The acid techno queen is back: Dr. Rubinstein returns to BASEMENT. One of the foremost rave alchemists of our modern era, Rubinstein uses throbbing acid techno as a jumping off point to launch into any number of kinetic, high-velocity technoid forms. For years, Rubinstein has been a favorite for her unabashed, hard-hitting party style, which skips any pretense of grim seriousness for a straight-to-the-jugular energy. Her recently-launched Uppers & Downers label has inaugurated a new chapter in her story, releasing music from a host of like-minded artists whose work is unflinchingly ready to set the rave off. Elli Acula works in a similarly ruthless modality, summoning a dark power amidst a melee of flashy sonics and throwback rave gestures. A regular on SPANDAU20, she shares an ethos of serious fun with the label. Every kick hits with the impact of a cinder block, every clap snaps you to attention, and every track rules. Volvox keeps the energy at a peak. One of the greatest currently operating in NYC, Volvox’s capacity for raw and nasty destruction is peerless. From her formative residency at Bossa Nova Civic Club to her current global itinerary, Volvox has never flinched, and never relented. She’s a real one. PARAMIDA is one the signature artists of Berlin’s current house underground. As the head of the Love on the Rocks label and a resident of Panorama Bar, PARAMIDA imbues her work with a saucy richness and an appreciation of house music’s most groovy and delectable corners. Pumping up the jams, PARAMIDA seizes on trance’s promise of infinite bliss and balearic’s breezy libido to take dancers right to the heart of the matter. Partok continues to own it as only he can. As one third of the Launderette party series, Partok has committed himself to a pitch-perfect grooviness that’s indelibly queer. He’s been a regular at STUDIO, always taking the room to a higher height. Justin Cudmore holds it down. The Bunker NY artist is a consistent jolt of freshness, playing with a near-boiling energy and simmering, sassy attitude.