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Josh Burke is a guitarist/keyboardist/programmer from Chicago, USA, who specialises in a music that could, perhaps, best be described as an amalgamation of drone, kosmische and ambient, all with a distinctly euphoric flavour, as though these sounds were channelled rather than thoroughly composed.

He has over 30 solo releases to his name as well as splits with Jeffrey Astin (of Xiphiidae), Spirals and Body Morph, and also - like most of his peers - operates under several additional aliases - Ocean Diamond, Futuresport, The Masque, Silk Fountain, 56K, Sky Limousine and Nehal Shah - as well as ensemble and collaborative projects including Bermuda Link, Cartoon Drips, White Prism, Practical Applications Of The Chaossphere, Starfox, Camp Crystal Lake and Holographic Communications Of The Third Sky.

Hailing from Bahrain, sensational and suave producer Zone+ has just rolled out his very first Satya EP titled For Angels. If angels danced, they would flap their wings and soar from just hearing his contagious beats. Expect full body thrills with some emotional chills, as Zone+ delivers signature sounds that are crafted for freeing yourself on the dancefloor and in the outdoors. Optimal listening time? Rest assured - these four tracks will get you rising at dawn and grooving till dusk.

So who’s this mysterious master of deep hypnotic grooves? We’ll happily tell you. Currently based in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Zone+ balances the art of creating depth and levels in his music to make his crowd move yet fly through emotional landscapes. Widely known for his mesmerizing sets and memorable productions, Zone+ naturally makes his mark on dance floors all over the world. Starting off as a club resident in Soundscapes Bahrain, he has since continued his musical escapades being an integral part of the growing underground movement in the region.

“I always connect with people and love historical things, buildings and old stories.” - Zeyad Mohsen, Zone+

For Angels epitomizes Zone+ for its recognizable grooviness, always generating a playful yet dreamy soundscape for solo or group listening. Adding in eerie and floaty undertones, Zone+ creates a one of a kind narrative within For Angels, alluring the listener to learn more as the tracks progress.

Hypnotic techno and electro from the enigmatic Dutchman Taupe, who has released a steady stream of Detroit-influenced cuts across European labels like Impress and Tech-um, plus his own Colours label. For Gated he presents four tracks that remain pure to his strong Motor City influences.

Kicking off the wax, ‘Rootless’ is a spacey, mesmirising, and driving track that gradually builds momentum in the best way.

Next up, ‘Marrakesh’ takes things a little harder and deeper, keeping that tripped out vibe and pushing things forward.

For the B-side, ‘Terra’ brings out some eerie electro underpinned by a rolling bassline, while ‘Bloom’ rounds off the EP with perhaps the most melodic track of all.

Freude am Tanzen is back for a very special occasion. In 2022, three Various Artists EPs will be released, celebrating the 24th anniversary of the label from Thuringia. Whilst occasions like this would
normally be celebrated on the quarter century, this release makes sense not only on the mathematical level. 3 compilations with 4 tracks provide the half of 24.
The release however also makes sense in terms of history. Freude am Tanzen is showcasing a broad range of electronic music, never neglecting their history but also looking into the future.
The second Edition of the Compilation features tracks from Caldera, Freund der Familie, Gathaspar and Front Left. The A-Side focusses on Dub-House. Calderas Track ‚30 Friends‘ gets a smooth yet groovy vibe across. Freund der Familie contributes a hypnotic production, which would suit well incorporated in a warm up or on the home speakers.
The flip side goes deeper into the minimalistic region of electronic music. Gathaspar has produced a trippy journey, featuring the vocals of Anna Partini. One for the morning hours on the dance floor.
Front Left praises the groove with his track ‚AM3N‘. Very playful and delicate and a lovely selection of percussion. Do not miss!5.

2022 Repress

This new Acid Avengers EP is a diagonal trip from South-East to North-West of Europe. Malta-based producer Acidulant (Balkan Vinyl, Acidworx, Jack Trax) and Brittany-based producer Voiron (Nocta Numerica, Analogical Force, Rave or Die) join their forces and deliver a six-tracks EP combining UK rave, melancholic electro, catchy techno, oldschool breaks, and of course much TB-303. Rave on!

Repress incoming...

Number 94 in the Brazil45 series is one for the Brazilian boogie lovers out there.

The vocal and instrumental group Os Carbonos from São Paulo had a long career that straddled the 60s, 70s and 80s. 'Pássaro Selvagem' is taken from the latter years of their career. Its a bass driven, boogie-funk groove (with a bassline not too dissimilar to Queen 'Another One Bites The Dust') that is Brazilian boogie at its finest. Taken from the B-side to a 7" campacto released in 1981 on Copacabana records, its proven to be a favourite of Luke Una and we foresee it becoming a staple in your DJ box for years to come too.

The B-side comes from one of our all-time favourite artists, the mighty Sandra Sa. Sandra is a wonderful vocalist, her intense and recognisable style is one of THE voices of the Brazilian boogie golden era. Check out her classic album 'Vale Tudo' (MRBLP230) on Mr Bongo for further proof of her credentials here. 'Palco Azul' is also taken off a 7" single from 1981 and is a feel-good dancefloor groover with punchy brass stabs, warm keys and uplifting chord changes. It contains all the right elements that we have come to associate with that knockout late 70s / early 80s Brazilian sound.

Originally recorded by D-Train, some might say this is one of the most important post disco records from the 1980’s, which appeared on the legendary Prelude records originally. What makes this version particularly special, is the fact it features another important artist from the post disco era Colonel Abrams, who is most famous for his cult classics ‘Trapped’ and ‘I’m Not Gonna Lie’ which both topped the charts in the mid 80’s. Aussie disco lord Dr Packer, who is currently on tour across Europe teams up with newcomer Sonic Soul Orchestra, who flip this into a fresh disco house cut that includes all new instrumentation whilst respecting the smooth vocal stylings of the Colonel. Plus remixes from Ross Couch, & Ricky Morrison (M&S).

Early DJ Support:
Jamie Jones, Mark Knight, Michael Gray, Roger Sanchez.

MUSTA presents an elaborate six track EP project, titled 'Tamburi
Parlanti' which translates to 'Talking Drums' in English. The body of
work marks a turning point in his career to make more than electronic
music, and delves into a plethora of live music and field recordings
recorded for the EP, ranging from polyrhythmic tribal drum-patterns to
Afro-funk bass chords, congas and jazz-keyboard, played by local
musicians as well as himself.

Musta's love for music began during his 11 years spent living in the
Dominican Republic. This encounter of Latin rhythms started the musical
genre contamination that to this day distinguishes his productions. In
this EP, like the rest of his releases, the music is diverse, tribal and
hypnotic. Respectful of the past yet constantly innovative. This love of
the past and future has led him to release edits and originals on staple
labels such as Nervous Records, Samosa Records.

Music aside the EP artwork has significant meaning, the mask shown is
that of the ancient Mamuthone icon of Sardinian folklore which goes back
further than 2000 years, defined as a representation of the collective
soul of Sardinia, the ancient ritual of the Mamuthone creatures is that
of a rhythmic dance where 12 of the creatures dance together,
representing the 12 months of the year. With this theme, Musta aims to
connect the dots of this pastime tradition into the EP, reflecting it
visually as well as through the music itself.

"Tamburi Parlanti EP is a collection of songs that I've made myself
around the world, recording and collaborating with various musicians of
many different nationalities. The music reflects my musical path in
recent years which draws strong inspiration from afro-funk and latin
disco from the 70s and 80s. My intent is to create music that presents a
journey between the hottest Latin sounds, over to more African disco
rhythms.

Prismatic dance music from practiced hands. The multi-talented author,historian, and composer Tara Rodgers returns to 1432 R with Dimensions, alucid trip into house and techno. Colorful lead lines wind around metalrhythms, shaking bass notes rub against lush pads. It’s a deeper look into Analog Tara’s brilliantly faceted sound, reflecting new light onto the dancefloor.

There was a time when a person would pick up an instrument to compose yet another song for a loved one. A sad figure humming into a microphone, pronouncing the most basic words and forms to convey quantity, quality, fact, statistics and similar sounds describing pain, loss and sorrow. The human brain would perceive the melody sad and perhaps within herself feel a sense of melancholia.

In another parallel world a new composition would then appear. But not one composed on a wooden built instrument, no, sounds made into structures and tables that would assists the listener into providing an additional context and meaning through digital synthesis and quantised harmonies. But who could really tell if these sounds were real? Or where they just sounds impersonating an idea of something?

Rhyme nor reason is as abstract in its shapes and ideas as it is concrete and elegant in its narratives. A carefully crafted wooden cabinet with an over-whelming amount of different drawers and hidden compartments. Each box storing blissful arrangement; a fluorescent stone, a paper note saying something about lunch, some collectible objects, a forgotten token or perhaps an autograph, all so very vibrant and joyful for its possessor.

Deleted files stored on rapidly rotating platters coated with magnetic material. Small, easy to loose SSD memory cards of recorded corrupt files and digital artefacts. Software engineered compositions trying to grasp the shared belief of an upcoming future, vivid and uncertain; birds, waters and long lost recollections. A release unconcerned with the literal depiction of things from the visible world. At least not for now.

Terry Farley & Wade Teo ‘Why We Dance’ on Rekids featuring Kameelah Waheed.

The jacking house track, out this October, is backed with alternate mixes and a remix from Kevin Swain (DOP).

Founder of Boy’s Own and Junior Boys Own and an active part of Defected sub-label Faith, Terry Farley is a bonafide house legend. Teaming up with XOYO and Music Box Radio resident Wade Teo, the duo recruit New York-based spoken word artist Kameelah Waheed for a party-starting house cut on Radio Slave’s Rekids.

Across the A-side, robust drums, rocking low end, and piano stabs combine to provide the perfect backdrop for Kameelah Waheed’s infectious vocal performance. On the flip, Farley and Teo deliver their ‘Lonely Dancer Remix’ to kick off the B-side, adding subtle percussions and floating pads for a grooving rework. Rounding out the release, Farley recruits Kevin Swain for the collaborative ‘Angels Take Control’ remix, with dubbed-out claps, menacing low-end combining for a heads-down closing track.

This almost lost treasure from 1993 was heavily supported by Sven Väth during his Omen times and was released by the label Ongaku which was run by Ata and Heiko M/S/O. It was produced by the Frankfurt based techno mentors Kay Praag and Jörn Elling Wuttke (Alter Ego, Sensorama) and celebrates its 30 year anniversary. „What is soul?“ is one of those classics which has not been played to death and comes along with brand new interpretations by no one else than Joris Voorn and Joseph Ashworth. Now we recall what soul really is…

Selected from Alexander Robotnick’s hits catalogue and released in this form for the first time, this is a unique compilation featuring all of Robotnick’s electro anthems originally released on the Fuzz Dance label. A must have for all italo-disco and synth-pop lovers out there !

Disco Volante is a new imprint created by Laila Moshiri (aka Laila), curator of the Disco Volante show on Ibiza Global Radio, aimed at merging different cultures, styles, personalities and their unique music frequencies.

The imprint's first EP - Aston Martin - is the result of the beautiful collaboration between Dandy Jack & Laila. Pursuing an intrinsic desire to flirt with deep and sensual music, Martin and Laila created a collection of tracks that span a multitude of genres, from laidback minimal to Detroit-tinged deep house.

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

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

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

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

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

BodyParts Vinyl resident Odessa-born Eric returns to the imprint with his new Gravity Precept EP, composed of three exquisitely produced originals and a remix from a master, Thomas Melchior. Gravity Precept explores the nooks and crannies between the minimal techno and spacey house genres and bends them together in a palette that is as coldly robotic as it is humanly warm. The dichotomy between the mechanical grooves and the delicately warm melodic elements raises the level of intimacy of this EP to a standard one would only find on the best of the after-hours. 

On the remix duties, Melchior Productions Ltd. infused the original track with his immensely shuffled, signature rhythms and striped down the entire mixdown to its bare bones. Such headroom created the perfect space for the pads and melodic elements to grow, for added melodrama, yet focused, straight-to-the-point and endlessly deep.

Dynamite Cuts is proud to be able to press, for the first time on 7” vinyl; the superb, original, Brit-Funk cut, taken from the rare and highly collectable 1977 self-entitled album FBI. Our A side, “Keep on Running”, is an uplifting vocal groove written by Mr. Stevie Wonder, delivered by F.B.I. Awesome: a heavy so groove, driving vocals, and a funky clav groove makes this a perfect vibe and an essential track.
On the flip is our part two version, a breakdown from the original master tape, giving a moving and up-tempo feel; a supreme funky instrumental cut, edited. Heavy groove, including a massive DJ drum break.

'A Winged Victory For The Sullen' is the first installment of the new collaboration between Stars Of The Lid member Adam Wiltzie and L.A. composer Dustin O'Halloran. The duo agreed to leave the comfort zone of their home studios and develop the recordings with the help of large acoustic spaces, hunting down a selection of 9ft grand pianos that had the ability to deliver extreme sonic low end.

Other traditional instrumentation was used including string quartet, French horn, and bassoon, but always juxtaposed is the sound of drifting guitar washed melodies. The recordings began with one late night session in the famed Grunewald Church in Berlin on a 1950's imperial B?sendorfer piano and strings were added in the historic East Berlin DDR radio studios along the River Spree. One last session on a handmade Fazioli piano in a private studio on the Northern cusp of Italy, before the final mixes took place in a 17th century villa near Ferrara with the assistance of Francesco Donadello. All songs were then processed completely analogue straight to magnetic tape.

Their secret to harvesting new melodic structures from the thin air of existence was for the duo to push themselves to dangerous territory, realising that clear thinking at the wrong moment could stifle the compositions. The final result is seven landscapes of harmonic ingemination. In 'Requiem For The Static King Part One' ? created in memory of the untimely passing of Mark Linkous ? they have taken the age-old idea of a string quartet and then shot it out of a cannon to reveal exquisite new levels of sonic bliss.

Of the 13 minute track 'Symphony Path?tique', Wiltzie says 'after almost 20 years of struggling to create interesting ambient drone music, I feel like I have finally figured out what I am doing'. Notable guest musicians include Icelandic cellist Hildur Gudnadottir, as well as Erased Tapes label comrade Peter Broderick on violin. A Winged Victory For The Sullen is not a side project ? it is the future of the late night record you have always dreamed of. A Major release for Forte, Non exportable.

Mesmerizing new abartik from one of the most talented swiss based artists. Abartik welcomes homeboy Aron for a stunning 4 track EP from outer space. This is definitely one for the books.

Crossroads explores the mysterious terrains of contemporary deep minimal techno with the Feral's distinct and inimitable tribal sound.

Early support from Abstract Division, Brando Lupi, Svreca, Cassegrain, and Ness to name a few.

Thomas Schumacher returns to Electric Ballroom showcasing his trademark combination of high energy, no-nonsense Techno and standout

samples from his vinyl collection.

Selected Productions is a collection of tracks produced by Tom Chasteen in the late 90s and released on the Exist Dance label.
Exist Dance started in Los Angeles in 1991 and was among the first labels to emerge from the LA Rave scene of the time, although musically the label pursued its own path , sometime in tune with rhythmic warehouse madness, sometimes heading elsewhere.
These tracks emerge from later in the Exist Dance story, when Tom Chasteen was living in Prescott, AZ, performing at Phoenix and Tucson raves and clubs and steadily releasing small pressings of 12” singles and EPs.

Ghost Story is a high desert tale, emerging from the hours long Roland 303 and Space Echo based live performances Tom was doing at the time, condensed into a dramatic vinyl side and featuring guest guitar work from Clive Wright.

Champion Sound is a remix of a 1991 Exist Dance release, the original being perhaps the first “Breakbeat” track from the West Coast. This version expands the concept of remix to its limits, keeping only some vocals from the original and setting them free in a new psychedelic landscape.

The Accident Of Birth takes the breakbeat style to a darker galaxy.

Spanish artists Jay Nortown and Jacobo Saavedra aka JNJS delivering the next installment of MOVIN'. The collaboration of these two talents has produced top releases on many highly respected labels and gained support of industry leading acts. Now they continue with this beautiful 4 track vinyl EP for us."

Early Support from: Priku, Arapu, Traumer, Barac, Archie Hamilton, S.A.M, Janeret, Nu Zau, Direkt, Cosmjn, Tania Vulcano & more

Soulful sounds from the South of Italy, coming courtesy of Soul Departure Recordings label head Kikko Esse. Four dynamic, emotive, and downright delectable house cuts that will have you dreaming of Italian coastlines and Campari’s. Produced to perfection, laced with feeling and driven by groove, it’s house that hits you in the heart.

"Delivering his first solo EP in over two years, Blue Hour releases Origins, the 21st release on Blue Hour Music. Following a succession of remixes, V/A contributions and an EP under his Tracing Xircles alias earlier this year, the Berlin-based producer and DJ shares four tracks diving deeper into his UK roots. Channelling breakbeat, techno and trance with the hallmarks of 90’s rave, Origins builds upon the foundations created from his EP ‘Devotion’ in 2020.

In this eclectic EP, Blue Hour explores several sonic palettes. The title track blends celestial chords with urgent drums and acid basslines, while uplifting vocals and subtle melodies wind through the track. ‘True’ dips more heavily into breakbeat territory with evolving and immersive pads, soaring strings and a twinkling synth-line. A dynamic fusion of fast-paced energy and soft touches.

On the flip, ‘Emergence’ dances a delicate line between melancholia and elation, as dystopian chords pool with a squelchy acid sequence and a classic house vocal. ‘Searching’ closes on an ambient tip with spell-binding pads and an angelic melody, conveying a bright side to Blue Hour’s aesthetic, akin to Origins as a whole."

Totally feels like what might happen if you blended Air and The Cure together.
Goth-pop from California.

Vargmal Records is an independent record label and multidisciplinary platform founded by Gent Gjonbalaj. Operating from Prishtina, Kosovo, the imprint publishes hypnotic compositions of various forms, exploring the realms of electronic music and beyond. The label's debut release marks the birth of an initiative started several years ago, reflecting on a process of growth, research and refinement.

Conceived as a foundation record, the 'Classics' EP demonstrates Vargmal's concept and overall spirit. The Italian pioneer Leo Anibaldi inaugurates the label featuring two cuts on the A-side, originally produced in the early 1990s--'Muta 5' and an as yet unheard version of 'Endurance 4'--replete with Anibaldi's signature sound programming and high-octane output. On the flip, the torch is passed to another Italian master, Donato Dozzy, who takes them to another level with his peculiar and precise remix treatment. Where Anibaldi paves the way for a possible future, Dozzy applies a modern touch to the same fundamental approach--a balancing act that shows a spectrum within the conceptual framework from two different points in the continuum, transcending any individual style or place in time.

Selected by their ability to extract the full potentiality of the sound, the tracks on this release reflect a minimalist approach that is inherently resourceful and discerning, whilst maximizing effect and impact. The efficiency of the sound can be heard in the stripped-back elements, practical arrangement and execution of the creative idea. 'Muta 5' opens the EP, a throbbing mass of pressure cooker action, continuously building tension with rippling percussion lines and syncopated beats. Ahead of its time in 1993, 'Muta 5' has a raw, driving energy and commanding authority. Dozzy reworks it into a tighter, linear forma--whilst retaining the angst of the original, he applies new synth motifs and notches the speed down for extra poise. 'Endurance 4' (Version II) is a tribal workout with hallmarks of the classic Italian deep techno sound. With arching drones, chugging rhythms and dramatic narratives, 'Endurance 4' presents an idiosyncratic style and emotive character which later became the model for this sound. Dozzy's hypnotic faculty shines through on the remix, a polished re-run that elaborates on the ominous melodic theme, and lifts the sound majestically to a gliding altitude--marking the end of this record and the beginning of Vargmal's journey.

After our last release titled “jazz Baileys” we are back with House Experience Vol.2., this time in Ep format, presented by Bs As deep.
The previous volume was clearly dedicated to being a various artists, also with the participation of Bs As deep.

We have been working since vinyl number 4 with musicians, who have a participation in almost all the tracks released.

When we talk about musicians, we are including keyboardists, saxophonists, percussionists, guitarists or bassists.

Our goal or common thread has always been to achieve a warm and forceful sound, so that it can be heard in any environment, and at the same time be used at any time of the night, on a dance floor.
With those involved in both past and current releases, we share a common idea, which guides us in the interpretation of each song.
We also base ourselves on house influences from the late 90s (96,97,98,99)

Personally, we are moved by those times in which the sounds become more sophisticated, more elaborated in detail, and that is when we believe that the house that we listen to today with soul and jazz sounds, take on more relevance.

They also promote Afro and Latin percussion, leaning towards that New York and Puerto Rican fusion.

For all this, we like to include classic instruments, such as roland rhodes, the much-loved Juno, or korg packages with their inevitable M1.

Many shots are made live through a session expressed by the musician, who improvises for a while, from there we extract some part, which can be used several times in several tracks.

It is always necessary to do an editing job to adapt and correct any dissonance or variation in time that implies desynchronization in the beat. All this working in the sequencer of the daw to use.
On this album you will be able to hear soulful house sounds strongly impacted by keyboards, flutes and session basses, as well as some perfectly adapted percussion samples.

reissue with original artwork!

Todd Terje's 2012 EP It's the Arps rumbled the floors of warehouse parties and hedonistic sleepovers alike with lead single 'Inspector Norse' leading the vanguard of electro fun.


Please welcome: It's The Arps! Oslo's magic music maker Todd Terje has already gained a wunderkind like reputation for his gentle yet potent productions (we won't mention the 'E' word here) on labels like Full Pupp, Permanent Vacation and Running Back on top of being one of the best remixers money can buy (Shit Robot, Bryan Ferry, Dølle Jllle etc etc). What is there left for him to do Establish a label of his own! 'It's The Arps' is the starting signal for Olsen. And what a splendid one it is. Created from scratch and solely on the mythical synthesizer ARP 2600, it features four tracks (reads instant classics) that couldn't be a better follow-up to his 2011 super hit EP 'Ragysh'. Towering over the assortment is the laser crime scene called 'Inspector Norse'. Defying genres and blinkers, this is finest goose bumps dance music that makes you whistle along, laughing and crying all at the same time - but the rest isn't half bad either. The short, but sweet 'Myggsommer' gives away Terje's secret love for quirky exotika, whereas 'Swing Star Pt 1' and its brother have a (balearic) brilliance and witchery to them that is rarely found nowadays. Released on Olsen Records and housed in a beautiful sleeve courtesy of Bendik Kaltenborn. 100% Arp 2600 and 200% Todd Terje.

EDB’s follow up of his 2021 debut ‘True Stories’ is finally here, and shows once again his skills for all things funky, quircky and some basslines to die for!

There is a whole range of vibes here from the astro funk of the aptly titled ‘Progressions’ to the Detroit echoes of ‘Not A Choice’, the modern twists of ‘Nothing is Wasted’ till the beatless opus ‘Masquerade’.

But make sure not to miss this special collaboration with Kemetic Just’s own Just One on the anthemic ‘The Rhythm Got Me Way Up’.
‘The Long Way Up’ its another testament of EDB’s never stopping brilliance!

Some records just stop you in your tracks. They resonate with you and feel instantly familiar like an old friend, even on the first listen. SOYUZ's third album ‘Force of the Wind’ is one of those records. It holds all the trademarks, beauty, and eccentricities of classic Brazilian recordings, from the 60s and 70s, that we have come to love. Think artists such as Milton Nascimento, Lô Borges, Burnier e Cartier, Arthur Verocai et al. But this record wasn’t made in Brazil and is in fact a brand-new release.

SOYUZ (which translates as 'union') is a creative collective from Minsk, Belarus, led by composer, arranger, and singer, Alex Chumak, multi-instrumentalist, Mikita Arlou, and drummer, Anton Nemahai. SOYUZ's previous albums explored and reimagined the legacy of jazz-oriented, non-English-language pop music of the 20th century. For their third album, there is a stronger focus, and it is influenced by 70s Música popular Brasileira and building bridges from it to present-day Belarus. Alex notes that from the moment he first encountered Brazilian music, he found in it a kind of concentrated emotion that felt as if it were familiar to him from his childhood. This non-verbal emotion and connection between the listener and musician echoes in the music, regardless of understanding of the language the album is recorded in.

‘Force of the Wind’ includes songs sung in Russian and Portuguese as well as instrumental compositions. Its musical palette is both acoustic and electroacoustic: rich warm Rhodes piano, soaring string arrangements, and a controlled drum swagger sounding both relaxed yet super tight. Alongside Alex's sublime vocals, that grace the majority of the tracks, the album features guest performances by multi-talented musician and vocalist Kate NV and rising Brazilian star, Sessa. Alex also recently arranged a number of tracks on Sessa's highly praised 2022 album 'Estrela Acesa'.

On the album, the trio is joined by a cast of friends; NY-based musician of Turkish origin percussionist, Cem Mısırlıoğlu, classically trained composer, Simon Hanes, who aided with string arrangements and conducting the string players, Netherlands-based Brazilian multi-instrumentalist, Gabriel Milliet, on flutes. With the collaboration of these friends SOYUZ have created nine songs/suites that are subtle and plenitude and like the best albums, leave you aching for more.

‘Force of the Wind’ is an enigma, Brazilian yet not Brazilian, vintage yet still contemporary, out of sync with modern culture yet completely relevant and necessary.