quête:2 elements

Crackazat & Heist present: “Senses”. A stunning mini album that sees the artist deliver a heartwarming perspective on contemporary electronic music
On “Senses”, we see the pure talent of Crackazat come to life like never before. We’ve all danced to “Alfa” or his most recent hit on Heist “Demucha” and have heard his venture into the more poppy side of things with his 2022 album ‘Evergreen’ on Freerange. “Senses” however, is on another level. Crackazat takes you on a sonic journey exploring his musical personality with live keys, vocals, bass and production all coming from his studio in Uppsala, Sweden. The
jazzy horns that are featured throughout are recorded by Adeev and Ezra Potash, better known as the Potash twins. The duo took a sidestep from their recordings with John Legend, Robert Glasper and even Diplo to dive into this project with Crackazat and help him deliver arguably his best work to date.
The 6-track album starts off with the low-slung groove of ‘I need to know’. The whole atmosphere is warm, dreamy and seems to be written to lift your spirits, no matter where you are in life. Plucked strings, arpeggios and long horn notes give this song its energy, which is subtly supported by lo-fi drums and sparse bass licks.
“Do you think about me”, keeps the energy tight with a lovely drum groove and a sparse bass section. From the first note of the track, you get the feeling like the energy could change any moment. Halfway through this is exactly what happens, when uplifting keys and a buzzing lead take control of the track. The string arrangement is subtle enough to never overshadow the other instrumentation, but simply adds a beautiful layer to a track that’s already filled with
emotion. It’s all smiles when the energy of this track is set loose!
If “Do you think about me” is Crackazat in pop mode, “Freddie’s Groove” is Crackazat in full-on jazz mode. The nod to Freddie Hubbard is clear, and Crackazat cleverly takes ideas from both the jazz legend and his legendary French sampler, Pepe Bradock for this track. The horns are deep and moody, the groove is jazz-house at its best and Crackazat’s soft vocals have the perfect amount of fragility to fit the groove. The changeover into a stabby synth section
halfway through the track is a subtle reminder from the skilled producer that – even with all these musical elements – he can direct you to the front of the dancefloor with the twist of a note.
“Phantom” sees Crackazat move into a shuffling Latin-dance vibe. Here, the song reaches its full potential through the horn section, so it’s only fitting that this is the feature track for the Potash Twins. The Latin rhythms are lush, the key progression is on point and the energy on this track just keeps on going with layers and layers of horns, powerful vocal chops, and subtle but effective percussion changeovers.
“Endless life” is a track that feels like it’s building up momentum with every repetition. Whether it’s the broken beat groove, the offbeat keys or the sparse horn hits, chord hits or leads, there’s a certain energy in this track that takes a hold of you and simply doesn’t let go.
The outro “When we last met” is built around vibey drunk keys and a downtempo hip-hop groove. There’s a hint of old school D’angelo in this track and you can clearly hear the artist feels at ease with the path he’s taking the listener on. It’s a perfect ending to a record that showcases the beautiful world that Crackazat has crafted through his compositions and one thing is for sure: This is an album we will all keep coming back to for a long time to come.
Yours Sincerely,
Maarten & Lars

Four Flies is proud to present the very first 7" version of music from "Il corpo", Piero Umiliani's acclaimed soundtrack to the 1974 film that ends the exotic/erotic trilogy directed by Luigi Scattini and starring Zeudy Araya, where the Florentine composer reached one of the peaks of his creative powers.

"Chaser", featured on side A in an exclusive extended version (previously unreleased in any form), is a track with a dreamy groove that blends rock, funk, jazz, exotic and psychedelic elements into a gorgeous symphony of rhythmic sensuality.

The imperishable "Hard Times", on side B, is one of the most sublime examples of Italian jazz-funk, with an orchestration built around a stunning string section that provides incredible depth and three-dimensionality. At once exotic, percussive, and full of jazz and funk vibes, this unique double-sider is the perfect accomplice to any DJ. Copies will go very fast – it's a limited edition, don't sleep on it!

Amy Douglas should need no introduction, having supplied song-writing and vocal duties for Horse Meat Disco, Róisín Murphy, Luke Solomon, Soul Clap, and worked with Joe Goddard on their Hard Feelings project,

Here she teams up with Craig Bratley, who dusts off the analogue synths to produce something which clearly wears its influence on its sleeve, taking in elements of Balearic, Street Soul and early Sheffield Bleep.

On the Ashigaru Dub, Craig explores these influences further, the result reminiscent of Mad Professors take on Massive Attack.

Respect The Craft's archives keep growing. After a double-hitter with Ricardo Villalobos, Tripmastaz is back on solo duties for the third iteration of RTC with "Rare Sensation EP". 

Filling the a-side with the warmest summery vibes, 'Rare Sensation' perfectly displays Andrei's deep love for house music - groove, rhythm, emotional chords and club-ready, euphoria-inducing samples very tightly reminiscent of the world's best beach parties. A "deeper dub" version is also available, stripping down some elements and bringing a classier, less euphoric tone to the forefront. 

'3000' has the virtuosic producer back to exploring the minimal and deep tech-house realms while, in essence, still targetting the summer-drenched tropical raves. And where the original version is a driving, slightly dryer, percussion-infused affair, its dubbier 'Space Program' version brings all its elements to the astral plain, filling the space with melody and atmosphere. 

Respect The Craft - a goal, a call, and a mission.

Drawing inspiration from the rich tapestry of Japanese culture, KIOTO has seamlessly integrated elements of tradition and modernity to create a unique auditory experience. The label's commitment to excellence is evident in every aspect, from the music itself to the meticulously designed artwork that adorns the record.

Featuring a carefully curated selection of well renowned artists, this vinyl record showcases their exceptional talent and sonic diversity. Audio Werner, Tommy Vicari Jnr (as V.I.C.A.R.I), Peer Du, and label founder Stevo have come together to craft a release that transcends genres, creating a musical journey that captivates listeners from start to finish.

KIOTO's debut release 裕治郎 - Yujiro 12" is not just a collection of tracks; it is a meticulously crafted work of art. The label's dedication to Japanese aesthetics is evident in the stunning artwork that graces the cover and the labels, transporting listeners to a realm where tradition and futurism intertwine.

Repress!

Showcasing his renowned nu-disco stylings and the evolution of his musical outputs from club delights to international hits, today Purple Disco Machine, the moniker of German disco house producer Tino Piontek, shares his stellar new single ‘Hypnotized’, marking the next era for the critically acclaimed project.

With an artist name that pays homage to 80’s funk hero Prince and the uplifting dance beat of Gloria Estefan’s ‘Miami Sound Machine’, Purple Disco Machine was destined to bring together the elements of synth pop, funk, Italo Disco. With over 250 million streams across his works to date, and a recent run of A list remixes for Dua Lipa, Mark Ronson, Robert Surace, Foals and Sir Elton John, Purple Disco Machine impresses once again, creating a modern and sophisticated take on the decade that has inspired him so greatly. Further announcing his sophomore LP for release in the next year, 2020 will see Purple Disco Machine deliver his most outstanding work to date.

Enlisting the help of indie British newcomers Sophie and the Giants on the single, Purple Disco Machine, adds their alluring vocals to the instantly engaging melody, and funk fuelled bassline, that has become synonymous with so many of his dance-fuelled hits.

As we hit the 10th release on the day by day series, we have a special two part vinyl with our first one featuring four special tracks to spice up your record bag.

Starting off the release is MPEG's 'Datetime', a playful and uplifting tune that's sure to perk up any dance floor!

A2 gets a bit deeper and darker with Sasha Nevolin’s ‘Tears at Rave’. With acidic arpeggios breathing through your sound system, this is a perfect track to transition into your trancier moments!

On the B side, Seo John's 'Circuit of Light' takes listeners on a mid-tempo progressive journey that beautifully blends the elements of acid, techno, and trance. Be sure to fasten your seatbelts for this one!

To close out the release, Nvsession delivers an atmospheric journey filled with moody breaks and arpeggios! Perfect for your after-hours or home listening!

Vinyl Only

With open arms, Sous-Vide Records welcomes one of the genre's most celebrated producers Silat Beksi for our latest vinyl release SVR004.

The Ukrainian mainstay offers up three deeply submerged late night grooves that come dusted in tasteful sound design. Flexing his rhythmic aptitude, Beksi applies percussive elements and dubby electronic motifs to craft melancholic tones throughout the EP. Melodies may be in short supply, but Beksi's signature style creates invigorating and emotively fueled productions without them.

Silat Beksi writes a new chapter in minimal education for those versed in the field.

On our latest Savor EP, 'Tracks from the Vault Part 2', South American legend Franco Cinelli delivers the goods.

On the A-side he pays homage to a legendary musician with "Tribute To Miles Davis". This track seamlessly blends elements of jazz and electronic music, creating a hypnotic sonic journey that captivates the listener from start to finish. Cinelli's meticulous attention to detail and impeccable production skills shine through, as he masterfully combines intricate drum patterns with mesmerizing melodies and atmospheric textures.

The B-side introduces us to "Electronic Funk," a high-energy dancefloor mover that blends influences of Detroit and funky electronic music. Cinelli's masterful production skills are once again on display as he creates a dynamic and infectious groove that demands movement from its listeners. The track features a pulsating bassline, crisp percussion, and synth melodies that intertwine flawlessly, creating an irresistible atmosphere that is bound to get any crowd grooving.

Reekee returns on Time To Play rec. after his first release “don’t look back” last year.

“No One” offers a laidback beat driven by the soulful and jazzy vocals of of Anna C.. A real Soulful house tribute!

On the other side the Italian talent Gary Superfly reinterprets the essential elements of the original track providing a Detroit inspired, dub instrumental version with a killer bass line and deep texture.

Reekee concludes the ep with his instrumental version.

Trent is back on BLESSYOU with another EP. 3 new tracks further deepening his explorations in masterful sample collages borrowing heavy percussive elements from his refined library of sounds juxtaposed with patterns of wild vocals, trippy sound effects and offset sax solos. Taking you to unforeseeable places with this rhythmic whirlwind of force much in tune with the artwork featuring a 17th century wind chart for aiding sailors in nautical explorations. Powerfully mastered for grandiose club adventures.

Double LP compilation featuring Italian dancefloor music from the end of the Afro/Cosmic scene to the beginning of the Italian Rave era, between 1987 and 1994.

Stunning bit of research by Andrea Dallera (Dualismo Sound) and Gabriele Casiraghi who've been meticulously digging Italian bins. After endless sifting through this crucial time in Italian dance floor music, we are presented with their final distillation of this transitory period between 80's afro cosmic and Italo's peak into early 90's rave and Italo house era. In their words: “The whole concept was born as we started to find records that were into a kind of hybrid zone that was clearly pre-announcing some of the huge musical changes brought by the 90’s. The sound at play can be understood as looking closely to Belgian New Beat, Uk's Acid House and German early Techno but still connected with some dynamics of the ‘80s sounds: lashing snares and catchy melodic phrases joined by filthy acid bass lines, highly compressed kicks and 'World music' samples are just some of the most recurring elements.”

Hands down mandatory for any dance floor oriented record collection.

Groove Culture – a label that has become synonymous with consistently timeless tunes, capturing all the best elements of decades gone by, whilst placing them firmly on today’s dancefloors.

Three is the magic number with Groove Culture Jams Vol. 3 showcasing another fine assemblage of funk and disco driven house sounds with music coming courtesy of Micky More & Andy Tee, Serge Funk, Reverendos Of Soul, Danny Losito and Anduze. A must have.

DJ Support:
Dimitri From Paris, Dave Lee, Simon Dunmore, Brian Tappert, Mello Baptist, Seamus Haji, Terry Hunter, Dj Spen, Hector Romero, Dr. Packer, Kenny Carpenter; Marc Cotterell, Husky, Birdee, Derrick Mckenzie, Angelo Ferreri, Joe T. Vannelli.

After the first Freedom Dance release “Earth on Faya/Is This The Future” already sold-out, we are glad to present the new Gigi Testa tracks taken from his unreleased materials and produced during this pandemic period.

Atlantis on A side is a raw house track created with only two elements: one drum machine and one synthesizer, this composition will take you deep exploring the underwater world;

Agua Fluida on B side is a bouncing gem including myriad of melodic
elements drums and sound efx creating a fluid percussive flow.

Edition of 500 copies. Comes with download code and insert.

' Funkadelic touring the vast Caribbean coastline of Venezuela, together with Afrosound and Grupo Bota, with endless supplies of Aguardiente and other substances, in a “Back to the future” setting. ' ....?

Lola's Dice's debut album is the result of a radical musical transmutation, marked by the phenomenon of massive Venezuelan emigration. The songs contained in "Pura maldad" expose the current point of that process with amazing detail. Rhythms that were considered exclusively "traditional" and almost untouchable back home (Tamborera, Gaita) get twisted, stretched and pushed beyond any imaginary limit, while being combined with healthy doses of Disco, Funk, Electro, Techno and their Caribbean counterparts, Merengue, Salsa and Compass.

Having taken their first steps in the key of Funk-Rock, things first took a turn after the leader Javier Bohorquez met Venezuelan producer Alex Figueira (Fumaça Preta, Conjunto Papa Upa, etc) at a show and he handed him a business card. The tropical psychedelic sound Figueira was specialized on spoke immediately to Javier, as it did combine many of the crazy and groovy elements he loved from the most "out there" Funk (a la Funkadelic), with the countless Caribbean rhythms he had been exposed to, having grown up in Venezuela.

After the first EP "Viaje al centro del ritmo", where everything acquired a decisive tropical tone, a further eccentric exploration of the music of their homeland became inevitable. The subsequent single "Cacri 'e Playa / Sr Cartujo" clearly showed where things were moving towards.

“Pura Maldad” is a true tropical lysergic trip, and while you see vibrant colors and things move in very strange ways, the sun never seizes to shine. Despite its profoundly experimental character, the album proves very useful to anyone in need of getting a party started, maintained or fully blown up, depending at what point of the evening it’s played.

Artwork by Colombian artist Kevin Simón Mancera.

Produced by Alex Figueira at Heat Too Hot, Amsterdam.

One of the most active players in techno, Portuguese DJ and producer João Rodrigues aka Temudo, after leaving his trademark sound on labels such as Blueprint, Soma and Mord returns on Klockworks and delivers two cuts of elegant, pure bred techno.

In his words: “I think these two tracks truly represent my vision for minimalist techno: repetitive music reduced to its core elements, where the sequencing of sounds and their texture come together to form a solid idea with every detail being meticulously crafted and has a clear intention. I honestly associate these tracks to the label and I’m glad they have found the perfect home.”

Synkronized welcomes back Chad Andrew for his second appearance on the label with the release of "Happy Mistakes EP". This EP showcases Chad's exploration of a 90s-inspired club sound, skillfully blending nostalgic elements with his contemporary touch.
The EP also features a remix by Romanian artist Floog, offering a fresh perspective on the title track and enriching the overall musical experience.