Best Record Italy News

The long-awaited reissue of Toba makes it clear, once and for all, to fans and industry insiders that disco music produced in Italy between the late 70s and early 80s had no chance of success. What was disparagingly called "spaghetti disco", considered a poor imitation of real American disco music, only good for Japanese cartoons. This was the main reason that prompted Italians to record their songs abroad, as Fratelli La Bionda with their pseudonym D.D.Sound in Munich. Luigi Figini, with "Supercool" and "Percussion Sundance" by Edo Martin and Pino Santapaga (the same as "Step By Step" by Koxo), claimed that Kash was a one-off Swedish disco project, a lie that came to light when an Italian test pressing from the previous year, made by GDB, was posted !!! Amin-Peck followed the trend of passing off their songs as foreign music on the intuition of their Roman producers. So ''Love Disgrace'' was released on 7'' by a label called Connection, which never really existed, created for the purpose by Giancarlo Meo, confident that this would bring success to the Bolognese duo who were already creating 'proto Italo-Disco tracks' with a new-wave trend. To make the whole operation seem real, the London agency Ellie Jay Ltd. was involved, contacting Andy Fernbach of Jacobs Studios Ltd. The vinyl was also produced in the UK, otherwise the deception would have been discovered, then imported to Italy by Best Record. Italo-Disco was officially born after this, in 1982, not before! Everything makes sense now ! Real events that actually happened and purely invented names and anecdotes. Just think, even the image of Tony Balch used for the cover of Toba was taken from Grand Theft's 1978 album "Have You Seen This Band?" and reproduced on the new redesigned cover, as were the heads of the other musicians. The idea of a real band called Toba had finally come to fruition and would lead to a second sensational success the following year. Now it all makes sense! Facts and anecdotes that really happened and names and circumstances that are purely fictional. Finally, everything adds up! Real things and invented names of musicians and collaborators. It's important to clarify what we've said above, but we haven't talked about "Make Your Mind Up" and "Don't Take It" and the two masterful remixes performed by Dave Mathmos. In short: with the original versions we'll make Italo-Disco purists happy, with the remix versions we'll please new younger followers with more modern sounds and versions more in line with today's tastes and trends.

The eight long play on the label comes from none other than UK electro royalty – Transparent Sound. If you have been following the music world for a while, then you would know this name as it’s been on the radars since the 1994. From the beginning it was a synergy between two artists Orson Bramley and Martin Brown, now the project solely run by Orson and he is presenting us Potent Mystery, an electro album in the best possible execution of this genre filled with melody and mystery. For the remix duties stepped up Acidulant the Maltese based hardware guru and the master of live sets from Bristol – Ben Pest. Each of these men and stellar artists have spent numerous years perfecting the craft of the electronic music which have resulted of this album being born as we can hear it now. Electro. Magnetic. Radiation.

MINDHELMET housin’ authority. Release your release.

DJ Support: Kerri Chandler, Folamour, Louie Vega, Jazzy Jeff, Dimitri From Paris, David Morales, Dave Lee, The Shapeshifters, Brian Tappert, Quentin Harris, Michael Gray, Terry Hunter, Hector Romero, Tedd Patterson, Dr. Packer, Marcel Vogel, Dj Pippi and many others

Groove Culture main men Micky More and Andy Tee are once again at the controls as the label presents its' Third collection of “Groove Is In The Heart”. As with the popular imprint's various EPs, the focus is on joining the dots between organic house, revivalist disco, uplifting dancefloor soul and colourful jazz-funk. There's much to admire from start to finish, a very strong bunch including MM & AT,Gianni Bini and Angela Johnson celebratory cover of EWF swirling disco-funk ‘In The Stone', a wonderfully rolling and funky-House joint titled ‘Let The Rhythm’ from Ralph Session & Djfudge, Memi P. And Gisele Jackson tasty Feel Good Classic-house Tune “Make It On My Own” and the soulful-house warmth of Audiowhores ‘Touch The Ground' Feat. Angela Johnson.

After a long hiatus broken by their inclusion in Om Unit's final epic Acid Dub Versions set, Alter Echo & E3 step out once more with the four-track “No Peace EP.”

With past releases on storied labels including ZamZam Sounds, Moonshine, Scrub A Dub, Lion Charge, LavaLava, and Khaliphonic, the duo opted to forego labels for this one, instead dropping the first release on their own AEE3 imprint.

The main mix of the title tune is a pounding dystopian slow-stepper collab with old friend & sparring partner Ishan Sound, dusted off and rebuilt after years on dubplate. Shot-through with stinging percussion, swirling with leaden atmospherics and dread truths, this one’s an absolutely uncompromising piece of supremely heavy steppers.

RSD’s remix opts for crystal clarity, extra layers of percussion, an emotional mid-range melody, and of course the huge bassweight Rob Smith is known & loved the world over for.

Om Unit’s “Kaliuyga Verse” recenters the tune on deeply spiritual indigenous wisdom spoken by Floyd “Red Crow” Westerman. This long-form rework fleshes out the instrumentation with classic UK dub percussion and FX, plus flute and much more, transmuting the original’s darkness into something magisterial and hopeful while maintaining absolute heaviness.

AEE3’s "Southeast Rock" closes the EP with a slower tempo meditation powered by a melodic bassline, chopped drums, dub tech stabs and righteous horns, an introspective ganja tune that will stay with you long after the runout groove.

In these times of much needed peace, we deliver Paz.

This EP joins the restraint and balance of one of the punchiest and most pragmatic Uruguayan producers at the moment, Arturo Hernzama. His sound is strong and honest, baked with love.

On the B side, we find a more introspective and complex take on dance music by Lightmaker AKA Federico Lijtmaer, who transcends genre to deliver the unique style of music only he can do.

Two sides of the same Uruguayan coin, one carved with love.

Brutal Archives presents its first EP by BARAT. Built on hypnotic grooves, low-end pressure, this record dives into the darker side of techno.

Across four tracks, the EP moves from high-energy dancefloor cuts to a more emotional and introspective moment, featuring a cracked interlude.

Producing since 2010, BARAT has shared lineups with artists such as Psyk, Markus Suckut, Rebekah, Par Grindvik and more.

2025 Repress

Chlar returns to his Primal Instinct label with 'Modern Survival'

Following the widely praised Funk Assault (Chlar & Alarico) 'Minimum One Post A Week' EP, which kicked off the Primal Instinct label last summer and won the support of the likes of Rodhad, Tasha, and Luke Slater, as well as routine plays from Sarah Story on BBC Radio 1, Chlar now returns to his imprint with solo venture 'Modern Survival'. While the first Primal Instinct release saw references to artist urges and behaviours on social media, this next instalment explores a modern recontextualisation of humanity's hierarchy of needs in yet another high-concept EP.

First up, 'Internet Soulmate' boasts a crunchy bassline as its drum work chugs along the track playfully. The groove twists and turns before the hypnotic and tribal 'Supermarket Hunting' continues with sounds of nature, loopy rhythm and syncopated bleeps.

On the B-side's 'Body Control Officer', human-made grooves intertwine with machine-like thrum, synths whirring and zapping, while 'Competitive Influencing' takes off with rolling percussion, subtle whistles and distorted vocal one-shots. Closing out another stellar offering from the Primal Instinct frontman, Chlar brings the dark 'Scout My Algorithm', a brooding slow-burner offset by smooth arpeggio snippets and warped slices of digital noise.

"In an era where technology entwines our everyday existence, where the virtual realm shapes our interactions, and where the pursuit of influence takes centre stage comes an EP that delves deep into the modern tapestry of human existence. 'Modern Survival' is not merely a collection of songs and visual clips, but a poignant reflection on the intricate dance between our primal instincts and the brave new world we navigate today. The EP invites listeners on a journey of self-discovery and reflection, prompting them to ponder the fundamental essence of our existence in an environment of fast-paced technological evolution." - Chlar

Limited 12" sampler for the forthcoming Curses compilation: As much musical memoir as compilation of often impossible-to-find tracks, 'Next Wave Acid Punx TROIS' has joined the dots between industrial, post punk and EBM from the 70s and 80s with the emerging rave scene of the 90s and proven that this spirit is still alive by unearthing some of the best unreleased dark disco, techno and electro produced today. Extended versions only!

The fifth release on Slow-Wave introduces the debut album from pioneer Daniel Poli.

Presented as a double 12”, it brings together seven previously unreleased tracks from a true uk tech house original.

This is an exclusive vinyl series that continues to sell out in pre sale, once it’s gone, it’s gone.

Dave Wallace is one third of Aquasky, as well as a founding member of Mad Dog and Fugitive. He also released his own EP’s on Moving Shadow and R&S in the 90’s and more recently an EP on TeeBee’s Subtitles label as well as a return to the rave with various Fugitive tracks and remixes on Vinyl Fanatiks over the past few years.

But one track has always alluded a release, there was always something that prevented it from being released. Originally written in 1995, it wasn’t until 1996 that he sent it to LTJ Bukem who went nuts for it, advising Dave to speed it up from its original 156bpm so he could play it. Upon doing so, it was also sent to Fabio and the pair of them played it on Kiss, Radio 1 and various gigs and festivals across the world. Dave was just in discussions to release it when Dillinja made a Bladerunner track using the same samples. In light of that and how the hierarchy worked in the 90’s drum and bass scene, Dave decided to pull the release and the track went back into the DAT draw… for 26 years!

This track has been requested by many to be pressed since Vinyl Fanatiks started as it had such a huge fanbase, so many people loved the track after hearing it either back in the day or on copies of mixes uploaded in recent years to the internet. An extremely desired track! But there was never a B-side to it… until Dave stepped into his Fugitive guise and brought the track up to date with one of the baddest basslines we have released on the label.

Join us as we take you on a ride from the smooth to the ruff!


Its all an expression!

For its third release, Honey Trap turns toward the instinctual. Ritmo Animal is a record driven by body memory, where rhythm becomes language and movement becomes communion. Vancouver- and Colombian-rooted duo Dosis weave club music with lived histories, drawing from punk ethics, soundsystem culture, and a deep commitment to collaboration.

Formed by Daniel Rincon and Zachary Treble, Dosis operates in the space between structure and looseness, where grooves feel hand-built and edges remain intentionally rough. Across five tracks, Ritmo Animal resists clean categorization. House mutates into dub-soaked psychedelia, vocals surface and dissolve, and percussion swings between discipline and abandon.

The A-side opens with “I Want To Be Your Dog”, a low-slung, hypnotic burner featuring Alien D, setting the tone through repetition and restraint. The title track, “Ritmo Animal,” anchors the record in motion, with saxophone lines from Dave Biddle threading through percussive momentum and grounding the track in something tactile and human.

On the flip, “Malibu” offers a softer pull, with Hannah Acton’s vocals drifting through warm, unhurried rhythm. “Humo,” featuring Hashman Deejay, leans deeper into smoke and sway, while closer “Sancocho” stretches time entirely, favoring communal simmer over destination.

Ritmo Animal is music made for shared space. It is not concerned with polish or purity, but with connection, between scenes, cities, and bodies on a floor. Another chapter in Honey Trap’s ongoing exploration of intimacy, pleasure, and rhythm as refuge.

2026 Repress!

(Long awaited 2026 repress, Black vinyl) While the original, 2013 version of Robert and Lyric Hood's bittersweet banger had already managed to leave tear stains on dancefloors across the globe, the 2014-released “Re-Plant” of 'Never Grow Old' has undeniably lived up to its name. As likely to be rolled out by Carl Cox as Ricardo Villalobos, 'Never Grow Old''s quickening synth stabs and piercing symbols wrap tenderly around a heart-wrenching vocal to make up a track that is both poignant and euphoric. It's the ultimate crying in the club track, the cheat code to getting crowds to embrace each other, and the track you'll probably want to ring your loved ones to tell them about, all wrapped into one.

RAWAX proudly presents the 9th release by Fresh & Low on their own „TREASURES" series!
This time we have the honor to re-issue "Love Capsule Deluxe“ formerly released on Guidance Recordings in 1998!
Our vinyl only edition includes the 4 strongest (in our opinion) tracks.

NUTRIA Sounds proudly welcomes Leo Kal to the family with his debut EP, The Roots EP (NUTRIA 004). Across five tracks, Leo Kal delivers a deeply musical statement—grounded, expressive, and rich with intention—perfectly aligning with what NUTRIA Sounds continues to cultivate: organic sound, essential rhythm, and soulful movement.

The Roots EP showcases Leo Kal’s true musicianship, blending groove, harmony, and texture into a body of work that feels both timeless and forward-thinking. Each track is driven by feel and craft, emphasizing connection over excess and allowing the music to breathe naturally on the dancefloor and beyond.
Celba opens the EP with an uplifting, bouncy groove—light on its feet yet firmly rooted, setting a joyful and inviting tone.

Station Verlaine soars effortlessly, carried by smooth, flowing keys that glide across a warm, rhythmic foundation. Roots, the EP’s title track, shines with warm piano lines and earthy percussion, embodying the spirit and intention behind the project.

Round 50 delivers the EP’s most club-friendly moment, channeling a spacey, late-’90s feel with a modern, refined touch.

Second Eyes closes the EP on a downtempo, junglesque note, wrapping the listener in texture and atmosphere while leaving them wanting more.

With this release, NUTRIA Sounds continues its mission to highlight nutrient sounds for the soul and the feet—music that is honest, rooted, and deeply connected. Leo Kal’s debut stands as a confident and inspired entry into the catalog, reinforcing the label’s commitment to artistry, balance, and musical integrity.

Tim Reaper cited My God as his favourite jungle tune so we had to see if he fancied remixing it for us. And we think this is possibly the best remix he has ever done - but we are biased somewhat!

Then on the flipside Da Big Dawgs came back to the kennel - the original Mad Dog hit the studio together for the first time in over 30 years. Dave Wallace and Shaun O'Hara absolutely loved doing this remix and working together again - so hopefully we will see more new music from them as either Mad Dog or Fugitive in 2026.

Pressed on 10" vinyl. Handstamped vinyl and sleeve and comes with a 3mm spine black housebag.

Punctuality presents its ninth release, Night Time, a potent four-tracker from Irish born, Berlin based producer New Members. Positioned on the spriitzzier end of the label’s canon, the record is a refined exercise in restraint, channeling classic, deep leaning house through a starry eyed, nocturnal lens.

The arrangements are unrushed and uncrowded, with each track built from a small selection of elements deployed for maximum impact. Evoking the deep cuts of early Balance and Global Underground mixes, the EP deftly weaves golden era progressive influences with neoteric production aesthetics. The result is polished, punctual tech house for late nights that stretch seamlessly into the morning light.

Title track Night Time carries a closing track sensibility: cute, catchy vocals glide over bubbling synths, blossoming pad washes, and jazzy chord stabs, recalling the finest Canadian Riviera house releases of the late 2010s: Total eyes closed on the dancefloor energy. Whisper In the Dark comes in trackier and toolier, with a rolling bassline resplendent with attitude and key changes, while trance and euro referencing stabs add a subtle touch of euphoria to the late night feel of the track.

Wishing Well maintains the afterhours feel with subtle atmospherics, gentle pads, and dubbed out acid wiggles, while chopped vocals and a pulsing low end push the groove forward. Hovering between genres, the result is a sleek, highly playable track for savvy selectors. The EP rounds off with Jealousy, a moodier affair with a dub techno feel that maintains the restraint New Members demonstrates throughout the release. Echoed whispers, delayed stabs, and a barely audible sub meld with delicate pad work and beguiling FX to striking effect. The piece as a whole is a luscious meditation on the hours after dark before light arrives.

As the EP suggests, this is once again not to be slept on. More A grade material from Punctuality HQ.

(2026 Remastered versions) Highly sought after Steve Rachmad classic finally gets a repress!

r.hitect opens a new chapter with a refined vinyl release that signals both evolution and intention. Exploring subtle textures, intricate rhythms, and a deeper, more introspective sound, this record marks a shift toward a more personal sonic identity.

The release also introduces Croquis, a new label concept focused on capturing music in its purest form — raw, spontaneous, and essential. More than just a label, Croquis is a space for stripped-back expression and meaningful sound.

This vinyl sets the tone for what’s to come: minimal, emotional, and deeply authentic.