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microCastle’s first offering of 2024 welcomes Adrian Roman back to the label for his second artist showcase. Hailing from Spain, Adrian Roman first rose to prominence in 2021 with a string of superlative releases which redefined his sound, resulting in an aesthetic that was both cutting edge and effortlessly cool. F, nmully formed within the creative confines of his Castello studio, Adrian’s first microCastle project, 2022’s‘ Disturbing the Perception’ succeeded in showcasing his inventive approach to composition, while remaining club-effective, and in turn earning play from Aera, Fideles and Jimi Jules, amongst others. Moving forward the next eighteen months have proved to be impactful for the young Spaniard, recording standout projects for AZZUR and Sum Over Histories, releases which continued to build on his creative acumen, while remaining in the playlists of underground tastemakers Ame and Dixon. With 2024 beginning with Adrian’s latest Sum Over Histories vehicle ‘Oratorical Ability’, the Spaniard now makes a welcome return to microCastle with a six-track showcase entitled ‘This Is What I Was For A Moment’.

From the opening monochromes of ‘Le Sabbat’ Adrian’s craftsmanship reveals itself across this slow-burning piece, one where grating growls, granular flares and panoramic arps ultimately set the pace for the groove-centric ‘Customized Reality’. It’s here where Adrian puts a greater focus on the dancefloor, marrying hopeful vocal phrasing and silky chord stabs for a rejuvenating experience, while a drum-driven drop ultimately charts the course for a finale of deconstructed sonics and post-rave bliss. The haywire electricity of ‘Faces of Belmez’ finds the Spaniard once again flexing his creative muscles, as corrugated bleeps and cataclysmic rhythms provide a vast sense of space, creating the ultimate backdrop for distorted synths to propel choppy rhythms into dark underground passages, and perhaps onto some of the world’s most adventurous dancefloors.

The collection’s midway point is marked by the hypno-architecture of ‘Mind Design’. Trickling reverberations and long sighs of tonal tension wade through its pulsating framework, with frayed effects and thumping rhythms submerged beneath a buzzing panoramic glow. Played by Ame and sitting as one of the project's most enigmatic tracks is ‘TAGDI’ (They Are Gonna Do It). Tinted with contemplative synths and guttural vocals, Adrian’s unique emotionality peaks here, as he crafts a low-slung, slow-building dystopian romance, all while weaving in cerebral manipulations for an unforgettable ride. The mist breaks instantly on the collection’s final piece, as your thrusted into the muscular grooves of ‘Fear Track’. Horrifying vocal stabs strike, leaving the gauzy purple skies of ‘TAGDI’ behind for a more robust romp, one where anabolic bassline, retro-arps and off kilter percussion bring the release to a feverish peak. A fitting conclusion to a diverse collection of music, one where Adrian creates a journey that speaks to the complexities of life against an immersive and challenging backdrop.

Artwork: Maurcio Seidel

Vinyl only. Limited

Enter the realm of sonic enchantment with Mixcult Records' latest offering, MCRV015 - VA - Tripping Dubs 3. This exquisite 4-track EP features a diverse array of artists, each contributing their unique vision to create an immersive auditory experience.

Arph kicks off the journey with "Forma Trium" (A1), a hypnotic blend of pulsating rhythms and intricate melodies that set the stage for what's to come. As the music unfolds, listeners are transported to a dancefloor drenched in mood and atmosphere, where every beat is a revelation and every note a moment of pure bliss.

Holm Torrance follows suit with "DP1" (A2), a mesmerizing exploration of deep basslines and ethereal textures that unravel like threads in the fabric of sound. With each passing moment, the music draws listeners deeper into its spell, revealing new layers of emotion and intrigue.

On the B side, Overt's "Square" (B1) injects a burst of energy into the mix, with its sharp beats and infectious grooves igniting the senses and driving the mood to new heights. As the colors of the music dance and intertwine, listeners find themselves swept away by the sheer power and intensity of the track.

Closing out the EP is Martin Aquino's "Apex" (B2), a hauntingly beautiful composition that showcases the artist's impeccable production skills and keen sense of melody. As the music unfolds, listeners are taken on a journey through sonic landscapes that shimmer with emotion and depth, leaving them in awe of the sheer talent on display.

Tripping Dubs 3 is more than just a collection of tracks—it's an invitation to explore the boundless possibilities of sound and rhythm, a testament to the transformative power of music. So step into the groove, and let the journey begin.

Jack's House Recordings favourite (Alex Arnout), is back with another 4 track solid EP. This is the 3rd EP with Alex signed to the label. Alex was the first artist to release on the imprint back in 2016 with sell out Confirmation Bias ep followed by the Sync Jam release and further productions on some of the Jacks Tracks VA series. This latest offering with the new Burn EP does not disappoint


This limited vinyl press offers 4 distinctive tracks showcasing Alex's ability and talent to seamlessly blend influences from different genres making his production unique creating his staple sound.


First up is Burn which kicks of with tough tech beats quickly followed by some punchy chords before it develops into a beautiful fusion of an energetic original tech house sound merged with what can only be described as a pure soulful touch with the vocal snippet which occasionally and simply sings the the title track lyric (Burn). You could describe it as Tech soul if that were a thing. Punchy, warm and energising with a touch of a romantic notion in there while maintaining the techy roots, you will have this on repeat.


2nd up is Tribespeople, which takes you into Alex's tougher side. Leading with a full on kick and rounded sound, it is perfectly suited for true underground dance floors at the height of their energy, or to wake it up, this track is made for the committed clubber that really likes to go for it ! The track is laced with subtle fills that will jog your memory and take you back to the original days of rave. This is pure underground bliss.


On the flip side, is the popular Punkadelic. This was originally released back in 2022 on Jacks Tracks VA Vol 5 alongside tracks from Terry Francis, Lex & Legit Trip. It was always intended to be a vinyl release, so by popular demand, it is finally going onto wax, where it deserves to be. Punkadelic is dark with a real techno vibe, but even in here, if you have a good ear, you can hear subtle touches of Jazz in the percussion, which yet again showcases Alex Arnout's unique talent to fuse elements of different genres in an especially classy way.


Last but by no means least, is a slightly different flavour with the track Recall. This is a slightly more laid back number, but still punchy with a good chug to it, and keeping within the sounds of the underground. Vocal snippets are spoken and broken throughout the track laced over some ghostly chords accompanied by swinging hats, claps and a fierce bassline.

Damian Lazarus’ Crosstown Rebels imprint announces, ‘Portrait of the Obscure’, the stunning new album from Oceanvs Orientalis.

Following three superb singles on the label across the past four months, the nine-track LP offers a comprehensive exploration of the Instanbul-based talent’s rich, globally-infused and captivating sound, with the project set for release on 26th April 2024.

Safak Oz Kutle, known as Oceanvs Orientalis, is a producer and live performer based in Istanbul. His musical style intricately weaves together diverse sonic tapestries of wide-spanning genres and cultures, and through his creative fusion of these influences, he crafts an immersive world that takes you far away from the usual club music references. His music serves as a celebration of his musical heritage, and this has never been truer than on his superb new album ‘Portrait of the Obscure’, which again pushes traditional boundaries within the electronic sphere. Set for release on 26th April via Damian Lazarus’ renowned and celebrated Crosstown Rebels imprint, the nine-track LP project features a showcase of solo and collaborative material alongside close friends such as Tooker, Idil Mese and Tilahun Gessesse, delivering a journey into the creative mind of one of
the scene’s most intriguing talents.

The bold and riveting project kicks off with the captivating synthscapes, fluttering strings and plucked bass of the gorgeous ‘Pulse Antique’, before ‘Ministry Of Midnight’ cuts loose on more jumbled rhythms and intricate organic lines warmed with wordless vocals. Next up are two of the lead
singles - the tense and intricate house sonics of ‘Neutrality’ and the haunting atmospheres and ethereal synth lines of ‘IL Lupo’ featuring Tooker, while ‘Conritmo’ continues to bring exotic new string sounds, leftfield melodies and warped bass to this most vibrant exploration of candle-lit house sounds. ‘Soul of Calypso’ blisses out on far-sighted cosmic chords with sonorous bells and late-night spoken word musings that add all-new character to the innovative grooves. Then comes the laid-back, jazz-infused house of ‘Heart Pieces’ feat. Idil Mese, a deep and jazzy jungle shuffler
in ‘Mercury’ and the playful horns and lumpy, dub-wise swagger of ‘Lanchi Biye’.

An album project encompassing its title perfectly, ‘Portrait of the Obscure’ is just that - a magnificent snapshot of the unique musical mind of Oceanvs Orientalis.

Warehouse Find!

Following the sold out Theo Parrish remix of Marcos Valle's '1985', here's the second in Far Out's Brazilika 12" with three scorching remixes from UK dance veteran Ashley Beedle. Three peak time excursions into percussive, soulful house on a stylish, cosmic Brazilian party tip.

Following the sold out Theo Parrish remix of Marcos Valle's '1985' back in April, the second release in Far Out's Brazilika 12' series features a highlight from Sabrina Malheiros' 2011 album 'Dreaming': the blissed-out, sun soaked samba classic 'Opara', which gets three scorching remixes from UK dance veteran Ashley Beedle.

Currently celebrating a decade since the release of her critically acclaimed debut album 'Equilibria', Sabrina Malheiros has remained at the forefront of modern, soul-infused Brazilian music. Growing up in Rio, the daughter of Alex Malheiros, bassist of Jazz-funk pioneers Azymuth, Sabrina has taken the legacy of samba and bossa nova and forged her own forward-thinking path, taking with her all the style and substance of the early days.

Produced under his Afrikanz On Marz moniker, Beedle's remix brings all the right elements of the original to the fore. The result is three peak time excursions into percussive, soulful house on a stylish, cosmic Brazilian party tip, infused with rich, warm rhodes, synth and flute throughout.

The vocal mix on the A side provides a spacious backdrop of twinkling keys and buoyant percussion to Malheiros' gently floating strains. The other mixes offer similarly floor-focused variations: the aptly titled 'Galactic Flute Remix' on the flip pairs the titular wind instrument with a deeper groove that retains the loose-limbed appeal of the original, plus a bonus instrumental to boot. A sure fire heat bringer and certainly one of the most colourful dance 12's we've heard this year.

The Brazilika 12' series is the new vinyl home to the previously unreleased dance exclusives taken from the Spiritual South mix on CD2 of Far Out's 20th anniversary double compilation, released in May 2015.

Here is the second release on Silvi, "Aya EP" by Head Honcho Roy Brizman. This time, he presents three of his productions, skillfully blending emotion and rhythm.

Opening the EP is 'Aya,' the title track, which has resonated deeply in the clubbing scene over the past year. It serves as a personal homage to Roy's wife, Aya, and is sure to evoke a whirlwind of emotions with every play.

Following that, we have 'That Blissful Morning' on B1. This track takes you on an introspective sonic journey, pushing beyond conventional boundaries. A euphoric wave strikes at the heart, ushering in a profound sense of bliss.

Rounding out the trio is 'Control' on B2, a must-have in the arsenal of every serious selector. It's the kind of tune that seamlessly fits into any set, making transitions both smooth and impactful.

SILVI002, Aya EP, stands out as a diverse and engaging offering in the electronic landscape, appealing to both avid followers of Roy Brizman and those new to his sound. It's an EP poised to make a mark and leave a lasting impression, as Roy continues to build on his renowned reputation.

Repress!

Newcomer Jac Solaire lands from outer space with a huge double-A side release, unashamedly leaning full tilt into the golden era of late 90’s French House. “Volaris” leads the way bringing huge energy and uplifting vocals whilst the more laidback “Into The Night” provides us with a beautiful Stardust-esque excursion into pure bliss!

Rising star Alex Virgo joins the party with a heavy remix on “Volaris” which twists and turns with hypnotic loops and grooves.

This ones hot ..Vinyl only until further notice!

Rekab arrives on the shores of Analog Concept Records in a sense-satisfying, lush style with the Concept EP.

There's a lot packed into these 4 tracks, as the record spins full circle emitting sonic intricacy for both the mind and the floors.

Right away, vividly soothing and atmospheric hybrids of downtempo breakbeat electronica with a bit of ambient techno personality blissfully charm the experiences on Concept 1 and 2, while the B side extends the cosmic joyride with the soul permeating chords and therapeutic electro of Concept 3; and of course there is fun where there is mystery, hence a 909 and ambient house flavoured remix of the third Concept from the always impressive yet very elusive Convextion aka E.R.P.

Curated with purpose, mastered with love.

Treat your ears and electronic sets to the vision of Rekab's Concept, up next on vinyl for the exclusive Analog Concept Records.

Southern Exposure is proud to present the debut solo EP from Mike Midnight. Angel Hours was originally self-released digitally but has been lovingly pressed on heavyweight vinyl for the first time with design from Jeffrey Annert.

Angel Hours current rise felt like it was imminent from the first listen, with contributions from Noa (Voice Actor/Stroom) and 3NDLES5 (Low Life). Mike’s production across the release feels akin to 90’s artists like I:Cube, Thievery Corporation or certain Weatherall moments. The heavenly references are well deserved with multiple moments on the release feeling truly divine, whilst others take a low-lit and alluring feel. Mike Midnight feels singular in the Australian music landscape, like a mix between the best parts of Paul Mac, Single Gun Theory and Ian Eccles-Smith.

Angel Hours continues the lineage of Australian music breaking through to international recognition with the release becoming a mainstay on NTS Radio, breakfast show host Flo Dill dubbing it “music that when listened to at night makes you feel unstoppable.” Remastered by Corey Kikos (Sleep D/Butter Sessions), the balance of each track of downtempo bliss feels like you’re not only unstoppable but weightless.

Big thank you to Theodore, Mitch, Jeff, Mon, Noa, my friends, family and all the collaborators for their continued patience and support.

Banoffee Pies Records Black Label Series continues with a very special solo EP from Ukraine born producer & DJ, Adelina. Now Berlin based, the Oracool party founder, and multi medium artist, who’s roots in Kyiv’s underground sound, and passion for music culture, shines through their already distinct sonic signature.

Following the mesmerising dusty cut single “Soft Moving” the full EP extends to combine this haunted 5 track collection via the 7th release on the BPR sub label. Adelina’s introspective approach strikes a magnetism on their surrounding environment using a precise and mature combination of broken structures, dreamy dub basslines and high bliss electronica.

Recently immersed into sound creation while exploring the most cryptic aspects in the connections between sonic spheres, BPBL07 offers a fluid introduction to the imprint while representing the new Ukrainian sound wave. Their choice selections and alluring charisma as an artist reflect their infinite certainty in the power of music as a universal key.

After five years from "Cash On The Line" Admiral returns with some hot served distillate of his sweet psychedelic bliss. Admiral takes us on an acid soaked journey through the many realms of consciousness offering a unique and alluring soundscape that defies traditional boundaries."Do You Want To Sit On The Green" sounds like library music coming from a parallel universe where the familiar and the surreal seamlessly blend to create a musical tapestry that is both nostalgic and avant-garde.

Batu returns to A Long Strange Dream for a deep dive into otherworldly ambient soundscapes, after infusing his interest in beatless forms in recent releases.

Drawing inspiration from the ambiance of chill-out rooms and their ability to channel the intense emotions of rave, he presents an entrancing voyage into post-euphoria, where self-exploration lives at the border of lucid dreaming and reality.

By recontextualizing his signature studies of the frontiers between organic and synthetic sounds outside of dancefloors, the multi-faceted producer displays a blissfully radiant and emotive side throughout an ecstatic journey.

After five years from "Cash On The Line" Admiral returns with some hot served distillate of his sweet psychedelic bliss. Admiral takes us on an acid soaked journey through the many realms ofconsciousness offering a unique and alluring soundscape that defies traditional boundaries.

"Do You Want To Sit On The Green" sounds like library music coming from a parallel universe where the familiar and the surreal seamlessly blend to create a musical tapestry that is both nostalgic and avant-garde.

Depending on your personal circumstances, the Covid pandemic was either a blissed-out paid holiday or a stressful and seemingly never-ending time of loss and hardship. Both ends of the spectrum are gorgeously captured here by London-based Joy Ellis, who wrote her third album 'Peaceful Place' during those strange weeks.

Though a renowned singer, she decided to strip things back to just piano for this record, with long-time collaborators Adam Osmianski on drums and Henrik Jensen on double bass fleshing out the sound.

It is a poignant listen from front to back, with all the many different emotions of that time conveyed perfectly, from grief to uncertainty, hope to despair, in one immersive record. The sheer beauty of these songs and the meaning of the melodies stay with you long after they have finished playing, making this a real triumph out of adversity and one that is sure to stand the test of time.

Having featured on the Diamonds in the Night series with the epic “Midnight Opera”, it was only a matter of time before Lukas Zeringis, better known as Zakmina, had his own 12” on Bordello A Parigi. Following appearances on Correspondant, Future Boogie and XXX, the Lithuanian born musician arrives with two tracks that break the mould. A speeding rhythm sees “For U” race out of the stocks. Bright strings arc before a generous break and this old-school rave anthem reveals itself in all of its brazen glory. Glowsticks at the ready for this seven minute romp into sweaty ecstasy. The flip is inhabited by a completely different animal. “Take Me Back” comes to life with blissful notes before rasping rhythms give way to a rumbling arpeggiator. Sailing strings are countered by squalid acid undercurrents as Zeringis finds a sweet spot between braindance bleep and soulful electronics. A seriously strong debut.

Cocoon Recordings' next 12” vinyl comes from a well-known face. No introduction needed as nobody less than Gregor Tresher once again delivers a superb and surprising pair of tracks.

“Black Halo” is down-the-line and perhaps one of the catchiest tracks by Gregor Tresher.
The wobbling driving bassline builds up a rising tension that increases through the vast, detuned, and powerful string parts appearing to extend out to light years, reaching far beyond. Zaps drive the rhythm forward while rushing cymbals push the groove and weld everything together to absolute unity. For Gregor, techno and club culture have certain transcendental qualities, “Black Halo” is concerned with these sentiments and tells an ambivalent story. The onset of bliss oscillates between melancholy and hope, making it an exuberant roller coaster of emotions. A classic Gregor Tresher track, which perfectly represents Gregor’s signature sound!

“Phantom Dancer” literally pulls you onto the dance floor. Discharging beats, which hit you heavily but pleasant. The atmosphere violently evolves with a twisted noise-like signal sound and gets even more brute through the low-pitched filter vocals. An exceptionally deep techno production by Gregor Tresher, which will definitely come to full fruition in the clubs at peak time.

Italian legend Walter Del Vecchio aka Quiroga pays tribute to the acid house era on Hell Yeah with a new package that comes with two originals, an ambient mix and a remix from cult hero DMX Krew.

Quiroga released his last sublime album Passages on this label and it came as the latest entry into a discography filled with beauty and detail. He is a talented musician from Naples who has his own left-of-centre take on the Mediterranean sounds of the city, as he shows once again here with a house-leaning outing.

Quiroga has teamed up with cult musician Dario Bassolino and called upon Whodamanny's mixing skills for these new tracks. First is 'Once Again', a punchy and chunky house cut with skewed bass spraying about the mix. Its rough analogue edges are lit up by searing acid lines that never quit and will turn any party into a cauldron of intensity. The Ambient Version is a full-flavour downtempo workout that keeps the wild acid lines, adds in some FX, old-school piano chords and a yelping female vocal next to a blissful breakdown. 'Once Again' (DMX Krew Remix) is then a bumping acid-electro monster with fat drums and the manic 303 offset by serene chord work to make for a perfectly emotional dance floor delight.

'Freak The Funk' is a second original cut, as rides of crisp snares and snapping drum breaks blend with a warm bassline and smeared cosmic chords up top. It's a classy peak-time house cut with magical pixelated synth melodies.

Alongside superb artwork from PlanetLuke, this is another essential package from Hell Yeah.


DJ Support:

Sean Johnston (ALFOS), Kristian (AME), Fango, Front De Cadeaux, Sinchi Collective, Phat Phil Cooper, Balearic Gabba Sound System

Red hot Italian DJ and production collective Aura Safari is back with a second full-length album, Island Dreams. It lands on Hell Yeah Recordings on September 15th and is another live and sun-kissed odyssey through balmy Mediterranean evenings, gorgeous sundown sessions and funky analogue grooves.

Andrea Moretti, Lorenzo Lavoratori, Daniele Melloni, Nicholas Iammatteo, Lorenzo Francioli, Ruggero Bonucci and Nicola Pitassio are Aura Safari, and between them they play drums, percussion, bass, keys, and guitar. They contributed to the first volume of the Buena Onda compilation in 2020 on this label, a year after serving up a debut album on London's Church Records. Since then they have become ever more entrenched in their local scene in Perugia, playing summer sets at the Umbria Jazz Festival, winter warmers at the legendary Red Zone Club and host their own Tropical Climax parties each month in the town centre.

Aura Safari are also deep-digging music collectors who have extensive and far-reaching tastes. When cooking up their sounds they draw on everything from Afro to Italo, house to disco, 80s boogie to world music, jazz and Balearic beats. This new album shows that once more across four sides of vinyl that sweep you up and transport you to somewhere idyllic.

The title track kicks off with steamy Mediterranean grooves embellished with lush Rhodes chords and sprinkles of cosmic magic. 'Sur Mon Balconnet' then slips into dubbed-out disco territory with 80s synths and leggy drums while 'Riserva Naturale' is a new-age jazz house sound with majestic lead synths and heart-melting chords that speak of a sunset dance on the beach. 'Onda' has squelchy boogie bass with hip-swinging drums, 'Wave Riding' is a lo-fi funk excursion with hints of West Coast Californian swagger and 'Magic Malbe' is loose-limbed Balearica with clear blue skies and blissed-out chords.

'Dancing in the Moonlight' feat. Zeke Manyika has all the vibrant feelings of bubblegum pop with Afro vocals and steel drum sounds next to rich xylophone sounds. There is plenty of heat and exotic charm to the proto-Afro house of 'Tropical Climax' and as well as dub versions of 'Sur Mon Balconnet' and 'Dancing in the Moonlight' come the scuffed-up Dam-Funk style beats and boogie of 'Disco Mantra' before closer 'Patagonia' shuts down with elastic drums and bass and playful synth leads that send you home wanting more.

Island Dreams is a tropical escape to a rich world of fusion sounds that look back to go forwards. It's a feel-good record to accompany hot nights and lazy afternoons, cocktails at dusk and dancing till dawn.

We’re starved for two-sided 12”s in the world of ambient music, but Chris Madak aka. Bee Mask has refreshingly graced us with one this week.

It should be said that there’s Skee Mask and then there’s Bee Mask; the latter is far more unsung, undeservingly so. Madak’s music is abstract and cerebral enough to have lent him credo enough to have released on the likes of Weird Forest, Spectrum Spools and Room40.

But this latest reissue, ‘Versailles Is Not Too Large Or Infinity Too Long’, hears him plunge the aethereal heights for the US label Unifactor. Originally released on cassette on Chondritic Sound in 2008, these pieces deserve the renewed attention and the fresh laying to wax, since they’re not “regular ole” ambient cuts in the slightest.

Unafraid of indulging the high end freqs, Bee Mask fleshes out a mood of uncertain, urgent bliss - sizzling, crunching and soaring the drone, as if its maker were a modern Icarus flying too close to the sun.