STRANGER STILL was Julian Cator (guitar), Paul Cator (piano, organ, synthesizer), Tim Warnes (bass), Frank Warnes (vocals, drums) and Ian Johnson (vocals, drums) from King’s Lynn, Norfolk, UK. The two sets of Cator and Warnes siblings had been playing together in bands since 1974, with Ian joining in 1979, and with their musical style evolving from glam influenced rock to punk/new wave (punk came late to Norfolk) and finally post-punk, influenced by Ultravox!, Magazine, Joy Division, Bauhaus and Killing Joke. Their first gig together was in September 1979 with John Peel being in the audience. The Solitude/Survivor single was recorded in July 1981, released in November and sold well locally. John Peel played Solitude, between singles by Winston and Screen 3. When Julian left in autumn 1981 the others continued, later changing their name to Nothing Sacred. Ex-members have since played in a number of other bands, most notably Paul and Tim in Shine!, and Julian and Paul in Ivy.
Solitude opens in a perfect analogue way with a ‚primitive’ rhythm machine pattern and a dark synth sound fading in. We shall be glad for the band’s move towards electronics while knowing „given the negative reaction we got from some of the local bands when we got the synth a Moog Satellite“, quoting Julian. When the real drums, guitar, bass and vocals also come in, you’re in for one of the most perfect post-punk songs, yet playful but ultimately bleak. “And then I can feel nothing more. Alone again, with no sensation.“ Survivor is more uptempo and bass-driven, reminiscent of early Death In June (who came later though). Lyrics like “4 minute warning warning – the sound of today. Our new dream world – Enola Gay.“ set the mood there.
The band composed a dozen of songs, demos to get gigs, which were unfortunately never recorded properly in a studio. So these are demos or rehearsal tracks, never released to the public and presented here for the first time ever as an additional 15 tracks download-only (due to the poor sound quality). You’ll find fantastic tracks like Brave New Berlin or Cardiac Arrest, which is reminiscent of Death In June’s In The Nighttime, and then, there is a demo of Solitude too!
Here’s to a piece of post-punk history!
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After the last V/A ITR003 released featuring scene mainstay Eric Fetcher and rising names like Corium and Matthieu Benjamin, IT Recordings now presents ITR004 — a solo EP from Alexis Vogel. This 4-track release delivers groovy low-end riffs, weighty sub-bass with sci-fi textures, and evolving percussive energy
* V Recordings and Tim Reaper's Future Retro London have joined forces to unleash "One Stop Mr Driver," a track that channels the raw energy of '90s jungle. This release features both the original mix by the legendary Krust and a fresh remix by Tim Reaper, bridging the genre's roots with its modern resurgence.
* Kirk Thompson, professionally known as Krust, is a seminal figure in drum and bass. Emerging from Bristol's vibrant music scene, Krust co-founded the influential Full Cycle Records alongside Roni Size, DJ Die, and Suv. His innovative approach has produced classics like "Warhead" and "Soul in Motion," tracks that have left an indelible mark on the genre.
* London-based DJ and producer Tim Reaper has been pivotal in the revival of jungle music. Through his label, Future Retro London, Tim has showcased a plethora of talent from the modern jungle scene, earning accolades such as DJ Mag's Best of British Breakthrough Label award in 2021.
* "One Stop Mr Driver" was a coveted dubplate from the '90s, never officially released but highly sought after by enthusiasts. Recognizing its timeless appeal, Tim Reaper has crafted a remix that preserves the original's amen break-driven intensity while infusing it with razor-sharp modern production.
* Bryan Gee, the visionary behind V Recordings, has long admired Tim Reaper's contributions to the scene. This collaboration marks a rare partnership in V Recordings' three-decade history. The fusion of Krust's pioneering sound with Tim Reaper's modern touch honors its roots while embracing the future of drum and bass and jungle music.
* "One Stop Mr Driver" will be available digitally and as a limited edition 12" vinyl release.
Next up on Undercover Lovers we have a really fun and oddball French Zouk version of 'Another Day In Paradise' and a super Funky, slow Disco/Street Soul version of 'Do It Till You're Satisfied'
Hopefully delivering another double AA 12" for your listening and disc jockeying discernment!
Enjoy T&D x
Joe Bataan's extensive discography was expanded in 2022 with the release of some old recordings from the King of Latin Soul that had never been previously published. After the success of his album "Riot!" (1968), Bataan had easy access to a studio whenever inspiration struck to record a new song sketch or even a complete track. Sometimes, he would finish the recording entirely and offer it in its final version to Fania for release. This usually worked, although on some occasions, the song was rejected. In the case of 'Drug Story,' the track was recorded without a clear final purpose, even though Bataan hoped it would become part of an album. When the Fania executives heard the result, they immediately rejected it, thinking it promoted drug use. The tapes were filed away and lost in oblivion until they ended up in a thrift store in New York. From there, they were rescued by a Latin music specialist and later sold, eventually making their way to the Vampisoul archives. The song was finally released in its entirety in 2022 on the LP "Drug Story" by Now Again. It features a long, slow vocal intro that evolves into a more uptempo track with two very distinct parts, to the point that it almost feels like two different songs. It transports us to the best moment of Joe Bataan's career, with all of his classic ingredients, delivering a track as good as his most famous songs. Bataan himself takes on the lead vocals and piano, Bobby Rodríguez handles the flute, sax, and bass, Pete 'Choki' Quintero plays the drums, and William Howes Jr. plays the electric guitar with wah-wah effects. Vampisoul strongly believes that the song deserved to be released as a single as well, and that its structure was perfect for each side to have a separate identity. So here it is, for the first time on a 45, 'Drug Story,', parts one & two, the long lost track by Joe Bataan. Pure Latin soul, recorded at the peak of the artist's career!
2025 Repress
British tour de force Rene Wise is an exciting talent synonymous with hair-raising and hard-nosed Techno. A name that's been confidently claiming its stake in common lexicon with a passion for polyrhythms, forward-looking frequencies and kaleidoscopic beats. It's the mind-expanding potential of his favourite genre that forms the basis of his new vinyl release on Bassiani Records. Drawing on personal experiences of the psychedelic sort, he also cites the role of atmosphere and spatial configuration in the making of his sound, in his own words: 'the space that the music is presented in, is hugely important and there are some very unique and special spaces in the world that capture the true essence of how techno music should be experienced. Bassiani is one of these places.' Well that praise goes both ways, it's hard to imagine a more fitting EP for the club. This four track release is both an homage to the Bassiani floor and a powerful dive into a trippy realm of Techno Wise has spent his years as a musician diligently exploring. A third eye journey across oscillating soundscapes and sonic horizons from the trailblazing techno wunderkind.
Locked-In rises again through tumultuous times with its eleventh instalment, Peace Pack EP, the four track EP from FSK24, lands just in time to spread sonic sanity.
We only see clearly at the brink of change, and Peace Pack EP embodies that moment, with four bulletproof cuts that instill calm, carry you forward, and keep it locked on the dancefloor.
A1. A groovy roller, with crisp synth stabs and bouncy kicks, radiating timeless hypnotic allure, poised to energise the crowd
A2. Pure driving elegance, with psychedelic modular synth lines weaving through crisp hats and rolling bass, evoking the peak of a sunrise after hours
B1. Subterranean minimalism, layered with rich textures and cavernous bass, creating a late night delirium distilled into one track
B2. Cheeky funk meets squelching acid riffs in a sinister finale, lacing the floor with dark euphoria
Facing Realities releases its first vinyl EP, and it's with the label creator. Sakro delivers 4 tracks on this occasion; the first side features two tracks, one a reinvention of "Midnight Talking" that was released in the digital version, and another original track named The Basement. Side B includes two collaborations with friends of the label, namely Louie Fresco and Chklte.
Toscal Records proudly presents its third vinyl release, TSCL003. Following the trajectory established by its previous offerings, the label continues its commitment to showcasing exceptional talent with this dynamic collaboration from production duo Ritacco & Igna.
The release features five outstanding tracks that demonstrate the pair's versatile approach to electronic music. Side A opens with the infectious energy of "Disco Loco," followed by the sharp lyrical flows of "Rap A2," and closes with the intense bassline of "Boyz Down."
Side B delivers two remarkable reinterpretations: "Test (Toscal Remix)," a fresh perspective on an obscure gem from the archives where the label imprints its distinctive sonic identity, and "Cyber Bass (Space Remix)" which transports listeners to unexplored sonic dimensions with its futuristic and spatial foundation.
Move and dance!
SpaceWax is back with a full blast!
After a year in the making, the highly anticipated second release is finally here, and it’s well worth the wait.
Lithuanian DJ and producer Tourman is on board for this mission, delivering a four track EP that covers a wide spectrum of hypnotic and dancefloor ready sounds.
The A-side kicks off with 'Colourless Tasteless', a stellar bomb, an absolute floor destroyer packed with energy and mind bending soundscapes, followed by 'Yucatán', an acid infused roller designed for trippy dancefloor moments.
On the B-side, 'La Wamba' shifts the mood into a mix of hypnotic tech house, rolling synths and summer infused vibes, offering a versatile selection perfect for any set.
'Clear Sign' closes the EP with a blend of warm summer vibes and infectious rhythms.
With limited vinyl only availability, Yucatán EP is a must have for selectors looking to bring the Spacey vibes to the dancefloor.
Shuffle Valley kicks off its vinyl journey with a debut EP from label head Donnie Cosmo, presenting three original cuts that move through groove, breaks, and deeper sonic moods—plus a refined remix by Christopher Ledger.
The A1 sets the tone with a warm, groove-driven track aimed squarely at the dancefloor. Elastic basslines and shimmering percussion give it a rolling energy, while subtle psychedelic flourishes invite a kind of movement that’s both physical and inward.
Let Yourself Go ventures into the breakbeat territory, playing with loose, broken rhythms before smoothly transitioning into a steady 4/4 pulse. It’s a shape-shifter—fluid, unpredictable, and full of momentum.
The third original dives deeper. Hypnotic and introspective, it leans into a more mental space—spacey yet grounded, contemplative yet still groovy.
Closing the EP, talented Christopher Ledger offers a sleek rework of A2, adding space, clarity, and emotional weight. His remix floats with precision, enhancing the atmosphere while staying true to the original’s mood—a fitting final note for Shuffle Valley’s first vinyl chapter.
Spiritual Rhythms by Mix’Elle, the fourth release on Portuguese label angel, is particularly special for a couple of reasons: it’s the artist’s first record (a true triumph at that) plus she is a resident at the night series that originated the label itself. It’s truly an all-connected type of affair. This EP taps, in a personal and intentional way, into the very foundations of jungle and drum n bass, taking us on a soulful ride permeated by Mix’Elle’s influences while incorporating her artistic vision, one that was shaped through hours behind the decks in underground drum n bass parties for well over a decade.
The record opens with title track ‘Spiritual Rhythms’, a 174 bpm mantra-like roller clocking in at 6 minutes with the textured pads and the realness you could expect from a Rufige Kru classic. A fat sub underpins it, urgent spoken words remind us what we’re here for: ‘it comes from the drum. and the drum is something spiritual’ as congas play briskly into the groove.
Things slow down significantly for the second track, ‘Angel nights drop tha bass’ - a signature floaty pad and a drum break maintain a steady continuum. A hopeful chord progression is offset by the sharpness of the drums, the bass gluing it all together with the help of an archetypal stretched vocal. Everything is in its right place - a genre veteran is very clearly at work.
‘Touring’ features a mischievous low end, as if a jazzy double bass were played by a dub experimentalist. The funkiness is infectious, with off-tempo string stabs and a mutating filtered breakbeat that feels alive - a vocal pad chants throughout, adding a layer of wide-eyed enchantment.
Percussion never falls short in this record, and the closing track begins with nothing but a shaker, toms and congas - evolving to an elegant, dreamlike yet crisp piece, led by a prominent bassline, its washes and wobbles re-arranging our chakras. Spiritual Rhythms indeed.
angel is a label run out of Lisbon by Violet. A sister label to naive, angel tries to portray the party series of the same name - a bass-led, smoke-drenched celebration where the main room is dedicated to dnb and the second explores adjacent stylistic fringes like dubstep, trip hop, dub or jazz.
Drawn from years of early-hour sets and the quiet intimacy of the booth before the room fills, Gimme The Sun marks the debut EP of Al-Veez (real name Alvise Marino). A seasoned guitarist raised in Italy with musical roots in funk, boogie, and blues, Marino’s release is a sonic travelogue of his formative years as a selector in a city, NYC, that quietly became home. The prominent guitar captures both the ache of departure and the bright, restless hope of return.
With a wistful blend of beachy, meandering textures, lush synth layers, and a hypnotic pulse, the EP lands in time for another steamy summer in the city—sure to strike a chord with longtime NYC house heads, whether they be behind the booth or lost in the crowd. Arranged in close collaboration with TSoNYC label boss Danilo Braca (also on mixing and mastering duties), theshimmering title track reads like a Dear John letter to New York. Tender, honest, and full of gratitude, it’s the kind of farewell only a true love could inspire—one that dances forward even as it looks back.
As the record warms up, “F Train Boogie” evokes snapshots of bright midsummer mornings gazing out a scratch-blurred train car window at the glistening city, while the track that follows, “Sneaky”, sizzles with cosmic allure—an intoxicating blend of luminous synths, tightly interlaced rhythms, and a commanding kick drum that locks the listener into an entrancing groove from the very first bar. “Underwater”, the fourth and final track, shares some of the same allure and mystery, but features a playful optimism, encouraging the listener to lean into curiosity of what the next chapter, night, or DJ set will hold.
Ricardo Tobar returns to MUSAR with Knitting — a four-track EP blending dancefloor intimacy with raw, analog spirit. A two original cuts from the Chilean producer are joined by standout remixes from synth sorcerer Pye Corner Audio and cosmic rave
queen Nightwave.
The EP opens with Los Siblings, a distilled snapshot of Tobar’s current sound: intricate arrangements, ethereal melodies, heavyweight bass-line and a vintage edge shaped for the club. “I’m embracing the dancefloor,” he says. “This is me doing tunes
I would like to dance to.” On the flip, Knitting unravels from a simple arpeggio into lysergic ‘’Stereolab’'-techno chaos — alive, imperfect, and deeply personal. “It sounds like it wants to eat itself,”
Tobar reflects. Layers on layers of psychedelia and cosmic melody turn this into a trippy journey track like no one else does. Architect of foggy club rituals, Pye Corner Audio transforms Knitting into an eerie, trance-tinged club weapon, while Nightwave turns Knitting into a high-gloss, dreamy club stormer
D.S.A. and Night School Records are once more teaming up to release a limited edition 7”: Certe Notti by Molly Nilsson. The
record contains the two new songs Un Po’ Più Vicino al Cielo and Il Peggior Bar di Caracas.
The songs were written and recorded in August 2024 in San Giorgio del Sannio, Benevento, during a month long artist
residency, made possible thanks to the kind invitation and hospitality of AUNA a.p.s.
A whole moon spent between local festivities, sagras and late nights in the best of worst bars, making new friends
forever and life-long memories (including an unforgettable Inti-Illimani concert), all infused with sweet drinks and ancient
lore of local witches.
The cover art depicts the view from the window on one of those nights, the rising moon, Liquore Strega yellow, and the
inlay hints at Nilsson's favourite crosswords magazine. With all these distractions it’s really a wonder any music was
made at all. But thanks in large part to endless espressi and ginseng, two new songs came to be. The first is Nilsson’s
first opus in the Italian language! The second, a hommage to her favourite joint and hang out, The Worst
Bar in Caracas.
Second of two new bass-infected dub EP's with a hint of techno by the Japanese Mystica Tribe. Titletrack ''Stars Are Mine'' and ''His Temple'' immediately set off to deep dub and bass territories in these two typical Mystica Tribe excursions: grooving, but dark with lots of effects and tribal influences. ''Prayer'' evolves around a catchy melodica that won't leave your head for days or maybe even weeks and ''Zen Stone'' tops it off perfectly with this gloomy scifi dubtrip.
While the drama continues and we keep fighting the demons of our daily struggle,.. a man from another place locked himself down in a black lodge, conceiving new material to share with the world. 214 isn't just a number, it's music from an extradimensional place, high up the North Bend mountains. Frequencies coming from a red room, filled with electronic circuitry parallel connected to our inner soul. Lyle At Dawn is Chris Romans third offering for the Frustrated Funk familia. Setting the pace for more to come, as we connect to the Shipwrec multiverse for a full album release to follow shortly after this mind bending EP. You have been warned..




















