VARIOUS — Various Minds 002

Various – Various Minds 002 opens a subtle conversation between the St. Odes roster and the broader minimal techno scene, arriving as a 12-inch vinyl (catalogue SO003) that invites deep listening as much as floor-play. The release gathers four distinct voices under the “Various Minds” banner, each contributing a concise statement that aligns with the label’s focus on stripped-back, hypnotic grooves. Within St. Odes’ recent output the record sits alongside Ben Oyefeso’s “Sequenzmuzik” LP (SO002, 2025) and Ben Kaczor’s “Sirene” LP (SO004, 2026), while the 2×12” “6.05 LP” by R.O.W.S. (SO006, 2026) rounds out a period of exploratory minimal releases. This placement underscores the label’s commitment to curating a spectrum of forward-thinking techno, and “Various Minds 002” continues that dialogue by pairing emerging producers with the label’s established aesthetic. Side A begins with “Lb Honne – Untitled Wechsel”. The track’s title suggests a shift or transition, and its placement sets a measured tone that eases the listener into the record’s rhythmic landscape. It flows directly into “Efdemin – Be Here Now”, a piece whose title calls for presence, offering a slightly more immediate pulse that complements the opening mood while maintaining the overall minimal framework. Side B opens with “Tibi Dabo – Sol O”. The name evokes a solitary sun, and the track delivers a warm, sustained groove that acts as a bridge between the A-side’s contemplative start and the B-side’s concluding statement. The final cut, “Dolomea – Wrapped in Spaces Between Us”, closes the EP with an expansive feel, its title hinting at an enveloping atmosphere that rounds off the listening experience and leaves room for reflection. In the context of the artists’ output, the record provides a snapshot of each contributor’s approach to minimal techno without overtly referencing previous releases, as no other entries are listed for these names. The selection showcases a range of textures that, while restrained, each possess a distinct kinetic quality suitable for both late-night sets and more focused listening sessions. For DJs, the EP offers four tracks that can be woven into a set to modulate energy. “Untitled Wechsel” works as an intro or a subtle transition, “Be Here Now” can raise momentum without breaking the vibe, “Sol O” serves as a warm mid-set anchor, and “Wrapped in Spaces Between Us” offers a spacious closing or a reflective moment in a deeper groove. Collectors will appreciate the cohesive yet varied nature of the cuts, which together map a concise narrative of minimal techno’s current direction. The record is pressed as a 12-inch vinyl, matching the label’s standard format for its releases. Its physical presence reinforces the tactile experience prized by vinyl enthusiasts, while the straightforward packaging lets the music speak for itself. Various – Various Minds 002, St. Odes, catalogue SO003, 12-inch vinyl, four tracks. Tracklist: A1. Lb Honne – Untitled Wechsel A2. Efdemin – Be Here Now B1. Tibi Dabo – Sol O B2. Dolomea – Wrapped in Spaces Between Us