Tristan Kino releases his first vinyl EP on Short Black. 2 original deep techno weapons with a remixed dancefloor work out from Johannes Volk (Exploration Records) Having released on labels such as Tief, Dolly, Token & Suburban Avenue to name a few Johannes really step in to a full club sound. Driving and perfectly arranged for busy floor. Tristan Kino's originasl need no words. We are very happy to have them both on the label. Support local record stores, support techno!
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So, in the spring of 2017, Fritz dusted off his old drum machines and his Jupiter 8 and immersed himself in the sounds, that first brought him to electronic music twenty years ago and which were to form the basis for his present album 'Drown'. At the beginning of his career it was about establishing himself through a new approach for Fritz. Now it is about celebrating those sounds and their liberating effect on our consciousness. The focus is electronic music as Fritz Kalkbrenner first got to know it in the German capital's now legendary Techno and House clubs as an impressionable young man. The cut, that leaving out the now so familiar baritone voice represents, opens the door to a whole world of electronic music, which is suitable for home listening as well as for the club.
There are no confining conventions on these 12 tracks and at times one could also say: no restraint. Fritz Kalkbrenner indulges in his fascination for Dub Techno, in clear and dominant House arrangements and also in the anthemic melodies that shine through the tracks several times on the new album.
Fritz underlines this new beginning, which is at the same time a reflection on his own beginnings and his own origins, by choosing not to appear on the album's artwork himself this time. Instead of a picture of him, there is a great, atmospheric landscape painting. The brush strokes form the bank of a river or a lake. They are abstract, which makes them all the more expressive. It is the work of Fritz' grandfather, the famous East German painter Fritz Eisel and its title is 'Winterabend (winter evening) in M.'. It was created in 1990, when Fritz was nine years old.
- A1: Life Hacks
- A2: Distant Early Warning
- A3: Cloud And Wires
- B1: Hard Feelings
- B2: Cyber Bully
- B3: Corporate Memory
Distant Early Warning is the debut solo album by Australian drummer, percussionist and composer Laurence Pike.
For the best part of two decades Pike has operated at the cutting edge of the electronic and jazz music worlds, releasing albums to critical acclaim and touring the world with his bands PVT (formerly Pivot), Triosk and Szun Waves, and featuring on numerous albums, tours and soundtracks as a collaborator. On Distant Early Warning he carves himself a moment of reflection. The calm in the eye of the storm. An ominous portent as the rocks appear on the horizon.
Originally conceived as a technological and spiritual jazz suite for drums, Distant Early Warning is a series of solo performances for kit and sampler recorded live in a single day. For a long time I've been feeling there's a central part of my musical voice that didn't have an outlet,' Pike says. So this album is definitely a product of inner necessity.'
- A1: Steppers
- A2: Rubber Foot
- A3: Elasticated
- A4: Rocking
- A5: Lovers
- B1: Front Line
- B2: Scientific
- B3: Jungle
- B4: Bali Hi
- B5: Chemistry
Hopeton Brown, better known as Scientist, has been a pioneering figure in the world of dub for nearly 40 years. His early love of electronics proved fruitful when (still a teenager) he was hired at King Tubby's studio in Kingston. Brown quickly ascended the ranks and became heir to Tubby's throne, producing imaginative and technically impressive mixes that solidified his forward-looking nickname.
Introducing Scientist - The Best Dub Album In The World, his 1980 debut LP, lives up to its boastful title. Recorded with Sly & Robbie at Channel One Studio and mixed at King Tubby's, the album features hypnotic basslines, reverb-drenched keyboards, and fluid, start-stop rhythms. Opening track "Steppers," with its well-balanced phrasing and organic contours, shows Scientist's mastery of the studio-as-instrument concept. On "Scientific," the effects-laden guitars are stretched to their outer limit to create magnificent, spaced-out textures and muted tension. Introducing Scientist displays the talents of a man obsessed with every element of production, drawing out the very best of the dub form.
Dark Entries Editions is proud to reissue Ghost Town' the 1984 debut 12' single by Mono Band from Italy. The project was conceived by producer Rene 'D'Herin and Massimo Fantinatiti aka Fantenax. They teamed up with songwriter and guitarist Luigi Venegoni aka Svengile who had previously worked with progressive and jazz-rock bands Arti & Mestieri and Venegoni & Co. as well as cosmic disco group Stratosferic Band. Treading the lines between Italo Disco and the darker side of New Wave, the trio crafted a mysterious sound. Melancholic arpeggiators, a throbbing baseline, stuttering samples, and the classic Linn drum machine run throughout the track. Vocals were handled by an uncredited Carlo Rossi who raps about a ghost town filled with fear. When female vocalist Elena Sansonetti begins to softly whisper the chorus one might get goose bumps. The trio were joined in the studio by DJ Mike aka Michele Paolino of Make Up/Mike Up, DJ Moody, Fabrice Bellini of Art Fine and producer Miceli. The song was recorded in a few days at Dynamo Sound Studio in Turin and originally released on the popular Discomagic Records. This reissue includes the original vocal version, backed with a longer dubbed out instrumental Ghost Version' on the B-side. All songs have been remastered for vinyl by George Horn at Fantasy Studios in Berkeley. The 12' is housed in an exact replica of the original sleeve with an astrological photo the planets orbiting the sun. Each copy also includes a 2-sided postcard.
Some things simply take time, so after and inbetween several releases on Cocoon Recordings throughout 2017, after one year Rico Puestel returns to his creative outlet [ahrt] with four delightfully imbuing reworks of the label's debut release "Astrayed" !
The french duo Klash Point , who have already enjoyed DJs support from the likes of minimal techno scene, Hot on the heels of their Module Records debut with their "Persistence E.P.", is back with four tracks of roughened groove ; this new "Mono Phase E.P." is likely to attract even more attention. Side A ,"Mono Phase" is just The true definition of a deep techno mood!
And "Stockholm" rocks around an hypnotic rolling groove that as it perpetually twists and turns.Side B ,"Kologne" push up you higher with its straight atmospheric synth ...And with textures and tones nodding to both Berlin and Detroit, once again there's a strong sense of timelessness and versatility to play "Dolby".
Turbolenz is a new label from Offenbach run by Philipp Lenz aka Delenz. The first label's release comes from Shayde, the brain child of Delenz and his partner Richard Hötter. Titled - Ama il buco' (Italian natives get the joke here), it features a very diverse spectrum of sounds and moods.
- Ama il buco' a slow grower and steady groover that will get many bodies moving and is some ready-to-get-naked material for sure.
- Kühlschrank in F-Moll' is a rather dreamy, yet positive and escapistic affair. Insert your favourite sunrise after a long night out here.
The flip side starts with a remix by none other than Swayzak, the mighty tech house duo from London. Their take on - Ama il buco' is a crisp and cool peak time affair for a moment of contemplation - if that makes sense. The last track - Ofwebach' is obviously an homage to Delenz' home town Offenbach. Apparently a more uptempo and experimental terrain, - Ofwebach' is something else.
All in all, the result is a rock-solid 4-track debut release on Turbolenz or as they say in Offenbach and Frankfurt: Megastabiles Ding.
As founding member of Uran GBG, with a past in cult bands such as Lava, and appearing on stage and in studio with some of Gothenburg's more prominent acts, makes Jerker Jarold one of the cornerstones in the city's psychedelic scene. By the name of Vastlanken, Jarold is now making his first release as a solo artist on Hoga Nord Rekords.
The music on the tracks Autobaba and Moebel, is a mixture of dub, ambient and techno where few but tasteful components builds the sound. Vastlankens transcendent qualities lies in Jarolds ability to limit himself in matter of recording techniques and instrumentation; one synthesiser , one delay pedal and one mobile studio is all he need to make delicate dub.
Activate your pineal gland and meditate yourself free from general angst with Gothenburg's last shaman!
Described by Clash Music as one of America's best songwriters', Brendan Benson has consistently unfurled unparalleled melodies and lyrics in his acclaimed career. Over twenty years in, he's still wowing folks and Half a Boy, Half a Man' is a powerful dollop of power chords wrapped into a tale of split personalities. Backed with an astute cover of Jules Shear's Big Kid Face' from his 1989 album The Third Party' in which Benson helps shine a light on this oft-overlooked but seminal songwriter.
Best known as half of the songwriting team at the heart of the Raconteurs (along with Jack White) Brendan Benson's career has never slowed across six solo albums, two Raconteurs full-lengths, countless collaborations and placements and a seat as one of the most respected and reliable writer, performers, producer, engineer and musical jack-of-all-trades.
- A1: Void - Isotope
- A2: Echophase - Silent Sky
- A3: Berserk In A Hayfield - Berserk
- A4: Silicon Valley - Transit 6
- A5: The Lord - Production Line
- A6: The Good Missionaries - Bending A Border (Dub Version)
- B1: Berserk In A Hayfield - August Haze
- B2: Echophase - Continental Drift
- B3: Lives Of Angels - Golden Age
- B4: Modern Art - Colliding World
- B5: Lives Of Angels - Pavillion
here is the long-awaited fifth volume of the well received electronic compilation series from the 1980's color tapes label. As with the other volumes you can find great examples of cold wave, minimal wave and synth electronics made by obscure British bands such as: Berserk In A Hayfield, Disintegrators, Lives of Angels, The Lord, plus a rare track by The good Missionaries, post Alternative TV.
LP There's been an air of hypnagogic mystery surrounding Acid Test's sublabel Avenue 66 from the start. Joey Anderson's oblique, Prince-inspired incantation "Above The Cherry Moon" set the tone for a label that's sound that has found beauty in the furthest recesses of the dance floor, in the murkiest decay of kick drums and rave stabs. Fitting then, that the first album on the imprint comes from Trux, an artist who has chosen to reveal nearly nothing about themselves. Following a cult classic mini-LP for Office Recordings, "Orbiter" bears out the anonymous producer as a master of liminal, conceptual dance music. "Orbiter's" ten tracks have a vaporous, shape-shifting quality, threatening to topple over into full-on kick drum bliss or vanish into ambience. Opener, "With It," moves from heady ambient rush to skeletal piano, while "Blinko" and "Roy's Garage" spell out a hazy memoriam for the UK continuum. Forlorn pianos ring out amongst the field recordings, excitable toms and jungle bass all softened in the enveloping gauze. "Orbiter" positions Trux as an unknown auteur who puts evocative world of tone and echo into dizzying motion, content to watch from the wings.
NHK yx Koyxen walks at any speed and on any surface he desires to trance-scend. His "Parallel Tempo EP" takes a mindful plunge into layers of rigorously murmuring gestures. Speed is relative to size. As they are streched and bent, the planes engage in parallel movement. This is an exploded drawing, unlocked from time.
The Japanese artist and producer NHK yx Koyxen contiunes to unveil his unique vocabulary, as the "Parallel Tempo EP" builds on a series of releases for L.I.E.S., Diagonal, DFA and The Trilogy Tapes. Publishing drawings and music alike, NHK yk Koyxen aka Kohei Matsunaga offers playful and sometimes unexpected glimpes of the "almost common". Performing on electronic music's timeless DNA, he offers those who step in a resonating space, in which loose objects are bound to embrace each other.
Two New York latin soul bangers from legendary band leader Hector Rivera and Vocalist David Coleman.. Hector wrote and arranged for many famous latin Ray Barretto, Machito, and Tito Puente as well as releasing several Lps himself , these cuts come from his successful LP "At the party". Both sides have been spun by myself for years so happy to finally license them for the AOTN stable.
A solid two sider for your soul box from the Old Town vaults, 'Say It With Feeling' is a great mid tempo soul track which i have used as a warm up track for many years and had remained popular on the soul circuit as well. For me the real magic happens on the flip. 'Conscience' is a haunting mid tempo off-kilter number, memorable in the extreme, challenging to work it into a set, a charming, fascinating record, no wonder it was a huge popcorn spin in belgium.
As Weekend Circuit approach their 20th release, Argentinian duo YYYY return for their second full length EP on the label to celebrate this benchmark.
The YYYY modus operandi is already familiar to the initiated - expressive, raw techno experimentalism from the outer reaches. 'Carry This Blood' is a collection of 4 moods and sounds, carved out with emotion soaked ambience, synapse flaring distortion and machine fracturing rhythms.
'Repent', as the title suggests, takes no prisoners, leaving no survivors in it's wake, it is a glimpse into a tear in the time-space continuum where chaos rules. 'Hands Towards The Giver' is epic, glacial, spacial widescreen techno. Dramatic and urgent, the soundtrack to a doomed planet collapsing from within.
'Carry This Blood' bestows an eerie, cold feeling. An atmosphere of regret and loss hangs over it like a thick fog on a hillside, punctuated only by a heartbeat mimicking kick drum offering a human touch. 'Of Thrones And Comfort' snaps us out of the haze, the fog clears and we are faced with the frenzied electronics and thundering kick drum of this most sinister of tracks.
For a label that wasn't around long, Strata East achieved the same sort of label recognition that Impulse! or Blue Note managed to build. In other words, you knew what you were getting when you bought a record on the label, even if you didn't know the names on the outside of the cover. This is no exception. Who is Shamek Farrah Who knows Who cares It's the music that's important. This is the standard spiritually intense new jazz one learns to expect from the label, soaked in some Eastern influences but always with its ear to the street. Musicians took their roles as leaders and spokesmen very seriously back then. This very adult statement from a group of very serious men is no exception. However, what might be an average, forgettable session is rescued by the propulsive engine of Milton Suggs' bass. He adds the fire and the drive that keeps things interesting and prevents the music from wandering into a circular spiritual morass. For fans of the sound or the label, this can be heartily recommended.
"Psychedelic Sounds in Japan" is the debut album by the undisputed" kings of the sixties Japanese Garage/Psych scene. Original LP copies of the album trade for hilarious amounts! This reissue restores the offensive lyrics track "Blind Bird,". Sought after worldwide and if you're a fan of tightly written songs, great playing, totally incomprehensible lyrics and a smattering of surprising covers, this ones for you.
Paal is passionate about hardware - analog drum machines, synths and pedals are tracked through a mixing desk, raw and unedited. Imperfections intrinsic to this process are essential to him and give his sound a unique character - warm, organic and, at times, lo-fi and grainy. This can be heard throughout the EP. The VOI 011 also marks a shift in cover artwork as Voitax departs from the utilitarian, hand-stamped labels of the first releases - German photographer Nina Roders, has conceptualised a series of her unique photographs for the forthcoming ten-part EP series.
As featured on Feeling Nice Vol.4, we thought it is well worth to re-release Frederick Knight's "Steppin Down" on 45 too. Even better, the B-side "Heart Complication" is a monster deep-soul track which many of you may have not heard yet. We here at Tramp re-release good music, whether it is rare or not. This one is indeed rare so get your hands on it before all copies are gone.
As featured on Movements Vol.9, we thought it is well worth to re-release "When The Well Runs Dry" on 45 too. Even better, what you find here is a previously unreleased alternate take! Listen to the first seconds of the B-side "A Brighter Day" and you know why this 45 should be in any DJs box. Essentiell re-release for the open minded DJ who does not only play tracks which are in demand but just plain funky.
East Man is a new project from Anthoney Hart and its material predates his previous work as Basic Rhythm. His unique take on grime reduces the sound to its steely fundamentals, bringing in influences from dancehall, drum and bass and techno to gird the voices of the MCs he works with. His own name for this hardcore continuum mongrel is 'Hi Tek'.Anthoney struck a friendship with the academic and theorist Paul Gilroy, who wrote the album introduction.
Khalab has arrived OntheCorner with 'Zaire'.
'Zaire' is the beginning of a new narrative for the artist. In this first chapter Khalab creates urgent compositions with layers of sound from the past, present and future. 'Zaire' is underpinned by an intensely pounding heart of other-worldly percussion. The collaged loops frenetically jab in syncopation breaking off when the inherent swing casts its discrete groove to summon the dance. Unrelenting waves of synthlines, basslines and rhythm find harmony amongst the melodic chants and distortion.
Already making Gilles Peterson's 'All Winners' list on BBC 6 Music'Zaire' is a breathtaking nucleus for airwaves, dancefloors and, any digital devices masquerading as abeatbox. The tracks 'Aeh' and 'Night in the Jungle' are the vessel from which the heat of 'Zaire' steams. DJ Khalab has departed and with 'Zaire' Khalab has arrived On the Corner.
The two remixes on this EP offer magnified oppositions to the friction that Khalab seamlessly stiches into his tapestries of sound. The bass frequencies that Medlarbounces across his electro dirge, taking day into night, contrasts with the harmony and light of Will LV's journeying remix that drives through the troposphere.
'Zaire' is a prelude of the forthcoming 'Black Noise 2084' and the freeing of a narrative shackled in chains for centuries. Phrases of historic recordings collaged with future electronics and the analogue depth and artistic voices of the present makes this a ground breaking work of future music. The archive recordings bare a stark reminder of the need to face the barbaric recesses of modern human history. The many voices of Khalab's 'Black Noise 2084' are coming to be heard.
Driven by a vicious and visceral soul, The Buttshakers are known for their fierce and fiery music: turntables steam from the heat of their records, dance floor buckle under the blistering pressure of their infectious grooves, a group with a burning Midas' Touch.
Yet after nearly a decade of touring and recording, it was with a different musical vision that they approached Sweet Rewards, their first collaboration with Underdogs Records.
Accustomed to the raw, primitive sounds of 60s garage rock and the crude sexuality of pre-Motown soul music, the Buttshakers have created a reputation as a must see live band perfectly aligning loud rock riffs and lustful desires. A sound they could have continued to dig into again and again. Instead they decide to take another route. A creative shift, a return to a style of soul music that no longer has to rely on pure energy alone, a sound that concentrates on the quality of writing composition and interpretation rather than pure virility.
Another tape extracted from the Sony vault for the first time since the records was released in 1980. A Floaty disco masterpiece that has been on the soul scene for time but deserves a broader appreciation. We present this in the much rarer issue format with the excellent ballad on the flip "Blame it on me", most o.g copies are missing this track. How the band never made it past one single i don't know as both tracks are fire.
EP3: 'Mov Clsr' is the third and final piece in a trilogy of releases, exploring the libraries of Spaceks recent hard drives. Encompassing House, Footwork, Techno, Garage and Broken Beat the legendary vocalist and producer has amassed a wealth of tracks created mostly on iPhone and iPad. South London to the core yet globally inspired, his off kilter swing and free flowing approach to music has always set him apart from the pack. From his work with J.Dilla (Eve/Dollar) to his collaboration with Mark Pritchard as one half of Africa Hitech, Steve Spaceks creative output has always been a million miles ahead.
'Intraverso is a journey in that momentary 'inbetween land' that many of us experience sometimes. It explores the turmoil of feelings of when one gets stuck in the middle, floating in between ambition and complete stillness'.
Fabrizio Lapiana is a well-known name on the contemporary Italian techno scene. He has been involved in music since the 90's when he started DJ'ing in his hometown Rome. To date he has over two handfuls of releases on labels such as Figure Jams, Arts and M_Rec Ltd - as well as his own imprint, the well renowned Attic Music, founded in 2008.
Intraverso is Fabrizio's debut album, set for release on his label. The record is a very personal journey, according to the artist himself. You here find him examining different territory than where he usually heads within his productions. The album, which consists of nine songs in total, was composed between April 2016 and February 2017 in his studio in Rome. Written in a state of 'introspect', we here see an artist in motion. Changing. Evolving. The perfect moment to explore something new and unveil a different side of yourself to the world.
The intro 'Early Morning Waves' opens the album with its own quiet dramatic tone, waves hitting the shore as we move into 'Bret'. A cloud-walking kind of melody welcomes you, accompanied by a curious beat driving the journey forward. A deep heavy bassline and almost ancient sounding melody rises in 'Onironauta' (reflecting 'Early Morning Waves' mystical mood) until more playful elements blends in. The contemplative bass elements continue in the title track of the album; 'Intraverso' is a track of mind traveling discovery, yet before drifting too far you are grabbed by a snare, a clap of white noise and a pulsating beat to keep you on track. Further on, 'Lost In Negative Thoughts (reshaped)' reveals itself with its heavy ominous drumbeats and a dark spun web of strings is joined by sounds of distant life and machinery. Then there is 'Distance' which is the album's first flirt with more dancefloor friendly territory. Still under a veil of ill-lit melodies, expertly programmed percussion and claps creates something for a more personal body move experience. Moving into 'Again' sees the expedition continuing journeying through the dancefloor, albeit in a deeper landscape where flickering extraterrestrial sounds watches you go along. In 'Backlit' you find the albums most organic moment, an ambient slow thoughtful walk through the consciousness of the producer - only to end up with the album's final moment; 'Freckles (beatless)'. Here we drift deeper off into slow ambient melodies with a comforting thoughtful bassline taking us to the end of our voyage.
Lapiana has composed an album where you get to travel with him on a sonic journey into the deepest corners of his mind, baring vulnerabilities as well as strengths. Intraverso carries a feeling of ancient atmosphere via its melodic language through its whole running time, perhaps since the foundation of the album is based on emotions and the mind. Thoughts, feelings and mental states that always have been with us, no matter the time and place. It is a mature debut album for an artist that proves he is willing to risk going into different areas than the tried and tested ground. One might say Intraverso is a record created for an introvert introspective dancer, willing to see what lies beyond that of which is visible at first glance.
Following our first release with Opal, which aimed at the dance and the bodies, we wanted with this second EP to reach to people's mind. As a Geneva-based techno label, it was fundamental to work with our local hero: Opuswerk. He's already been working outside of the country with artists like Fran ois X and labels such as ARTS, Semantica or Dement3d. It was time we involved him in our project. Through this EP, Opuswerk clearly shows what he knows and does best. Much like his DJ Sets, he connects dots and layers in unexpected ways, like a rhizome connecting different multiplicities. Inspiration for the original tracks came from designing systems of independent yet connected sounds, where events are triggered, un-triggered and alter other events, each behaving on their own. As one of those elements, the artist acts as a guide, directing them from one place to the next acting as and with the machines. The "mot d'ordre" is about becoming one of the machines, blending techniques with vibes and catching them like ever escaping dreams. The result is two uniquely sounding spaces, either filled with raw energy like on Extensum or with subtle and serene ever-evolving bleeps on Spatium. Those two extremes are fitting to how we want present the multiple dimensions of our artist's works to the world. The same logic went into choosing the remixers, with whom Opuswerk had a human connection with. Inland and Antigone need no introductions, having both established their sound on labels like Countercharge or Token. Each brought their own re-interpretations of the original tracks bringing them closer to the dancefloors.
Ascetic Limited is back with its third VA.
Side A consists of two prolific Italian producers. Antonio Ruscito starts the release with an intricate, atmospheric track titled Nube. Alfredo Mazzilli then brings the driving yet melodic banger, Transcendence.
Side B begins with David Att of Att Series out of Spain, with a dynamic, heavy hitting track titled Spirits. From Malta, Hail Blk brings Church Blk, with his signature dark, spacey yet groovy vibe. Label founders Motionen end the record with Escape
Sequence, blending acid, arps, and big pads for a unique cinematic feel.
Mirror Trax proudly presents it's first release: the Esox Lucius EP by Esox Lucius! Born in the late 90's, Esox Lucius seems to have soaked up his environment quickly. Old school flavour transmitted to the depths where Esox Lucius roams seems to be the recipe for elementary and spaced-out techno. Nimbus on the A side is a classic techno track reminiscent of the X-Mix days! It's soothing melody and driving bass will propel you towards the clouds, cruise-missile style. On the B side, the first track Indica is a high-speed techno train. Driven by it's resonant lead and shifting snares, B1 will definitely leave you as high and disoriented as the name implies. Common thread on the B side seems to be a Hague-ish influence, as the closing track is a heavy grinding techno track with a hint of electro. B2 will definitely sink your ship so make sure The Hoff is around!
300 copies available.
- A1: Andata Oneohtrix Point Never Rework
- A2: Andata Electric Youth Remix
- A3: Disintegration Alva Noto Remodel
- B1: Async Arca Remix
- B2: Fullmoon Motion Graphics Remix
- B3: Solari Fennesz Remix
- C1: Solari Jóhann Jóhannsson Rework
- C2: Zure Yves Tumor Obsession Edit
- C3: Fullmoon S U R V I V E Version
- D1: Zure Cornelius Remix
- D2: Life, Life Andy Stott Remodel
As one-third of Yellow Magic Orchestra and an Academy Award-winning composer for his work on the soundtrack for The Last Emperor, synth pop innovator Ryuichi Sakamoto is among the most groundbreaking artists to have emerged since the late 70s. A musician's musician, Ryuichi Sakamoto has created intriguing musical unions with artists such as David Sylvian, Iggy Pop, Tony Williams, Bootsy Collins, Jaques Morelenbaum and many others.
Following the massively successful release of the electronic masterpiece async in 2017, Ryuichi Sakamoto's first studio album in eight years, Milan is proud to announce the remix compilation async remodels: a dozen remixes of async's tracks by a who's-who of experimental giants - everyone from Icelandic composer Jóhann Jóhannsson (Arrival, Sicario) to Oneohtrix Point Never (composer of Good Time) to Arca (producer of Björk's numerous releases) have gotten their hands dirty remixing Sakamoto's work. Even reworks by the Canadian synthpop duo Electric Youth and Austin-based synthwave legends S U R V I V E are included. With such a well of talent reinterpreting such a personal album, this is one release Sakamoto fans can't afford to miss.
2x12" Repress
Answer Code Request returns with his sophomore album Gens on Ostgut Ton, entering darker but equally bass-heavy territory.
Answer Code Request's 2014 debut LP Code was an exciting moment for electronic music in Berlin - one that offered a break from the eternal hall and monolithic 4/4 kicks that ruled the city's club landscape. As a hybrid gesture, the album's spirit recalled an especially fruitful era in the German capital from the mid-90s to early 2000s, when dub and paddriven Detroit techno cross-pollinated with Berlin's industrial aesthetic to create one of the city's most exciting musical chapters.
Today the musical vision offered by Berghain resident Answer Code Request, real name Patrick Gräser, has proved far-sighted. While at first glance electronic music in 2018 seems increasingly balkanized, borders between genres have once again become fuzzier.
Now, on his follow up LP Gens, Gräser looks beyond the bass euphoria of Code toward darker horizons and a desolate atmosphere befitting of current global circumstances.
In a sense, Gens (Latin for tribe or lineage) reverses the notion of the hardcore continuum as proposed by music journalist Simon Reynolds: embedded in a tradition of US andcontinental European techno, Gräser seeks its disruption through hardcore outgrowths, from ambient jungle to later variations of British bass music and IDM. It's an interesting twist when seen in the larger biographical context of Gräser who, born and raised outside of Berlin in early 1980s, jumped from East German youth radio DT64 to American hip-hop, acid and early UK hardcore - a radical shift of musical interest born of a radical shift in political circumstances. On Gens, the unsettling atmosphere is established early on with the fading rave opener of the album's synonymous title track, and continues through the scrambled military communications and post dubstep rhythms of 'Sphera'. From there, sci-fi pads, heavy phasing and alien syncopation lead explorative third track 'Ab Intus' out into space. Aglimmer of otherworldly positivity arrives with the warm, distorted breakbeats and interwoven synth melodies of album standout 'knbn2', while Gräser's most dancefloororiented melds jungle and techno, Amen and 4/4 kicks, on 'Cicadae'.
Second installment of the Best of series of Tripmastaz' label Plant 74 featuring supreme grooves from the back catalog of the label as well as a few fresh names.
Vinyl only versions.
Rebolledo's YOU AND YOUR HIPPIE FRIENDS imprint grows its groove footprint on international dance floors with the full-length debut of GÜERO, the latest vinyl outing from the Hippie Dance sister label and also its first fully fledged album project. To attentive hippie friends, the artist name should ring a big, funky bell - one that sounds exactly like the cut 'Convertible Ride' from the notorious 'A Very Nice Combinado Volume Uno' 12' release (YAYHF 01).
Back then, our hero was travelling under the somewhat more convoluted 'El Güero Fresa' monicker, but has since dropped some of those conceptual pounds in an effort to reach maximum sleekness. In the same vein, his debut album is a testament to ultimate funk-a-ficiency, digging deep into fizzy arpeggios and chunky basslines - and the occasional guitar cameo, giving tracks such as bubbling synth opener ELEKTRONIQUE, the neon-lit NIGHT CRUISING, bouncing electro disco roller ALTO FINAL or the programmatic SPACE DRIFTER just that little extra riff.
GUITAR MAYHEM, however, is anything but - you'll discover a pretty dank bouncer and certainly not the squealing meltdown one would expect. TECHNO MINIMAL doesn't do what it says on the tin, either, opting for an energetic bass 'n' organ workout instead. By now, you'll begin to understand why the album's called MY WAY MY RULES: GÜERO takes whatever sonic path he desires, no matter what - which is precisely why he chimes so well with YOU AND YOUR HIPPIE FRIENDS's steadily expanding motley crew of rave misfits and studio drop-outs. The way of the hippie is indeed a mysterious one.
As one third of the Lisiere Collectif, Andu Simion learned early and often how to take a dancefloor on a hypnotic, grooving journey throughout the night. Now he's standing solo on the next release on Eric Cloutier's Palinoia label, delivering four bubbling, seductive house grooves for any hour of the party. From the evolving "Heavy Glow" to the proper house banger "Gen Y All," this EP is a sure win for anyone looking to get a little sideways.
Strap yourselves in as Post Pluto takes flight with French duo, RBDP, on their fresh self-titled EP. The record features four tracks of high altitude cruisers, soaring through the elements of acid, deep house, breaks and dubbed out synths. We depart the
troposphere with "Acid R", a mellow and low-end fusion of dubby textures and acidic lines. "Like Dat" follows, with moody pads, percussive grooves and celestial tones. On the flip, "St San" takes the record into an acidic journey of 303 sequences and saturated 707 drum patterns, with a sublime zero-gravity remix by Red Ember Records bossman Ewan Jansen.
MOC's Alek S returns to the mothership with his third full EP, dropping just in time for the label's third birthday.
Kicking off the release in style, - Consciousness Outline' lays down the groundwork for a solid slice of punchy techno. Featuring a minimal array of elements, which aptly intertwine instead of seeing new layers pile up, it's a gradual build up of a powerful groove.
Hypercolour & Soma Records alum Roberto Clementi takes on remix duties, revamping - Consciousness Outline' into a cavernous techno affair. Switching the main focus on the percussive leads proves a good venture, as it results into a piece with major dance appeal.
- Penny Drop' dives in with a spacious loop, which keeps centre stage throughout the entire construction. Overall, it's an airy track, with ample pads and a loose yet gripping melody.
- Neverending' rounds off the pack in an atmospherical, upbeat fashion. Ascending synth pads make for an uplifting ambiance, all set on a backbone of electrifying percussion.
Nottingham's Origin One returns with another bass heavy anthem. Traversing roots reggae, hip hop, dub and steppers this is a perfect example of Origin One's style of production, eclectic in influence and heavy on the bottom end. As the title may suggest the track is a tribute to the herb, delivered by Ghanaian born MC/rapper Kweku (K.O.G) who absolutely destroys the track. Already getting spins on some of the UK's biggest soundsystems, this should see some heavy rotation!
With its seventh release, NEW YORK TRAX welcomes the revival of John Selway's 'Semblance Factor' alias. Selway became an indispensable element of the history of the New York sound by virtue of building an extensive catalog of high quality releases spanning almost three decades and multiple genres of electronic music. From his first electronic band Chaotic Sound Matrix, to his major contributions to the early productions of Deep Dish; from his first success in the techno world as part of the seminal New York duo Disintegrator to the most successful of his collaborations, Smith & Selway, and his deep and minimal techno label CSM; from the intelligent electro-funk of Synapse and Serotonin Records, the electro and synth-pop of Memory Boy to the wild improvisational eclecticism of the Rancho Relaxo Allstars, Selway has created one of the richest bodies of work in the world of electronic music.
'Defiance EP' is a venture into hard-hitting electro, acid, and raw industrial-leaning and experimental sound. Below the intense threshold of sound, there is a message for today's complacent society...
Headless Horseman returns to 47 for the label's first 2018 release, 47014. The new solo EP will drop as 12' vinyl and digital download via Tommy Four Seven's imprint on February 23rd.
The four tracker features dense techno with individual moods. 'Revelation" is a downbeat lurching machine-giant with repeat climaxes. 'Concussion" is broken and feverish, with sculpted layers of pressure. The momentum of 'Locust" drives on the edge of an untravelled path and cannot rest. The final track "Gravity" is subtle and snarling, with a slowly ascending melody, scraping against future and past.
Two Dutch institutions in Delsin and 2000 And One team up for a reissue of the 1994 EP Belongings. It was an early release on 2000 and One's influential 100% Pure label and found him in full on space-techno. The EP has been fully remastered and sounds as gloriously futuristic now as it did more than 20 years ago. 'It Belongs To Me (Version)' is an intergalactic techno track with pads drifting off to an infinite horizon as a soft acid line burrows into the big, icy hi hats and punting drums. It's perfectly spacious and sombre, while 'It Belongs To Me (Reprise)' is a much more downtempo and thoughtful version of the track where pained leads synths take the lead and the drums are off in the distance. It's the sound of resignation and dejection in techno form. 'Crystal' then layers in new age harmonies as classic dusty break beats do their dance below. Again the synths are smeared and grand in scale and the whole thing feels like a blissful rave comedown. Last of all, 'Bowed' is a happy and manic melodic track with warped bass and fluttering snares that carry you away to the stars.
Following the recent reissues of Jose Mauro's Obnoxius, Piri's Voces Querem Mate and Victor Assis Brasil's Toca Antonio Carlos Jobim, Far Out Recordings presents a second album from Victor Assis Brasil from the treasure trove of the Quartin Records catalogue, Esperanto. Over the course of the 1960s, Roberto Quartin released more than 20 albums in Brazil on his label Forma, by artists including the likes of Eumir Deodato, Quarteto Em Cy, Baden Powell and Vinicius De Moraës. Selling the rights of Forma to Polygram in 1969, Quartin struck out for pastures new at the dawn of the 1970s with the launch of his self-titled label. Significant works and high-water marks for Brazilian music overall followed in that decade's first year. These singular gems in Brazilian music, difficult to categorise yet compellingly beautiful, have for too long gone unheard.Gifted his first saxophone by his aunt at the age of fourteen, only four years later the inherently gifted and determined young musician Victor Assis Brasil recorded his debut album, with a second to follow only a year later. The prodigious young carioca was subsequently granted a place to study at Berklee College of Music, where he played alongside the likes of Dizzy Gillespie, Clark Terry, Chick Corea and Ron Carter. It was also during this period he recorded Esperanto and Toca Antonio Carlos Jobim with Roberto Quartin, upon returning to Brazil in the summer of 1970.Recorded in the same sessions as the Toca Antonio Carlos Jobim album, Esperanto consists of five deep jazz cuts: original compositions except for a heavy-swinging latin-jazz cover of Jimmy Heath's 'Ginger Bread Boy', alongside more moments of wild frenetic jazz, like 'Quarenta Graus A Sombra', amongst more melancholic, but no less captivating compositions like 'Marilia' and 'Ao Amigo Quartin'. Esperanto's influences span both American continents, finding a meeting point for Latin jazz and North American post-bop, with Roberto Quartin's perfectionist approach to sound elevating the already incandescent music to divine new heights. The band consists of some mercurial greats of Brazilian music: Dom Salvador (bass), Edison Machado (drums), Helio Delmiro (guitar) and Edson Lobo (Bass).Victor Assis Brasil passed away aged just thirty-five, due to a rare circulatory disease, but by this point his status was already cemented as one of the most talented musicians in Brazil's history.
Phantasm is a new vinyl label and collaboration between Amsterdam's Sinchi Collective and the much-admired Night Noise outlet, based in Geneva. It kicks off with a strong EP from The Soviet Union aka Richard Baldwin, including classy remixes from Sinchi themselves and In Flagranti.Baldwin has a signature style that is cinematic and synth heavy and has been formed over the last decade plus. A fine DJ, experienced promoter and self-confessed addict of vintage analogue synthesizers and drum machines, Richard pulls his influences from early electronica, 80s film-scores, and shades of techno right up to the present day. This track was first written on a cold evening in December 2010 using a Roland TR707 and JX8P Synth. After collaborating with his songwriting partner the track was given a haunting vocal and released as 'The Disappearance of Becky Sharp', while the original remained on Baldwin's Soundcloud and got ID requests from all over the world. 7 years later it comes back to life in the form of its original instrumental, with a 2017 rework, plus remixes by Sinchi and In Flagranti.The superb original is a perfectly spaced out and a retro-future bit of synth heavy electronic music. Arpeggiated bass props up rueful chords and icy percussion brings that essential cosmic vibe. It's a timeless track that overflows with emotions and is sure to really make a mark in any DJ set thanks to its rich musicality. The 2017 Rebuild is even more lush and zoned out with sombre chords forcing you to reflect on the deeper meanings of life. In Flagranti—the Codek Records duo based in Switzerland—then lace in some hip swinging claps and make this one a deep disco track that is riddled with little synths, chords and melodies that exude warmth and sci-fi soul. Last of all, Amsterdam's Sinchi cook up a storm with corrugated basslines, long tailed pads and turbulent solar winds that make it that bit darker and moodier. This is a brilliant package of emotive music that is a real statement of intent.
Khan presents: Jammin Unit - Remote Car Babe
Jammin' Unit is not only my brother but one of the most prolific producer of electronic music since the early days of techno. He is one half of legendary electronic super group Air Liquide and made his way into history books with tracks like 'If The Was No Gravity' and 'Revelation' lately featured on Nina Kraviz - Fabric 91 mix.
'Remore Car Babe' was originally released on clear 10' via Temple Records NYC in 1997 and is now remastered by the man himself for our 2018 ears. Re-issued on 12' black vinyl for more gain and better audio quality.
In his own words he describes the 4 track e.p. as: 'The sound was created for headphone listening during remote car racing. Enhancing the feel of speed and aggressiveness was the goal'.
To me it feels like a manga comic strip eched on vinyl. No headphone necessary to go on this speed racing trip of extacy and pounding bliss.
A re-issue I am especially proud of to hear on dance-floors around the globe.
'Don't eat before going to sleep but Do eat before going out!'
Yours sincerely,
Khan (Of Finland)
New year, new Skrufix release and this one is on vinyl once again! Following a return to form with stellar releases last year from Things With Wings with some Nigerian inspired beats, our 2-Step King, The Crane and an extremely well received release from new boy, Skwirl, we continue with quality production levels and one hell of a release from Nathan Jonson.
After a successful decade of releasing music under the Hrdvsion alias (Wagon Repair / Sound Pellegrino / Planet Mu), 2015 saw Nathan reach a turning point in his musical career and re-launch with a new direction under his birth name. The Jonson family are clearly one of good musical stock, his brother is the formidable Matthew Jonson and Nathan has recently released on 20:20 Vision as well as his brother's new Freedom Engine label, among others. We are therefore more than a little bit chuffed to get him on-board for this new EP, 'Space Between Breath'.
The release kicks off with the title track 'Space Between Breath', an ideal opener that builds into a lush, intricate Techno track accompanied by bouncy synth sounds. Label regular, The Crane brings his usual 2-Step talent to rework the first track exceptionally. On the flipside, things kick off with a darker feel and acid sounding synth lines on 'The Transfer', followed by a fine finale in the trippy and chugging sound of 'I'm All We Got.'
It's quite the release all round to be honest! And we're very excited to finally get this one out there. Look out for more excellence to come later in the year as label regulars, Turtlez and Skwirl prep new EPs, alongside some surprising new additions along the way!
The dirtiest record that has released Discos Nutabe! "Vistante' is the new sound spectrum from ELO, an artist born in Maracaibo, Venezuela, and based in Bogotá, Colombia.
ELO has decided to raise the sound bet of Nutabe and offer a release that brings acid and techno elements combined with housey nuances. This is a product of his new life perceptions since his arrival to Colombia. It's an experiment for the dance floor, and his point of view of rude and disorganized house music. Or as he says Rough On The Edges'.
From "Trans", through "Generación' to Devolución', is a new journey that goes from deep to frenetic, from calm to turbulent ... This is the music of "Visitante'. HOT!
As always, a label about quality music and quality packaging without compromise. B12's sub-label FireScope Records is proud to present Darren Nye, the next producer to add a beaming pulsar to the expanding FireScope universe.
Titled 'Emotional Intelligence', FS010 is Darren Nye's first-ever vinyl release and a voyager discovery into five of his finest work. A UK producer who has been writing music since 1995, Darren's emotional and heartfelt work with influences from B12 among others fully represents our ethos of proper techno created today.
First landing — 'Things She Said', where swirling pads wrap themselves around perfectly programmed drums and percussion, complemented by wonderful basslines. 'Emulated Emotion' speaks for itself next. A highly emotive tune with gorgeous pads and percussions carrying the track through while an undulating bassline burbles underneath — a personal spin on B12 influences.
The voyage continues on the flip with 'Plasmid Soul', pure techno soul in its finest form with familiar drums and strings comprising the right ingredients to a timeless tune. Inspired by a photo from a day out in Greenwich and a bad feeling, 'Fragments' is an unexpected side excursion, with its quirky, disjointed bassline recalling the fragments of the past, of yesterday. 'Disconnected Reality' sonically encapsulates the emotions of sadness presented with a ray of hope. A track I wish I wrote!' — Steven Rutter.
No matter how strong we think we are, the words from one person can affect us in ways you'd never thought possible, making us feel disconnected from the world. Our emotional state will never be the same, and the fragments of the past will forever haunt our souls.
Finished in glorious white/blue marbled vinyl with exclusive full colour artwork by the amazing J. Mccreadie.
Jan Ketel is back on Tieffrequent with his second solo EP. No razzmatazz, just pure deepness on 4 tracks combined with his passion for Soul and Hip Hop. Bliss!!
On the A-Side the - 30 Seconds Of Yeah EP flows in with a hopeful and wide opener called - Blue Horses . The use of a raw and steady bassline sourrounded by harmonic and melodic elements and the clearly structured drum arrangement makes it a deep going groover. The titletrack - 30 Seconds Of Yeah is a snotty rhythm based pattern with a puncturing bassguitar slap wrapped in a deep pad...but there's a lil' suprise...you will hear and see :-)
The B-side starts with - Come Home , a stomping beat with a coating chord sequence and some straight hidrum patterns. After the break it changes completely and wondrously transform into an emotional deephouse beauty. - Around Tha Corner represents a dusty sound without compromises. The bassline-kickdrum pattern and the repeating deepchord push it from start to finish...one for the basements.
Jan Ketel's - 30 Seconds Of Yeah EP tells little stories containing unexpected twists. It is a very musical record full of warm chords, versatile percussion and phat beats...but always focussed on the main aspects of deephouse music. Can you feel it
After two impressive remix EPs taken from ELLEN ALLIEN's seventh studio album, 'Nost', BPitch Control unveil round three with another heavyweight lineup of contributors stepping up to the plate to deliver their own interpretations of the queen bee's original works.
This time around we're honoured to have ALAN OLDHAM, EOMAC, AMOTIK and XDB volunteering their services to bring a whole new dimension to the music from 'Nost'. Each of the four artists has earned a sterling reputation, with a style all of their own.
- A1: Carlotto - Come With Me
- A2: Cometa Music Hall - Cometa Music Hall
- A3: Music One - Musicone (Part 1)
- A4: Music One - Musicone (Part 7)
- A5: Music One - Musicone (Part 9)
- A6: Music One - Solon (Part 6)
- A7: Carlotto - Come Wirth Me
- B1: The One "O" One's - Radio Cosmo 101
- B2: The One "O" One's - Radio Cosmo 101
- B3: Don Bernini - Whirlwind
- B4: The One "O" One's - Radio Cosmo 101 O
Mondo Groove celebrates Italo-Disco in fine style delighting us with the most important tunes from the legendary Phantom Records; a ride deep into the world of the label that has not only produced renowned music, but has been acknowledged as a serious influence on modern disco sounds. Emerging in the late 70's to early 80s, Italo bridged the gap between disco and house, and was a staple of seminal Chicago DJs like Frankie Knuckles (who pioneered many of the drum machines and synths that are still in use today).
I-Robots, a true connoisseur of the genre, hailing from the Piedmont area of Italy, curated and carefully selected the tracks on this compilation.
This eleven track collection features originals and rarities, officially repressed here for the first time, and 2 tracks re-edited by I-Robots. The LP comes with the original Phantom Records logo on the front, scans of original 7-inch and LPs covers, as well as photos of the era on the back.
The sequence begins with "Come with me" by Carlotto. Roberto Carlotto was a keyboard player and singer who was very active since the 1960s. His solo recording career began in 1971 with a 7-inch release, and was followed by the progressive rock cult album "Dedicato a Giovanna G." signed under the pseudonym Hunka Munka. At the time he was distinguished by its remarkable technique and the high quality of its equipment that included an incredible number of keyboards and even the first examples of electronic measures. "Come with me" is an astounding unique Rock-Disco tune pressed only on 7-inch and highlights all of its instrumental and vocal prowess in a tight rhythm.
Comet Music Hall also came out as a 7-inch as a promotional edition for the homonymous discoteque - a kind of psychedelic-disco still currently produced by Enzo Draghi, a key figure of the Phantom, among others.
Roberto Ferracin is the man behind the Music One project, the name by which he produced only one LP of short electro-disco jingles. Included here are four of the most powerful cuts.
Every Italo Funk-Disco collector knows "Radio Cosmo 101", a soulful jazzy-disco-funk number produced by the homonymous radio station that was based in Alessandria in 1975, and spawned from the mind of Tony De Giglio, his two brothers, and a group of friends. At the end of 1974, Tony saw "American Graffiti", which instilled the desire to create a free radio format which became very popular in Italy. The programming took place at De Giglio's house and the wavelength was, in fact, 101 Mhz. The show immediately became quite popular, with programming that began in the morning at 10am and ended at 11pm. Included in this LP are the vocal and instrumental versions, as well as a long-version edit by I-Robots.
Don Luigi Bernini is a Piedmontese priest who has devoted his life to music. His father played the organ in church, and in those days the electric organ did not exist, therefore the father used little Luigi to push the bellows. The boy soon learned to play it as well. He then entered the seminary but continued to study music and graduated from the Vivaldi Conservatory of Alessandria in piano and choral composition. Later, he became a teacher of music education at the State School. He was introduced into the world of pop music by producers Riccardi & Albertelli and debuted with a single in 1977. Of his discography, his most interesting work is undoubtedly the weird "Telepatia" of 1979 - an experimental album, electronic, psychedelic, with the theme of good and evil always in the foreground. Featured in this collection is 'Whirlwind', which was recorded by Roberto Ferracin (Music One) and Enzo Draghi.
For all Italo maniacs!
Picture disc LP housed in gatefold sleeve. Includes CD with bonus track.
With his second release for the Swiss-based Hallow Ground imprint after 2016's Soisong reissue, Ivan Pavlov pays tribute to the late Sentrax founder and prolific musician John Everall, who passed away in September 2014. Sourced from analogue material provided by the artist widely known for his output under the Tactile moniker for a collaboration that never came to fruition, the six tracks are an exercise in minimalism and subtlety singular even in Pavlov's impressive back catalogue. On COH plays EVERALL, Pavlov focuses on swirling arpeggios whose colourfulness is mirrored in the Ruth Stofer's artwork for the limited picture disk release. From the joyful, handclap-driven »2016« to the hectic gabber derivate »OVERBEAT«, the Russian producer explores a minimalistic yet organic palette of synthesizer sounds that stylistically reach from the hymnic poise of »WAVETRAP« to the playful and warm vibes of »ALONE (MINIMAL SELFIE)«. While it might sound almost pointillistic on first listen, COH plays EVERALL unfolds its multitude of layers slowly over time. With a feature of Coil's Jhonn Balance on the CD-only bonus track »Hunger Remix«, Pavlov adds yet another facet
to this evocative marriage of sonic purity and emotional rawness. Over a throbbing rhythm, the late poet's dry intonation serves as an eerie coda to this tender tribute to lost friends. As a dialogue between this world and the other, CoH's digital manipulation and Everall's analogue source material as well as stark minimalism and tonal richness, COH plays EVERALL captures two kindred spirits bidding each other farewell.
Next up on Francis Harris's newly-founded record label Kingdoms comes something very special from Brooklyn-based film composer, songwriter, producer and performer Léah Lazonick. Movimenti della Luna D'Oro ('Movements of the Moon of Gold' translated from Italian) is a four-track EP from one of the most exciting musicians and performers around - a beautiful quartet of contemporary classical music with a twist. Lazonick is something of a polymath, having composed and conducted orchestral and electronic scores for short films and commercials as well as being a classically-trained pianist. Lazonick is also a connoisseur of analog synths and vintage drum machines, and will release a second EP focussing on these passions during the course of 2018. Here we are treated to three luscious works for piano and string quartet, written for a one-off performance at Studio OFF Interarts, an art gallery in Montreal. The piece was performed in a forest-like immersive environment, and was originally called In a Forest (A Piece in Three Movements). Lazonick performed the piano parts along with a string quartet she had assembled for the performance/recording. Lazonick explains: 'As opposed to most of the other songs/compositions I have written, I have no concrete sentimental story behind writing this piece. The motivation, inspiration and overall idea behind composing it was of a more technical nature; attempting to relay the music in my head at its purest form, without any compromises, by primarily making use of melodic and harmonic dissonances whilst still keeping the content captivating, musical and continuous.
raw, soulful and agitating: glenn astro, the humble house sorcerer from berlin, produced four tunes and a sweet interlude for mule musiq that point out: house music is still heading for the future.
with countless eps, album's and collaborations for labels like ninja tune, tartlet or his own co-owned imprint money $ex records, the dj and producer already emphasized that he thinks house counter to the trend.
his new ep shows this anew with unpolished, speedy, even techno-like rhythms and deep gentle melodies. dance music for jagged movers that have enough of high gloss sounds.
if house music is a spiritual, a body, a soul thing, then glenn astro delivers some real fresh groov-ing prayers.
Vozduh (air) marks the first in a series of EPs by Nocow for Figure, showcasing his emerging signature-style of Electronica-tinged techno. Drawing inspiration from the sheer endless winters of St. Petersburg, his series builds on classic IDM tropes, imbuing them with a noticably Russian and deeply personal sensitivity. As each part of the trilogy is represented by an element, the tracks on Vozduh are vaporous by nature: from the crackling ambiance of opener Bouis to the weightless vocals on stoic Forgiven, as well as a surprisingly introspec-tive take on ghetto-house or the wafting melodies closing out the record's B-side - all forms seem to be in con-stant shift, casting a dense yet permeable body of sound. With two more releases on the way, which will be exploring the themes of voda (water) and zemlya (earth) within this artist's singular spectrum, the outlook (which also includes a full- volume edition) on this approaching season is anything but gloomy.
As a further Addition to last Year´s seminal Chmmr debut Album here´s 2 smashing Bonus Tracks and and a noteworthy Remix by Thomas. Time to check out the Album again, niceness for the cold weeks to come and likewise to dig into the new Prins Thomas Diskomiks, de- and re- constructed by the gentleman that got our little label empire started is otherwise known as the rightful Principe Del Norte!
'Discovery Change (Part 4)', is the second part (JR-002) of Daniël Jacques' tetralogy vinyl project. All songs on this part have been created between 2004 and 2016. This time, delivering a variation of (deep) house ('Daruma' and 'Astronomy'), techno ('The Opposite') and even hip-hop music ('Where U Are'). Again, the music is pressed on 180 grams vinyl (12 inch).
Sparrow's visit of Jamaica, The Isle Of Springs', during the month of June 1963, has left him with very pleasant and joyful reminiscences of the love, warmth and hospitality of its people. From the moment his plane tipped down at the Palisadoes Airport', at a lounge in the ultra-modern terminal building he was entertained with a Rum Punch', Significant of Jamaican's ability to produce rums that absolutely no connoisseur can despise. Well! And it's from there it all started, for like Oliver Twist, Sparrow continued, where ever he went to ask for more, and, obviously when the drinks are in, the wits are out. You are therefore left to deduce whatever you may during his presentation of this contribution.
I'll Be Around (Bossa-Nova)" is a warning to one of his lovers of her promiscuous traits towards him and the retribution she would eventually suffer for so doing.
Theses two calypso songs were recorded with the famous Bert Inniss National Recording Orchestra. This single 7' is absolutely impossible to find and will warm any dances in the world.
'That Jazz' is Coops' first official offering since signing to High Focus Records back in October. By no means a debut, having already released two critically acclaimed albums 'Lost Soul' & 'God Complex' under his own steam in 2014 and 2016, the London MC is putting his best foot forward - a 'no nonsense' masterclass in smooth rhyming and soulful boom bap, produced by long time collaborator Talos. The beginning in a long line of releases planned for Coops this year, 'That Jazz' serves as the perfect introduction.
'That Jazz' is officially released on Friday 9th of February on limited edition hand numbered 7' vinyl (limited to 300) and across all digital platforms worldwide.
Fina Records strides into 2018 with another fresh new house EP, this time from PASO aka Pascal Pamme. Over the last few years this French artist has released on the likes of D.KO Records, Increase, and The Groove, and always showcases his knack for loose limbed, organic house grooves laden with jazzy keys and soul-infused synths. The four cuts he offers up here once again prove he is a producer with a truly authentic and musical style.
The warm and golden 'Idocracy' kicks things off with gently shuffling kicks, noodling chords and twinkling keys that together make for a perfectly cozy and intimate house track. 'Fuzy' is another perfectly louche and disheveled number with woody kicks stuttering beneath effusive Rhodes keys. Vinyl crackle and tinkling percussive sounds add to the immediately aged and lived in style of the track and mean it is one that will get smaller rooms well and truly involved.
On the flip, 'Limited Perception' ups the ante, with quicker drums decorated with more languid chords, plenty of smartly sampled sounds and a breezy sense of groove that is heartfelt and effortlessly feel good. Last of all, 'No Matter Where You're From' has great female vocals stitched into long-tailed pads as lazy, swaggering drums lay down a perfectly imperfect groove. It rounds out an EP of masterfully atmospheric house for those who like their beats with real feeling.
Experimental Spanish composer and multi-instrumentalist Pepo Gala´n makes his vinyl debut with an exquisite record of carefully orchestrated ambient pieces.
Conceived as a fierce response to the gradual decay of our society, "Human Values Disappear" takes us on a trip to the darkest corners of a dysfunctional world, painting a broken landscape with deeply arresting and meditative drones.
Composed initially on a vintage Casiotone, the album was further enriched with lush and spacious arrangements, giving the songs a newfound intensity. In this effort, Pepo Gala´n surrounded himself with talented artists Lee Yi and David Cordero, each of whom bring their unique approach to composition into play. The result is an eclectic, yet deeply cohesive palette of sounds that flow seamlessly into each other, creating a moody ambiance that permeates everything.
Despite the bleak tones and subject matter, Pepo Gala´n is able to strike a balance between darkness and hope, allowing glimpses of light ("Half Moon", "Old Testament") to filter through the sheer sonic intensity of the fiercest tracks ("We Are All Welcome Here", "Almost Alone in this Life"). This transition is better exemplified on the album's centerpiece "Sacred Autumn", a collaboration with David Cordero that starts off with an elegant string section, gradually building into a guitar feedback climax that slowly fades off, paving the way for an epic closing number.
By the time we hear the last sounds of "Few Dollar More", the emotional impact of the record is undeniable. "Human Values Disappear" is indeed one of the most sincere, enigmatic and life- affirming records that Pepo Gala´n has ever produced.
Well before Shuggie Otis (Born Johnny Alexander Veliotes, Jr.) cut his debut album, musicianship and performance had long been a part of his life. The son of rhythm and blues legend Johnny Otis, Shuggie learned to play guitar as early as the age of two, and performed professionally with his father's band at eleven. Throughout his long and illustrious career he'd performed on records for the
likes of Frank Zappa, Al Kooper, Etta James, and George Duke, to name a few. In spite of all this, widespread mainstream success eluded Shuggie for much of his career. His most famous release to date is his 1974 album Inspiration/Information, which would experience new resurgent life in 2001. Those willing to dig a little deeper however, would discover hidden gold in his earlier releases, especially in the album directly before Inspiration/Information, his sophomore 1971 release Freedom Flight. As with his debut, Freedom Flight was produced by Shuggie's father Johnny Otis, and built upon the distinct sounds of his debut album: lush, baroque, string section arrangements, paired with hard funk rhythms, and funky blues melodies, with the majority of the instruments once again performed by Shuggie himself. The album also featured backing from premium session greats like George Duke and Aynsley Dunbar, and the track "Strawberry Letter 23". which became a Billboard hit for The Brothers Johnson 3 years later. An unearthed treasure of deft, technical skill, and virtuosic composition.
We are proud to announce the kick-off of a new Dynamic Reflections subseries: Dynamic Reflection LTD. A series that is set to explore a broad spectrum of electronic music, and aims to cross the barrier between the club floors and home listening. And to start in a proper fashion, we launch the LTD-series with a very special vinyl + full digital album package by Jonas Korbl.
Three years in the making, this anticipated album chronicles the musical, and in many ways, spiritual coming-of-age of Jonas Korbl. Having started producing house music at a very young age, this debut album under his birth name signifies a new direction for the young Dutchman. In these pieces you hear him shaking off the restraints of formulaic working, opting for more experimental paths instead. You could say Discovered 5 is a story about learning about music; An expression of the author's experience in broadening his horizons.
In the full release Korbl presents nine tracks with a sleek and undeniably dark aesthetic, taking you from ambient soundscapes to main room techno and back, touching down in Berlin and London along the way. Downtempo excursions comfortably rub shoulders with rough-and-tumble club destroyers, but as varied and idiosyncratic as the album is, the music feels far from contrived. Instead, the variation keeps you engaged, with the quieter moments acting as a counterweight to the pieces with a more straightforward approach. Somehow he manages to make all these different places and moods uniquely his own.
The most remarkable thing about this LP is Korbl's uncanny ability to take familiar elements and bending them to his will, creating a new context for the listener to experience his personal brand of electronic music in. The adventurous DJ will surely find a track to create that special dance floor moment on the vinyl release, containing four club-ready tracks. However, for the full experience the entire album is a must-listen, connecting the dots between the highlights placed on the physical LP. All in all, this debut bodes very well. With skills and experience beyond his years, Korbl's star is sure to only rise from here.
The Solar Phenomena label welcomes Achim Maerz for its fifth EP. The Hamburg producer is an associate of labels like Don't Be Afraid, where last year he released his mini-album of rough and ready house tracks that are improvised and innovative. The four cuts he serves up here are just as special and have an ethereal air to them.
In My House opens things up with serene synth work and lush Detroit stylings. It's a deep and widescreen track that encourages you to dream. Fresh Air is a little more upright, with rattling hits and pixelated, long tailed synths lingering above the rooted drums. As the title suggests, Leaving This Planet is a cosmic exploration, with ambient keys and meditative atmospheres joined by only the most subtle and suggestive sense of rhythm way down below. Last of all is Two Times, a beautiful deep house track with deft synths drifting, bleeding and wandering off into a starry night sky. All in all, then, these are truly thoughtful house tracks.
Following the hugely appreciated reissue of Stanislav Tolkachev 'Why are you so frightened' we proudly present 'Catacomb Saints'. Two songs written during the same period as 'Yes, Today' and 'Imago', originally planned to come out in 2011 but halted due to a severe traffic accident in label manager Rivet's life followed by years of hospitalization. But times are brighter now! We hope you enjoy this quite weird and simply singular 10" by the eastern genius that is Tolkachev.
55 minutes of relentless power electronics coming via courtesy of OAKE, presented for the first time on vinyl.
Originally recorded during a live performance in Marseille, 2015 and previously released on tape via Ascetic House in 2016.
'Live in Marseille' is now newly presented on 4 sides of wax which have been supervised and editing by OAKE, remastered and cut at Dubplates and Mastering, Berlin and pressed at Record Industry, Holland.
The 2xLP comes housed in a 6mm full cover record sleeve with each copy housing an individually, hand printed artwork and download code.
Paneadores, it's about time !!
Here you have, the snippets of our third release. This time VCO join us with one track. We want to say; as many paths in life, music it's a way to express ourselves. Therefore, this time we want dedicate this vinyl with all our love, to Charliemoon.
B. Fleischmann, the longest-tenured solo artist on Morr Music, returns with indie-spirited, electronica-enhanced moments of bliss on his new album Stop Making Fans': Recorded with a little help from friends including vocalist Gloria Amesbauer, Markus Schneider (guitars), and Valentin Duit (drums), it's a two-part reflection on artistic self-reliance vs. fame-seeking conformism, another deeply personal, utterly idiosyncratic album by the Indietronic trailblazer.Stop it and just DO,' Sol LeWitt once wrote to sculptor Eva Hesse - and listening to B. Fleischmann's new album, he indeed does both: He slams on the brakes and stops looking at what anyone else is doing, stops pleasing, stops being restrained, and at the same time he floors the accelerator and delivers the kind of high-paced work that bursts at the seams with polyphonic energy and an urgency unique to his music.Arriving with interlocked bleeps, the hustle and bustle of an invisible grand station's atrium ( Here Comes The A Train'), Fleischmann's trademark vocals serve as a gentle reminder to resist the siren calls, to not trust the latest hype. Energy levels remain high throughout the first part of the LP - whether it's the mumbling, personal stocktaking of what feels like an underwater hymn ( There Is A Head'), the robotic, immodest pop tune It's Not Enough' (feat. Gloria Amesbauer) or the return to light-speed mode on Wakey Wakey' - the first half of this album is indeed all about letting off some steam.After the collected canter of 7-minute instrumental Hand In,' the multi-instrumentalist & his studio mates kick off the slower-paced part II with the title song: a note to self, a reminder to never buckle or water down an original vision... and indeed, it's a sonic tapestry that's impossible to compare or pigeonhole when he changes the rhythm in mid-track and turns yet another corner when you thought you had discovered a fixed pattern. That said, B. Fleischmann certainly knows how to orchestrate an entire funfair full of sonic attractions. Guest singer Gloria Amesbauer returns for soothing tunes The Pros of Your Children and "Hello Hello . B. Fleischmann guides us to his almost jazz-tinged Little Toy , and leaves behind an Endless Stunner — another typically dense and shape-shifting stream of harmonies that keeps winding its way until the very end of this album It's rare that an album is great because it does not live up to its title - but here's one. Stop Making Fans,' his first full-length release in five years, is another totally unique, and thus potentially fan-base enhancing release. But then again, it's always been like that: We're usually at our best when we care the least - look at the delightful ways of toddlers or really old people. That natural ease, those invisible shrugs of shoulders: it's what does the trick. And you can hear a lot of that on Stop Making Fans'.
Southend quartet Ghost Music release their evocative debut album I Was Hoping You'd Pass By Here via Arlen on 19 January. They create careful, considered songs, weaving lo-fi lullabies with gliding guitars and understated arrangements. Influenced by Silver Jews, Flying Nun and K Records, they explore themes of nature, love, loss and a melancholic English romanticism embellished with beautifully spectral melodies and executed with startling subtlety.
Despite this record being their debut, the band has produced a veritable wealth of music over the past 20 years in various guises. Ghost Music revolves around the songwriting partnership of Matt Randall and Lee Hall, who had played together in the 90s with John Peel favourites Beatglider. More recently Randall has received critical acclaim as Plantman, with his three albums Closer to the Snow, Whispering Trees and To The Lighthouse receiving praise from The Guardian, Uncut and Mojo. When Randall and Hall reunited to collaborate on another album together, they brought in the talents of Roy Thirlwall on bass (Melodie Group) and Leighton Jennings on drums (Dark Globes) to complete the band.
The original idea would be that the songs would be 'ghosts' and create 'ghost music' to resurrect and dust off old songs that they had already started. Lee had found the beginnings of 'Home Dog' on a dusty old 4-track and he had recorded 'Strange Love' on his iPhone in 2014, whilst Matt had written 'My Cloud' as far back as 1997 (the night he moved out of his parents' house). As the album began to take shape, the ghostly premise took a back seat, as they began to breathe new life into the songs they found the impetus to write new ones.
Randall explains the songwriting process; 'When we were in Beatglider together and in the past we'd made a 'thing' out of writing long songs with a lot of changes. This time we pared it back a bit and stuck to the melodies more. We really wanted to make a proper guitar record. Lee's my favourite guitarist and it was lovely to see him stretch out on these songs with his diamond fingers.'
Not afraid to wear their influences on their sleeves, Ghost Music's sound is instantly familiar, echoing beloved bands from the 90s such as Pavement ('Home Dog' has a definite 'Range Life' feel), Galaxie 500 ('Blindspot'), Yo La Tengo ('Heart Shaped Holiday' is influenced by the languid YLT songs that peak after a short intro) and even old-school rock'n'roll ('Strange Love' was born out of an appreciation for the instantly engaging opening riff in 50s songs). Yet Ghost Music's work never feels derivative, being instead effortlessly emotive, melancholic and affecting, creating a world of sound that is hugely reassuring and a tonic for the modern age.
Ilija Rudman presents Andre Espeut 'Tears To Sound'
featuring Ron Trent Mix
Over the last decade and a half, Ilija Rudman has been responsible for many high quality releases, delivering distinctly warm, sun-kissed, analogue-rich material on labels including Bearfunk, Instruments Of Rapture, Compost , 20/20 Vision, Electric Minds, Is It Balearic Recordings, Rong Music , Classic Music Company and of course, his own Red Music imprint.
Even so, the Croatian has rarely made anything quite as deep and sensual as the material showcased on this first full EP for NuNorthern Soul. Top billing must go to the "Aquapella" version of "Tears To Sound", a spellbinding acapella cut that puts the enchanting vocals of storied soul man Andre Espeut front and centre.When Rudman sent the track to old friend Phil Cooper, the NuNorthern Soul boss thought it sounded like something he'd hear from US deep house legend Ron Trent. So, he approached the Prescription co-founder to see if he fancied remixing it. As you might expect, the results are astonishingly good.
Rich in rising and falling new age melodies, darting synthesizer motifs, languid piano flourishes and heavy analogue bass, Trent's wonderfully ultra-deep interpretation naturally gives pride of place to Espeut's seductive vocal. Even by the Chicagoan's infamously high standards, his epic Vocal Mix is incredibly special.
All versions of the single also feature two other original Rudman productions, both of which are wonderfully deep and dreamy. "Distant Feelings" is fluid, deep and yearning, with twinkling electric piano motifs and dreamy chords reclining over sizzling drum machine cymbals, no-nonsense beats and a gently pulsing analogue bassline. Those who enjoy the Balearic side of Rudman's work should also check out "Deep Sensation", a jazzy and breezy fusion of tumbling, vibraphone style melodies, rolling electric piano riffs and rubbery boogie bass. Both tracks are every bit as magical in their own way as the producer's thrilling Andre Espeut collaboration.
LillyGood Party! Is returning with the 3rd instalment of their officially licenced re-edits
Both tracks here are classics dancefloors tunes , nothing rare , just favourite tunes that Alex and Stéphane played for many years .On the A side the TWO TONS version is much longer than the original, and remastered for a full effect on the dancefloor. We love this tune so much, we played it a lot already and its still rocking so we thought we share it with you on a fat 12inch for more disco soul gospel pleasure.The B side is an amazing track from SEAWIND that everybody who is into jazz funk or latin jazz with vocals will dig it. This version is different than the original, we kept only the more 'dancefloor friendly ' parts and we extended the beginning and end of the track with only drum rhythmic reprogrammed for mixing easily in your sets with other tunes. Please enjoy as much as we do because we love those edits, we love those tunes, we love Music we are very happy with this release because its really really good!
Restive Plaggona recently released a brand new studio effort - a full-length album featuring 10 original tracks and a
remix from Ancestral Voices, with a dark and melancholic twist, as the title of the project might imply. Connected by a commonality of despair, nostalgia and desolation, Restive Plaggona elevated these elements into its maturity. At its core, each track has a soul-stirring significance, and is embalmed by titles that fringes on a political dimension.
* Opening number 'Intimacy is Violence' does a remarkable job capturing the vibe of the album, serving as a great
introduction. The track has a very industrial tone, with a strong cinematic feel to it. The following track, 'Rote Zora,' follows suit with a more percussive and colorful arrangement, with a more substantial focus on rhythmic patterns.
* 'Cut Off From Modern Society' its combination of dark atmospheres, lush melodies, and glitchy beats. 'Sudden Burst of Safety' is another excellent track worth mentioning, due to its stadium-sized drums and saturated sounds, adding an
aggressive feel to the music. All in all, the album is a real sonic journey, begging to be enjoyed from start to finish!
* Set for release in both physical and digital formats on December 15th, Silently Hopelessly marks Restive Plaggona's first LP for Swiss-based record company Thrènes (which takes its name from the Greek word for funeral lament) and are a label dedicated to the release of tenebrous electronica and techno.
Text: Masscomm & Andrea Caccese
- A1: What Ifa
- A2: Fed Up
- A3: What Is Life
- A4: Scammer Jammers
- B1: The Sound Of War
- B2: Horror Zone
- B3: Cigarette
- B4: Give Thanks To Jehovah
- C1: What If (Version - Feat Lee Perry)
- C2: Fed Up To My Dub
- C3: Whay Is Dub
- C4: Scam Jam Dub
- D1: The Sound Of Dub
- D2: Horror Zone In Dub (Feat Lee Perry)
- D3: Cigarete Stub
- D4: Give Thanks To (Version - Feat Lee Perry
Max Romeo has teamed up with UK based, Grammy Nominated Producer Daniel Boyle, to create a stunning return to form, Roots Reggae album with accompanying Dub versions.
''Max is noted for his critically acclaimed work with Lee Scratch Perry in the 1970's, and for his timeless classic songs penned over the last 50 years - Such as 'War ina Babylon' 'Melt away' 'one step forward' and the worlds most sampled reggae song ever -''Chase the Devil'. Picked up by artists such Jay Z, Kanye West, The Prodigy and Blockbuster hit movies.
Max and Daniel have teamed up with an all-star cast of musicians to create a true Part 2, to Max's legendary, ''War Ina Babylon'' album. Using strictly Studio equipment ranging from between the 1950's - 1970's, recorded and mixed in 100% analogue format, and presented with stunning artwork in Physical format.
- A1: Tactics Is Hench
- A2: Activator, The Actualizer
- A3: We Lack The Clout The Decision Isn't Ours To Make, There Was No Crusade After All
- A4: The Story Of Our Salvation
- B1: Magnitude Of Oblivion, Refrain Of Pacific Calm
- B2: Aerosol Tropics
- B3: Perfect Lung Polymer Earth
- B4: We Were Big They Were Small, We Used To Be Crucial
The third and final release from Halocline Trance for the calendar year is Perfect Lung, a collaborative album from Istanbul-based composer Ipek Gorgun and Ceramic TL aka David Psutka (Egyptrixx, Anamai, Limit). A decadent yet durable offering of material sound, recorded remotely during 2016 + 2017 in Toronto, Ankara and Istanbul. Seven songs of original, accidental music that span colour and feeling; the petroleum psychedelia of Ceramic TL framed by Gorgun's precise and emotional landscapes. Inhaling/exhaling full register slabs hint at the multi-dimensionality of optimism and voicelessness...multiple things in multiple ways. Chill melodies plod then dissolve entirely like a casual toil. Whatever you like. All creative output is eco-political in nature but this record avoids directive and cliche. Moments of clarity glint through piles of junk; total quantity mimics eruptions of precious material - an unrealistic examination of the concept of material value as defined by its relative scarcity...this album is a lot. A fixation with excess contrasts the corporeal impermanence of humans with the material half-life of their consumer existence. Our legacy is trash - stray objects inside the perfect lung.
Belgian musician Dijf Sanders pens and produces soundtracks for distant, far-flung places that brood with exotica, psychedelia, jazz and electronica. His new album 'JAVA', is a psychedelic and modern search for the sounds of the homonymous Indonesian island. Armed with a set of field recorders, Dijf traveled to every urban and rural corner of Indonesia in the spring of this year. As a contemporary incarnation of ethnomusicologist Alan Lomax, he collected an impressive repertory of recordings, commissioned by the Europalia Arts Festival and KAAP Creative Compass. 'Kacapi', 'Kendang', 'Angklung', 'Calung' or 'Gamelan' are not the names of indigenous tropical diseases by the way, but those of local instruments that Dijf encountered on his adventurous musical quest. For two weeks the American expert ethnographer Palmer Keen stood by Dijf through his total immersion into the island's colourful culture and rich, ceremonial traditions. On his return to Belgium, Dijf headed straight back into the studio with the gathered material and invited some of his musical soulmates to put the icing on the cake. It is no coincidence that the three guests - Nathan Daems, Filip Vandebril and Simon Segers - are all part of Black Flower, a band that famously flirts with Oriental sounds. From hours and hours of field recordings, Dijf distilled ten psychedelic pieces which ride on waves of ecstasy and trance, and bridge the gap between two worlds. Tribal rhythms and warm melodies are fused to a seamless and beautiful musical work in utopia. The Brugge-born, Gentbrugge-based musician is one of those great Flemish talents. In the past, he earned his stripes with Teddiedrum and The Violent Husbands and has produced bands like Kenji Minogue and Blackie & The Oohoos. He has also released music under his own name including the critically acclaimed album 'Moonlit Planetarium'. Welcome to Dijf Sanders' wonderful journey into future exotica.
The people at Antinote are always excited to introduce new names to its roster and Sign Libra, its latest addition, makes no exception to the rule.
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Released under the moniker Sign Libra, Closer to the Equator is the work of Latvian artist and composer Agata Melnikova. Composed for a contemporary ballet at Latvian National Opera in Riga, the music on this record strongly relies on Melnikova's appreciation of BBC-produced nature documentaries. Projecting the life of each creature that inhabits the British TV-program into her very personal and highly synthetized world, Sign Libra lends these microscopic beings her own voice. Each song works like a musical tableau' in which the main protagonists - plants and animals - come on stage to play their part in a ballet carefully choreographed by the Latvian artist.
Sign Libra's mental and musical incarnations of the microcosm of the rainforest have something to do with Software's album populated by exotic insects and crawling plants, a Carnaval des Animaux' released on Sky by a MIDI-addicted Hector Berlioz. These microscopic beings incarnate themselves in resonated melodies that echo through a technicolour rainforest, while winds blow through holographic ferns, vines and palms.
Closer To The Equator synthesizes visions panning treetops as the sun's rays pierce through clouds nearby. Sign Libra takes you into a harmonic world that shines brightly wherever you stand, and offers a genuine synesthetic experience.
"These are Love Notes" from Chicago this time as the Brooklyn based label offers a platform for a glimpse into the state of the Chicago undergound. Three original tracks from Chicago man-about-town, Shmoo, and a remix from one of the brightest lights in Chicago's modern scene and one of the more exciting young American producers out there, Garrett David. Standout tracks are Sidehacker, which opens the EP and is a wild ride through swirling pads, with a bedrock bassline that holds everything together, and David's remix of Intuitive Intellect's Waste, wherein he crafts the track into a very modern sounding slice of uplifting house. Another choice EP from this label.
DRIVETRAIN (Detroit, USA) - One Love'
...we begin with Derrick Thompson's techno/house fusion of melodic stabs gliding over the effortless motion of a thunderous bass line, cemented by a magnetic vocal chant
DJ ROACH (Detroit, USA) - The Heads'
...new to Soiree, the Detroit hometown veteran introduces an aggressive labor of dirty, high-tech mechanics, with an endless campaign of twisted frequency assaults
RENNIE FOSTER (Vancouver, CANADA) - Infrastructure'
...electronic pulses penetrate from the start paving the way for a high voltage
excursion through peaks and valleys of a relentless robotic tribute to Detroit
NICOLAS FRANKEN (Liege, BELGIUM) - Pied Bot'
... atmospheric in cadence, this deep-tech debut cycles from harmonic euphoria to a dark percussive ensemble, orbiting in a balanced rhythm symmetry
Dekmantel regular Matrixxman returns with the third, and final instalment in the Sector series, Part III: Polyphony. In this triptych, the producer from San Fransisco sets out to highlight the key components behind the sounds and style of techno, exploring the range within the confines of a particular limitation. Following Parts I and II, which looked at Rhythm, and Acid, Charles McCloud Duff charters the realm of Polyphony with four, meticulously produced techno tracks, expanding his repertoire of cult, dancefloor music.Polyphony refers to the simultaneous combining of many notes in a musical sequence. In electronic music, this specifically refers to the role of the synthesiser - such as the Minimoog, ARP Odyssey, which can produce different pitches simultaneously. Polyphony has been an integral characteristic of the genre's sound for over a quarter of a century, and can be heard in many key records, living a the sonic forefront of these four tracks. 'Sector Series: III Polyphony' provides an exercise in melody and polyphony. Throughout the EP, swaggering rhythms are inter-washed with a sea of multi-melodious, reverberated notation. 'Initiation' resonates with the grandiosity, and harsh claustrophobia of early Underground Resistance. 'Access Granted', drives hard with pulsing effects, with a dystopic, rhythmic cacophony of euphony. 'Desert Planet' plays around with a differing tempo, imagining a more fantastical vision of music, echoing back to earlier Plastikman productions, using a vast sonic spectrum to conjure up a colour palette of alien imagery. 'Horizon' rounds things off; a track that builds on minimalism with a progressive composition, allowing the polyphonics to drive the track, harnessing the adept production qualities that Matrixxman has come to be recognised for.
For the first release of 2018 we welcome Harry Wolfman to the Outplay family!
Having followed his work for the last couple of years we're very happy to have him deliver this varied 4-tracker, which very well might be some of his best work to date.
The A side starts off with 'Hitch'. A warm and dusty groover driven by rhodes, a rubbery bassline and a thudding kick. A lovely string piece in the middle of the track slowly builds up to the break for it to return to the head nodding groove soon after. The added percussion gives it a nice lively feel as well.
'Pigs in Blankets' sets the pace a little slower, but the funk goes on. The track incorporates 80's style samples with some excellent synth and chord work. Perfect for a warm up session.
Starting on the B side Harry takes it up a notch with 'Nemoto', which will be a definite stomper for the dance floor. It takes you on a 9 minute journey of rolling bumpy basslines, screaming distortion leads and hypnotising synth work.
Finally, to ease things off, STS-136 (Final Call) comes in at a slow 88 bpm pace as a perfect closure to the EP. Dreamy pads, piano licks and a calming marimba melody combined with a beat which feels like a warm blanket will make you wander off for a moment...
These rare recordings were recorded as part of the legendary prescription label
album series in the late 1990's that resulted in the album "Astral Disaster".
Coil were invited to record at sun dial's studios beneath the London Bridge Hop Exchange. This studio was originally know as Samurai studios that was originally built and owned by Iron Maiden. The premises in Victorian times was an old debtors prison which had three levels underground, and still had the original chains, manacles and wrought iron doors from the old prison. This caught the attention of John Balance and was very keen to record there.
At Gary Ramon's invitation, Coil spent a number of days recording at the studio during Halloween 1998 and they developed a number of tracks some of which resulted in the "Astral Disaster" album.
For various reasons, some of the unissued material and mixes released on this album were omitted from the original Astral Disaster album, and so now is the opportunity to listen to the "Astral Disaster" sessions.
The album includes previously unissued mixes, and the rare version of "I Don't Want To Be The One" that was only included on the very rare 1999 promo CD only Prescription sampler and the 14 minute track "Cosmic disaster" that was the original working title of the album.
Taken from the master tapes and remastered by Denis Blackham.
Artificial Intelligence's second studio album, and first for Metalheadz, was released just over 2 years ago, and we're now proud to present the remix package curated by the guys themselves.
The EP features remixes from Phil:osophy (Phil Tangent & Philth), SCAR and Zero T as well as two further digital bonus tracks from AI themselves and Deft, with some of the best 'Timeline' cuts given a new leash of life for 2018.
(digital bonus): Aroma Rmx + Forgotten Truths ft. Steo (Deft's '15 Rmx)
1978 talk box funk recorded at DB Studios and issued for the first time from DC band Light Years, featuring Carl Kidd, Ernest Smith, Skip Pitts of Isaac Hayes Shaft fame, and others. Kidd often referenced the Cosmic funk genre in his group names and songs, and this production is no exception. A Cosmic Astro Disc release, the first release in a new series from Al & The Kidd.
Forceful grooves and trippy soundscapes here business as usual for Junes, whose latest EP adds to a string of releases getting bagged by those looking to work the floor with tight and atmospheric rhythms. The Galdoors man's flair for unexpected combos is on parade in Circuit Rift, where a UK-style low end is flung into the mix with rough drums and 4am melodics. There's a funkier bassline and rolling groove at work in Awake, this time with rich layers of pads and blips. Brass Hand uses a different palette a sparkling, loopy riff and crisp drums though it's still signature Junes.
This superbly crafted recording features the versatile Japanese jazz/fusion keyboardist Jun Fukamachi as a veritable one-man band in a lively album that captures the essence of the original Beatles' tunes throughout. The innovative arramngements of the artist, tailored to get the maximum benefit from a surrounding instrument array, produce one of the best technical efforts. Synthesizer effects provide special flavor,' particularly at the close of Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds' on side one, and in the evocative opening of She's Leaving Home' on side two. Fukamachi blends a concert grand electric piano, Arp synthesizer, glockenspiel, bass drum, tambourine and other electronic instruments with results that indicate a group, not a solo, with ample display of each. Recorded ten years after the original, in 1977, this recording still sounds exciting, and an eye-catching cover with a mirror image of the famous photo shoot remains one of the most creative reworks of this 50 years old masterpiece' (Billboard)
The next chapter in Shaw Cuts comes from Russian duo Poima, who celebrate their debut record 'Twin Blades of Doom' - a fierce revenge mission and hunt after the infamous Ghost gang.
The pursuit opens with 'Triglau', its linear machine groove levelling a fraction of the Ghost Gang. Heads roll on a crimson floor.
Teaming up with mysterious masked warrior Inland, 'Triglau' morphs into a hypnotic trip. Pushing drum rhythms and swirling pads combine with nasty noise elements, propelling the hunt.
The remaining enemy members are already hatching their next evil move. On the way to Lu He Village where the Ghost Gang plans its next assault, analogue break-beat punches and swinging percussions weave a menacing tapestry of sound, crushing the 'Bones' of rogue creatures in its path.
Serbian slayer Regen arrives in force for the final showdown at Qi Dou Town where the Ghost Gang plans a huge heist. Armed with atmospheric pads and a soaring drum crescendo, his interpretation of 'Bones' ends the Ghost Gang tyranny in one fatal sweep. And the saga goes on...
- A1: Knight Action Featuring Sedenia - Single Girl (Vocal)
- B1: Knight Action Featuring Sedenia - R-Trax/D-Rail
- C1: Duane Thamm Jr - Jump Trax (125 Bpm's To 107 Bpm's)
- D1: Duane Thamm Jr - Jump Trax (111 Bpm's To 125 Bpm's)
- E1: Knight Action - R-Trax (Special Mix)
- F1: Knight Action - D-Rail (Special Mix)
- G1: Knight Action Featuring Sedenia - Single Girl (Instrumental)
- G2: Mike Tomaselli - Crazy Or Not (Instrumental)
- H1: Mike Tomaselli - Crazy Or Not (Virgin)
- H2: Belinda Hoover - I Like That In You (Dub Version)
- H3: Joey O And Out Of Control - Nobody (Club Mix)
Jerome Derradji + Still Music are proud to present Let's Dance Records - Mike Macharello & Duane Thamm Jr. Chicago 1983-85. The origin of house music, at least in a commercial sense, is generally associated with young African American producers from Chicago's South Side, but one of the first Chicago house music labels was started by a young, white, gay DJ from the far west suburbs.
The Let's Dance story will take you back to the beginnings of Mike Macherello and Duane Thamm Jr. when Chicago's house music was in its infancy.
Back then, after starting as young roller disco Dj in the late seventies, Mike Macherello gradually made its way to the best radio station in 1981 - WBMX - and started a movement that still ripples through the city today. Let's Dance's founder, Mike Macharello, was a DJ who bridged diverse music scenes, from rock clubs to discos. The Let's Dance record label helped establish Chicago's dance music industry between 1983 and 1985, before becoming Play House Records (which will be reissued by Still Music in an upcoming set). Macharello's pal, DJ Duane Thamm Jr., also from the 'burbs, became the label's main producer and one of house music's most important studio engineers and producers. Mike and Duane went on to release a few legendary singles for Let's Dance that are still to this day considered to be the earliest House music records coming from Chicago.The 12' pack includes faithful reissues of Selenia's 'Single Girl', Duane Thamm Jr. 'Jump Trax', the insane Knight Action 'R-Trax/D-Rail' 12's along with a 5 tracks 12' compilation and an accompanying poster insert including rare pictures and artifacts with the story of the label.
It's quite funny that it took 11 years for us over at Metroline Limited to release an EP with tracks from different artists (at least on vinyl that is) but hey, good things go to those of wait so the wait is finally over! For our first Positive Contribution we gathered Metroline Limited friends and label owners and put together a tasty four tracker that focusses on the deep and minimalistic end of house music. Hamid went a long way since his debut EP on Metroline in 2010. The Berlin based French producer has since released on influential labels such as his own H+, Nervmusic, Minibar as well as becoming a regular figure in clubs all around Europe. His track Unterdrücken starts off the EP in style with his bleeps, squelchy acid b-line, pads and crisp drums. Octad takes control and the second half of the A side and it's yet another display of his amazing production skills. The man behind the mastering of each single Metroline release to date knows very well how to get the best sound out of his tracks! And what a bassline he's come up with for Checkmated! Dhaze and Phiorio have been collaborating for a while swapping remixes and musical ideas. NT is one the finest results from these music exchanges. Deep and rolling, the track has a monster groove, lush pads and dubbed out elements. Last but not least we have another long time friend of the label, Gabriele Mancino. His Cheddar, Lion and Lamb pays tribute both to a London trip and old Perlon releases when groovy and reduced house music was gracing most of the records on the pioneering house label. An ultra-groovy and playful minimal house number with funk and style!
The next EP on Raum Musik is coming from our dear friend Jorge Savoretti. Jorge is hailing from Argentina and is one of the main artists in his country besides Franco Cinelli. We have been following Jorge's work for quite a while and now it was the right match as for our label. We are very happy about this release and we hope that you enjoy the tracks as much as we do.
The latest vinyl slice from FBNM sees us head to the depths of central Africa via Paris to track down a feast of rare seventies afro funky jams from Cameroonian master musician EKO. We've brought FBNM favourite Riccio along for the journey too, who has provided us with a fantastic Rerub coaxing out some modern dancefloor sensibilities and production sparkle.
Eko Roosevelt Louis has had a music career spanning over forty years, born the grandson of a Kribi tribal chief, his musical persuasion beginning humbly with his village's local church before his formal education at the Senegal conservatoire and Paris' École Normale de Musique. EKO made a number of jazz funk and disco records in the mid seventies during a stint recording and touring in and around France before returning to Cameroon to take over his grandfather's tribal chieftaincy, a role he still holds today! Alongside this position of office EKO has continued to work with music, performing, teaching and even leading Cameroon's national orchestra!
The tracks we have selected for reissue are all taken from EKO's third album, Funky Disco Music which was recorded in Paris and released on his own Dragon Phenix imprint. Sung in a combination of English and EKO's native tongue we've lined up a real excursion in feel good afro-jazz, funk and soul made purely for dancing feet and boogying butts!
All tracks have been officially licensed and lovingly remastered for this special release by Andreas (Lupo) Lubich (CALYX Berlin), packaged alongside Riccio's sympathetic work in the cutting room on 12" vinyl with a special interview with Eko Roosevelt Louis himself!
Dedicated to giving newcomers an honest platform to showcase their talents, this run of compilations is to be comprised of crystalline electronic music, spanning out across various forms. The inaugural offering sees Villanova and Time team up to reshape La CHICA's Oasis with brushstrokes of subtle melancholy, TEHO fuse contemporary Deep House with UKG and YEUZ' pair of idiosyncratic compositions, for the modern dance floor. Label founder, Agoria, ventures South of one hundred and ten beats per minute on his remix of Embers, cloaking Stefan Smith's original in humility and innocence. A FEW WORDS FROM THE ARTISTS ... about their tracks Oasis: 'The original track brings us a very unique vibe, the work of the analog textures implement perfectly the unique voice of La CHICA ...as soon as I listen to it I was hooked to make a remix that would keep the same feeling .. but adding the energy and dynamic to make it floor friendly.' Embers: 'Other than Music, Stefan's only other Passion in life is reading Samuel Beckett. Whilst reading his radio play Embers he got a call from Nicolas Becker asking him to contribute some work to a project. He set about composing this track with Becketts words reverberating around his head. This track somehow made it into the hands of Becketts friend/collaborator Agoria and here we are.
Excise is thrilled to host San Francisco underground xture Max Gardner on the label's 3rd vinyl release. Max runs the legendary Californian party crew Direct to Earth and he's equally a hypnotic DJ selector and highly skilled synthesist. As you'll see on this release Max's tracks are not only excellent DJ tools but also deeply interesting for close-listening: truly unique electronic music dif culty to pigeonhole into a genre. 'Mona Loops' is an immersive experience on club speakers as an eerie high-pitched synth line twists in unexpected ways over powerful waves of bass.
Next Max remixes label co-owner Muon's track 'KMC' redefining its raw elements into a blitzing four and half minute romp held together by a jagged low-mid frequency lead line. 'Broken Pinkies' is hard to de ne. All we can say is it embodies the feeling of the San Francisco all night underground world more than any single song in recent memory. It begs for repeat listening. Yan Cook joins the Excise family for a banging remix of 'Broken Pinkies'almost shocking in its spin off the original. We're huge fans of Yan over here and this track embodies what we love most about his productions - groovy but with serious bite
It's the big 5! Berlin - Frankfurt based label House Is OK is celebrating its five-year long presence and has decided to mark that period with something special Label's story started with a sticker Homeboy printed in his former hometown, Zagreb, saying 'House Is OK'. Catchy, right It became an underground slogan of the local scene. It didn't take long for people to embrace the idea stating that it's OK to be into melodic, fresh, groovy yet, at times, a bit awkward dance music. Just around the same time Homeboy's Frankfurt based bro's Oliver Achatz and Janis played with the idea of starting a record label. Guess what the logical choice for the name was Ten records, dozens of original songs and remixes later House is OK continues to grow. Literally. What was once a platform for the original three founders is now an international family affair supporting the talented artists from Frankfurt, Stockholm, Alexandria and Orlando. Nurturing the friendly approach this musical family continues to grow. Looking back at the first five years, not only at the music that connected them all but at the bonds that deepened through the production process, House is OK crew wanted to take create a proper reminder and thank the ones supporting them throughout the years. A double 12' pack titled 'Gemišt' seemed like a proper way to do that. - Gemišt' will be released as two separate EPs featuring the original music from Kornél Kovacs, Roman Flügel, Gavri & McQueen, TCB, House Of Life and the label makers themselves. Oliver and Janis deliver tracks under their known names, while Homeboy introduces his new project with fellow Wilde Renate resident The Swift, called Longhair. Croatian artist Ugruv Smek marks his yearlong collaboration with the label delivering yet another smashing artwork.
Special remarks : 12 Vinyl, 180gr, limited to 300 pieces Tracklist A1 Der Merowinger (Original) B1 Pure Awareness (Original) B2 Second Track (Original) Info: The second outing on his Midnight Themes imprint, Marlon Hoffstadt touches on featherlight acid, proto trance and jacking house across three tracks, also brimming with sub and dub. Fresh from recent releases on Hot Haus, Ransom Note Records and his own Retrograde, Marlon Hoffstadt is reemerging as a defiant staple of dancefloors far and wide. With his newest release, the Berlin producer encourages listeners to engage with the music without the parasitic interferences of 21st century life. So for the next 20 or so minutes - screens off and blinds down to enjoy some pure awareness. Vital Sales Points: ' 2nd release on Midnight Themes ' previous releases on HOT HAUS, Ransom Note Records, Retrograde, Axe On Wax, Dirt Crew ' Radio & Press PR by 'The Rest Is Noise
ossession Records proudly present the new album by Soft Riot, entitled 'The Outsider In The Mirrors'.Soft Riot is the stylised musical alter-ego of JJD, Canadian by birth and an ex-resident of London and Sheffield, now based in Glasgow (so not unfamiliar with sites of post-industrial decay!). With over twenty years of playing in various post-punk and synth-punk bands, he has been crafting the sound of Soft Riot since the early turn of the decade, releasing a slew of albums across a multitude of labels and touring obsessively around Europe and beyond.With 'The Outsider In The Mirrors', his sixth full-length, he has found a new home for his sound on Possession Records, a fledgling Glasgow imprint founded by JJD, Claudia Nova (aka Hausfrau) and Andy Brown (Ubre Blanca). Their aim is to bring together their pool of musical talents and provide a more permanent home for their future creative endeavours, whether it be music, video or otherwise and to experiment with what it is to be a 'label' in the ever evolving 21st century. Future projects and releases will see them getting a select group of their peers and friends involved in Possession's focused vision, locally or from further afield.'The Outsider...' is a consolidation of all the stylistic elements Soft Riot has pursued in the past; the manic propulsive energy of 'Waiting For Something Terrible To Happen', the infectious, off-kilter dynamics of opener 'The Eyes On The Walls' and the pulsing, elegiac synth washes of 'The Saddest Music In The World'. Throughout the album Soft Riot fuses his maximalist sonic palette with a sharp-edged sense of post-punk anxiety, unique synth interplay and brooding, claustrophobic new-wave dread. Comparisons to musical kindred spirits like John Foxx, DAF, early Depeche Mode, Fad Gadget and Virgin-era Cabaret Voltaire would be analogous, but JJD is defiantly fusing these basic references into something highly idiosyncratic and personal.
The music on 'The Outsider...' is evocative of an kind of nostalgic futurism, of a refusal to give up on a desire for the future (dystopic or otherwise) and the unpredictable nature of the urban situation. The music is tense, synthetic and precise, embodying and exploring issues of isolation, urban alienation and social paranoia. Yet despite these dark thematic preoccupations the Soft Riot sound is not without its warmth and humour. Wry and self aware without irony, the songs are hook laden, infuriatingly catchy and designed for dancing as much for static listening. It is a peculiarly Soft Riot take on the electro pop sound that will engross and captivate any adventurous listener.
Tevo Howard was a new name when he originally dropped Without Me on his own label Beautiful Granville back in 2008. Since then the US house music hero has graced labels as respected as Rush Hour, Permanent Vacation and Buzzin Fly with his warm, charming and deceptively simple confections, but in the swirl of the considerable catalogue Howard bas built up in the past eight years it's a welcome treat to wind things right back to the beginning. This reissue of Without Me serves as a potent reminder of the gift the man has for heartfelt melodies and unfussy compositions that speak a pure and instinctive message from beginning to end.
Man Power his raw electronic sound, organic flourishes and diverse selection make him a perfect match for DGTL, both on stage as well as on the imprint. Next to releasing a steady flow of records on established labels like ESP Institute, Optimo Trax, Correspondant and Hivern Discs, Man Power is running his own shop as well: Me Me Me. This gives him an outlet to release music by both friends and himself. For his release on DGTL Records he created a three-track EP called Apologue EP, that showcases just two of different sides of his multi-faceted musical scope.
The a-side features two firm, acid influenced tracks. The first of these two, The Duelist, is an emotive house record, with a soundscape of piano melodies, synths and syncopated percussion laid on top of an acid bassline. El Mago del Tiempo features heavy hitting kicks combined with a sharp synth pattern. It has a long build up that keeps evolving throughout the entire composition. Halfway through, the track breaks in to a raw and fierce rhythm accompanied by yearning, drawn-out synth pads.
On the flipside, Put Your Hands on the Car (And Get Ready To Die) brings back memories of a long gone past with nods to Balearic Pop, EBM, and the Soundtrack work of Stewart Copeland, James Horner, and Jan Hammer. This multi layered production has a warm and analogue sounding feel to it that rounds off a 3 dimensional release.
You will find the new Man Power record in your favourite record shop, be it online or offline, on the 2nd of February.
Lvis Mejía's newest project, titled Anthropology of AmnesiA is an acousmatic essay addressing our utter necessity to remember in the face of existential oblivion, an innate behaviour of the human race.
Presented as a 33 minute long continuous composition, Anthropology of AmnesiA unrolls as a series of chapters, the contemplative character of the piece opening a particular frame within the listening experience, where Lvis Mejía attempts to convey the phenomenon of the collective consciousness through the cultural traces we leave behind.
Mejía's takes the idea of one species, one culture, one past' and places it at the center of the concept of the piece. Anthropology of AmnesiA examines a number of interpretations of rituals, orchestrations, chants, synthesis and field recordings - nestled within the piece are recordings of animals, fire, water and a human heart - the sum of these sonic identities incidentally reshaping their roots.
The diversity of the sonic sources highlights the comparative study element of Mejía's work yet the common thread remains the human experience, recorded stories and the viva voce.
After shifting through a few different monikers the last year Deepblak Rhythm Czar Afrikan Sciences returns to form. Laced always with his elastic funk forward grooves the "Resprasde" EP continues to build on his legacy. One that has consistently morphed diasporic rhythms into new colors. Creating new space on the dance-floor as well inside the mind. Four independent yet intertwined tracks all meant to make you oscillate inward outward.
DualExercise_l is elaborated on the premise of collaboration and reinterpretation, it presents the original work of two artists along its respective recompositions.
As a musical release produced by Manchester's Daniel Ruane & oqko co-founder smog, DualExercise_l opens up with side A comprehended of two the original compositions which go through reinterpretation on the flip side. Taking the concept of entropic degradation for focus, with harsh textural depth, twisted mechanistic noise and glimmers of breaks, bass and broken techno providing the sonic backdrop, Ruane and smog serve out their singular visions of pandemonium across four slabs of high octane compositions.
It was 1970 when Curtis Mayfield left R&B group The Impressions, to set off on his own solo path. What followed was a rich and highly celebrated career, during which Mayfield produced some of the most influential R&B, soul, funk, and gospel recordings of all time. Along with Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder, Mayfield is credited with helping to ring in a new era of socially-aware funk and soul music, all while raking in numerous Billboard-charting hits both as a performer and a songwriter. Though he died in 1999, he left behind a vast legacy of innovation and long-lasting music, and has been ranked by Rolling Stone magazine as one of the 100 Greatest Artists of all-time. Coming hot on the heels of his powerhouse hit soundtrack for the film Superfly was 1973's Back To The World. Mayfield's music always had a socially-conscious and political bent to it, but the tracks on Back To The World cranked this conceit up to an even higher degree, largely inspired the increasingly industrial world around him, and the social and environmental concerns that followed it. (The album's lead single "Future Shock" was named for an Alvin Toffler book on the subject.) Though not the smash commercial success of his previous efforts, Back To The World still landed in the Billboard Top 20, and is considered an underrated, and overlooked entry in the soul innovator's catalog.
A quartet of heavy reworks. Reginald Omas Mamode IV truly does what he does best, bringing a percussive, low-slung funk to one of the most ethereal and beautiful pieces of soul on the album, Sunshine. Glenn Astro, elevates Bossa B to a jostling, bouncing shuffler that eventually turns around and heads skyward with uplifting chords and irresistible bass.
Deoke heads into the darker regions of the original for his huge remix of Bossa B. Finally the ever exceptional Mr Beatnick simply took the stereo track for Kalimba 2 and edited it into a mind-opening dub. Handling bass and harmonics as only he can, a true highlight of this high quality remix package.
For this release Metrist delves into a set of carefully constructed and deeply rhythmic but ear-grabbingly idiosyncratic, mixed fidelity dancefloor-geared oddities.
The first three tracks are united, in a fashion, by the artist's skill at programming a series of drum tracks that set a definite tone for the productions. Within a quite partisan field of often microscopic generic variety, largely pinned down to the tempo and timbre of electronic drums, here Metrist has pursued a tricky-to-define path. The bounce of new jack swing is twisted amongst stripped back polyrhythms, equal parts groove and glitch seasoned by some futuristic acid filters that create a constantly shifting aura of space and textural nuance around the individual drum hits. Quite often arrhythmic interjections punctuate these 'grooves', be it the sawing bursts of noise and snarled, incoherent vocals on 'An Soaep', the non-language and playful, bubbling bass surrounding the half time feel of 'On Golden Seize' that builds to something approximating an industrial take on UK Funky or the brash sub-wobbles that intrude 'Pantomimer Tongue's juddering knife-scraping-on-a-balloon stutters.
'Caaacel the Horze' closes the record in a less weighty style, with crunchy arpeggios running on a synth that sounds like it's picking up interference from a radio channel, as snatches of moaned vocals allude to a deeply ambiguous yet chilling narrative behind the music. Thudding kicks intrude on the skittish melody but in a non-rhythmic way reminiscent of someone trying desperately to snatch your attention by banging on the adjacent wall. Gauzy melodic textures in the background provide a calming counterpoint to the uneasy qualities of the composition.
The title track "Empty Dancefloor" combines a thumping kick drum, stuttering hats and mesmeric chords, a combination that prove to be the perfect backing track to a captivating synth solo. It's extremely difficult not to find yourself lost in this enchanting track. Fracture" is a track where Skygaze really showcases his ability to combine broken beat, complex drum patterns with bewitching chords, magical marimbas and a curious bassline.
It is a track that really keeps you guessing throughout and one that can really add variety to any DJ set.
First up on remix duties is Jonna, who has put his own stamp on "Empty Dancefloor".
jonna is a DJ, Producer & one of the Label owners of City Fly Records, his sets are prominently House but take in influences from Disco, Techno, Hip-Hop, Funk, Jazz... Basically any music with Soul.
His first artist EP dropped early 2016 on 'Shadeleaf Music' & featured the incredibly talented Erik Rico on vocals with remixes by Atlanta's Kai Alce. The EP achieved great success & Sold Out in the first Month & was supported by heavyweight's Recloose, Derrick Carter, Jimpster & Osunlade to name a few.
Collab Singles (with Samwell) 'Henry Western' Featuring Lady Blacktronika followed on City Fly which was supported heavily on BBC 6 Music, that followed by 'Alright' on 'Future Society', a compilation curated by Seven Davis Jr on R2 Records and more recently the Luke Soloman Edit of 'Through The Night' again on Shadeleaf Music.
He has been busy in the studio since with a release on Secret Crunch (Austria) & 2 EP's forthcoming on Marcel Vogel's excellent Intimate Friends (NL).
The remix of "Empty Dancefloor" is one that is done in the unmistakable Jonna style, it's got groove! By chopping and changing the chords from the original, Jonna has created an entirely new melody, which when combined with rolling bongos and punchy bassline, you can't help but tap your feet.
The all too familiar synth solo from the original resonates throughout and pulls the track together, creating a guaranteed hit on any dance floor. Last, but certainly not least is Chicago based, Garrett David. The Smart Bar Resident has taken time out from his A&R / House buying duties at the famous Gramaphone Records to conjure up a bumping, yet dreamy remix of "Fracture".
He has previous releases on labels including Distant Hawaii, Residual Recordings, Night Sea Journey as well as his own imprint Stripped & Chewed and has really brought some Chicago flavours to the table with this one.
Boris Bunnik is no stranger in the worl d of electronic music. He released several albums and ep's under a variety of monikers since 2007 on labels like Delsin, Shipwrec, Frustrated Funk and his own Transcendent imprint. Fauxpas Musik welcomes him for a new project called Severnaya. Originally hailing from the Island of Terschelling, the most Northern and remote part of the Netherlands he now made a piece of music dedicated to this special place. Severnaya means north in Russian and refers to the bright frozen landscapes of the northern archipels. Boris often plays with the influences and elements of ambient in his music. If we have to believe the man himself, Polar Skies is his most personal sound trajectory to come from his mind. Drum programming is scarce and what remains is a lush and profound listening experience floating on scapes and melodies. We clearly hear his roots and intentions represented in the airy, tranquil sound design of this new album project. Things sound spacious, and life is at ease in these melancholic compositions. Crispy crackling percussions and icey pads place you in the midst of a resonant arctic landscape. You can hear influences drawn from producers like Biosphere, Pub, Brian Eno but we also hear more contemporary influences from modern day film composition but most of all we here Boris his own signature. The tracks were composed over a couple of years (2015-2017) in a more contemplative mindset. At some point this selection formed a consistent piece of music and as a result you hear his most personal and fragile works to date. Fauxpas Musik is proud to release this new project in 2018. written and produced by Boris Bunnik aka Conforce at the PasadenaOceanlab Studios Special thanks to family, friends and Fauxpas
This 12' begins with Collocutor ripping into Miles Davis' 'Black Satin', from the benchmark On The Corner LP, and owning it from the off. A respectful homage is paid to the original with sensational improvised parts being added with a hip groove from the percussive wonders of Magnus Mehta (Magnus P.I.), Maurizio Ravalico and bassist Suman Joshi. The sparks fly as guitarist Marco Piccioni channels the spirits of late '60s psychedelic fires. The melodic riff of Miles' classic is stripped down by Simon 'Shwaa' Finch and Mike Lesirge who subtly encapsulate the original's atmosphere.
The A-side is completed with the label's latest signing, DJ Khalab delivering a sharp, warped assault on Collocutor's 'The Search', just in time for the LP's repress.
On the flip is a live version of 'The Search' recorded during the 'Live at the Fish Factory' Session in 2016 which, have so far resulted in two collector's edition dubplates that are as rare as hen's teeth. The invigorated far out sound has been mixed on this recording by producer Sam Jones who has entrenched himself with the On the Corner approach and brought his 'Sam Jones Construct' vision to the label. Marco Piccioni sold his soul at a highway crossroads on the way to the recording. There are spirits riding on the backs of the ensemble guiding this version of 'The Search' out into cosmic oceans.
The 12' ends with bassist Ruth Goller (Melt Yourself Down, Let Spin, Gufo and Bug Prentice) stewarding her virtuosic groove sensibilities into the twilight zone with this brooding off -kilter abstraction of 'Everywhere'. The stripped backbones of the tracks rhythm are punctuated by a dialogue and mantra summoned by Goller that moves menacingly over a synth bass augmented b-line.
As label founder Pete OntheCorner describes the release: 'This EP ushers in a string of releases that embody the label's vision. The futuristic concept first realised by Miles Davis with On The Corner and more generally during his electric period is at the heart of our collaborative, genre-less burning chalice. Analogue genius being mutated with a charge into something other, a vanishing point of ethereal musical feeling where the space for fresh narratives can be formed beyond genre and out On the Corner.
Victoria's artwork is always stunning and for this series of works she has already conquered the sublime with the sleeve for Black Satin".
The current resurgence of jazz in all its' forms has certainly been impossible to ignore in recent times - from the chart-bound, mainstream crooning of Gregory Porter, to the left field 'jazz not jazz' soundscapes of Kamasi Washington, Moses Boyd, Nubya Garcia and Snarky Puppy proves this is a worldwide phenomenon. One artist who has been been ploughing this furrow in the southern hemisphere for longer than most is Lance Ferguson. As the driving force behind The Bamboos, Cookin' On 3 Burners, Lanu, and the Black Feeling series, these are the varied and versatile projects on which he has built an enviable reputation.
Menagerie 'They Shall Inherit' saw the light of day in 2012 (Tru Thoughts Records) and established the fact that jazz of the contemporary type could reach back to it's essential roots and present itself, refreshed and vital for a contemporary audience.
Lance himself explains: "The Arrow Of Time' draws its inspiration conceptually from the themes of space exploration, human evolution and the future of humankind. It's pretty big stuff to be underpinning an album of modal Jazz tunes - but the main message is one of hope, and I hope that comes across in the music"
Late 2017 saw the 2 track album sampler 'Evolution/Arrow Of Time' create a genuine buzz of anticipation, being playlisted on Jazz FM, and also supported by Jamie Cullum (BBC Radio 2) and both Don Letts & Gilles Peterson on their BBC 6 Music shows - having as it does the spirit of deep jazz, but combining an accessible sound that reached way beyond the usual jazz hungry audience - due in one part to Evolution's immensely catchy hooks, with the voice of Fallon Williams focusing the listeners attention on the philosophical themes Lance highlighted above. Now the album, laid out in its' entirety can be experienced, attempting to encapsulate the music with the written word feels like a somewhat futile exercise, so it is best to consider Lance Fergusons' final thoughts about its inspiration, influences and ongoing appeal.
"The sound of record labels like Strata East, Tribe and Black Jazz has been a massive influence on Menagerie. To me that sound is timeless, exciting and just as vibrant as a musical format in 2018 - and the proof is that we're hearing more and more young musicians embracing it"
"I Can't Love You Anymore" is the first single by hard working soul performer Carlton Jumel Smith recorded with Cold Diamond & Mink, and the man has revealed his middle name just for the occasion. Otherwise known simply as Carlton J. Smith, there's no doubt he has swallowed a large pill of soul since seeing James Brown live at the Apollo Theatre as an 8-year old.
Smith's Timmion debut single sinks him into drum heavy southern flavored deep soul, a style that comes out of him naturally as water from a mountain spring. Backing him up on the falsetto parts is Pratt, who recently turned some heads with his Pratt & Moody release "Lost Lost Lost" on Stylart Records, and together the two basically NAIL IT.
When looking for artists, who just seem to move through time effortlessly with a steady air of confidence, passion and precision, one might pick up the phone and give CJS a call. Even though his discography of couple of late 2000's albums and some guest spots in early 90's soulful house 12"s is a bit mysterious, there seems to be not one bit of difficulty to his craft or personality. As a recording artist, "I Can't Love You Anymore" is a new opening into raw soul territory, and it is just what the world needs today. He laid down an album worth of tracks on his last Helsinki visit, and this might be something to look forward to.
Cute Heels is the project of Victor Lenis, a contemporary electronic artist living in Berlin, Germany. He grew up in Bogotá, Columbia during the 1990s, surrounded by the radial punk scene. Over the years, Victor's passion and fascination for synthesizers and drum machines to produce and compose resulted in his debut album 'Spiritual" for Dark Entries in 2014 as well as the Third Skin' EP in 2016. Inspired by equal parts Liaisons Dangereuses, Drexciya and Black Devil Disco Club, Cute Heels connects the dots between Detroit techno, early Chicago house and Belgium electronic body music.State of Mind' is a 4-track EP featuring the vocal talents of Berlin artist Aga Wilk, of electro-punk projects Walkman Music and 77TM, on the the title track. On the A-side are two fresh compositions recorded in New York and Bogota between 2016 and 2017. Victor says, 'State of Mind refers to the subconscious as dominated by real facts, natural, unnatural ,metaphysical or virtual and dynamism of the body as physical shield.' The track is a slow building foray into techno, elegantly suited for intangible moments. 'Golden Tears' kicks off with Cute Heels' signature metallic EBM funk played with punchy, percussive analog synths. On the flip we present two banging club remixes. The first is from LA-4A, techno DJ and producer Kevin McHugh aka Ambivalent, who adds a strong kick drum and lacerating hi-hats that build up to a mind melting breakdown with a full on acid squelch attack. The second remix comes from Noncompliant, Midwest US-based producer Lisa Smith aka DJ Shiva, who creates a raw, thumping exercise though off-kilter mechanics and punishing percussion. All songs have been mastered for vinyl by George Horn at Fantasy Studios in Berkeley. The record comes in a custom-made die-cut jacket designed by Eloise Leigh featuring suggestive rope bondage graphic printed spot black matte on black hi-gloss finish. Each copy includes a postcard.
Going Good's first release of 2018 is indeed a very special one.
Cosmic Handshakes sees the pairing of 2 extremely talented Detroit natives - Blair French & Todd Modes - who take elements of Disco, Techno, Jazz, House, Afrobeat, Latin music, Dub and Electronics and filter them through their own unique view of dance music. Steeped in soul, live instrumentation, sampling and analogous alchemical studio processes, French & Modes give us an exhilarating and fresh take on the deepest smoked out, after hours sounds of the city of Detroit.
'In The Mist' is the duo's second release, following on from 2013's 'The Delicate Details', released on the M1 Sessions imprint. The last 2-3 years has seen the pair individually release music on a plethora of varied and esteemed global labels such as FIT Sounds, Claremont 56, Rocksteady Discos and more.
A compelling body of work from front to back, the tracks on 'In The Mist' work perfectly as a self contained home listener, or as we've found, just as well on a darkened dancefloor, leaving the choice up to you, the listener.
Calendar Crowd was the duo of Alan Heaton and Terence tiernan who met in their hometown of Widnes, Cheshire as schoolboys and played together in various bands in the '70s. In the '80s they formed a 6-piece band called Room For Humans 0and recorded one single'Telephone Telephone / Girlfriend'. When the band split and Alan and Terence continued as Calendar Crowd in a more experimental direction. Their influences were wide reaching: Kraftwerk, Neu, Cabaret Voltaire, Eno, PIL, and Joy Division.In 1982 they released their debut single 'Perfect Hideaway/Perfect Hideaway Dub' on 7'. Guitarist David Knowles joined them as they toured the UK and recorded and released their follow up EP 'Listen in to the Heart' in 1985. A reviewer at the time called Calendar Crowd 'A Moody Merseyside trio with strong atmospheric tunes and haunting lyrics.' For this reissue we've compiled both singles on one EP featuring all four songs. Perfect Hideway is a evocative and dreamy, the music escorts you on a tour of icy landscapes, with Terrance's deep, rich vocals guiding the way accented by bright brass stabs. Meanwhile the Dub has stripped back the vocals, added delayed samples and heavy pounding drums. On the B-side 'Listen in to the Heart' and 'Questions Answers' are darker electronic rhythm tracks with layers of ethereal keyboards and guitar melodies. All songs have been remastered by George Horn at Fantasy Studios in Berkeley. The record is housed in an exact replica of the original Perfect Hideaway jacket featuring black and white October 1982 calendar with the tile hand written in red pen. Each copy includes a double-sided 8x11' insert with lyrics, notes and photos.
The Make Mistakes ethos is one of diversity and evolution, and that is showcased in full on our newest vinyl release Need Your Luvin'. House, Acid, Techno, Roy England, Jarvi, Fredy Grogan. One track, three styles, all dance floor bounders.
Roy England's original mix is a jackin' house jam with a timeless vibe. A classic house sound propelled forward by the titular vocal sample, England manages to deliver a track that would work equally in the lounge, as well as late night in the big room.
On the B side Jarvi's Acid Workout strips the original down even further, and fills it back up, with a wandering, hypnotic acid line to stitch it all together. An old school party sound, both familiar and fresh. Fredy Grogan deconstructs the original into its component parts, building it back up into his dark, and driving dub techno remix. Drawing it out over nearly 8 minutes, this'll have the heads bouncing off the walls.
House, Acid, Techno, pillars of dance music, mixed together, given the ol' razzle dazzle, and served up hot and ready for mind, body, and soul. Grab Need Your Luvin', stick it in the crate, and never worry, because you'll always have the Luvin' you need.
'Beware the irrational, however seductive. Shun the 'transcendent' and all who invite you to subordinate or annihilate yourself. Distrust compassion; prefer dignity for yourself and others. Don't be afraid to be thought arrogant or selfish. Picture all experts as if they were mammals. Never be a spectator of unfairness or stupidity. Seek out argument and disputation for their own sake; the grave will supply plenty of time for silence. Suspect your own motives, and all excuses. Do not live for others any more than you would expect others to live for you.'
---Christopher Hitchens, Letters to a Young Contrarian
Captivating, ethereal and majestic, Mammal Hands (saxophonist Jordan Smart, pianist Nick Smart and drummer and percussionist Jesse Barrett) has carved out a refreshingly original sound from a disparate array of influences: drawing on spiritual jazz, north Indian, folk and classical music to create something inimitably their own. Hailing from Norwich, one of Britain's most isolated and most easterly cities, they have forged their own path away from the musical mainstream and their unique sound grew out of long improvised rehearsals. All three members contibute equally to the writing process: one that favours the creation of a powerful group dynamic over individual solos. Their records are entrancing and beautiful affairs, while their hypnotic live shows have seen them hailed as one of the most exciting bands in Europe as they push their unique line-up to the outer limits of its possibilities.
Shadow Work is their third album and the first they have self-produced. Recorded at 80 Hertz Studios, Gondwana Records home from home in Manchester, it is the result of 18 months of intensive touring and mammoth writing sessions. The energy from their exhilarating live performances has fed into the writing process and yet there is a quiet reflective side to this album, giving it an expanded emotional range that draws the listener deep into Mammal Hand's sound world. One that builds on the sound of their previous recordings, Animalia and the beautiful Floa, but is wider than ever, with the use of prepared piano strings, more prominent effects and field recordings all adding to the band's most ambitious and accomplished album to date. The striking artwork is by Daniel Halsall and reflects the organic, natural influences underpinning the band's music alongside a darker, modern minimalism.
The second album by Istanbul's clarinet virtuoso Cüneyt Sepetçi is an intense trip into modern Turkish wedding and party music. The foundations go deep into Turkey and the surrounding regions' history, which each generation innovates and develops. These days, no wedding or circumcision party is complete without the sound of the micro-tonal keyboard. A new addition, these Turkish keyboardists can play between notes, and supply banging club rhythms in wide variety of time signatures.Sepetçi uses the bedrock of Volkan Sever's synth insanity as a jumping off point for some truly crazy solos. His fluttering sheets of notes tie knots around the pulsating, fried synthesizer. For this recording session, Sepetçi brought in two drummers, Fatih Özden (tapan) and Samet Sertol (darabouka), to play along with the Turkish drum machine. A dense nest of rhythmic complexity is the result. And to further connect to this music's rich past, the ancient double reed zurna of Ahmet Özden and Yasar Uçar's European violin weave ancient melodies and incredible solos throughout.
These musicians are some of the best in Istanbul, and all of these songs are first takes, recorded live with very little planning. Sepetçi essentially leads the band through these complex arrangements as they play them.In Istanbul, one may see Sepetçi playing for change on Istiklal Caddesi, the famous Turkish walking street at the center of the city. Or one may see him on one of the TV stations, playing Anatolian songs in his inimitable style. He's even begun touring outside of Turkey—at Denmark's Roskilde Festival, and at concerts in Italy, Beirut, and Israel. I want to go to America. He says. Do they have mosques there
An ethereal, unresolved presence fading into the stereo field, Hilja breathes into life with a haunted synth line and self-sampling vocal hook that instantly creates an enchanted space. Hilja is the debut album by Glasgow-based musician Maria Rossi aka Cucina Povera. Named after a style of southern Italian traditional cooking associated with precarity and making-do, a philosophy of simplicity and stoicism that applies perfectly to the spare but beautiful music Rossi experiments with. Hilja's marriage of minimal synth, field recordings and the hymnal dexterity of Rossi's vocal performances creates a new language, sometimes literally, to be spoken in some mythological Fourth World we've yet to create.
Originally from Finland, Rossi brings an acute sense of space, surroundings, and practicality to her working practice, with each composition often relying on a limited sound palette to create deeply affecting messages which transcend language. Cucina Povera's power is to communicate purely, often down to the solo-choir nature of Rossi's multi-layered voice, an achingly beautiful instrument which has seems to have an innate spirituality in its grain. The tension between the means and the end is at the heart of Cucina Povera, the invocation of a kind of secular spirituality at times using nothing but Rossi's voice. Indeed there's almost a Dogme-like purity to the arrangements: Elektra is a soothing song based around the lapping waves of Rossi's wordless backing vocals and a simple field recording of stones knocked together. Kehoitus is completely a cappella, a haunted fairytale told in glossolalia, evoking a quasi-religious experience with very little.
For music often minimal and simple there's a boldness that belies Hilja's status as a debut. Rossi allows each word, each sound and rhythm to exist in its own space, finding its own relationship with its surroundings. Mesikämmenen Veisu is perhaps the most ecclesiastical sounding composition here, burbling water trickles below a virtuoso vocal, with incredible arrangements in several registers undulating above. A meditation to relieve hunger and restriction, it's a perfect summing up of Hilja, a music ambient but completely earthed, finding enchantment in what you have to hand, the realism of magic, the magic of realism.
First Press limited to 300 with hand-screened sleeves.
Paper Dollhouse is the production alias of Astrud Steehouder and Nina Bosnic. Having previously recorded albums for Jane Weaver and Finders Keepers' Bird imprint, plus the Folklore Tapes and Night School labels. The Sky Looks Different Here arrives via the group's independently ran MoonDome imprint. Paper Dollhouse have collaborated and performed with artists including Old Apparatus, The Wolfhounds, Daniel O'Sullivan, Killing Sound, DB1, Joe Cocherell and Pye Corner Audio, and their music has been featured in mixes by Skee Mask, Mark Pritchard, Blackest Ever Black, Lobster Theremin, Lanark Artefax and Ancient Methods.
The Sky Looks Different Here features twelve tracks that draw parallels between the project's past roots in spidery post-punk electronica and a neon-lit, radioactive ambient pop sensibility. This has lead to the creation of what is sure to be the most concise and realised Paper Dollhouse record yet. One that mixes the group's signature brand of darkwave influenced left-field pop, urban field recordings and electronic composition.
Three raw, tough, cutting originals from a Brooklyn borough brother only known as Trey. All tracky and dynamic, blunt and deliberate, and most definitely made for clubs that exist on the fringes, in the seedier, stranger corners of the world. To be played during the small hours of the night. Comes packaged in a special graph paper-print inner sleeve.
A year after his last 12 inch release Here We Are / That's Desire EP and few months after a CD release Hamburg Süd/Nee IYaow eow eow featuring experimental field recordings and vocal improvisations, Wolfgang Tillmans returns with a new extended play on his own label Fragile. Heute Will Ich Frei Sein sets an energetic tone for the 5 track EP that leads straight on the dancefloor, a space that Tillmans has observed and discussed from various angles throughout his artistic career. While Los Angeles based experimental noise project Wreck and Reference's beats and 808 staccato claps instantly create a hedonistic dance moment, it is Tillmans' lyrics that contrast the simplicity of this message. Tillmans knows that clubs have always been spaces mirroring constant crisis of 'western' societies towards minorities, race and gender. In the light of current political events, it is the singers' nod that informs us about the precarity and necessity of such spaces as no contradiction. Completely Changed and On My Own, Tillmans and his long-term collaborators Jay Pluck, Kyle Combs and Tim Knapp return to more song based recordings but with a stronger approach on synthesiser soundscapes. On My Own finds Tillmans again singing simple lines over a staggering pop production that can be read as a comment on nightlife as well as the artist emerging into a more mature stage in life. It is this ambiguity that marks Tillmans' writing and constant striving for variation. Almost last, the extended play features a remix of Fast Lane, originally released on 2016 / 1986 EP - tracing back to Tillmans' first musical steps with collaborator Bernd Lessmann in 1986.
- A spectacular reimagining of one of the all time greatest
Northern Soul tunes, Timi Yuro 'It'll Never Be Over For Me'
whilst the original can change hands for upwards on £2000 a
group of young Argentinian Mods and rude boys have come
up with a reggae version.
- On paper it shouldn't work but it does. The most requested
song on Eddie Piller's Eclectic Soul Show on Soho Radio in
2017 following a chance meeting with guitarist Kevin Finigier
from Los Aggrotones in the studio.
- Acid Jazz are proud to release this as a limited edition vinyl
single (backed with one of the bands original organ
instrumentals) as a taster for the labels release of their
European debut LP later in 2018.
- A1: Slippin' Away
- A2: Mindtorture
- A3: 39 Stitches
- A4: Crosses Are Burning
- A5: Take Your Dreams Away
- A6: Welcome To Hell Iv
- B1: Broken Meat
- B2: Mother
- B3: Concrete Jungle
- B4: Lust
- C1: Sick In Your Mind
- C2: Isolation
- C3: Baby Oh Baby
- C4: Heartbeat
- C5: Back To Nature
- C6: Hall Of Mirrors
- D1: Homeless
- D2: Nightshift
- D3: Burning Skin
- D4: Eye Of The Past
- D5: Kick Your Head
- D6: Back To Back
- D7: Sparks
Originally released in 1993 by the Italian imprint Minus Habens Records, 'Concrete Jungle' is the second album by this seminal project of Dirk Ivens (The Klinik, Absolute Body Control). A work considered as groundbreaking by lot of fans of early 90s industrial, noise and EBM. There are few electro-pioneers that are still active and successful and Mr. Ivens is one of them, inspiring a lot of acts to follow in the past three decades.Concrete Jungle' is being released for the first time on vinyl in a limited/numbered edition of 700 copies. Double record including all the original tracks plus the 'Extended Play' EP (1994) and some songs from old compilations. Artwork based on the original design and presented on a deluxe gatefold sleeve with printed inner sleeves and numbered card.
A Danny Krivit and Harvey favourite, as sampled by J Dilla and Glenn Underground - a dubby disco cover of the Gamble & Huff penned O'Jays classic.
This sound was later pioneered by the likes of Arthur Russell and Larry Levan.
Replica original 7' artwork, official Mr Bongo reissue, mastered from our original DAT copy.
Our sixth release is two previously unreleased versions of 'Signs Of A Dying Love' with the A side being much slower in tempo than the vinyl release on OTB Records. Whilst on the flip the song appears to be the same as the OTB records version, but without the spoke rap at the beginning. This is a timeless piece of soul music that deserves a wider audience.
This is available for pre-order and is a Love Vinyl DRS Ltd distribution title.
music is the silence between the notes.' the french composer claude debussy once said.
the german trio wareika, consisting of florian schirmacher, henrik raabe and jakob seidensticker, love the silence between their notes, even if their music is often fully loaded with many detailed sounds, rhythms, melodies and intercultural sound links.
since 2007 they spread their passion for repetitive club grooves in the minimal house spheres that love to swing in the epic way. with four albums on labels like perlon or visionquest as well as eps for labels like eskimo, tartelet, circus company or bar 25 under their wings, the trio proofed their craftsmanship for multi-layered dance music already arrestingly deep on numerous releases and during tours around the globe that brought them also to japan.
now they deliver a new one hour long sonic journey on the tokyo based mule musiq, the label on which wareika member florian schirmacher already released as part of the glowing glisses project in 2008. also wareika itself are not new to the japanese imprint, as they previously dropped a remix for mule for the mysterious project jemmy in late 2015.
and now water, sky, sun, wood' - an ambitious one-track (on vinyl separated into four parts) love letter that kicks you deep into meditation - assumed you surrender yourself to their complex sounding and grooving story-arc. it all started with an unplanned four-hour jam session between henrik and flo-rian, gaming and messing around on the piano, guitar and drum computer.
later florian edited the happening into a one-hour sensation, henrik added some congas and synthlines and jakob mixed it down. the result is a meticulously edited, deeply absorbing dance between the pi-ano, guitar, conga, mfb tanzbär, mfb dominion 1, ob-6, jupiter 6 and manikin mellotron synthsizer. you can use it to get lost. lost from the daily grind. lost from precast perception.
lost in music. you can use it for your imagination to move to a place beyond words that guarantees some genuine experience. or you just can shut yourself down to it, dive deep into your unforeseeable dream world and dance your sub-consciousness around and around.
whatever each listener chooses to do, wareika's latest adventurous blend of jazz, techno, house and world music will move each soul individual. primarily because water, sky, sun, wood' is a reverbera-tion of the inner notes that are floating and dancing in florian, henrik and jakob. and as the greatest music in the world is nothing but an echo of the inner music, wareika managed to reach a new fresh peak of their multidimensional artistic body of work, that grows and grows to stand out in terms of deepness, permanency, eternalness and silence between all sounding sensations.
Mandala Trax aka Shingo Suwa and DJ Mori is releasing a first EP on Merkur Schallplatten.
Shingo has established the Label in 2008.
DJ Mori is working as resident DJ at suicide circus Berlin.
They often performed at many clubs in the city.
Their first collaboration includes two different versions of rave influenced techno remixes by Anna Bolena.
Anna is Music producer, Promoter and Video maker, she is an underground activist since the 80`s.
She runs the label Idroscalo Dischi since 1999 and since 2005 the Video Production Company Idroscalo Digitale.
They both are working as resident for Button's party at ://about blank.
A1, their very first track, is called 11pm. The main solid synth line features deep kick drums surrounded by dubby industrial effects in the background.
On A2 we find a heavy bottom groove, surrounded by echoes in a dark atmosphere. Hand claps and white noises are driving any techno floor.
The B Side includes two different version by Anna Bolena. She produced some 90's rave structures affected by her experimental senses.
Obrani Records are proud to present 'Strangeman' - an EP from the young and talented producer Plantae, who has conquered the minimal hearts of techno and house heads alike. The intensity and broadness of Plantae's musical pallet, reflected in every crease of the release, will appeal to diggers from all scapes of the globe. From grassroots break-beat to snappy hats and bold percussion, occasionally visited by passing high notes, like comets in a coma of ever-changing motive. If forced to reduce his sound to words, musical abstractionism would hit as close to home as the 808 bass drum. Undoubtedly, 'Strangeman' made it's way to the Obrani Records collection.
Al Brown was inspired to write the single 'Proverb' after spending hours hunched over his bible in Spanish Town as a youth. He had become known for his more commercial covers of singer Al Green material, but 'Proverb' was one of the few tunes that he recorded that were roots inspired and has become highly sought after. Recorded at Channel One with Ernest Hookim engineering, who did an excellent job of squeezing out a thumping horns led tune. The inspired version on the flip has Lloyd Parks on bass and the singer Derek Lara on drums. The Seventh Extension Band was the house band of the Zodiac label. Not a tight knit band as such, but built built around singers Bunny Lara and Derek Lara. 'Words spoke in haste will all go to waste so be cool'. True thing Al. Comes in hand stamped bag.
British producer Portrait (AKA South London Ordnance) & Somne collaborate on new imprint - Aura Dinamica. The inaugural release arrives courtesy of the duo themselves with Speed, Noise, Machinery & The City. Born out of a series of particularly productive, fast-paced collaborative sessions in Berlin, the three track EP draws on the spirit of classic Plastikman & Basic Channel, eschewing greyscale linearity in favour of high-energy emotive leads, rich texture & groove -with moments of heads-down introspection enjoying as much space as outright dance floor fervour.
Don't wanna move to Southern California / I wasn't really meant for LA...' So sang Dent May once upon a time, now he's eating those words with a side of avocado toast in his new Los Angeles bungalow. What made the lifelong Mississippi boy pull up stakes and head west No one looks at you funny if you wear a tuxedo to the supermarket.' What he means is he moved there to shake up his surroundings, clear his head, and write the most accomplished record of his young career, the magical mystery tour de force Across the Multiverse.
Following the lead of musical-polymaths-with-LA-ties before him like Brian Wilson, Van Dyke Parks, and Harry Nilsson, Dent's style on Across the Multiverse will be familiar to fans of his previous work. Yet there's something more refined about this collection... Stately strings mingle with boogie piano like old friends. Synths weave a celestial backdrop throughout. Every verse, bridge and chorus in its right place, giving it the unmistakable feel of a true songwriting craftsman at work. Lyrically Dent has never been sharper, musing on themes like modern romance ( Picture on a Screen', Face Down in the Gutter of Your Love'), existential dread ( Dream 4 Me', I'm Gonna Live Forever Until I'm Dead'), and the distance to the moon ( Distance to the Moon') as he searches for meaning among the infinite scrolling feeds of our 21st century augmented reality. The title track, a duet with Frankie Cosmos, is a deep space love song about finding love beyond impossible boundaries.
Across the Multiverse was written and recorded in a sunny bedroom in LA's Highland Park neighborhood, with Dent producing and playing nearly every instrument himself. The tracks were selected from dozens of songs written after the LA move, a gold rush of productivity inspired by late nights DJing rare disco funk cuts at local watering holes. It's his first record for new label Carpark and will be released August 18th.
Dent May is a self-described hotel bar lounge singer and aspiring daytime TV talk show host - has been charming his way into the hearts of music fans since the release of his debut album The Good Feeling Music of Dent May & His Magnificent Ukulele on Animal Collective's Paw Tracks label in 2009. The Mississippi-born, Los Angeles-based songwriter, performer, and Dolly Parton enthusiast has since released two more acclaimed records, Do Things (2012) and Warm Blanket (2013), dropped the holiday smash I'll Be Stoned For Christmas', and played hundreds of shows from Shanghai to Chicago. His latest album, Across the Multiverse, is an interstellar voyage of mythic proportions.
UK techno veteran Kirk Degiorgio takes on the Future/Past guise once more for an exquisite 4 tracker on the Belgian De:tuned label. Kirk struck gold during a recent dig through some of his old DAT tapes and unearthed 2 previously unreleased gems: a finished version of his widely acclaimed 90s classic 'Hyperspace' described by Kirk as the real Hyperspace and 'Cosmos', a rough uptempo percussive workout, proper crunch Future/Past sound.
The DAT tapes also revealed a couple of tracks that were only ever released on CD: 'TRY 2004 Funk Mix 2' (from the historic 1993 'Applied Rhythmic Technology' compilation) and 'Locator' (from the sublime 'Objets D'art 92-95' compilation). The CDs have become rare and wanted items, and so Kirk and De:tuned decided to finally press these tracks on wax.
All tracks were mastered straight off the original DAT tapes by Matt Colton to guarantee that extra crisp sound quality. This release will be available on 180 gr vinyl. A separate digital release will also be available from the usual digital shops. Stay tuned!
Wrong Assessment has turned some heads in recent times. Shortly after the launch of his AWRY imprint he debuts on Planet Rhythm with a full EP. Close To Red EP is a four track spanning journey through sophisticated techno. WA's range is very wide. He goes from beautifully orchestrated tracks such as Weight of Truth to the neurotic sounds displayed on Close To Red and Bologna. A very diverse debut from a producer whom we expect to hear more often on Planet Rhythm.
TERRANOVA kicks off 2018 with a bang with 'Cosmo EP' (KOM378). 4 top-notch tracks showcasing the strongest outings yet in his impressive back catalogue.
Following an excellent entry in our SPEICHER series with 'Speicher 94' (KOMPAKT EXTRA 94 - co-helmed by Reinhard Voigt), the much- acclaimed full length 'Restless' (KOMPAKT 327 CD 123) hit turntables two years ago, TERRANOVA aka Fetisch, the creative mind & producer behind the project he likes to describe as 'the deep space electric ark' has been in orbit since the release of 'Terranova DJ Kicks' (!K7) in 1997.
TERRANOVA* now returns to the spotlight with COSMO EP, a jacking four-tracker inspired by raw Chicago House, early NYC Electro , old school computers /A.I. and some very special analog &digital machines featuring 2 excellent collaborations with Milan based artists.
Opening track COSMOCHORD features the Italian DJ legend Flashmob. The result is a peak time monochord banger that takes both producers' extensive expertise in propelling dance floor cuts to new heights.
COSMOCODE feat VOLTAGUE intense psychedelic Techno again with peak time quality. LANGSAM is an elegant, driving example of classic dance floor electronica. A skilled combination of an 808 with an obscure vintage beatbox of eastern origin, an Oberheim OB8 and a 1970 Kunstkopf Mic Instructions mixed on the original Deutsche Grammophon 1950 Valve mixer. PERFECT HAPPINESS wraps up this action-packed release with some a twisted afro stomper lead by a drunk sounding computer bouncing on the mic.
*Ad eundum quo nemo ante iit
From the circles of Hamburg's Golden Pudel Club the duo Schluss presents their debut album '28' on Sky Walking. Éric Falconnier and Joachim Schütz join another adventure into Spontaneous Music- free and intense, demanding and magical.
A life dedicated to Noise, Experimental Music and Free Jazz, Éric Falconnier played in several formations such as Gebrochene Beine who appeared with the most notable piece on the previous Sky Walking compilation. Joachim Schütz is known for his collaborations with Ellen Fullman, Konrad Sprenger, Arnold Dreyblatt and Samara Lubelsky to only name a few. Schütz is also part of the Metabolismus collective.
With their dynamic, fragile and highly surprising Live sets and recordings, Schluss are on the path to decline expectations and burst conventions.
6, 7, 2, 1, 3, 5, 4!
Dr. Dundiff releases Muneybeats' as part of the Beats from Jakarta' series & continues what Ta-ku and Shuko started years ago.
Dr. Dundiff (done different) is a Hip-Hop/Neo-Soul producer based out of Louisville, KY. Dundiff has gotten into producing around 2010 and has been a busy bee ever since with a huge number of projects under his belt, from producing as well as him rapping.
Those who follow Jakarta Records might know the name from his ongoing collaboration with Otis Junior. They released their debut EP 1moment2another' on Jakarta Records receiving wide daytime airplay and recognition from French tastemaker Radio NOVA, as well as 1.500.000 Mio. Streams for their debut EP 1Moment to Antother' through Spotify & a placement on Radio Nova's le grand Mix 2016' compilation.
Muneybeats is Dr. Dundiff revisiting his roots in an all instrumental experience. Put the most attractive beats on top. The ones that make you pull the car over and go, 'Wow, I need this be a right now.' Those are the Muneybeats. Compact little tasty treats spanning a wide range of sounds while always sounding like Dundiff made them. He is currently also working on a new project with Otis Junior which will drop sometime in 2018 as well as their first Europe tour in summer 2018.
- Beats from Jakarta is a series Jakarta Records kicked off some years ago with contributions from Shuko and Ta-ku, heavyweights in their own right, and we felt it would be nice to bring that series back when Dundiff sent us his new album. So here we go. - Beats from Jakarta part 3....
It's already been two years since Leonardo Martelli's debut with the four-tracker Menti Singole. He has since been following the direction he took with this first release, at a rather slow path, releasing a lone and haunted mini-album, Previsto, in the meantime. With Menti Singole Vol.2, Martelli establishes a picture of his music, an update of his aspirations in the feminine.
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Sparse, clear-cut and slightly nerve-racking, Micaella opens the record with the precision of a neurosurgeon. The song can be seen in many ways as a good introduction to the music of the Italian musician - past and probably future. Ethereal string machines balance the nagging acid leitmotiv: as often with Martelli's music, there's something going on in the background, some anonymous forces operating off-screen.
We can make the same assessment with Alice, the most obviously desperate tune on the record: the sad synth melody comes in as if it was trying to fill an emotional void, but the supposedly reassuring sentence is not complete, notes are missing. On Laura - just like with Alice - Martelli keeps on playing with the potential of abstraction of rap samples, a process we're familiar with since Previsto.
Sofia gives a particularly striking example of this weird game he likes to play as Biggie Smalls' words get progressively eviscerated from their meaning. Backed by bare percussive samples (a numerical metronome, copyright-free digital ersatz of percussions), Sofia depicts - without any artifice - despair in a post-industrial world, where everything has lost any sense of materiality - while Previsto was still set in a industrial world of steaming factories. Disarmingly simple, Menti Singole Vol.2 offers electronic mourning music at its most elegant.
- A1: Brothers
- A2: How About U (Feat. Davide Shorty)
- A3: Just Slow Down
- A4: Wherever You Say
- B1: Adriatica
- B2: Life On Fire (Feat. Forelock & Paolo Baldini Dubfiles)
- B3: El Destino
- B4: Glue
- C1: Dreamers (Feat. Klune)
- C2: Lip
- C3: Records
- C4: 1989
- D1: Don't Need
- D2: Disquietude
- D3: Father's Light (Feat. Inude)
- D4: Freddo
Just as magnified record grooves reveal dust constellations and lunar landscapes, so too does Godblesscomputers' third album. 'Solchi' is a deep search into previous moments in Lorenzo Nada's lifetime, influenced by the presence and power of music. His process began with the recovery of some old cassettes, mixtapes nearly forgotten, audio recording of voices from his childhood, and lots of dusty jazz, soul, and hip-hop records. As the starting point of this travel merge with its end, past and present combine to form GBC's current sound. Warm electronic production rooted by grooving bass lines form the core of a kaleidoscope of sixteen tracks, colored by synthesizers, guitar echoes, scratches, samples, fading voices and kalimba. The album is a collection of sixteen stories, sixteen soundscapes; each of them GBC's tribute to the path taken thus far, an homage to his love for music. The recording and studio work took place over a year, with the adding and subtracting of many elements.
Time for Colours, a new series with a playful sound and the world as inspiration. On Yellow EP, Lyssna invites the Italian producer Riciar Ghir to contribute on A1 with dreamy Cargo bubbles and tribal drums. A2 showcases the Italian duo, MINIMALAFRIKA. With several great releases on their resume, Drakma Queen takes you on a deep Sci-Fi house ride. On the flip side B1 yet another excellent Italian producer ROBOTALCO comes along. Involved in GetWet Records and one half of the Fake Congas duo. No More Disco takes you back to the old school 4/4 sound with playful and funky tunes. Last but not least is B2 with the young talented Stockholm duo Klubbhuset that released their debut album on the great NYC label Let's Play House. SS0817 is a classic house track with warm disco samples and hypnotic swirles that makes you wanna move your hips.
Finale Sessions launch a new series entitled Unreleased, and their kicking things off with label boss Michael Zucker sparring with Jonno & Tommo (more commonly found lurking around labels like Ornate). As you would expect from Finale, it's a deep house masterclass, with Jonno & Tommo leading the proceedings with the deft piano licks and hard grooving sub bass of "Dirty Nylons" before Zucker steps in with the pattering rhythms and swooning pads of "Just Believe". On the flip Zucker embraces a gentle strain of electro for "Narrow Is The Gate" before Jonno & Tommo round the record off with the immersive tones of "Shark City".
Under the alias of Zanov we find the works of French electronic pioneer Pierre Salkazanov, who had started playing guitar in the 1960s in a Shadows styled band, Les Ambassadors. Instrumental rock was not enough for Salkazanov, he was always looking for evolution, so when a meeting with French synth player Serge Ramses (of "Secret" fame) got him into the world of synthesizers he just dived deep into the bourgeoning world of electronic music. He got himself an EMS VCS3 and started producing works into a 4-track Teac tape machine. French music was at its best, it was the time of Jean Michel Jarre, Didier Bocquet, Richard Pinhas and Heldon, Alain Meunier... Even Gong's Tim Blake was living in France at that time. By the time of his second LP, Moebius 256 301, issued also on Polydor in 1977, Zanov had already gathered a small collection of gear, including an ARP 2600 and an ARP sequencer, his old VCS3, an RMI Harmonic and a PS 3300. Again under the influence of both first and second generation of Berlin school musicians the LP will appeal to fans of Klaus Schulze or Tangerine Dream, but they will also find a big deal of Zanov's own personal sound on it, since as the musician himself reckons he had little contact with other peers of his generation, so besides a general love for the electronic gear used and the sounds you could make out of them the creative ideas behind his works were all his own. On his second album a richer sound is found, not only due to the use of the new gear, since some of its tracks where recorded using only his old EMS, but also due to his won experience after having taken his works to the life stages in the Golf Drouot boite, the Lase Olympia venue (on the basement of the famous Olympia), the Paris Planetarium or those for planned one month tour (of which in the end only four dates were accomplished).
Zanov's three albums met with unanimous critical acclaim for the sound quality as well as for the originality of this very personal universe.
Under the alias of Zanov we find the works of French electronic pioneer Pierre Salkazanov, who had started playing guitar in the 1960s in a Shadows styled band, Les Ambassadors. Instrumental rock was not enough for Salkazanov, he was always looking for evolution, so when a meeting with French synth player Serge Ramses (of "Secret" fame) got him into the world of synthesizers he just dived deep into the bourgeoning world of electronic music. He got himself his first syths and started producing works into a 4-track Teac tape machine. French music was at its best, it was the time of Jean Michel Jarre, Didier Bocquet, Richard Pinhas and Heldon, Alain Meunier... Even Gong's Tim Blake was living in France at that time. And so Zanov soon caught the attention of Polydor, who released Green Ray in 1976. It is a work made with minimal equipment if compared to other French sythetists, not to mention their German peers, he worked on the EMS VCS3 synth and used a 4-track Teac and a Revox A77 Mk IV reel to reel tape recorders obtaining huge sound results. You can appreciate an influence from the Berlin school, Green Ray walks the same path of what artists like Tangerine Dream and the likes were producing at the time, Zanov had felt under the spell of Ricochet, but his head was boiling with ideas which gave the recordings a very personal, unique touch.
Zanov's three albums met with unanimous critical acclaim for the sound quality as well as for the originality of this very personal universe.
'Lam San Ra', arranged by Maft Sai and Chris Menist As a precursor to their forthcoming LP in 2016, the Paradise Bangkok crew let fly with this latest molam disco excursion, that was written on last year's tour !
Spaced out khaen and trippy phin lines fly over the heaviest of grooves, continuing the 21st Century Molam project in fine style.
Side B 'Version' Dub by Nick Manasseh With Nick Manasseh back on dub duties, the tough bass and drums come to the fore, peppered with dashes of echoed out phin and percussion. A next level session for the more discerning dancefloor!
- A1: You Need Love
- A2: Love And Death
- B1: What Is Life
- B2: Christ Will Come
- B3: Victory
Re-issue by Mr Bongo as part of its 'Classic African Recordings' series.
Initial Programs is a new project by respected ambient producer Mick Chillage. It is also Mick's first ever vinyl release and sees the Irish artist focus on deep, acid-tinged techno and melodic electro. The background to the release is a simple one; First Cut boss Richard Be was a long admirer of Mick's music and discovered an electro project he did as The Shape. Over the course of emails, pints and coffees, the music for Initial Programs' first record came together. The resulting three tracks are melancholic, late night jams, the soundtrack to high speed cruises on the streets of south Dublin.
The fourth release on Trevor Jacksons Pre- Label is by SKULL. A visceral journey into experimental noise and no wave avant grade beatscapes
The last SKULL release 'SNAPZ' appeared on Jacksons own Output Recordings label in 1999. A seminal collection of tracks that had previously featured on the first two legendary Mo wax 'Headz' compilations (also featuring Autechre, Beastie Boys, Air, and DJ Shadow) as well as tracks that had also appeared on Kevin 'The Bug' Martins notorious Macro Dub Infection albums during the mid 90's.
Reactionary sonic statements aimed at the coffee table world of Trip Hop, fuelled by his dissatisfaction and dissillustionment with Hip Hop of the time, Trevor pushed himself into uncomfortable and far more extreme areas than he had before, areas he felt unable to explore with his Underdog productions, which were mainly being utilised for major label remixes at the time.
Influenced as much by the industrial pioneers, post punk and new wave of the past as the burgeoning post rock scene in the mid 90's, This new set of previously unreleased recordings originally produced between 1996-2000 are equally as intense and visceral as the early releases. Dusty samples, raw beats, tape loops, and primitive effects combine to sound as relevant now as when they were initially created.
Hot on the heels of the critically acclaimed 2017 LP Windswept - which soundtracked David Lynch's Twin Peaks, Digital Rain is Johnny Jewel's latest album. Jewel is known for his extensive collaborations with film makers David Lynch, Nicolas Winding Refn, and Ryan Gosling, as well as for his work with groundbreaking musical groups such as Chromatics, Glass Candy, and Desire.
The 19 movements of Digital Rain are three dimensional beds of analogue warmth encompassed in raw electronic moisture. The result is an expansive pallet of soft color amid canyons of jagged oscillations. According to Jewel, "Digital Rain is a mirror image of itself designed to play as a singular liquid movement."
"After living a few years in a desert climate, I realized I was nostalgic for the constant presence of precipitation from every city I once called home. The sound of hail ricocheting off my roof in Houston...The floods crashing in from the Gulf of Mexico that would destroy my mother's house three times...The constant kiss of drizzle on the streets of Portland, and the morning rain against the windshield of Trimet city bus number 15 that I would ride home after recording all night...The snow buried row houses of Montreal where my daughter was born, and the rhythmic feel of ice cracking under my boots for six months straight."
"The desert is constant, and I love this repetitious ritual of Los Angeles so much. As moisture and humid weather seem more and more like a dream I once had or a fading memory of the places I fell in love with...I wanted to make a record without drums, without lyrics, vague in form. Each track morphing and eclipsing the next like the ever-changing movement of clouds obscuring the moon."
Cut By The Legendary Bernie Grundman In Hollywood. Recorded in Joshua Tree / Mixed in Los Angeles.
The band project Drums Off Chaos was one of the central and on-going projects of the recently deceased drummer Jaki Liebezeit (who is normally associated first and foremost with the Cologne-based band CAN). In the early 1980s he had initiated an - at first - loose collective of drummers, who created a rhythmic concept on the basis of simple, strictly binding codes that enabled expansive improvisations.
Over the years the ensemble became smaller and refined its collaboration marked by repetitive patterns and their variation. You have to play monotonous,' a membr of the audience had already told Liebezeit in the 1960s. He took this to heart and there was hardly any other formation where he could bring this concept to life as regularly and with as much inspiration as in Drums Off Chaos.
During a development spanning more than three decades, this extra-ordinary band, which never saw itself as such, made numerous recordings but rarely any releases. However, in the last few months of his life Jaki Liebezeit, with colleagues Reiner Linke, Maf Retter and Manos Tsangaris, earmarked some tracks for imminent release on vinyl and CD - on different compilations. Liebezeit's death is all the more reason to go ahead with this plan.
- A1: Po'ore Ye La Be De Geta Gurego
- A2: Bangere Tomme
- A3: Ete Songo
- A4: N'yella Be Bobere
- B1: Everything You Do, You Do For Yourself
- B2: Yelmengere De La Gu'usi
- B3: Nongre, Nongre - Sugre, Sugre
- B4: Sella N'de Hu Dene
Releasing an album into the world is a special moment for any artist but when you're an artist who grew up in remote northern Ghana with no schooling, spending a life herding cows and goats, building your own instruments and teaching yourself to sing, then there's a particular sense of occasion and celebration in finding recognition and an audience for that music.
This is the case for Guy One, an utterly unique artist who is writing and performing Frafra music, a style that originates from a small area in the north of Ghana. Whilst Guy One is already loved and adored locally by now - building up a fervent following in local villages in which no funeral or wedding would take place without his soaring voice and deeply rhythmic playing, before then transforming into an award-winning, TV appearing artist in Ghana - his music is now to find a much wider audience through Max Weissenfeldt's Philophon label (Jimi Tenor, Hailu Mergia, Alemayehu Eshete) on this Berlin meets Bolgatanga release.
Guy One's international debut #1 is an album rooted in tradition as much as it is the contemporary ("Frafra music Made in Germany" says drummer producer Max Weissenfeldt if he's forced to put a label on it) but given the fact that the traditionalism of Frafra music itself is a largely unknown force, the results are more even more potent and stirring in their creations. Choirs, trumpet, organ, bass, drums, synthesiser, vibraphone, saxophone and piano, the album is as bursting with instrumentation as it is ideas and innovation.
The album's perfect positioning between the old and the new and in taking that middle ground and launching it into completely new territory is enough to completely unglue the definitions of what music can be.
As music continuously evolves, times change and new ideas and movements come & go. All of this functions in tandem with scientific, technological, social and political advancements in our society. The biggest component to that evolution is the people. There are creators and consumers. One cannot exist without the other. Throughout art, the audience defines quality, but artist has the power to introduce change and shift perception. Execution is key. The masses are always hungry for something fresh. Sometimes we're at the forefront of new trends and sometimes we find comfort innovating the past. No matter what, musicians have a responsibility to bridge the gap. Raw Poetic and Damu the Fudgemunk meet all of the above. Produced entirely by the artists, the new album "The Reflecting Sea" revisits sonic textures of yesteryear and combined with their own distinct ears for music, have created something uniquely foreign for the music world in our time. Speaking of the times, Raw Poetic's lyrical subject matter is nothing short of relevancy. Speaking from an observatory perspective in addition to his own personal experiences, the album's content is infinitely relatable. Although known primarily as hip hop acts, both Damu and Raw P stretched out to expand what the genre is known for. The combination of elements from the mix of live instrumentation, improvisation and sampling to the range of styles including jazz, fusion, rock, electronic and soul make The Reflecting Sea unlike anything else. Captured and recorded in it's rawest form, the album is honest expression. Masterminding the festival sounds is Damu the Fudgemunk. His voice is absent from the recordings, but his presence is immediately noticed throughout the 40 minute exhibition. Packed with tons of beats, tons of scratching, original compositions, upbeat and signature atmosphere, there's no question who's behind the boards. With the average tempo of over 100bpm, this is one of the most energetic releases in Redefinition's catalog. Raw P and the Fudgemunk aim to revitalize listeners of all types with their original sound. They call it "The Reflecting Sea: Welcome to a New Philosophy." Raw Poetic (MC), hails from the DMV area by way of Philadelphia. In addition to several collaborations with Damu the Fudgemunk, he's recorded 6 albums as a member of Panacea, 1 album with K-def, 1 album with Kev Brown and recent features with Brous One in which all have been met with critical acclaim. Damu the Fudgemunk (producer/DJ) is a DC native who co-owns and operates Redefinition Records. With several successful releases as a solo artist, his music has garnered a reputation in the last decade for it's consistent quality and conceptual structure.
Record Kicks proudly presents "SuperStudio" the new single by legendary Italian cinematic funk combo Calibro 35 sampled by Dr.Dre and Jay-Z, taken from their forthcoming new studio album DECADE
"SuperStudio" - available on a super limited edition 45 vinyl and digital download together with bonus track "Gomma" - is Calibro 35's first single and anticipates their new album DECADE that hits the streets next 9 February. Quoting the band "SuperStudio is the main theme for a movie that doesn't exist, starring Clint Eastwood and Pam Grier saving earth from the invasion of deadly robots from another planet" and it's pure Dynamite. On the flip you'll find "Gomma", the bonus track out of the album which is an irresistible funk groovy shaker.
Recorded at the legendary Officine Meccaniche studios in Milan by CALIBRO's usual suspect and Grammy Award winner Tommaso Colliva, "DECADE" marks 10 years of Calibro 35's releases and it's the very first album recorded by Calibro with an orchestral-inspired enlarged line-up. Active since 2008 CALIBRO 35 enjoys a worldwide reputation as one of the coolest independent band around. During their ten years career, they have been sampled by Dr. Dre on his Compton album and Jay-Z, they shared stages worldwide with the likes of Roy Ayers, Muse, Sun Ra Arkestra, Sharon Jones, Thundercat, Headhunters and as unique musicians they've collaborated with, amongst others PJ Harvey, Mike Patton, John Parish and Stewart Copeland and Nic Cester (The Jet). Described by Rolling Stone magazine's as "the most fascinating, retro-maniac and genuine thing, that happened to Italy in the last years", Calibro 35 now count on a number of aficionados worldwide which includes VIP's fans such as Dj Food (Ninja Tune), Mr Scruff and Huey Morgan (Fun Lovin' Criminals) among others.
- A1: Gee Gee Shinn & Boogie Kings - Fever
- A2: Connie Kaye Trio - I'm A Woman
- A3: Bus Brown - Mr. L.b.j
- A4: Earl Demus Band - Her Spare
- A5: Chuck Finney Combo - I Want A Man Like You
- B1: Chick Willis - Sometimes Soon
- B2: Australia - Wide Awake
- B3: J.r. - Any Time Now
- B4: Joe Akens - Nice
- C1: Hummingbird 4 - Cho Cho San
- C2: Evangeline Made - Burnt Flesh
- C3: Dario & The Inferno - Brother, Where Are You
- C4: Swoop - Upside Down
- D1: You - You Got It
- D2: Hot Cakes - Harlem Shuffle Theme
- D3: Reunion - When The Well Runs Dry
- D4: The Counts - Get Up, Get Dancin
2x LP[17,61 €]
**INITIAL 400 LPs CONTAIN A BONUS 7" BY MEL-O-MADNEZZ**
IT'S TIME TO PAAAARTY! Why The Universe knows that Tramp is celebrating their 40th trip around the sun in 2018. And what about planet Earth Well... it is as blind as it is in so many other situations. Therefore, it is time to shine the light on Tramp for all of its unremitting efforts. As musical diversity is vanishing, especially in the field of African American music from the 1960s/70s, it is our duty to stop the extinction of threatened species of music in the same way an animal welfare activist would do anything to save a gorilla's life. Tramp Records keeps this beautiful heritage alive, every single day, again and again and again. So we are here wondering why Earth people and especially to those from our beloved home country, why why are you just sitting there, going about your life unaware of this historic event What a pity!
The announcement is especially striking when it comes to the prestigious "Movements" series. Like all its predecessors, this ninth volume contains Rare Groove nuggets recorded between the early 1960s and the late 1970s. The fact that only one of the songs appear anywhere else is a jaw-dropping phenomenon! The chronological track listing starts with two amazing cover versions: "Fever" by Gee Gee Shinn & the Boogie Kings and "I'm A Woman" by Connie Kaye Trio. Bus Brown, Earl Demus and Chuck Finney remain in the same direction although their contributions are slightly jazzier. Chick Willis' gut-wrenching "Sometime Soon" easily rivals James Brown's "It's A Man's World" and the recordings by Australia, J.R. and Joe Akens are beautiful examples of privately produced soul from the 1970s. The latin-soul of "Cho Cho San" by Hummingbird 4 heads the sound in another direction for the next three tunes, highlighted by one more stunning cover version, Oscar Brown Jr.'s "Brother, Where Are You". The album closes with some pre-disco tracks from the mid-to-late 1970s. Funk 7" collectors will freak out to finally get a chance to listen to Mel-O-Madnezz' superheavy "What You Getting High On" but will certainly also enjoy The Counts, Reunion and Hot Cakes' dance floor bomb cover of "Harlem Shuffle".
Over a hundred great unknown songs have been re-released on the first eight volumes in the "Movements" series, the majority of which can not be found elsewhere, and Vol. 9 is no exception. The work of Germany's tiniest but grooviest record label is still incomprehensibly underestimated. We know you diggers, collectors, mavens, aficionados, fanatics, completists, enthusiasts, and just plain record geeks know what's up and we heartily salute you! Without your support there would be no Tramp Records. But now it's time for a broader cultural shift for good music and a sweeping move to uphold the legacy of the unsung heroes of funk and soul. Therefore, we humbly petition you: in 2018, Don't keep all this glory to yourself! Turn your friends and neighbors on! Thank you!
- initial 400 LPs contain a bonus 7" by Mel-O-Madnezz ("What You Getting High On")
- the double vinyl LP comes with a full album download code
- deluxe double-gatefold LP with detailed liner notes, label scans & unseen photographs
- all but one song appear on vinyl-LP for the very first-time
The word 'Icosahedrite' refers to the geometric figure icosahedron, and arises from the idea that the EP is an amalgam of electronic music styles with many other aspects of traditional musical genres, like jazz or blues. Metaphorically, those genres act as the multiple sides of an imaginary icosahedron. Something complex yet solid that sits outside of the conventional emerges as the final result. A1 'Phason Jazz' - This is a track where conventional jazz structures converge with electronica, and the influences Eduardo gets from Miles Davis and John Coltrane shine themselves. Twisted keyboards patterns mixed with delays and deafening effects form a place to get lost, and eventually repetition becomes hypnotism and turns into an automatic trance. B1 ' Mr Dewey D' - Mr Dewey D is referring again to Miles, and his first and second surnames.This song is much more influenced by Dark Comedy (aka Kenny Larkin) and all the records that he throws out on the french label 'Poussez' titled 'FunkFaker: Music Saves My Soul' Blues breath tirelessly in this composition where there is not much time for an objective analysis and where everything finally leads to an insane ending. B2 'Rhythmic Soundscapes ' - This track is, I guess, the most conventional part of the EP, Nonetheless, it retains special qualities. Floating pianos with delays are combined with bass sounds that go back and forth, forming a musical piece with techno sensibilities that I hope will give opportunities to the most daring DJs.
repress
Following on from the critically acclaimed Penya Investigations cassettes and the 12' Acelere EP, Afro-Latin-electronic collective Penya conclude an intensely creative period with a Long Player collection of tracks Super Liminal. 'Liminal' - an in-between state -references the transitional process the four - piece band entered during a series of self-produced recording sessions held at Penya's multi-instrumentalist Magnus P.I's home studio between March 2016 and May 2017. Penya's percussive and futuristic Afro-Latin sound also owes its genesis to the concept of 'liminality': the threshold of disorientation occurring during ritual practices. Penya's hypnotic groovescapes, led by Jim LeM's bata drumming,ancient chants, sung by Lilli Elina, dubbed-out improvisations on trombone by Viva Msimangand lo-fi electronic production by Magnus P.I create a sound that has garnered significant support on BBC 6 Music via Tom Ravenscroft, Worldwide FM via Gilles Peterson, on BBC Radio 3's Late Junction, as well as being praised by a host of producers including DJ Khalab, Will LV, DJ Jose Marquez and Dengue Dengue Dengue. Penya's energised and engaging live show has also toured across UK festivals this summer, including Brainchild, Wilderness, Farmfest and Big Love.
(Disclaimer: release notes refer to the combined CD double-album release "Hot Flash: Best of The Voltags" on which all tracks appear together. "Electric Nightmare" and "Danger High Voltag" are released separately on vinyl format)
It does not happen that often any more that unreleased music from 40 years ago surfaces. Even more unlikely it is that the songs put on tape are such treasures. The Voltags were right at the forefront of the local Washington DC New Wave/Punk scene of the late 1970s. Influenced by Kraftwerk, Gary Numan, The Clash, and The B-52's, they have released only one 45rpm single during their existence. But during the time span of not even 18 months, they had recorded enough material for an entire album - but the songs remained in the can.
This is the story of The Voltags, a short-lived band which could have become famous and mentioned in the same breath as the aforementioned music legends of that era - if their songs had been released back in the day. Dive in and enjoy the sound of The Voltags, it is truly special. We here at Perfect Toy are thrilled to be label to finally release their work and we sincerely hope that they are finally getting the appreciation they so richly deserve.
Detailed information:
Dave Bennett and Hangnail Phillips grew up in Brookside Park, Newark, Delaware, USA, a small suburban college town nestled midway between Philadelphia and Baltimore. Their first band project evolved into Pump Productions (Pump) under which they released their only 45rpm single in 1970 (one of the two songs, "Pappy's Rug", can be heard on "Down & Wired 3", Perfect Toy Rec.). Soon after the recording of the single the two graduated from High School and disbanded Pump. Both moved on to form two new Newark bands. Dave was a founding member of "Snake Grinder & The Shredded Fieldmice" and Hangnail co-founded "Rudy Baker & The Vegetables".
In early 1979, two friends of Dave's, Nick Norris and Mike Fisher, became partners in a music production company, White Clay Productions. One of White Clay's first artists was Dave Bennett who had just written two excellent songs: "Electric Jungle" and "Son Of Sam". White Clay set up a recording session and Dave assembled a group of friends to record the songs. Before the recordings were even mixed, Dave asked Hangnail if he would join in a band to support the single and other songs he had written. When James Keesey (drums) and Rick Reid (bass) were added the line-up was complete. For a while they didn't have a name and then one day Nick Norris was looking at a photo of Dave standing next to a "Danger High Voltage" sign. Dave's head was in front of the E in Voltage and Nick laughed "Danger High Voltag" and so it was soon suggested that the band should be called "The Voltags" (pronounced Vol'-togs). After months of preparing a repertoire they were ready to play out. Their first gig was (October 20, 1979) at a gay disco in nearby Wilmington called The Backstage. On December 30, 1979, White Clay decided to put on a big show at the State Theater to celebrate the end of the Seventies ("The End Of The Decade Bash").
For the next year, with the help of White Clay, they recorded 19 songs, both studio and live recordings with White Clay's mobile unit. If not for these "off the board" recordings, many of their songs would have never been recorded. There was always talk of a second Voltags single but the strains of working so closely together were taking their toll on them and Dave decided to leave the group in December of 1980. The Voltags couldn't be The Voltags without Dave, and by the end of 1981, Hangnail, James and Rick, too, were ready to disband.
- all songs previously unreleased
- mastered from the original reel-to-reel tapes
- limited vinyl release
The Single > Side A 'PARALLEL UNIVERSE' is T.D.O.S. debut single featuring Thai rapper MC Sinnamon (Dujada-Dubway), is an cosmic trip between the heat of Chennai's bazars and Bangkok chaotic streets. Based on a rare indian library sample, Side B is 'WAT THAT TONG' featured samples of Thailand molam queen Yenjit Porntavi with modern dub beat and indian percussions. The Artist > The Dude Of Stratosphear aka T.D.O.S. is Jerome Doudet (Swiss/French artist and bass player based in Bangkok). DJ, vinyl collector, musician, graphic designer and East Asian music connoisseur, The Dude of Stratosphear was groomed in the vibrant alternative scene of the very international city of Geneva Switzerland. Growing up in a musical household (His father was a disco DJ), Growing up in a musical household (His father was a disco DJ), Jerome was exposed to a wide range of music at very early age, and started playing the 4 strings at the age of 10. Bass player in the swiss math-core bands Knut for a decade, he toured intensely all around Europe's biggest venues and festivals. He also joined the very underground american band Half Japanese for a couple of european tour and recorded the album Bone Head in 1997. And on top of the list was opening for the mighty KISS with the canadian band Bionic (CA) at Molson center in Monteal. Also member of various bands such as Imericani (SP/IT/CH), Intercostal (CH), Troll Patrol (CH), Bliscappen Van Maria (CH-IT), Edison (CH), Polar (CH-FR), Prejudice (CH-FR), Buz (CH), Void (CH), Ultra DB (CH), to name a few. Aside from the rock scene, he was also part of the multimedia team Ultra Pepita , developer of the today's world famous VJ software Modul8.
































































































































































