Pulse Works News

QB-1 delivers four dark, driving DJ tools on Pulse Works. Raw house-techno crossover with heavy drums, hypnotic loops and late-night tension. Functional, stripped and built for the floor.

Glasgow based Seated Records return with more 1980s Scottish Post-Punk / New Wave material. In this 8-track mini compilation the label introduces the work of Stirling band 22 Beaches, offering a deep dive into music recorded between 1980-1984 - the majority of which has never seen the light of day!

22 Beaches formed in Stirling in the late 1970s as an evolution of the short lived group ‘Alone at Last’ - drummer Fred Parson’s and guitarist Stephen Hunter being the two who spanned the divide. Out of the six members of 22 Beaches, many were school friends, and the rest naturally fell together. The band toured extensively and played at a truly diverse set of venues across the UK: from a local swimming pool boiler room, to small nightclubs and university parties, to several fundraisers for the miners strike. Maybe most notably of all, drummer Fred Parsons described playing at what he calls “the Grangemouth International”, organised by local promoter Brian Guthrie and which featured an all-star lineup of 22 Beaches, The Exploited and the first incarnation of The Cocteau Twins. A coach was hired to ship the audience to Grangemouth from Stirling, the cost of which was included in the ticket. The gig then paused halfway through for a 'help yourself' buffet. Young promoters take heed. This is how it's done!

Over the course of the 80s the band released music on three different, and now sought after, various artists compilation cassettes. “What Day Is It?” and “Sadie When She Died” were released on a compilation of local Stirling artists 'The A.N.K.L.E File'. The track from which the current record takes its namesake - “Dust” - was initially released on a compilation-tape for the fanzine 'Another Spark'. And ‘‘Zoo” (also featured on this record) was first released on Glasgow label Pleasantly Surprised via compilation, 'An Hour Of Eloquent Sounds', where 22 Beaches rubbed shoulders with early music from Scottish names Primal Scream, Cocteau Twins, The Wake and Sunset Gun. Unfortunately, 22 Beaches never met the same level of commercial success as these others and decided to retire the project in 1984 - leaving their recordings and demos to gather dust (hehe)…until now!

This compilation, “Dust: recordings 1980-1984” follows the band's journey and the changes in their sound over the years. It moves from the raw, punk energy of early DIY recordings through to the A Certain Ratio style Balearica of their later pieces. The record's opener and title track “Dust” is perhaps the most shining example of the latter. Characterised by the plenitude of sonic space in the mix, “Dust” has an almost dub sensibility that is communicated through centrality of Parsons’ drums, McChord’s percussion, and Fildes’ Bass while the harmonising vocals of Sharkey and McGregor chant over the top to give the track its distinctive psychedelic edge. This is an atmosphere only exacerbated by the lofi quality of the recording which sits the vocals in the same aural realm as much 1960s psych-folk. On “Cartoon Boy”, the band strips things down further. A droning bass line persists through the tape fuzz and is accompanied by the sounds of a sole looping guitar chord sequence and McGregor and Sharkey’s vocals - respectively and carefully dancing around one another before harmonising in the most beautiful way. The result is a haunting and abstract Marine Girls style heartbreaker. ‘That Girl’ again delivers a dub adjacent rhythm section similar to that of “Dust”. However, on this instance crisp guitar chords, a distant, phased organ and blue-eyed soul vocal delivery, produce a track that could easily have been a lost Orange Juice recording from their sessions with Dennis Bovel. On “Somebody Got It Wrong” and “One Of Us” the band employ a more macro approach where a jangling guitar with an almost highlife-influenced tone, vocal ad-libs and syncopated percussion give the music a Talking Heads-esque swagger.

Taken together these tracks illustrate a clear trajectory in the band's sound, moving from from the high energy no-wave quality of early recordings towards a more dub influenced, and stripped-back sound - a sonic trajectory followed by so many bands of the time, not least those emerging from the diaspora of Manchester’s Factory Records.

On “Breathing’’ we hear the beginning of this transition, with the strong influence of the oddball NYC disco styles of Was (Not Was) and ZE records. All of this is meshed together with the residual punk rock energy of 1980s UK. This combination is employed to excellent effect with the addition of the distinctly Scottish (and what the band confirmed to me to be spontaneous) vocal delivery of: “Do you love me? Do you want me?” “Aye!” “Do you love me? Do you need me?” “Naw!”.

On the record’s closing tracks, “Zoo” and “Talent Show”, we hear early examples of the band’s work, playing with their rawest all-in-one-take live energy where Hunter’s spiralling guitar riffs and McGregor's distorted vocal exclamations lead the charge. The band recalls that these initial-forays did not always translate so well into multitrack recording and overdubbing: “the deconstruction took away some of the band's natural feel”. On “Talent Show” the record ends with Sharkey delivering an almost unintelligible spoken word section over the top of the track, making for one final, disorientating, almost manic slice of post-punk.

These tracks from 1980-1984 chart the progress of a unique contribution to the world of Scottish Post-Punk and New Wave, encapsulating not only the musical trajectory of 22 Beaches but also echoing the broader sonic landscape of 1980s UK, a testament to the adaptability and creativity of the UK’s underground music of the time.

All Eyez on Me is the fourth studio album by 2Pac and the last to be released during his lifetime. Released on 13th February, 1996, by Death Row and Interscope Records, the album features guest appearances from Dr. Dre, Snoop Doggy Dogg, Redman, Method Man, Nate Dogg, Kurupt, Daz Dillinger, E-40, K-Ci & JoJo, and the Outlawz, among others.

The album features productions by Shakur alongside a variety of producers including DJ Quik, Johnny “J”, Dr. Dre, DJ Bobcat, Dat Nigga Daz, DJ Pooh, DeVante Swing, among others.

The album includes the number-one singles “How Do U Want It” (featuring K-Ci and JoJo) and “California Love” (with Dr. Dre, featuring Roger Troutman) and the hip-hop ballad “I Ain’t Mad at Cha”, along with the Snoop Dogg collaboration “2 of Amerikaz Most Wanted” as a promotional single. It featured four singles in all, the most of any of Shakur’s albums. Moreover, All Eyez on Me made history as the first ever double-full-length hip-hop solo studio album released for mass consumption globally.

All Eyez on Me was the second album by 2Pac to chart at number one on both the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums charts, selling 566,000 copies in the first week.

Upon release, All Eyez on Me received instant critical acclaim, and it has been ranked by critics as one of the greatest hip hop albums, as well as one of the greatest albums of all time. In 2020 the album was ranked 436th on Rolling Stone‘s updated list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.

Big reissue for the first release of VIL Records.

Originally released in 1993, 4 banging tracks from the past but still contemporary crossing genres between House, Progressive House and Trance.

The Block E.P. by A.J. Sound is the alias of two heavyweights in the scene, Arthur Smith (Artwork) and John Kennedy (Big Apple Records). First released in 1995 this blend of Techno and Acid is getting a much-deserved reissue and remaster for its 30 year anniversary. This widely desired release is a masterpiece of minimal techno. Basemental a track thrashed by Laurent Garnier for years, so much that it featured on his "Laboratoire Mix". This feature brought even more attention to this rare release. Copies on the second hand market are being sold at £40 and even more. Now Decoy Records are treating us to this much needed reissue for collectors and DJ’s alike who weren’t favoured enough the first time round to grab a copy for themselves.

Highly respected Brooklyn-based record store Archivio Records launches its flagship label, with the help of legendary UK Tech House pioneer Affie Yusuf.

This remarkable four track EP made up of previously unheard and unreleased gems, captured from DATs long thought lost during the mid-90s golden era of Swag Records, Wiggle, Surreal and co. delivers four distinct tracks, perfectly curated to suit the mood of the most discerning dance floors, at any time of the night!

Uba Cuba sees Affie transport you to pre-Revolution Havana, where the rum flowed and the good times rolled. A playful Latin-infused tech house roller, this track is guaranteed to put a smile on the face of everyone on the dance floor!

For the first track under his Parkwalker alias, Pashtwo is a decidedly deeper and darker excursion with a driving bassline, trippy vocals and a constant forward motion, perfect for those moments when you have the crowd really locked in.

Urgez Untold, the second Parkwalker contribution to the EP is an airy, groovy journey designed for those after hours moments when the sunlight is creeping in and the crowd is ready to let it all go in the pursuit of euphoria. Hypnotic bass, ethereal synths and bouncy, tropical drums give this one a universal appeal and a timeless feel.

Finally, Ode Reticular is Affie Yusuf at his brilliant, inventive best, crafting an epic track with three distinct phases. Starting as a dubby minimal chugger before morphing in to a quirky, playful tech house roller, then final chapter sprinkles mystical progressive elements to take you to another dimension, without ever needing to lose your spot on the dance floor.

An essential release for lovers of the early UK Tech house sound, seeking out undiscovered gems from the glory days of mid-90s London.

With future releases featuring Mark Ambrose, Pure Science, Carl Finlow and more, this is a label to watch closely and collect religiously.

Lime transparent vinyl, limited edition of 1000) Age Of Love's 3 most famous remixes on 1 record: the legendary 1992 Jam & Spoon 'Watch Out For Stella' Mix, Charlotte de Witte & Enrico Sangiuliano's 2021 Remix & Solomun's 2017 remix.



Age Of Love wrote and released their most iconic track in 1990. It went on to become a stone-cold dance classic that inspired a whole trance movement that has endured throughout the years.



Now its 3 most famous remixes are available on 1 record: the legendary 1992 Jam & Spoon 'Watch Out For Stella' Mix, Charlotte de Witte & Enrico Sangiuliano's 2021 Remix & Solomun's 2017 remix.



Limited to 1000 copies.

Digital Finesse is proud to present Alex Barbu's Adolescence EP, a five-track vinyl that gives voice to a shy, introspective mind shaped by uncertainty. Oscillating between electro and techno, this record captures the raw essence of youth—where emotions are both unfiltered and deeply complex.

In June 2024, when we first listened to Alex Barbu’s tracks, we were immediately struck by their precision and sincerity. A bold minimalism, straight to the point, yet infused with intricate sound design and immersive atmospheres inspired by mountains and Mediterranean ambiances. Adolescence EP encapsulates that fleeting moment between innocence and self-awareness, between the effortless and loud grace of youth and the quiet nostalgia in the coldness of adulthood. As simple as the strong emotions of adolescence. As intricate as the places they transport you to.

To the three original tracks by Alex Barbu, we added two remixes that open new emotional dimensions. First, a never-stop-evolving rework by the Monolith, who fully JimmyBattified "Living Without Ego." Then comes Blinkduus Dischetto, closing the record with his signature raw sensuality, a tactile and almost cinematic reinterpretation that lingers long after the needle lifts. Each track tells a story. Each sound is a memory. Unique, like every life experience.
This is the kind of emotion Digital Finesse strives to bring to life.

KNTXT, Charlotte de Witte’s label imprint, has the pleasure to introduce Alignment’s upcoming Time EP that will be released in April. After Monoloc’s “Left The Planet EP”, Alignment is the third artist to appear on the label aside Charlotte de Witte, that debuted with the Chris Liebing collaboration EP “Liquid Slow”.

“Alignment is easily one of the most promising artists that I’ve encountered in a long time, so it feels incredibly good to welcome him to the KNTXT family!” de Witte says. KNTXT has always aimed to be a breeding ground and safe haven for the unique talent’s that it loves and respects. With this upcoming Alignment release, we hope to further introduce the world to this unique talent and create a platform for his boundless creativity.

“Charlotte started supporting my music from very early on, so it feels great to be making my debut on KNTXT so early on.” Fancesco Pierfelici a.k.a Alignment says. “It took me some time to find the right spin on these tracks, but now I feel really confident about the result.”

“With the this EP I wanted to make recordings on the subject of time and space” Alignment explains. “I’m a firm supporter of Alignment’s unique ravey sound, flanked by deep bass lines and pumping kicks. We’re very eager to share this upcoming release with you all, feel like this is going to be a big one!” - Charlotte concludes

Andre Zimmer lands on Craigie Knowes with some certified block-rockin’ beats. The ‘Swamp Circuit’ EP pulls influences from the early UK hardcore scene, electro, the new-wave progressive movement, electro and more – rolling them into something new, cohesive, unique and furious. If that’s not a package worth listening to then we don’t know what is. A proper record for the proper DJs!

An exclusive collaboration lands on Drumcode, with Bart Skils linking up with rising German artist A.D.H.S for the divine ‘Can’t Hear You’. Fresh off the excellent ‘Torn Clouds’ single with Weska on Drumcode, Bart Skils is on-point as ever with his production output. The Dutchman has enjoyed a strong summer highlighted by Awakenings and a sunrise set at the iconic Fusion Festival. Meanwhile A.D.H.S is no stranger to Drumcode, having shared slick contributions to past A-Sides compilations including ‘Razor’ and ‘2Step’. He’s otherwise dropped strong releases on Exhale, Spannung and Electric Ballroom. “Can’t Hear You” was born during a Sri Lanka holiday after A.D.H.S injured his back and spent time sketching ideas on his phone. “I started playing around with samples on my phone and found this beautiful vocal and just started sketching some ideas. No pressure, just emotions,” A.D.H.S explains. “Back at the little jungle studio I had set up, I kept working on it – really taking the time to find the right chords to match what I was feeling at that moment. It’s a bit of an unusual track, and I had no intention of ever releasing it. It was just for this moment,” he shares. A.D.H.S begun testing an early version at open airs and festival, later uploading a teaser clip onto Instagram. When Skils heard the track’s unique vocal line, he was hooked. “It was a no-brainer for me to decide to work on the track with Bart, I’d been a big fan of his for years. He brought in his ideas, worked on the mix and arrangement, and together we shaped it into a version that we both absolutely love.

It’s one of those rare tracks that just capture a moment.” Indeed ‘Can’t Hear You’ is an emotional behemoth; one of those rare tracks that sounds genuinely unique and is simultaneously a banger and tear-jerker in one. “When I first heard the clip Michael (A.D.H.S.) shared of ‘Can’t Hear You,’ I was hooked by the infectious vocal. We decided to craft a full collab blending both our signature sounds, and the result is a rolling party weapon that’s become my go-to closing track,” shares Bart Skills.

Second release for the label boRdeR Edits, which confirms its sound with four disco funk groove tracks, once again expertly cut and edited by RedRob. Despite the sounds remaining strictly classic without any modern nu-disco references, a much more dub-like structure makes them perfect for mixing in extremely eclectic dancefloors!

repress!!

After reaching its 10th year of existence, Secretsundaze will finally launch its 12" singles label in May 2011, as well as re-launching the critically acclaimed compilation series.
Secretsundaze, created and run by school friends Giles Smith and James Priestley is of course best known for its summertime Sunday parties which have become the stuff of legend, attracting DJs from the world of House and Techno such as Carl Craig, Ricardo Villalobos, Kenny Larkin, Efdemin, Cassy and Chez Damier. The boys have taken the party across the world with regular sessions at Panorama Bar, Robert Johnson, Ibiza and as far a field as Japan and New York.

The third release on Pan Records comes from BRS (British Rhythm Services), a UK deep house production collective active since 2000. They first appeared on the Parisian label Cyclo Records and quickly followed up with releases on Imperial Dub (San Francisco) and Leeds-based 20/20 Vision.

Throughout the 2000s, BRS — originally formed by Ben Vacara, Robert Evans and Mr. Mulatto — built a strong reputation for quality deep house. In 2001 they launched their own imprint, Friends & Families, while their music also appeared on major labels and compilations including Café del Mar, Ministry of Sound, Paper Recordings, Peng, Late Night Tales and React.

Over the years the project evolved, with core members Ben Vacara (also known as Frank Situation) and Mr. Mulatto continuing at the forefront, joined by musicians such as Dom Thompson, Phil “Dr. Keys” Campbell and James Payne. In 2019, BRS saw a new wave of reissues and fresh material on Cyclo, Wolf Music, Pressed For Time and their own label, Situationism.

Still active as producers and DJs, BRS have now been shaping UK deep house for over 25 years.

Our longstanding relationship with Christian Linder continues as he decides to reach back into the vaults and once again bring to light some of his cherished works.

We start with his Circular Motion EP originally released in 2002 on German label Phono Elements. Comprising two tracks that provide a deep and dreamy introspection into emotionally vivid electronic house & techno music.

2026 Repress

Coming up strong from the Portugese 'Hayes Collective' is CRAVO presenting a versatile techno 4-tracker on the Self Reflektion imprint. Highly essential club tracks!

Fuzzy Bears offers a forward-thinking and immersive listening experience that pushes the boundaries of jazz and electronics — equal parts experimental laboratory and live concert. On stage, the adventure takes its most daring form. Instead of relying on the original vintage synths, the trio reinterprets the studio’s electronic textures with a streamlined setup designed for live performances.

The songs of this exciting experiment are collected on a self-titled album, to be released on March 20th 2026 via Marcel Records. First single 'The Happy Are Being Born' is out on January 8th.

credits
Fulco Ottervanger: Synths, Piano - Harmonic and Melodic info
Lieven Van Pée: Synths, Bass - Low-end info, Mastering
Simon Segers: Synths, Percussion - Rhythmical info
Peter Desmedt: Serge Patching & Sound processing, Recording & Mixing
Special Thanks: Rikkert Brok & Hans Kulk
Recorded at Willem Twee Studios, ‘s Hertogenbosch
Mixed at Studio Ledeberg, Gent

Phonotheque Recordings presents "Solve Et Coagula” by the artist Digregorius.

Across four carefully interwoven tracks, Solve et Coagula unfolds as a sonic and conceptual journey that refuses to be confined by labels, moving fluidly through traces of techno, electro pulses, breakbeat, and exotic atmospheres.

An EP that pushes boundaries and proposes a journey where the symbolic, the visionary, and the emotional coagulate into powerful basslines, strange textures, hypnotic rhythms, and synthetic melodies—only to be dissolved again in both immersive listening and the collective experience of the dancefloor.