a continued exploration of techno’s melodic and kinetic extremes, while retaining the producer’s signature attention to nuanced phrasing. For DJs, the EP offers two distinct pairs of tracks that can be mixed either as a continuous journey or as individual statements. The A-side’s blend of urgency and introspection works well for building tension in the early part of a set, whereas the B-side provides darker, club-ready energy that can be deployed for peak-time moments or as a bridge into more experimental terrain. The record is issued as a 12-inch vinyl, matching the format of the artist’s recent output and providing the tactile experience valued by collectors. Its straightforward presentation lets the music speak for itself, while the pressing aligns with the label’s consistent quality standards. Conrad Van Orton – Know How, Key Vinyl, catalogue KEY055, 12-inch vinyl, four tracks. Tracklist: A1. Conrad Van Orton – I Wish I Could A2. Conrad Van Orton – Smiling Eyes B1. Conrad Van Orton – Aida B2. Conrad Van Orton – Glow In The Dark