Some very great clubbing memories pop up into my head when playing certain Counterbalance releases. Most of the stuff before "Screw the roses" is strictly DJ orientated and friendly material, skillfully adapting many influences, vocal snippets, loops and samples. I would stick out both parts of "Midnight club tracks" together with the A1 tune on "Waiting for me" as best examples of the early Counterbalance sound.

Then, as stated before, things changed with "Screw the roses". Field recordings, dog's bark, random loud noises - all of that incorporated with sinister off beat industrial techno like Prowler and Shaper Of The Unknown. In my opinion, the label then hit its peak with the absolutely incredible string of the British Murder Boys releases, which are all worth seeking out, whether you're after club bangers, home listening material, driving music or just pseudo acoustic terror. Not a weak moment there!
Overall, some of the music released here might be a little boring to listen to casual techno listeners or newcomers or just anybody looking for some versatile techno, and that is mainly due to the fact that the tracks on those early Counterbalance 12" often revolve around same sounds and effects, leading to the sensation that they are in reality remakes of each other.
Nevertheless, I can guarantee you that by browsing this label's back catalogue, you will come across at least three tracks you remember tearing dance floors apart at one point of your party life!
Be not confused though, DJ material or not, most of this stuff rocks hard and then some, be it in bed rooms or large venues. Great music from one of techno's prodigies!

The original intent of this label was to work samples from other genres into a techno framework. Within the first 7 releases were a massive array of ultra-processed latin, dub, jazz, disco, EBM and industrial samples, expertly mangled and arranged into dancefloor form. Since "Screw The Roses" the direction has become much more gruelling and dark, like a modern take on Rhythmic Industrial music. Still super high quality.

"drawing on the essence of older influences"
The way how Anthony Child aka Surgeon incorporates breakbeat,industrial(e.g. aphex twin) and even funk(la real)into his work is simpely breathtaking.