Alex Lloyd charts the return to popularity of ecectronic music.

ELECTRONIC music has undergone a revival in the past few years, becoming cool currency among both dance-heads and indie kids. It's even had a hand in the odd pop tune or two.

Now York's own electronic label, Iwari, is bringing this increasingly popular genre to the masses with its first night, Electrobotik Discotek, at Fibbers tomorrow.

Set up a year ago by Martin Wheeler, 33, Iwari and its artists have sparked critical acclaim in the music press.

Martin's own project, Vector Lovers, will be topping the bill tomorrow night, alongside a live performance by Namke Communications and a DJ set by Robokid. It is hoped that this will be a regular event, with four such Iwari nights a year.

"There is not a lot of electronica being played out in York," says Martin, a former creator of graphics for video games who these days produces all of Iwari's artwork.

"It is increasingly popular because it can be a lot more accessible than house or techno."

He cites his influences as Kraftwerk, early Human League and Depeche Mode. More recently, he has been listening to Boards of Canada, Aphex Twin, "anything on Toytronic and a lot of stuff from Warp Records - quite a broad range".

If you want an idea of what to expect from Electrobotik Discotek, then just think about the following.

Vector Lovers' last release, the sold-out 12in Roboto Ashido Funk, was branded "one of the top ten electro/techno tunes of 2003" by DJ magazine and he received a cover mount in Jockey Slut. Pretty impressive stuff.

Now signed to Glasgow's Soma Records, Vector Lovers' mix of funky robot electro and gorgeous synth tunes have landed Martin a much-anticipated slot in the Slam Tent at T in the Park next weekend, beside electroclash pioneer Felix Da Housecat and stage headliners Basement Jaxx.

If that weren't enough to celebrate, Iwari today release a limited edition 12in by Scape One, the Future Sound of Bognor Regis EP.

If you can't make it to Fibbers, Iwari will also be taking over the last Thursday of each month at The Grapes, in King Street, York, for a more "experimental" night called Computer Love.

Iwari.com presents Electrobotik Discotek, Fibbers, Stonebow, Saturday, 8pm-late, 01904 651250, www.fibbers.co.uk / www.iwari.com. Tickets: £3.50.

Updated: 15:46 Thursday, July 01, 2004