REPRESSED !!
Contort Yourself has once again gathered the best and boldest from past and present for its fourth EP. To begin with we have the grimacing visage of Volition Immanent, an intense live act made up of Parrish Smith and Mark Van de Maat (Knekelhuis). Behind rawkish distortion, splintered beats and acrid bars screams a boiled anger; a track spitting on the divides of punk and electronics. Nastiness is taken up a notch as noise ne'er-do-wells Zombies Under Stress take over. Static is bent and doubled across thick chords and collapsed clap in the 1986 "Maan Zal Zijn" before the raw and raging battery of "In Onze Tijd." L.I.E.S. regular Svengalisghost grapples with "Maan Zal Zijn, channelling the original's rage into a mechanical monster. The 12" is bookended with bite as Mark Forshaw (Tabernacle/Berceuse Heroique) closes with the tortured and torrential thump of "Submission." A callous, caustic and fervently cruel EP.
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INE MELODIE, DIE IM ABENDWIND VORBEIWEHT. REGENTROPFEN, DIE GLITZERND AN DER SCHEIBE HINUNTERPERLEN. JENE KLEINEN MOMENTE, UNSCHEINBAR UND DOCH SO INTENSIV UND UNVERGESSLICH. ES SIND DIESE MOMENTE, DIE DEN SOUND VON DOLPH BESTIMMEN. DENN DIE POCHENDE SCHWERE DER KICKDRUM UND DAS MUNTERE KRACHEN DER CLAP SIND ZWAR NICHT ZU ÜBERHÖREN - DOCH DIE EIGENTLICHE MAGIE ENTSTEHT WOANDERS. WOMIT WIR BEI JENEN KLEINEN, SCHEINBAR BEILÄUFIGEN MOMENTEN WÄREN: DUBBIGE DELAYS, DIE WIE BLÄTTER DURCH DIE LUFT WIRBELN. LANG GEZOGENE FILTERMODULATIONEN, DIE WIE NEBELSCHWADEN DURCHS KLANGBILD DRIFTEN. FARBENFROHE HARMONIEN, DIE ÜBERRASCHEND AUFBLÜHEN. AUF EINER 10' VINYL GIBT'S DAS VERSONNENE FREE OF THOUGHTS UND DEN IN ZUSAMMENARBEIT MIT LEVOLT ENTSTANDENEN TRACK X, DIGITAL GESELLEN SICH EIN WEITERER, EXKLUSIVER TITEL SOWIE EIN REMIX VON MOLLONO.BASS DAZU.
'Escape from Reality' as first track, goes down as a bleeping submarine, deep diving into underwater caves where a slow and hypnotic rhythm reverberates through ears and mind. Second cut 'Alchemy' continues the interdimensional explorations, and after long intro, it gradually detaches from the surface reaching a leaden sky. Drums and claps alternates on a soundscape of constant roars, holding the track in a steady mesmerizing jingle. The B-side opens with 'Found Myself', edgy broken beat with a stronger and more club-oriented dynamism which finds its best shot in the last cut 'Chain Reaction'. A ravishing synthline drives through tribalesque drums, snares and thunderclaps to close the record with a mystic vibe....
For the second release, the artist Kaelan joins the ranks of the squad of Shaw Cuts with the EP 'The Silent Swordsman'. Equipped by his sharp stabbing weapon and a mysterious fighting technique taught by the head chief of the Sun Moon Sect Master Wu himself, Kaelan strikes out to hunt. Not hectic but silent, so watch your back!
The chase starts off with 'Latch', a straight techno banger with swirling chords and thrusting percussions that can easily slice the villain's face into pieces. Bloodbath.
'Claw' already gives hint to another weapon of Kaelan just by the track's name. Filled with filtered moving chords and vigorous and intense drums, this tune would be the perfect soundtrack for the final fight between two kung-fu masters, surrounded by befogged dead bodies lying on some mossy floor.
On the B-Side, Farron bolsters up the silent swordsman with a more break-beat orientated version of 'Claw', filled with energetic clap combos, subtle pads and big bass drum hits.
The whole EP is topped off with the track 'Hasen', a beautiful journey into ambient music with a touching atmosphere.
Mission completed. The carnage continues
- A1: I Was There
- A2: Muhammad Ali 2.0 (High Contrast Remix)
- A3: Miss U Less, See U More 2.0 (Purple Disco Machine Remix)
- B1: Bombs 2.0 (Claptone Remix) Faithless Feat. Harry Collier
- B2: Tarantula 2.0 (Booka Shade Remix)
- B3: Drifting Away 2.0 (Autograf Remix)
- C1: Insomnia (Monster Mix)
- C2: God Is A Dj
- C3: We Come 1 (Radio Edit)
- D1: Salva Mea
- D2: Mass Destruction (Single Version)
- D3: Don't Leave
Manchester based producer Sameed delivers us a very nice EP for the Skylax n°141. After his first weapon "Spend EP" on the swedish label Local Talk, he confirms here his taste for house music with "Ma'Thang". This new release is perfect to bring a dark and sensual amosphere to a warm up set.The first side begins with "Bad You", a perfect mix between a deep bassline, a mysterious background and soulfull vocals. The only element that kept you stuck on the floor is the raw clap. "No one else" is more focused on the beat and the repetition of the funky voice sample through the patterns. By using flanger effects, Sameed gives even more energy to this track, moving away from the keyboard softness. The third one, "Blue", could be the expression of what you hear while dreaming. We find again a mystic musical background but it is added to a very light melody, the sound of the sea and what seems to be whoops of joy."Hustle", the first track of the second side, is definitely darker and more nostalgic. Remebering us some Rick Wade sounds, the melody seems to confuse itself but keeps a clever coherence. The hi-hats manage to provide the sensation of speed and continuity all along the musical trip. "Watching U", is really about rythm and bass : the raw beat and heavy bassline deliver to this title all its identity. The jazzy notes and asexual vocals fit very well with this body oriented track. "Grg-Jam" is certainly the most particular element of this EP. Even if we can find the same kind of melodies as in the other titles, the beat is really different, remembering drum'n bass but in a very soft way. During this imaginative jam session, Sameed alternates the textures of the hats, bringing a frenetic rhythm to the conclusion of Ma'Thang.Sameed proves us that he is definitely a safe bet of the "Madchester" house scene. To be continued.
Three tracker of primers. Top Tune Mixmag Germany
On My Own - a heaving banger with filled with gloomy stabs and strobe-filled crescendos, slapped with heavyweight claps in all the right places.
Cut and Thrust - frenetic synths spin in a shower of sparks around razor sharp hi-hat barrages. Duck and cover!
Relax - A deeper, organic feeling permeates this lights-out groove filled with wooden hits, simmering shakers, and warm synth washes.
Robert Crash is an alias of Italian DJ and producer Fransesco Schito and now he makes a debut outing on Creme Organization with a tidy four track EP. In the past he has turned up on Dog In The Night Records, and with these cuts lays out his singular take on outlier house and techno. Up first is 'Gigolo', a spare and weird house cut with sine waves and random claps, hunched drums and trippy synth lines. It's a unique track made in a unique way and will lead to plenty of freaky dance floor moments, for sure. 'Co. Art' is a whacked out techno cut with slap-funk claps, blistering and blistered synth lines and a rugged bit of bass underlining it all. The track is cavernous and metallic, empty and distant as if it somehow survived a nuclear blast. On the flip, 'Alzheimer' is a slow and gurgling, swampy techno number with broken drums and crawling synths that sound like their batteries have run down. Icy, watery melodies eventually rain down, but the track remains resolutely eerie. Last of all, 'Fabric' is another decaying track with subtle, heavily filtered synths and drums all making for a minimal groove that is barely there. This is heavily deconstructed music that sounds like little else out there and may well be the start of a very fast rise through the ranks for Robert Crash.
Entitas, is the second instalment of Jay Clarke's BLACKAXON imprint, and sees the label boss bring out the big guns in the form of three distinct and diverse cuts. First up is Entity, an autonomic monster which has sweat soaked energy written all over it. It's auspiciously one part deep, and more than double just as twisted. Things are far from linear with Entity, it's mercilessly the sum of it's own parts, and has the hallmarks of a true big room pleaser written all over it. A truly authentic demonstration of the old adage 'It's not where you are going, it's how you get there'. Entity is certain to be reached for by all of the major players on the Techno circuit for a long time to come.
On the flip, Ghosts Of Acid is the Yin to Entity's Yang. A plangent and introspective groove opens up with wispy cymbals, cleverly placed rims, hats and claps. Exploratory and evolving subaqueous acidic forays dare the listener to dive in a little deeper, with the reward being a very proficient and efficient take on the now classic Acid sound.
Existence Through Perception seeks to carry on where the previous two tracks left off. A driving groove and sinister hook lets up briefly midway to a near triumphant fanfare, only to be brought back to it's mischievous overture. A perfect late night/peak time track for DJ's looking to elevate the bar of their set just one more rung higher.
Support From:
(Phase), DVS1, Ben Klock, Answer Code Request, Luke Slater, Norman Nodge, Chris Liebing, Lucy, Oscar Mulero, Speedy J, DJ Deep, Tommy Four Seven, Cassegrain, Inigo Kennedy, Slam, Brendon Moeller, Nihad Tule, Kr!z, Psyk, Jonas Kopp, Truncate, Samuli Kemppi, Juho Kusti, Anthony Parasole, Eric Cloutier, Jereon Search, Moerbeck, Truss, Distant Echoes, Yac (I/Y), Philippe Petit, Thomas Hessler, Randomer, Volte-Face, Fundamental Interaction, Arnaud Le Texier, Ame, Angel Molina, Tensal, Kwartz, Stacey Pullen.
Credits
Streetlight Soul' is the inaugural release on new imprint Gnosis. This four track EP is the fifth Myriadd record, following 12"s for Crème organization, Pinkman and Signals. The past decade has seen releases from the artist under a variety of pseudonyms including Acid Phreex (Djax-Up-Beats), Mantra (Bunker, Abstract Acid, Solar One Music) and Monofonix (Iwari, Cataclyst). Across the EP, Myriadd remoulds the template of vintage Chicago house, acid and deep house into his vision of modern house music. Opening with 'Midnight Obsession'; working a dark hypnotic bassline into an endless groove of crisp jacking drums and soul stirring melody, all primed for maximum effect at 4AM when lost in the smoke and strobes. 'Visions Of Love' is driven by a Juno bassline, a classic palette of tumbling, infectiously funky drums, warm, enveloping synth atmospherics and elevated by lush, celestial string work which comes off like some fantasy Mr Fingers + Virgo psychedelic jam. The EP's titular track goes deeper into the night with 909 claps, off-kilter snare hits, melancholy synth and ethereal melodies that ascend and dissolve into neon clouds. Closer 'Back To Nature' is a trip into blissed out, tropical house sounding like a lost Balearic classic re-tweaked for the 21st Century..
Following up his appearance on Part 4 of our Strength In Numbers compilation, we are ecstatic to present some fresh material from no other than DJ Slip. A name that has been on the tongue of anyone entrenched in the US techno scene since the early 90's, DJ Slip has entranced audiences for years with his brilliantly bizarre take on sonics. Remix duties this time around come from Berghain resident DJ and all around musical powerhouse, Answer Code Request.
Planting the listener on some foreign stratospheres has always been DJ Slip's expertise, and 'Highland' comes as no exception. Echoed synth stabs detune into the dark while a barrage of claps and clangs provide an onslaught of percussive cleverness that is a signature of the Slip sound. 'Aerial' comes at you like a plane colliding with the earth, a kamikaze of dissonance spiraling downwards and then
in reverse. It's driving tempo, surreal drones, and thudding toms cascade into an intense peak time experience. Answer Code Request provides the perfect counter as a remix, smoothing out the edges into a refined, psychedelic expedition that breathes and shifts as it tunnels deeper. All three tracks together create a diverse and gripping package with something suitable for all times of the night.
We here at Watergate Records are ecstatic to bring you the first single release 'Do Me feat. Khan', from Tiefschwarz in anticipation of their stunning new album, 'Left'. Along with a couple of carefully curated remixes by from two of the most prolific and unique remixers working today, Roman Flügel and Frank Wiedemann, the complete package is a trifecta. The original 'Do Me feat. Khan' is fully rooted in Tiefschwarz's cryptic dance floor approach, intricately balancing the serious and the absurd through the call and response of an almost comedically vocoded voice and a smooth, slick talking murmur. Khan's voice joined with a continually climbing bassline, lush percussive melodies and infectious drums result in a cut that is perfect for, and will shine, any time. Going a different direction by barely using the vocal, but staying very true to the original is Roman Flügel. Taking the original bassline and shortening the loop to 3/4 time, Flügel has devised a hypnotic tail chase that continues from beginning to end only to be accompanied by the whip of a big hi hat and wild 909 claps. Finally, it's the Frank Wiedemann Orchestra Remix, and it's pretty safe to say that this will be one of the anthems of the year. Aptly titled, the remix is a magnum opus conducted by a master. An enormous ensemble of rich strings and delicate melodies that build and swell from start to finish.
Following a three year hiatus from Cadenza, the label is delighted to welcome back Felipe Valenzuela and Dani Casarano for a third release on the Luciano's imprint. Both producers are respected individually for their prowess in the studio and as DJs, but as a combined force collaborate with magical effect in the studio. Together the pair run Melisma records and considers each other as musical soulmates. The pair's familiarity with dance floors across the world is reflected in these two tracks for Cadenza, continuing the labels rich musical history of electronic dance music fit for all purposes. 'Instinct' opens the release with an instant bubbling groove, supported by a groovy bass melody, crunching claps and shimmering rides, dancing around the tracks core rhythm. Subtle drum edits, reverberating snares and warm pads grab the listener's attention, whilst the tracks central rhythm maintains the pulse and lively feel of this exceptional production. A versatile slice of intricate house music that will find it's way into many sets this Summer. 'Impulse' sees the pair venture into more avant-garde territory; exploring themes of dissonance, syncopation and tension and release. Lo-fi electronics and discordant pianos notes create a unique pallet of sounds responding to each other. Offbeat string arrangements and shimmering synths evolve over the 14+ minutes track duration. Perfect headphone electronics with stacks of detail and fresh touches.
Record Store Day 2015 will see a special release from Gene Hunt directed and selected by label boss I-Robots.
The two track vinyl EP features unreleased material produced in the early years of the famed Chicago artist's career in the 80s and is dedicated to musical legend Frankie Knuckles who appears on the artwork in a rare picture with Gene Hunt from back in the day.
Gene has regularly produced and remixed for the label before now (including remixing Klein & M.B.O. 'Last Call' and on forthcoming I-Robots project 'Dirty Talk' ft. Donna McGhee) and has already assured his place in house history as a DJ headlining clubs like Warehouse and the Music Box as well as playing with the likes of Ron Hardy and Larry Heard.
As a producer he has been on top of his game for three decades and has released on legendary imprints such Rush Hour, Svek, Djax and many more, so is a true house icon.
His first cut here, 'Drive Yourself Nuts' is a classic bit of Chicago jack with prickly percussive patterns staying busy on top of punchy drums. Wonky bass, physical grooves and coarse claps all make this one a standout banger for the peak of the night.
On the flip of this special package, 'Wildside D Dubb' is a slow building, mania inducing tune with a lead synth line slithering about over dusty metallic drums. Eventually some acid bleeds into the mix and pans all around, adding a sense of scale to this heady, freaky, dance floor smasher. As ever, Opilec Music show others how it is done with this real and rare bit of true Chicago house history.
Prolific Seattle producer Jon McMillion returns to Nuearth Kitchen with another crucial chapter in his epic tale of haunted house-music subversions. This EP offers four variations on a bizarre and engrossing theme. Don't It Make You (edit 1)' is a work of extremes: By some miracle of aural physics, it's at once one of McMillion's strangest tracks and one of his most accessible. He sets into motion a staunch, relentless house rhythm bolstered with congas, massed claps, synth-bass raspberries, and a badass male singer intoning, Don't it make you feel good, if you wanna get down/Just say it, say it again,' over which a miasma of enigmatic tones bubbles and swirls. Like Bohannon's disco-funk classics from the '70s, Don't It Make You' seems like a tease, even at 10 minutes duration, you wish it would roll on for at least 30. On Don't It Make You (edit 2),' McMillion strips things down to dance-floor essentials and erases some of the free-floating background weirdness.
The two remixes are revelatory. New York house icon Fred P. (aka Black Jazz Consortium) slides the track into a tighter pair of pants, but that just makes it swivel harder and slyer. He emphasizes Don't It Make You''s mysterious drones and then loops a female vocalist singing He keeps me' while dropping in some echoed male chatter to gently disorient. What a dreamy, soulful trip Fred P. conjures here. And rising German wunderkind Orson Wells layers and pitches up the original's cascades of bleeps, which becomes the dominant motif, and then subtly modulates said bleeps over the tune's seven minutes, while keeping that irrepressible rhythm strutting. McMillion's raw materials prove to be fertile ground for these two maverick remixers to flaunt their own fascinating quirks while maintaining the original cut's club-darkening and ass-moving functionality.
Circle 3 is the 9th vinyl release on Blank Code Records and is the 3rd release in the Circle series produced by Detroit native Mutate (Len Bartush), with remixes by Luis Flores, Mike Parker, and Project 313.
Circle 3 exemplifies the spirit of Detroit Techno. A deep, rich kick with a nice snappiness keeps the beat driving as heavily filtered synths reverberate through time, reminiscent of Detroit's classic MSeries records. Tight, delicate percussion plays with some aggressive claps creating the dynamic of a true modern classic.
Luis Flores delivers a solid remix that completely deconstructs the original track while keeping it's most bold elements. The kick is booming, the bass is tight, and there's a mean hook that loops it's way around the percussion, really drawing you inside the track's world.
Mike Parker dispatches an upfront rework, shrinking the original elements of the track into a veracious hook, supported by clocklike kicks and hats..
Project 313 deliver a standout remix that really highlights the atmosphere of the original track. The echo of the crunchy stabs dissolve into an endless feedback loop, as clicky hats and a solid downbeat pull everything together.
Exclusive to the digital version is another Mutate original, Recursive. This downtempo track dives deep into dub, with sparse chord stabs that let their echoes form the dominant rhythm. A wicked groove is formed by the broken kick and finely chopped percussion that glitches on beat.
Continuing the label's fast-paced release schedule, Raíz cooperate with social observer Permanent Hearbreak on the label's 4th vinyl release. The collaboration delves deep into human emotion over three movements, developing around the concept of personal absence. Side A1, With Out You, stretches a somber beat over 6 minutes with graceful overtones and powerful rhythm. Permanent Heartbreak speaks the message of With Out You over wet/dry percussion and heartsick chords. The energy and attitude turn up considerably on the flip side. With Me is a quick jaunt through semi-distorted clap and kick combinations of the jacking variety. Evolving analog style synth work builds the song until its climactic end. Wont Change Me takes cues from the darker Detroit / Kalamazoo sounds with Permanent Heartbreak's cold premonitions laid out over a driving sequence.
IIB's latest release is an EP from The clandestino crew. First track is a slo mo cosmic melodic acid dub. A beautiful early evening trip. This is remixed by the Beat Broker who adds a few sublime uplifting west coast sprinkles. The first track on the B side is a solid disco tinged house beauty with synth stabs subtle acid undertones claps and a great sample. The final track is Beyond the Sun. A mellow eastern tinged sundowner featuring another great sample. This EP really captures the original IIB sound and philosophy. A real gem.
Inner City Records returns with their fourth release, continuing with the ethos of providing first class, dance floor-driven house music with groove and attitude.
InnerCity welcomes the return of an artist who has been there from the very first release and one that fits the InnerCity sound perfectly. Leigh D Oliver, hailing from Yorkshire (UK) has firmly established himself as an artist synonymous with top-notch house music. Leigh's passion for 'proper house' coupled with his raw talent has resulted in him gaining numerous chart positions and releases on prestigious labels such as Large Music, Underground Source and Freche Fruchte.
With its heavy kick, rumbling bass, smooth chords and sweet vocal hooks, '(Sic)' kicks off the release in absolute style, highlighting why Leigh is one of our absolute favourite producers here at InnerCity.
For the second track, Leigh returns, this time combining forces with Lost Records owner Andy Lee. With two producers of this caliber, the results were always going to be excellent. Andy, from the North East (UK) has seen releases and remixes on labels such as Love Not Money, Spinnin' Records, Nervous Records and his DJ career has taken him worldwide, playing gigs in Moscow, Switzerland, Ibiza and beyond. 'Moves Ya' is a first class slab of deep & moody house that does exactly what it says on the tin. A track teaming with deep chord hooks, clever vocal samples and low bass, Moves Ya is perfect for the darker, sweatier clubs.
Next up, InnerCity's very own Roland Nights brings us 'Let It Rain', a dance-floor driven slab of straight-up house with jacking percussion, warm chords and soulful vocal cuts. 'Let It Rain' showcases Roland's passion for classic-sounding house music which has seen previous releases on labels such as Lost My Dog, Large Music and Amenti Music.
Last but by no means least, we head over to the Ukraine, gladly welcoming Mystep who lays down an absolute beast of a house track that is filled with energy, classic sounding chords and rolling bass, guaranteed to work on any floor.
DJ Support:
Golf Clap
Miami Ice
Kinky Movement
Ian Straker
Joan Ribas
Jordan O'Regan
Luke Gibson
Jeff Craven
Cahul House Mafia
This Is Why We Dance
Manooz Manuel
Greg Fenton
Raw Culture
Horsey
Marc Cotterell
Pete Gelderblom
Carlo Gambino
Leigh D Oliver




















