Smallville Records News

Joe Davies back on Smallville, providing his skills to double the magic on the fly!

Soundscapes that will tickle your sweetspots. straight-but-quirky, far-out but still to the point – Joe is a master of his craft. His highly-acclaimed 2023 longplayer „Shields In Full Sunlight“ is still on the plates of oh-so-many heads out there, same for us. We are truly happy to present his latest vision of a cloudy night- all with Wonderful Tempo.

Comes with a stunning full cover artwork from Stefan Marx.

A duel of fates - "B4U" is where clashing swords and bittersweet sounds envelop the strange voices in the back of your head… On the evening of its discovery, Joseph could be found in a dark room, squatting in front of his desk, gripping its sides for dear life. Headphones blaring the cosmic love letter, sent for him to share with you.

Booty-shake-worthy grooves and a seriously JOSEPH-coded bassline give way to a sound that reminds you to stop taking everything so damn seriously. "Tripidi" is JOSEPH's auditory instruction manual on how to swerve when you stub a toe at 4am.

In 2011 Kevin Saunderson, Ann Saunderson and Paris Grey, collectively known as the legendary band Inner City, released ‘Future’, their first entirely new material since taking a break in 1996, written and produced in collaboration with another Detroit legend, namely Kenny Larkin, and the very talented producer / remixer Orlando Voorn. The track marked a welcome return for a group that combined the tough, futuristic grooves of the Detroit scene with the vocal energy of R&B and gospel and helped to define the period in which house and techno moved from underground phenomena to top 10 material, paving the way for hundreds of dance hits to come.

The Kenny Larkin remix devastated dancefloors at the time and continues to do so over 10 years since its release. Now fully reissued backed with the Carl Craig edit from the original pressing and the MK AW Deep Dub which had previously only seen a one-sided hand stamped white label vinyl outing.

Lady Jane Beach land on Slacker 85 with their lo-slung label debut, ‘Binman’. A short, sharp shot of minimal rhythm and rhyme, ‘Binman’ is the sound of the enigmatic London-based trio soundtracking their trips around the capital’s outer ringroads seeking adventure, trouble and corrupted drum machines. Blessed with loose, confident production and verses like glue, Slacker boss Seth Troxler doubles down on his support with a beefed-up, roadtested club edit.

An undisputed trailblazer of UK rave, Zed Bias fires up his studio for two contrasting takes on ‘Binman’, each capturing split sides of the soundsystem culture he helped define. Zed’s ‘Weighty Dub’ goes unapologetically raw, transitioning between skippy beats, heavy bass drops and a fusebox melody out of the darkness. From the basement straight through to the beach club, the ‘Nostalgia Mix’ makes good on its promise of misty-eyed reverie, recalling the first-wave of UKG domination with lush strings and steppin’ drums that still sound like a bright future.

From one generation to the next, fast-rising DJ and producer HalfPint is already familiar to dancers of Circoloco's famed Terrace and Garden. His take on ‘Binman’ finds a fresh frequency, converting the rhymes of the original into a precision-tooled tech house groove, primed for the summer season.

Now into its sixth year, NuNorthern Soul’s Summer Selections series has become a popular annual fixture. Like its predecessors, 2026’s edition showcases a variety of Balearic dancefloor workouts, sensual soundscapes and tracks tailor-made for poolside sun-down sets.

As usual, Summer Selections Six is a vinyl-first affair, offering wax enthusiasts a chance to cop killer cuts set to feature on a swathe of forthcoming NuNorthern soul releases – including some that would otherwise be unavailable on physical formats.

To begin, is It Balearic? label regulars and Rotation Sound System crew members Wrekin’ Havoc turn their attention to NuNorthern Soul favourite B.J Smith’s 2014 cover of Outkast’s ‘Prototype’. Their take, which will be featured on a forthcoming collection of reworks of Smith’s NNS material, places the long-serving producer’s beautiful, beguiling vocals atop lo-fi 80s electro beats, moody pads, squelchy synth sounds and far-sighted electronics.

Up next is label newcomer Sasha Foam, a fast-rising Lisbon-based DJ/producer whose Memoria EP is set to land digitally soon. ‘Curios’, his contribution to Summer Selections Six, is a propulsive and ear-catching affair, with joyful synth melodies, rushing piano riffs and cheerful TB-202 style acid tweaks rising above a crunchy, drum-machine driven mid-tempo groove.

Rounding off side A is ‘Call To Wind’, a rootsy, warming and sun-baked slab of Balearic dub gorgeousness from Strictly Dub Records founder Saimon AKA Roots Artefact. The track, which marks his first new material since last year’s NuNorthern Soul debut Different Perspective, is one of the many highlights set to be featured on the Estonian’s forthcoming Rocking Boat EP.

Turn to the flipside and you’ll find three more inspired, immersive treats. Dan Dub Lounge, Muzka and Simon Sheldon being their Visions of Light project back to NuNorthern Soul with the borderline genius ‘ReBorn Slippy’, an exotic, intoxicating and sitar-laden slow-motion instrumental cover of the Underworld favourite taken from their soon-come collection of ‘mild pitch’ takes of dance and electronic classics.

To complete another stellar Summer Selections 12-inch label founder Phil Cooper platforms two recent additions to the roster. First is Potteries-based producer Andrew Wright AKA Lonely Deckchair. Wright offers up ‘Adaflo’ from his forthcoming debut album. Atmospheric and magical, ‘Adaflo’ is a simmering, slowly unfurling fusion of poignant pianos, minimalist beats, shuffling bass and tumble-down chords.

Then there’s Aussie artist Perth Lewis, whose first two self-released albums (Moments In Time and Distance Between) were recently reissued by NuNorthern Soul. The Sydney-based producer is set to release a new EP, Cherry Moon, soon, and ‘Monolith’ is taken from that collection. Deep, dubby and beguiling, it sees Lewis pepper a head-nodding, effects-laden beat with spacey sonics, cascading piano motifs and some seriously sparkling synths.




d B1: Visions of Light -

2026 Repress

In honor of the December full moon 2021, Luigi Tozzi finally invites us to yet another emotional journey, down into the depths of the Deep Blue.

The release comes in a limited edition, marbled 180-gram double vinyl, and an unlimited black edition. Sheathed inside a matte white sleeve of a high-quality carton with Hypnus signature, custom cut round corners. All adorned with a stunning artwork by Gabriella Holmstrom.

Early support from Brando Lupi, Svreca, Artefakt, and Eric Cloutier to name a few.

Repress!

Maceo Plex teams up with Gabriel Ananda to deliver the momentous 'Solitary Daze'. An awe-inspiring piece of music; Maceo and Gabriel have pulled out all the stops in creating this anthemic masterpiece. A sure fire dancefloor destroyer! The original is also deftly remixed by Barnt and by North Lake.

The A Side features North Lake's infectious deeper remix whilst the flip features Barnt's epic revision of the original. Both of which create fantastic versions of the original version, taking it off into new stratospheres. Another great single from Ellum, who seem to be going from strength to strength.

Rooted in dubwise textures, subtle groove architecture, and warm analog sensibilities, this record unfolds with elegance, restraint, and a strong sense of atmosphere. With Echoform, the label once again underlines its refined aesthetic and deep understanding of timeless underground music.

DJ Support: Enzo Siragusa, Traumer, Laidlaw, Voigtmann, Janeret and many more

Mateo Dufour and Cosenza return to Key Records as part of the label’s family, this time joining our second vinyl release with Sweat, representing the Rio de la Plata sound on the dancefloor.

The A-side is led by ‘Sweat’, a high-impact, peak-time track driven by a penetrating vocal and a distinct vintage character. Road-tested over the past months, it has become a true secret weapon in sets by artists such as Traumer and Enzo Siragusa. Following that, ‘Girl (I Want To)’ lowers the intensity, moving into a more groove-driven and sensual territory, creating a natural contrast within the side.

The B-side shifts into a more playful and character-driven territory, suited for transitional moments, whether at sunrise or during deeper phases of the night — perfectly fitting summer settings. ‘Why So Freak?’ stands out for its distinctive synth line and catchy vocal, giving it a strong and recognisable identity. Closing the EP, Dan Ghenacia delivers a deep and refined remix, adding an elegant layer to the release.

From peak time to early morning, just drop it and let it speak.

A record that balances impact and subtlety, reinforcing the connection between the artists and the Key Records universe.

‘Batteries Not Included (Brain Sold Separately)’ EP Arrives Via No Static Automatic

No Static Automatic is proud to announce the new EP from UK Electro legend Phil Klein under his Mental Note alias. Titled “Batteries Not Included (Brain Sold Separately),” this release marks the dynamic follow-up to the acclaimed 2020 debut “Voices In My Head (Noises In My Pants).”

Few authentic Electro producers from the UK can wear the badge ‘legend’ with the same level of justification as Phil Klein, aka Bass Junkie. Active since the late 80s, Klein has tirelessly shaped his distinct vision of Electro, both as a solo artist and through storied collaborations with icons like Dynamix II, Keith Tenniswood (Radioactiveman), and Si Brown (Dexorcist). As a DJ, remixer, live act, and the driving force behind the seminal Battle Trax label, his influence is woven into the fabric of the genre.

With essential releases on labels including DMX Krew’s Breakin’ Records, Andrea Parker’s Touchin’ Bass, and Billy Nasty’s Elektrix, the Bass Junkie sound seamlessly bridges the old-school beats of Electro’s origins with a potent, borderline-industrial edge. As noted by Andy Barton of Bass Agenda: “From funky to ferocious, Bass Junkie’s discography is a must-have for anyone claiming passion for the genre – influential, individual, and infectious with every beat.”

Now, as Mental Note, Klein continues his exploration of electronic psychedelia. The new EP, “Batteries Not Included (Brain Sold Separately),” is a four-track expedition through the Electro cosmos:

“Brainwash” immerses the listener in swirling, hypnotic synths.
“They're Not Blue, They’re Purple” delivers a masterclass in crunchy, textured drums.
“Primordial Soup” showcases frantic, intricate programming.
“Kluster Funk” offers a moment of deep, sonic relief and groove.

Each track reinforces Mental Note’s signature: a journey that is cerebral, raw, and irresistibly rhythmic.


About Bass Junkie/Mental Note:
Phil Klein, operating primarily under the alias Bass Junkie, is a cornerstone of the UK Electro scene. For over three decades, his work has defined and evolved the sound, earning him a revered status among peers and purists. His Mental Note project is a focused outlet for a deeper, more experimental strand of his production genius, further solidifying his legacy as an electronic music innovator.

After a few quiet months, Griffé returns in 2026 with a powerful new release from Milès Borghese.

Previously featured on renowned labels such as 9finity (Secretsundaze), Squid Recordings (Liquid Earth), and Neptune Discs, Milès delivers a versatile EP that reflects his sound and dancefloor sensibility.

It’s Just EP moves between driven, high-energy cuts (Checkpoint) and deeper, more textured territories. Dubby atmospheres, cold chords, and hypnotic grooves shape the more introspective side of the record, leaning toward dub techno with a deep, minimal, and mental edge. A balanced and refined EP built for both peak-time impact and late-night immersion.

Repress!

4 To The Floor continues to champion heritage tracks with Volume 7 of the Classics 12” series, ‘The MK EP’. As one of the most in demand producers of the halcyon period of house in the early 90s, this special delivery features three gems from MK’s early career.

Opening the A-Side with vocal house masterpiece ‘Burning’, on the flip are two of MK’s most loved collaborations with Alana, first the deep and piano-lined ‘Always’ (Club Mix), before the soulful club anthem ‘Love Changes’. This release highlights the timeless quality of MK’s catalogue, with three cuts that truly stand the test of time.

More than thirty years after conquering dance floors across Europe, Mo-Do’s “Eins, Zwei,
Polizei” returns in a special picture disc reissue, available in record stores from January
30, 2026.
Originally released in 1994, the track quickly became a defining anthem of 90s eurodance,
blending driving electronic beats, a hypnotic German-language chant, and an infectious
club energy that still feels fresh today. Mo-Do turned a simple counting rhyme into a
worldwide phenomenon—one that continues to ignite dance floors, throwback playlists,
and DJ sets around the globe.
This new picture disc edition goes beyond sound, offering a highly collectible visual
experience. The striking design enhances the iconic imagery associated with the project,
making it as appealing to display as it is to play. It’s a reissue that honors both the artist
and an era, preserving the immediacy and impact that made “Eins, Zwei, Polizei” a true
timeless classic.

A must-have release for vinyl collectors, 90s dance enthusiasts, and anyone looking to
rediscover one of the most recognizable tracks in European dance music history.

Juan Atkins returns as Model 500 with I.D.L.E., a transmission rooted in Detroit's original machine language. Pulsing basslines and crystalline sequences unfold with the precision and restraint that have defined the Model 500 signal for decades. The package expands with two reinterpretations from different corners of the electro-techno continuum. DJ Stingray pushes the track into high-velocity orbit, sharpening the rhythms into a relentless futurist propulsion. FJAAK reshape the material with their unmistakable Berlin energy, driving the groove deeper into warehouse territory while keeping the circuitry alive. A meeting point between generations, I.D.L.E. continues the Metroplex tradition: forward motion, mechanical soul, and signals from the future.

There is a strong sense of craftsmanship throughout this release, hardware-driven, deeply textured, and full of character. MS14 brings together Myles Serge and Jamie Bissmire for a powerful journey into wonderfully raw, analog-rooted techno. And When the Sky Was Open captures the spirit of classic Detroit-infused machine music while pushing it forward with depth, soul, and precision. The record feels both timeless and immediate, balancing driving rhythm structures with a spacious, atmospheric edge that gives it a distinctive emotional weight. Rather than relying on sterile functionality, these cuts breathe with warmth, movement, and a human touch, making the record equally effective for deep listening and focused dancefloor moments. It is techno with substance: hypnotic, elegant, and uncompromising.

Repress!

Huge re issue of this seminal moment of Detroit techno from 2000. Re mastered and repressed in the original 430 West artwork. Contains the original instrumental version of 'Untold' - which later was re recorded for the major re release.

Hand Stamped and strong limited! Analog and organic textures, patient grooves, no pressure. Built for trippy nights, long blends and moments when doubt turns into clarity. Poul Verner celebrates his debut on Nowawes with “Change My Mind.” Laid back dub techno on limited hand-stamped vinyl, deep and steady, driven by a grooving bassline, produced in Babelsberg, once known as Nowawes. From the submerged chords and playful percussion of the A side title track to the stripped down, dreamy late night drive of the Lesterr Interpretation on the B side, this record stays close to the floor.

"Receiver Objects Without Sender (R.O.W.S) is a collaborative project between the late, ever-enthralling Eletun Selona and Martinou. R.O.W.S was conceived as an open, exploratory outlet for the two artists over several years. It became a space to lean into heavier, more textured techno and dub influences, while still grounding their shared instinct for house. The LP release 6.05 for St Odes is a collection of some of the many finished and unfinished collaborative projects left in the wake of Eletuns passing in 2024, finished and cared for by Martinou over the course of the past year, as a means of coping with the immense sorrow."

2024 Repress

Random Factor's 'On The Air' EP is a hugely sought-after classic by those who know. It came on Ralph Lawson's ever-reliable 20/20 Vision and now, as it turns 25 years old, he has decided it is the right time to get it remastered and reissued. 'On The Air' is first up on this fine EP from Carl Finlow and it has serene synths that bring to mind Detroit techno soul over pulsing bass and slick drums. 'Lockdown' has a raw vocoder vocal over punchy drums and twitchy synth stabs and 'Undercurrent' is another weapon that has more than withstood the test of time as it bumps along on funky drums and is overlaid with more playful synth patterns. 'Disconnect' is a crunchy and 8-bit closer with pixelated synths and screwy acid lines. Superb.