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Electronic music legends Soft Cell release ‘Out Come The Freaks’, the very first single from singer Marc Almond and multi-instrumentalist and producer Dave Ball’s final album ‘Danceteria’. Download and stream the track, featuring vocals from the late Dave Ball and special guest vocals from Nona Hendryx.

‘Out Come The Freaks’ is a cover of Was (Not Was)’s mutant disco classic and sends Soft Cell into prime disco territory, conjuring the hedonist spirit of early 80s Manhattan and a Danceteria floor filler spun by DJ Mark Kamins. There couldn’t be a more fitting alternative disco banger to pull back the curtain with and beckon you into the world of ‘Danceteria’. The final album is a homage to the legendary nightclub where young Marc and Dave would party until the small hours after the recording sessions for their seminal 1981 debut ‘Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret’. The final flourish of glitter to Soft Cell’s ‘Out Come The Freaks’ comes courtesy of guest vocals from Nona Hendryx, the iconic singer, one third of Labelle of ‘Lady Marmalade’ fame, and producer of Lisa Lisa and Bush Tetras.

This is the very first material to be released from ‘Danceteria’, Soft Cell’s forthcoming sixth and final album. It is also the first time new music has been released since the sad, untimely passing of Dave Ball in October 2025. Almond led the tributes, describing Ball as a “brilliant musical genius” and the world’s media hailing Dave as an electronic music pioneer. Dave finished ‘Danceteria’ very close to his passing and it is in full tribute to him that the album release goes ahead as planned. More details are to follow very soon about the release date.

For our 30th anniversary, we drive back into the catalog to shine a light on two essential releases: Street Knowledge (log55) and Dial (log59) by Tobias.

Originally released during a time when groove, hypnotic repetition and sonic depth mattered more than formats or trends, these two EPs perfectly embody the label’s timeless aesthetic: functional yet subtle music, made for both the dancefloor and deep listening.

For this special reissue, we carefully selected the four strongest tracks from the two EPs. Four cuts that capture the core of the Tobias. sound: organic rhythms, soul-infused minimal house, raw yet elegant textures, and an unmistakable sense of groove that has aged flawlessly. A timeless classic…

Prince Jeepni delivers two cuts of pure heat on this limited 7" from Funk Freaks Records. Side A, "All I Need Is Your Love," is a smooth reggae rework of a boogie classic, featuring Prince Jeepni's effortless vocals over a rolling groove produced by Diamond Ortiz. Flip it over for the dub version of "Psycho For Your Love," a deep, hypnotic ride co-produced by King Hippo and Prince Jeepni himself. Part of the Spliff Funk series — reggae covers of boogie classics — this black vinyl 7" comes in a picture sleeve and marks the first time Funk Freaks Records is available through distribution. Don't sleep.

2027 marks two decades since musician and producer Paul ‘Mudd’ Murphy struck out on his own and launched Claremont 56, a label initially dedicated to “music by Mudd and friends” and named after the house he grew up in. To celebrate its 20th anniversary, Murphy has assembled the label’s first ever decades-spanning vinyl retrospective: a six-LP re-mastered collection bringing together key cuts, cult classics, personal favourites, hard-to-find gems and inspired remixes from across the catalogue.

Unlike the label’s previous 10th anniversary box set, which focused on unreleased material and never-before-heard remixes, 20 Years of Claremont 56 traces the musical story of the imprint to date. Across six records, it showcases the distinctive Claremont 56 sound in all its many forms: acoustic, electric and electronic instrumentation, Balearic sunshine, krautrock grooves, folk-inflected psychedelia, slow-burning chuggers and deeply considered dancefloor music.
The set comes housed in a custom box featuring cover art by long-term label illustrator Mark Warrington. Inside are six slabs of vinyl across three gatefold sleeves, accompanied by liner notes from music journalist and author Matt Anniss, Murphy himself, and many of the artists whose music features in the collection.

The journey begins with a selection of formative late-noughties releases, including Mudd & Pollard’s chugging, picturesque ‘Villa Stavros’, the folksy beauty of Smith & Mudd’s ‘Shulme’ and Murphy’s exotic reworking of Ahmed Fakroun’s ‘Drago’. From there, the collection moves freely through deep cuts, overlooked gems, album highlights and some of the most inspired remixes in the label’s catalogue.

Among those remixes is Murphy’s own über-Balearic rework of Zee Erf’s cover of ‘Southern Freeez’, a mix dedicated to his partner Emma; an extraordinary 22-minute, Manuel Göttsching-meets-ambient-dub revision of Smith & Mudd’s ‘Vegetable Square’ by friends-of-the-family Idjut Boys; Larry Heard’s typically deep and immersive house treatment of Jack Cutter’s ‘Serpent Strut’; and Quiet Village’s ambient-house ‘deep space dub’ of Mudd’s ‘Spielplatz’. Also included are lesser-celebrated but no less rewarding reworks by Recloose, Jex Opolis, Felix Dickinson and Deep88.

The collection represents every corner of Claremont 56’s self-contained musical universe, from the Murphy-assembled in-house collectives Hillside, Paqua and Bison - whose members famously included the late Holger Czukay and his life partner Ursula, to long-serving label artists such as Almunia and Hear & Now, as well as later additions and artists who took some of their first steps on the label through its much-loved Claremont Editions compilations.
That means the deeply cosmic krautrock of Bambi Davidson, the folk-meets-Americana of Torn Sail and the samba-electrofunk of Jpye sit alongside baggy Balearic sing-alongs such as Bel’s ‘Ready To Die’ and Sillyboy’s Ghost Relatives’ ‘In a Small Place’, recent high-profile guest releases such as Chaz Jankel’s ‘Rhumba Jam’, and string-laden ambient pieces such as Four Hands’ wonderful ‘Hizou’.

Packed with classic cuts, formative gems and overlooked treats, 20 Years of Claremont 56 is not only a fabulous label retrospective, but also an essential collection of timeless music from a label whose output has remained distinctive and unique for two decades.

Michael J. Blood makes his second appearance on a Clone subsidiary! The enigmatic producer, rumored to be from Manchester, UK, draws on the two cities that influenced so many before him: classic Detroit and Chicago vibes and deepness, with a fresh, timeless twist. A perfect fit for our Royal Oak imprint.

Long overdue reissue of classic Scottish ambient techno banger ‘Mindweeds’, originally released in 1993 on the Pure-affiliated T&B Vinyl label run by Keith McIvor (JD Twitch) and Andy Watson (Brainstorm). With a Discogs demand ratio at about 300 have : 2000 want, and used prices peaking at over £100, now seems to be the right time for a re-release.

State of Flux were Roger Elliott and Dave Clark (aka Sparky, LUMA, Truffle Club and main man behind Kübler-Ross). They first met at Glasgow’s Strathclyde University in 1990, bonding over a shared love of weasel racing, German sausages and “man-duos” like The KLF and The Shamen. Dave was fully pubescent and already had a synth and drum machine, while Roger – a late developer – bought “another cheap synth, a Commodore Amiga for sequencing and a tiny mixer with no EQ”. For two long years they concentrated hard on “churning out unlistenable pish”, admittedly clueless about what they were trying to do.

Then – out of nowhere in the summer of 1992 – a flatmate’s Jello Biafra spoken word CD (‘I Blow Minds For A Living’) provided the inspiration to unlock the spark of dynamite that set the raving world on fire. Sampled using a Walkman* cassette** tape*** on playback (a decision the pair soon came to regret every time the track was subsequently performed live), Jello’s pilfered rant would soon become the crucial glue that held together the burgeoning kaleidoscopic helicopter spliff that is ‘Mindweeds’, loaded as it was – and indeed still is – with a veritably seething morass of cheeky electronic blims, nasal filter cheese and gay Caledonian spunk.

* a vintage portable listening device roughly the size of 4 iPhones stacked on top of one another and weighing the same as a small tub of yoghurt

** a plastic cartridge enclosing 2 miniature spools of magnetically coated, polyester-type plastic film (magnetic tape), notoriously convenient for pirating copyright material and secreting in one’s underpants for transporting between illicit market trader stalls

*** thin ribbon coated with ferromagnetic particles, usually ferric oxide but also chromium dioxide, "pseudochrome" ferricobalt or iron-cobalt-nickel “metal” formulations – with the latter types sounding marginally less crap

Playing demos of the track to friends, one thing led to another and a copy arrived with Twitch. Meeting the legends behind Pure in late 1992, a release was scheduled for summer 1993… but not before a promotional live gig in February of that year, supporting their heroes The Black Dog. Confessing that they “didn’t have a clue how to play live”, the duo played it safe, “went to a studio near Edinburgh airport to record the ‘live’ show” and then “mimed it off a DAT” at the gig, “standing in front of unplugged synths”. Soon after this, they recorded the full EP at Finitribe’s ‘Finiflex’ studio in Leith, Edinburgh and the record came out as planned that summer – the same week as Underworld’s ‘Rez’.

The record received high praise, appeared in many big-name DJ charts, sold out very quickly and was repressed within a few weeks, selling several thousand copies by the end of 1993 – no mean feat in an era when people had to use landline phones ****, faxes ***** or good old-fashioned carrier pigeons ****** to ascertain literally anything about the outside world, what was cool, where to buy the cool shit, or how to meet people and have fun.

**** a fixed communication device that connects to a telephone network using physical wires, cables, or a stationary base unit tied to a specific geographic address, using a handset incorporating a mouthpiece featuring a small metal disk and carbon grains, converting sound pressure from the human voice into a flow of electrical waves caused by these grains being squeezed together, before the variable signal is transmitted down DC voltage-powered copper wire and rerouted by a central exchange to arrive at the earpiece magnet of the target receiver’s handset, moving a small speaker cone accordingly so the message is intelligible WITHOUT THE PERSON SPEAKING ACTUALLY BEING PRESENT

***** as above, but for the d/Deaf

****** flying vermin riddled with diseases and capable of surviving nuclear armageddon

Soon Roger and Dave became sick of the Walkman being the only instrument played live in their set: with their new found fame and riches, they invested in a case for their Amiga to transport it around Scotland, while also putting in the hours on how to pretend to play live better with a sequencer and synths that were FINALLY plugged in. Following the release of ‘The Mercury EP' in April 1994, they embarked on a full tour of the UK and even managed to part ways and end the band by June that year.

This reissue includes the two original mixes of ‘Mindweeds’ recorded at Finiflex (‘Original’ and engineer ‘Fred's Fancy’), the original cassette demo (mastered directly from the actual recording sent to Twitch & Brainstorm in 1992) and a live version recorded at the Birmingham club night 'Oscillate' in April 1994.

Rakete returns with its fourth release from Minneapolis-based producer and DJ, Baher.

The Cairo-raised artist has spent years carving out club-focused hardware-driven sounds that drift between different shades of techno, house, and the spaces in between, drawing inspiration from old school rhythms, underground culture and distant memories.

The artist’s debut EP on Rakete, Fragments, is a reflection of those moments. From the desert winds of Cairo to the intimate warehouse raves of Minneapolis, each track from the founder of Rakete carries an emotional imprint and raw energy onto the dancefloor, shaped by the artist’s diverse and wide-reaching influences that feel distant yet familiar.

Fragments EP is the founder's first complete body of work stitched together with precision through classic drum machines and old school synthesizers. Music full of soul, movement, and energy, made for the dance floor.

RKT04 release

Wewantsounds is delighted to continue its Ziad Rahbani reissue program with Ana Moush Kafer, a classic album by the Lebanese legend Ziad Rahbani, recorded at his By-Pass Studio in Beirut during the height of the Lebanese Civil War in 1985. Showcasing Rahbani’s signature blend of Arabic music infused with touches of jazz-funk and bossa nova, the album has attained cult status over the years. Originally released on cassette, it has never before been available on vinyl. Newly remastered, this edition features the original Relax-In cassette artwork from 1985 and includes new liner notes by Mario Choueiry of the Institut du Monde Arabe in Paris.

Ziad Rahbani, who passed away in 2025, remains one of the most influential figures in modern Arabic music and a cultural icon in Lebanon. A musician, composer, pianist, producer and playwright, he helped modernize Arabic music over five decades. The son of composer Assi Rahbani and singer Fairuz, he shaped her late 70s–80s recordings producing Wahdon and Maarifti Feek, while building a major solo career with classics such as Abu Ali and Houdou Nisbi, which have become cult favourites for a new generation of DJs and music lovers.
Released in 1985 in Lebanon, Ana Moush Kafer stands as one of Rahbani’s key achievements. Recorded at his By-Pass Studio during the Lebanese Civil War, it blends Arabic melodic traditions with jazz-funk, bossa nova and Western arrangements. Originally cassette-only, it became one of his most revered releases. Throughout the album, Rahbani’s writing reflects the turbulence of wartime Beirut with a blend of sharp social observation, political satire and melancholy. It captures a moment in Lebanese cultural history where experimentation, satire and popular song intersected, giving the album its enduring influence among music lovers.

Sung by Rahbani and Sami Hawat, alongside Beirut-based musicians, the album features both Western and traditional Arabic instruments. It balances refined arrangements with lyrical irony, social commentary and political reflection, which remain deeply resonant in today’s context in Lebanon.
One of the highlights of the album is the song “Shou A’ada Ma Bada,” with lyrics by Joseph Harb, which reveals a clear bossa nova influence, while the closing track, “Al Mokawama Al Watania Al Lobnani,” offers a deeply human view of war, avoiding patriotic cliché in favour of a nuanced perspective rooted in lived experience.
As Mario Choueiry observes in his liner notes, “Ana Moush Kafer stands as one of the high points of modern Arab political songwriting, yet transcends its historical and geographical context through the universal relevance of its themes and the timeless quality of its music.”
Forty years on, Ana Moush Kafer remains a landmark of Arab music. Wewantsounds presents it on vinyl for the first time, newly remastered and featuring original artwork. This long-awaited reissue restores one of Ziad Rahbani’s most important works to circulation, reaffirming its place as a defining statement in modern Arabic music.

a 1. Ana Moush Kafer 5:03
b 2. Shou Hal Ayyam 5:46
c 3. A'anitham 4:37
d 4. Shou A'ada Ma Bada [3:45]
[e] 5. Yessa'ed we Yea'en [5:05]
[f] 6. Bi Halyawmayn [3:46]
[g] 7. Bharf Esheen [1:12]
[h] 8. Bhaneek [5:34]
[i] 9. Al Mokawama Al Watania Al Lobnani [3:06]

[a] 1. Ana Moush Kafer [5:03]
[b] 2. Shou Hal Ayyam [5:46]
[c] 3. A'anitham [4:37]
[d] 4. Shou A'ada Ma Bada [3:45]
[e] 5. Yessa'ed we Yea'en [5:05]
[f] 6. Bi Halyawmayn [3:46]
[g] 7. Bharf Esheen [1:12]
[h] 8. Bhaneek [5:34]
[i] 9. Al Mokawama Al Watania Al Lobnani [3:06]

[a] 1. Ana Moush Kafer [5:03]
[b] 2. Shou Hal Ayyam [5:46]
[c] 3. A'anitham [4:37]
[d] 4. Shou A'ada Ma Bada [3:45]
[e] 5. Yessa'ed we Yea'en [5:05]
[f] 6. Bi Halyawmayn [3:46]
[g] 7. Bharf Esheen [1:12]
[h] 8. Bhaneek [5:34]
[i] 9. Al Mokawama Al Watania Al Lobnani [3:06]

[a] 1. Ana Moush Kafer [5:03]
[b] 2. Shou Hal Ayyam [5:46]
[c] 3. A'anitham [4:37]
[d] 4. Shou A'ada Ma Bada [3:45]
[e] 5. Yessa'ed we Yea'en [5:05]
[f] 6. Bi Halyawmayn [3:46]
[g] 7. Bharf Esheen [1:12]
[h] 8. Bhaneek [5:34]
[i] 9. Al Mokawama Al Watania Al Lobnani [3:06]

[a] a1. Ana Moush Kafer [5:03]
[b] a2. Shou Hal Ayyam [5:46]
[c] a3. A'anitham [4:37]
[d] a4. Shou A'ada Ma Bada [3:45]
[e] b1. Yessa'ed we Yea'en [5:05]
[f] b2. Bi Halyawmayn [3:46]
[g] b3. Bharf Esheen [1:12]
[h] b4. Bhaneek [5:34]
[i] b5 Al Mokawama Al Watania Al Lobnani [3:06]

[a] a1 | Ana Moush Kafer [5 03]
[b] a2 | Shou Hal Ayyam [5 46]
[c] a3 | A'anitham [4 37]
[d] a4 | Shou A'ada Ma Bada [3 45]
[e] b1 | Yessa'ed we Yea'en [5 05]
[f] b2 | Bi Halyawmayn [3 46]
[g] b3 | Bharf Esheen [1 12]
[h] b4 | Bhaneek [5 34]
[i] b5 | Al Mokawama Al Watania Al Lobnani [3 06]

[a] a1 | Ana Moush Kafer [5 03]
[b] a2 | Shou Hal Ayyam [5 46]
[c] a3 | A'anitham [4 37]
[d] a4 | Shou A'ada Ma Bada [3 45]
[e] b1 | Yessa'ed we Yea'en [5 05]
[f] b2 | Bi Halyawmayn [3 46]
[g] b3 | Bharf Esheen [1 12]
[h] b4 | Bhaneek [5 34]
[i] b5 | Al Mokawama Al Watania Al Lobnani [3 06]

[a] a1 | Ana Moush Kafer [5 03]
[b] a2 | Shou Hal Ayyam [5 46]
[c] a3 | A'anitham [4 37]
[d] a4 | Shou A'ada Ma Bada [3 45]
[e] b1 | Yessa'ed we Yea'en [5 05]
[f] b2 | Bi Halyawmayn [3 46]
[g] b3 | Bharf Esheen [1 12]
[h] b4 | Bhaneek [5 34]
[i] b5 | Al Mokawama Al Watania Al Lobnani [3 06]

Classic edits that place the funk upfront. Da Breaks brings that familiar flavour with a twist of Boom-bap, these timeless reworks are built for DJs. Trimmed, tightened and ready to mix.

2026 Repress!


Om Unit says of this release 'For me it's another milestone as a DNB fan.. Being allowed to come back to 31 again with another shadow boxing version, being one of only a tiny handful of people being allowed to remix this classic truly is an honour, let alone twice! Also working with Thing on "something ancient" was a real blessing not only because he's original and convincing with his own work but also I think he's like me, he does his own thing without adhering to too many of the insular rules that have made dnb such a closed room over the years, and so creating this cinematic piece just happened naturally and I really love the results.

There are few electronic musicians as accomplished as A Guy Called Gerald From writing genre-expanding records as a member of 808 State and as a solo artist, to crafting what journalists call the greatest jungle album ever made under the moniker Black Secret Technology, AGCG has spent four decades redefining what electronic music can be. With collaborations, remixes, and tracks for the biggest names in house, techno, drum & bass, and jazz, one thread remains constant: in any decade or any genre, AGCG's music continues to be celebrated as genre-pushing excellence.

Juice Box is AGCG's label, named after his Manchester-based soundsystem. Originally established in 1992, the label went on an unofficial hiatus before the decade's end as AGCG's output demanded wider release. pairing two essential cuts from Gerald's vault that have long deserved proper vinyl treatment. On the A-side, the absolute classic "Voodoo Ray" finally returns to wax. On the flip, 1990's "I Won't Give In" resurfaces from the archive, a reminder that even Gerald's deep cuts carry the weight of lost classics. Juice Box is back, and the catalog has plenty of treasures to unearth, along with new material from one of the all-time greats.

DJ Support: The Shapeshifters, Floorplan, Groove Armada, Todd Terry, The Macklovitch Brothers, Horse Meat Disco, Francois Kervorkian, The Illustrious Blacks, Melvo Baptiste, John Julius Knight, Dr Packer, Julius Papp, Terry Farley, Hatiras, Brian Tappert, Saison, Saucy Lady, E-Smoove, DJ Disciple, Danou P, Rulers Of The Deep, PEZNT, Geoffrey C, Mark Picchiotti, DJ Rae and more.

The seminal Chicago house classic 'Brighter Days' by Dajae is back with some hot remixes. First up, New Jersey stalwart and don producer Harry Romero offers his remix which gives a nod to the bassline from 80’s cut ‘Moody’ by ESG whilst adding his own distinctive beats, original organ and synth parts over an arrangement that takes you on a true house journey. Next up is Baltimore legend DJ Spen & MicFreak with their vocal Remix which s perfect for the soulful underground house heads using the original song arrangement before going into an infectious dub groove. This is followed by DJ Spen teaming up with cohorts Thommy Davis & Gary Hudgins who go to town on their Gospel Anthem remix using all the familiar vocal hooks from the original dub but also add additional new vocal parts by Inaya Day & Shout. Rounding off the package we have the DJ Spen & MicFreak Hump Remix which is an epic dub workout whilst their Unda Da Ground Remix takes things even deeper into dub territory.

Type-303 is the project of Tampere-based Finnish producer, DJ and vinyl collector Dan Greijer. His releases for labels including Super Rhythm Trax, I Love Acid, Verrazzano, Zeitnot and 45 Live Records explore the connections between acid house, rave, early-'90s house and Balearic-influenced electronic music.

Enigmatic Dreams is Type-303’s first release on Cold Blow, a six-track 12" focused on the melodic and atmospheric side of classic electronic sounds. The release features Dr. Rhythm aka Mark Woollard, connecting Type-303’s production with the Cold Blow catalogue following the label’s previous compilation of Dr. Rhythm’s original 12"s, Hits The Vibes 91-92. Across the EP, Greijer draws from late-'80s acid, Italian dream house and early-'90s Balearic influences, using classic sounds including the Roland TB-303, 808 rhythms and M1-style piano tones.

Anyone who has had the sheer pleasure of seeing and hearing Leroy Burgess perform in concert will know just how amazing the live renditions of his iconic compositions of Disco Boogie hits and classics sound with a full band and a fully fueled audience. Accompanied by the ten piece French band and long time Leroy Burgess collaborative outfit Saving Coco, BBE Music is releasing live versions of two of those classics Let’s Do It and Big Time. Recorded and released by Rick James in 1980 Big Time is an absolute killer of a track that sounds so fresh decades later in this crowd energising performance. Famously released by Convertion Let’s Do It was a huge club hit in the early 1980s and is the perfect track to accompany Big Time on this release. Leroy Burgess is a certifiably genuine legend of Black music; his compositions have moved dancefloors across the world since the early 1970s as a member of Black Ivory, then Convertion, Paradise Garage favourites LOGG, Kleer and electro outfit Aleem. His collaborations with Patrick Adams, Inner Life, Dazzle and solo artists such as Eddie Kendricks, Rick James and Fonda Rae have cemented Leroy Burgess’ place in the annals of Black Music History. As a founder-member of the Universal Robot Band he co-wrote the massive perennial favourite Barely Breaking Even. Leroy Burgess feat. Saving Coco-Big Time/Let’s Do It is released as a 12″ vinyl and digital download and definitely belongs in the ‘make sure you get this’ category. Mixed by Marc Mac and mastered at the Grammy-nominated Carvery Studio by Frank Merritt. Available as 12″ vinyl and digital download. Release date September 25th, 2026

Having reworked stone-cold classics and forgotten gems for the first two instalments in the series, the mysterious B returns for 003 with something truly special: an exotic tapestry of sounds and samples, woven together into something fresh and ready to play at the fashion week afterparties in New York, Paris, London and Milan.

**SELECTED BY... Shy One, Tim Sweeney, Bradley Zero, Alexander Nut, Ruby Savage, KON, Ross Allen, Auntie Flo, Adam Port, Benji B, Jamz Supernova, Kasper Borke, Bill Brewster + More...**

Black Vinyl Repress

Pirka Vinyl Cuts returns with a new chapter in its unknown edits series, featuring four anonymous cuts built strictly for the dancefloor.

From the rolling grooves of “KINR” and the raw energy of “Ruffneck”, to the sun-soaked swing of “Sun Goes Back” and the late night vibes of “Get Me Down”, the record delivers four funky house tools packed with classic samples, tight drums and peak-time flavor.

A no-nonsense DJ weapon designed for long blends, sweaty rooms and proper moments behind the decks. Limited vinyl release on Pirka Vinyl Cuts.

Australia's Dancing in Space crew have thus far kept their vinyl releases to a minimum, reappearing every so often with a fresh batch of their own excellent disco edits. Here they try something different, delivering a typically assured two tracker from one of the most talented and productive scalpel fiends in the business, Chicago scene stalwart Rahaan. A-side 'Allright' is a typical Rahaan rub, with the talented re-editor skilfully rearranging and lightly dubbing out what sounds like a turn-of-the-80s fusion of classic disco, synth-splattered boogie and soaring jazz-funk. On 'My Strategy', he successfully breathes new life into an old Philadelphia International favourite, opting for a largely instrumental extension that subtly pitches the track up, tempo wise, for greater dancefloor pleasure.

Guillaume & the Coutu Dumonts has always been a maverick. The Quebec native draws on his electroacoustic studies and love of Latin and classical percussion to cook up left-of-centre sounds that still work well in a club setting. On this latest for Soundrive, he brings a tender, spectral vocal to 'Big Bird's Roll' that tugs at the heart as the phased percussion rides a dubby house groove. The Nail Remix brings more defined drums and his signature crispness, then 'Chiens De Chasse' has an off-kilter swagger and freaky melange of vocals and 'Argos' explores deep, subterranean techno.

Turner Club are a UK house duo who met in the North East more than 20 years ago. They head up their own label and often explore melancholic sounds with cuddly grooves, and this time they land on Jason Wilkins aka Camille's Adeen label with three hugely tasteful original cuts, with a neat remix completing the package. 'All For Free' has a heavy groove that's softened by the gentle male vocals and smeared chords. 'Hard Lovin' Me' has the astral colours and swirling ambience of classic Larry Heard again, with a tender vocal. 'Find A Way' picks up the pace with more strident drums and crisp percussion as the vocal infuses the mix with sunk-spoken warmth and soul. The Glenn Davis remix is soft-focus deep house with a nice dusty edge.

With her 3rd Blue Note album Synonym, Meshell Ndegeocello presents a remarkable album of duets on classic songs that are known, loved, and diverse in tone, “genre”, intent, and BPM. This is an album about joy, love, selfhood, individual representation and universal experience that explores expressions of desire, care, heartbreak, friendship, disappointment, and love in all the forms. All the songs feature two singers who identify as the same gender, wherever that might be on the continuum, and are musically matched for contrast or compliment including Cynthia Erivo, Cat Power, Robert Glasper, Chaka Khan, Madison Cunningham, Laura Lee (Khruangbin), Emily King, Lizz Wright, Lianne La Havas, Moses Sumney, Brandi Carlile, ANOHNI, WILLOW, Bill Callahan, Chris Thile, and more.

In 2000, after almost two decades of hibernation under the ambient waves and dub currents of the Sargasso Sea, LSD revived the seminal ‘Auntie Aubrey's' series, an Orb Remix Project. Released as a 2 x CD compilation, Part 3 is a veritable smorgasbord of classic, new and unreleased labour-of love remixes that span three decades yet still transcend space and time.

Many influential artists have been involved with The Orb since the beginning, and the project keeps evolving and adapting. Dr. Alex Paterson, the gravitation centre of the Orb is known for his playfully subversive remixes and true to form this album highlights the diversity of his musical mind.

We see the good doctor remix the melancholy and evocative “The Last Lighthouse Keeper” from The Transit Kings, an early British electronic music group that included Jimmy Cauty of The KLF, one of the original members of The Orb. The remix of ‘Davy Jones’ Locker’ from System 7 takes you surfing on a sun-dappled sea of ambient dance nostalgia, while Killing Jokes’ ‘European Super State’ remix (in which LSD label founder Martin ‘Youth’ Glover plays bass guitar) sounds like the soundtrack for an imaginary spy thriller with the powerful lyrics and hypnotizing voice of Jaz Summers.
Legendary producer Youth teams up with Lx yet again on a psychedelic rocker with spellcasting vocals by Lara Smiles, and this is just the beginning! Boasting an all-star lineup, the compilation includes many of our scenes most esteemed electronic music producers such as Coldcut, David Harrow, Sendelica and Gaudi as well as the ambient blissed out vibes from the enigmatic DF Tram, Duende India Collective and The Gyuto Monks of Tibet, this collection offers up such the variety to appease even the most dedicated Orbsessives and music connoisseurs

20 Palavras ao Redor do Sol is the debut album by the iconic Brazilian singer-songwriter Cátia de França. This amazing album has not been in print since its release in 1979, and is essential for every fan of MPB. Produced by Zé Ramalho, this classic album has a unique psychedelic feel thanks to its warm folk sound, and you'll find yourself returning to it time and time again.

In 2023, Cátia de França was one of ten Brazilian artistic figures honoured with the Milú Villela Award. She was also nominated for a Latin Grammy in 2024.

Original copies are highly collectable, and we're very excited to reissue this incredible album via Music On Vinyl.

20 Palavras ao Redor do Sol is available as a limited edition on translucent red coloured vinyl and includes an insert.

Repressed LP on Neon Orange Vinyl. Come Away With ESG - 35-year anniversary release of the classic genre-busting debut album by the Bronx sisters ESG. The sample-friendly opus that’s the inspiration for hip-hop, house and post punk. Music that falls outside of the no wave, new wave and post punk library, it’s for the dance floor but it’s not funk, there’s no horns, no driving organ; it’s the opposite of Sly And The Family Stone but no less cool and no less groovy. “A lasting document of their unique brand of minimal funk that would influence subsequent post-punk, hip-hop, and dance music acts. Stripped down to the most basic of drumbeats and rudimentary bass lines, ‘Come Away’ confirms the notion that the real rhythm is what happens between the beats. AllMusic // “This is dub disco with a punk edge.” Paste // “Uncut punk-funk straight off the streets of the South Bronx.” Record Collector // “ESG are that rare thing” Guardian // “Come Away with ESG sounds so shockingly current.” Paste // “A musical snapshot of New York City at the beginning of the '80s.” Allmusic

This Diggers Delights 08 is a LIMITED EDITION 45 - Hand numbered x 300 only. A: Welcoming : DJ Homicide to the Diggers Delights label. DJ Homicide - CA MUZIK comes correct with hard hitting club vibes under a classic old skool cut, speciallymastered for maximum loudness of the full length track on 45! A man who needs no introduction, DJ Homicide has brought out multiple 45's via Juno records and is often riding the charts! B: Label boss, J. Diggns brings a saucy blend, mixing Rap and Rnb classics for the club. With both sides at 96BPM this is one doubles of fun

This Diggers Delights 08 is a LIMITED EDITION 45 - Hand numbered x 300 only. A: Welcoming : DJ Homicide to the Diggers Delights label. DJ Homicide - CA MUZIK comes correct with hard hitting club vibes under a classic old skool cut, speciallymastered for maximum loudness of the full length track on 45! A man who needs no introduction, DJ Homicide has brought out multiple 45's via Juno records and is often riding the charts! B: Label boss, J. Diggns brings a saucy blend, mixing Rap and Rnb classics for the club. With both sides at 96BPM this is one doubles of fun

2026 Repress

Dublin deep house fixture Glenn Davis returns with four tracks steeped in the smoked-out warmth of classic Chicago and New York house music, though there's enough personality here to stop things drifting into pure revivalism. 'The Journey' opens through supple drum movement and glowing Rhodes figures that unfurl lazily across the groove, as little chord flourishes flicker at the edges like light catching dust through half-drawn curtains. 'Love Is' softens the mood further through hazy vocal vapour and richly upholstered keys that melt gently into the rhythm. On the flip, 'Free Your Mind' introduces firmer rhythmic pressure without disturbing the record's low-lit sensuality. 'Da Jazz' closes things beautifully through brushed percussion and featherlight piano motifs with a rolling swing that feels most elegant in its looseness. Very classy deep house, this.

Nacho Marco drops Colors in Dub Vol.1—deep house soaked in warm analog dub. From the hypnotic “Midnight Blue” and its Satoshi Tomiie remix to the raw pulse of “Bumblebee Yellow” and “Electric Green,” this wax rides late-night frequencies straight from Valencia to Paris.

DJ Feedbacks :


Francois Kevorkian (Wave) : Love the Satoshi mix
Eddie Fowlkes (Detroit Wax, Rekids, Classic Music Company) : thanks
Travis Kirschbaum (Warehouse Preservation Society) : Loving this. Especially Midnight Blue!
Sascha Dive : Midnight Blue for me!!
Brothers' Vibe (Luv4Wax) : Super ep, great works!!
Radio Slave (Rekids) : Another superb ep from Phonogramme and Satoshi's mix is great.
Giles Smith : "midnight blue" is nice
Alexkid (Rawax / FUSE / NG Trax) : Totally my vibe. <3
Aleqs Notal : Yes !!
Italojohnson (Italojohnson) : Track 1 for me!
Ben Sims : Now downloading... will check asap!
Okain (Talman / Infuse / Pleasure Zone) : Electric Green is dope!
Satoshi Tomiie (Abstract Architecture) : Receiving great feedback from the dance floor!
Steffi (Dolly) : lovely release!!
Laurent Garnier : Cool tracks
DJ Bone (FURTHER) : Electric Green and Satoshi Tomiie remix work for me.
Harri (Sub Club) : lovely stuff, will play and support
Rob Pearson (Evasive Records / Sine 102.6fm) : lovely - right up my street, cheers ;-)
Felix Dickinson (Futureboogie, Rush Hour, Cynic) : Solid E.P. current fave Electric Green
Jorkes (Freeride Millenium) : lovely, thanks so much. xo
Kassian (Phonica White / Heist Recordings) : wicked
Jaye Ward (Dalston Super Store / Netil Radio) : massive quality as ever!! super deep and pulsing gear, electric green is ace! thx
Tim Sweeney (Beats In Space) : Sounds great
Chloe Caillet (Smile Records) : love this!
Stevie Cox (Sub Club) : really lush, thank you !
Raresh (ar:pi:ar) : thanks
Ame (Innervisions) : thanks
Geir Aspenes (G-Ha (Sunkissed)) : Thank u
Saoirse (Body Movements) : Super nice dubby vibes
Amotik : Very nice :)
Kai Alce (Real Soon) : Satoshi remix is hot!
Domenic Cappello (Subclub) : nice dubby house
Cee ElAssaad (ENSOULED) : Just the way I like it! dubby and groovy.
Mike Shannon (Cynosure) : Excellent work here from Valencia's finest!

Portuguese musician and expert experimentalist Diogo steps up for Heion Records second outing. Diogo signs two originals for his Healiocentric EP, joined by a remix from legendary Wild Bunch selector and producer Milo Johnson, aka DJ Nature whose roots in New York’s late-80s underground shaped his raw blend of early house. The EP opens with "Healiocentric" unfolds as a deep atmospheric journey where modular synthesis meets live instrumentation and tuned percussion. Arpeggiated sequences glide through hovering brass-like tones and modulated pads with effortless positivity, riding a syncopated landscape of rim shots and broken beats.


"Traums" dives deeper into Diogo's intricately woven world. Monochordal spoken word samples drift sparingly across organic clicks and rich analogue textures, conjuring a jazz-like atmosphere that rewards careful listening. Lush pads echo the craft of artists like Two Lone Swordsmen or Ricardo Villalobos, but the steady thump of a 909 kick and a fluid bassline leave no doubt: this is a deep-of- night heater for the enlightened dance floor. DJ Nature closes the EP by taking "Healiocentric" on an inspired tangent into disco-techno territory. Acoustic beats anchor a minimalistic take on acid funk, while a near-naive piano line sets Chicago house against Berlin school repetition. Gated noise, field recordings, wah-wah electric piano pads and classic house organs complete the picture. Cannon fodder of the highest order.

12” 180g vinyl

TECHNO Records introduces Robert Johnstone, a Scottish producer whose music has travelled further than his name. Rooted in the physical drive and electronic vocabulary of the 1990s, the record feels like a contemporary extension of that classic language: functional, inventive and full of rhythmic accents, small traps and details that register fully at club volume.


Across both sides, TECH044 moves naturally between driving techno and more sensual house territory, combining direct club utility with playfulness and surprise. The record brings desire and sensuality back into a club context, entering into a dialogue with the history of the underground as a space of bodily and sexual freedom.


Robert Johnstone has spent years working outside public view, building a substantial catalogue while keeping his public profile sparse. The record speaks to DJs and collectors drawn to classic electronic forms shaped by an individual hand.

DJ Paul & Lord Infamous’ cult classic Come With Me to Hell: Part 1 returns in its most definitive form ever — a fully remixed and remastered double‑LP, pressed for the first time on vinyl since its original 1994 cassette‑only release. Born in the early Memphis underground and sold strictly through car stereo shops, mom‑and‑pop stores, and “out the trunk” hustle, the album became one of the most sought‑after pieces in Three 6 Mafifia history, circulating for decades only through bootlegs and low‑quality rips.

This special edition finally brings the project to collectors in a premium format worthy of its legacy. The first LP is pressed on ULTRA CLEAR GLITTER vinyl, showcasing the eerie, atmospheric production that defifined DJ Paul and Lord Infamous’ early sound. The second LP arrives on RED SMOKE vinyl, a striking visual match for the dark, sinister tone that made the duo pioneers of the Memphis horrorcore movement.

Painstakingly remixed and remastered by DJ Paul, this release honors Lord Infamous’ memory and preserves one of the foundational chapters of Three 6 Mafifia’s origin story. After decades of demand, fans can fifinally experience Come With Me to Hell: Part 1 in a high‑quality, collectible vinyl edition that celebrates its raw beginnings and enduring influence.

Recently unearthed, rare recordings from Bianca Scout's early years of 2013-2014.

All tracks written, produced, recorded, performed and mixed by Bianca Scout. Mastered by the infamous Rupert Clerveux.

Bianca Scout is a producer, composer and multidisciplinary artist with a background in contemporary and classical dance whose intimate performances combine movement and storytelling within a distorted landscape of displacement, yearning and the undead. Scout’s work blends a mysterious mix of demure post-grunge and medieval composition, creating music made through loops and collages from a highly seductive field. Her music is haunted without being hauntological, fractured but whole; her work sits within a gothic landscape, steering you into the abyss while also acting as the compass that guides your way back out.

Her albums include Pattern Damage (2024), The Heart of the Anchoress (2023), Our Hearts (2022), Karaoke at the Slagheap (2022) and Dis-lexia (2017). Alongside her solo work, Scout is part of the industrial synth-pop duo Marina Zispin, whose debut album Now You See Me, Now You Don’t was released in 2025, as well as being part of the multi-disciplinary collective ‘life is beautiful’, and a collaborative project with Lauren Duffus, 2k88 & Rainy Miller, which saw the release of the 2026 album ‘Everything Always Changes, For We’re Truly Here’.

Scout has created film scores including Arctic Diva (BFI Short Film Festival, 2025) and Shagbands (Film4 Shorts, 2020).

Scout has performed in venues such as: EartH Theatre London (2026), Lion Arts Factory Adelaide (2026), Unsound Poland (2026), Lafayette Anticipations Paris (2025), She Makes Noise Oihuka (2025), San Sebastian (2025), Handel Festival: Arias Reimagined, London (2025), Luminate, Kings Place London (2024), Unsound Festival Kraków (2024), EEXXOO – Bianca Scout Does Some Pattern Damage, Volksbühne, Berlin (2024), Serpentine Gallery, London (2017), The London South Bank Centre (2022), The Royal Academy, London (2017).

Scout has collaborated with artists such as Klein, Coby Sey, Lauren Duffus, Ben Vince, Space Afrika, Elena Isolini, Solomon Garcon & various members (+ affiliates) of the multi-disciplinary collective ‘life is beautiful’ that she is a part of. Scout has also performed live with Mica Levi, Alice Glass & CURL, as well as many others.

Armada Music and PDD proudly continue the brand-new A State Of Trance Classic Series, celebrating some of the most legendary and influential records in trance history. Following the success of Volume 1, Volume 2 once again dives into the archives to bring three essential trance classics back to life on fresh vinyl.

Kicking things off on Volume 2 is “Chicane feat. Moya Brennan - Saltwater”, a true trance classic that showcases the sound and energy that helped define the genre during its golden era. Originally released in 1999 on Xtravaganza Recordings, the track quickly became a favourite among DJs and trance fans, and now returns to wax as part of this essential new series.

On the flip is “Veracocha - Carte Blanche (Extended Mix)”, another highly regarded classic from the A State Of Trance catalogue. Originally released in 1999, the track has stood the test of time and remains a firm favourite with trance DJs and collectors, making its return to vinyl a welcome addition to the series.

Last but not least is “Insigma - Open Our Eyes (Original Mix)”, completing another carefully selected trio of timeless trance records. Originally released in 2000 on A Trance Communication Release, this classic perfectly captures the euphoric, driving sound that made the era so influential and continues to resonate with trance fans today.

Volume 2 continues the series in style, bringing together three essential trance classics on one piece of wax and making this a must-have for both long-time A State Of Trance fans and a new generation discovering these timeless anthems.

12 Inch Lovers - Celebrating 15 Years of Vinyl Culture!
Belgian vinyl-only event concept 12 Inch Lovers celebrates its 15th anniversary with two new additions to its established sampler series. Now entering its seventh year, the series reflects the music and atmosphere of the events, combining dancefloor favourites with carefully selected discoveries.
Samplers 13 & 14 bring together sought-after classics, hard-to-find gems and selected tracks and versions making their vinyl debut. Each volume features nine full-length tracks across two 12-inch records, making both releases essential additions for DJs and collectors alike.
Sampler 13 includes Sorry I Am Late by Kollektiv Turmstrasse, Marea (We've Lost Dancing) by Fred again.. & The Blessed Madonna, and Lifetimes by Slam feat. Tyrone Palmer. Further highlights include Tocadisco's Morumbi and the Martijn ten Velden Remix of Guitarra G.
Sampler 14 features Dreams by Deep Dish feat. Stevie Nicks, All That Matters by Kölsch feat. Troels Abrahamsen, and the NiCe7 Remix of It's Yours by Jon Cutler feat. E-Man. Belgian favourites Decoy & Roy with Inner Life and The Mackenzie with Higher In The Sky add to the selection.
Rooted in 15 years of vinyl-only events, these two compilations capture the distinctive sound of 12 Inch Lovers, offering lasting appeal for long-time fans, record collectors and DJs looking tobring proven classics back to the dancefloor.
Nothing But (Future) Classix, Straight From Vinyl!

Sampler 14 opens with Jon Cutler feat. E-Man - It's Yours (NiCe7 Remix). This remix pairs the recognisable vocal with a punchy house groove. A fresh take on a familiar classic that sets the tone straight away. Next comes Sterac Electronics - Destination Reached, with Steve Rachmad
showcasing his feel for electronic funk. Tight rhythms and an infectious groove make this a record with lasting appeal.
Side B features Swen Weber - Maya (Rerub), a powerful club track whose build and driving rhythm keep the dancefloor moving. Deep Dish feat. Stevie Nicks - Dreams then delivers a familiar moment. Stevie Nicks' distinctive voice and Deep Dish's warm, immersive house sound
give this well-known song a character all of its own.
Side C brings Kölsch feat. Troels Abrahamsen - All That Matters, a melodic track in which the vocaland gradual build complement each other beautifully. The kind of record that feels equally at home deep into a club night or under the first rays of sunshine at a festival. Next is Chew Fu feat. Steve Clisby - Purple Rain (Mousse T.'s Home A Lone Mix). Mousse T. gives this interpretation of the Prince classic a warm, soulful house groove, leaving plenty of room for Steve Clisby's voice to shine.
On side D, Jürgen Paape - We Love takes over. Playful, melodic and full of character, it adds a different flavour to the selection. Decoy & Roy - Inner Life follows with a generous dose of nostalgia and a sound that perfectly reflects a love for Belgian club classics. Closing the sampler is The Mackenzie - Higher In The Sky, whose dreamy melodies and uplifting energy provide a fitting finale.
Nine tracks across two 12-inch records, each in its full-length version. Much-loved classics, inspired remixes and lesser-known gems, brought together withthe same love for music that has driven 12 Inch Lovers' events for 15 years.

*Originally pressed in 2021 - this is a brand new master and cut.**

In partnership with Analogue Foundation, Oshu Records is proud to present the exclusive vinyl repress of "Laroyê" in a thick cardboard tip-on gatefold jacket on 2x 180g vinyl.

Acclaimed Hungarian, Berlin-based producer, composer and pianist Àbáse (AKA Szabolcs Bognár) returns, sharing a special, 5 anniversary remaster of his breakthrough project 'Laroyê'. Releasing on Friday 1 May via Bridge The Gap & Oshu Records, this sensitive exploration of Afro-Brazilian culture originally began as an audio diary, documenting Szabolcs’ travels and collaborations in Brazil through a collection of voice memos, fragmented beats, sketches and field recordings. As his journey progressed, and his collaborations and research deepened, the music project started to take on its own life:

"Laroyê evolved through weeks and months of research and collaborations into the album that it is now. That means that all the sessions were done in different apartments, small studios, often with borrowed equipment, which all adds to the character, but makes the creation of a coherent sound a challenge. Benjamin Tierney, Erik Breuer and Analogue Foundation did an incredible job with the mixes and with this new remaster. I truly believe that we are able to hear the tracks in a new light, with even more depth and clarity."

Coming from the West African Yoruban language, Àbáse stands for "collaboration" – a key element of the music perfectly encapsulated on 'Laroyê'. Recorded in Rio de Janeiro and Salvador, Àbáse spent five months working with diverse artists, from young talents to veterans of the Brazilian scene including Letieres Leite, Luciane Dom, Dofono d'Omolu, Afrojazz and more. The album explores the rich heritage of afro-brasilian culture through samba, MPB and Candomblé, mixing these with broken beat, hip hop and afrobeat, creating a contemporary homage to the classic Brazilian sound. Szabolcs shares:

"Despite already leading and managing musical projects that are close to my hearth, I always felt that one day I would like to start a solo project, where I could take full responsibility for the artistic direction and the music would reflect a truly personal vision. In 2017, I decided to take five months to fulfil a childhood dream and travel to Brazil to expand my creative horizon and expose myself to new influences."

An album standout is the bass-heavy, afro-brazilian ‘Agangatolú, which Àbáse describes as "best exemplifying the story and concept of Laroye as a collaborative effort - a research project exploring the rich heritage of Afro Brazilian culture through my own lens." The track features singers and percussion players Jadson Xabla and Gabriel Santana - two artists based out of one of the oldest terreiros (houses of worship) in Bahia, whilst drummer Jorge Dubman is an integral part of one of the most famous afrobeat bands from Salvador IFA. The contributions of one of Szabolcsoldest collaborators - Hungarian flautist Fanni Zahar - also made the track a full-circle moment.

On a quest for cosmic grooves of unity, Àbáses music pulls from an eclectic blend of global reference points, including modal jazz, Hungarian folk, West African, Brazilian, hiphop and underground electronic music. His work has drawn widespread critical acclaim from the likes of MOJO, Songlines, Soulection and The Guardian, and been supported by key tastemakers including Gilles Peterson, Jamz Supernova and BAMBII. As a keyboard player, Szabolcs has also collaborated with the likes of Wayne Snow, Dele Sosimi, Patti Smith, Emmanuel Wilkins, Gulty Simpson and Zeitgeist Freedom Energy Exchange.

'Laroyê' (2026 Remaster) will release on Friday 1st May via Bridge The Gap & Oshu Records.

First release on brand new imprint 'Picture Dis'. The label will reissue classic tracks only on Limited Edition picture disc. First release is none other than "Pump It Up" by Danzel, one of the defining dance records of the 2000s and a global club favourite that continues to ignite dancefloors around the world. Including Marnik Remix, A Cappella version and another hit by Danzel: "Put Your Hands Up In The Air!".

More titles to be announced in the coming months.

Ariadne's Labyrinth returns with Endless Corners on Adepta Editions. Classically trained yet shaped by London's illegal rave scene, her distinct sonic language is born from live improvisation. Following acclaimed releases on Detroit Underground and Touched Music, this EP seamlessly intertwines the dense, physical pulse of underground club culture with breathtakingly beautiful string arrangements. It is a visceral journey, bridging heavy dancefloor tension with vulnerable, chamber-esque introspection.

Scott Fagan’s new album Soon, 55 years in the making, revives songs from his lost 1971 Broadway rock opera.

Alongside songwriting partner Joe Kookoolis, Fagan conceived and wrote the rock opera, an age-old story of an artist forced to make a devil’s bargain between their principles and success, intending it to be the follow-up to his classic 1968 debut, South Atlantic Blues. But fate intervened. The production (which starred Fagan and a young Richard Gere) closed early, the album was shelved, never to be recorded or heard. Until now.

Recorded over seven days in July 2025 at the hallowed Sam Phillips Recording Service in Memphis with a crack rhythm section, the thirteen songs on Soon illustrate Fagan’s extraordinary facility and range as a singer and songwriter of great sensitivity, passion, and humour.

From its rousing gospel opener (“Let The World Begin Again”), through fiery, protest songs (“Faces Names and Places”, “Straight”), and tender-hearted ballads (“Child of Sympathy”, “To Touch the Sky”), the album is by turns, uplifting, mournful, righteous, giddy, soulful (title track, “Soon), and anthemic (closer, “Please Be Well”). This feels like an album of lost classics waiting to be rediscovered.

Scott Fagan has been waiting a long time for the world to hear these songs. The long, long wait is over, Soon.

A defining vocal trance classic of the late '90s, Lost Witness' "Happiness Happening" broke into the UK Top 20 and became a staple of the era's euphoric sound. This timeless favourite returns to vinyl, ready to light up the dancefloor once again.

Faitiche presents the debut solo album by cellist, sound artist, and composer Topu Lyo: “quiet scenes from tokyo” brings together sixteen miniatures for solo cello and tape echo that oscillate between abstracts drones and rhythmic pizzicato sketches – all recorded at Topu’s Tokyo apartment. The constant traffic noise from a nearby highway has become an accompanying soundtrack for his compositions and can be heard on the recordings. Topu’s playing is marked by a distinctive idiom oriented more towards abstract electronic studio effects than classical technique.

The artist spoke to Jan Jelinek about his work:

JJ: A solo cello album may seem like an odd fit for a label that has to date released only music that is electronic in the broadest sense. But I think “quiet scenes from tokyo” complements the Faitiche repertoire exceptionally well. Its sixteen miniatures showcase the cello in all its complexity: the bowed passages sometimes recall a tape feedback drone; the pizzicato playing conjures up the percussion recordings of Moondog; and the abstract textures might be mistaken for the product of a granular sampler rather than rapid finger work on the cello. I’m constantly surprised by just how rich and varied this album is – without ever losing the charm of its sketch-like quality. Could you say a few words about the making of your album – first of all, from a rather technical perspective: what production tools did you use, and why?

TL: My production tools were very sparse. Just a solo cello and my Roland 301 Space Echo, which I only used at the end, running everything through it during mixing, tape only. After years of working with electronics, pedals, and synthesizers, moving to Tokyo pushed me toward minimizing my setup. But my aesthetics shifted too, toward simplicity. I wanted to strip everything back to just the acoustic cello and see how far I could push it — replicating some of my favorite electronic effects through extended technique: slow portamento, LFOs, filters, detune, noise. I’d also been listening to a cassette of ocean sounds for years. When I moved to Tokyo I was horrified to find myself living directly across from a freeway. Eventually the freeway started sounding almost identical to the ocean — and that ended up playing a prominent part in the recording.

JJ: That’s super interesting: mimicking electronic production as a compositional idea for the cello! You say the sound of the freeway is crucial to the album: I, too, tend to interpret steady traffic noise as a positive soundscape – do we hear the freeway on the album? I can also hear other field recordings, for example on “a street car with announcements”. Can you say a bit about how these field recordings influence your playing?

TL: Yes, you can hear the freeway on the album! The freeway is most prominent in “old trees in lonely spring”, “yuyake koyake”, and “the moon” (you can clearly hear individual cars). When I first began recording I had my balcony door shut tightly, but after a while I began leaning into the highway sound and slowly opening the door little by little to control the amount of noise. “streetcar with announcements” was a moment I was recording and a car passed by making announcements in the background. I loved how it sounded! Same thing with “yuyake koyake”, and later I realized that every day at 5pm the same song plays to mark sunset, telling children it’s time to go home. Having this bedrock of sound puts less pressure on me to put music on top or to play more notes.

JJ: It’s astonishing how much this differs from what I’d imagined: I’d been picturing peaceful landscape recordings, but had never thought of a freeway. Which goes to show how open to interpretation traffic noises are. So the room by the freeway had a major influence on the album – how are you going to perform it live?

TL: The contrast between the freeway and the beautiful landscape in my head couldn’t have been starker. I too was imagining a beautiful landscape in which to create the album, but somehow it still worked out. I've been going back and forth a lot on live shows and I think the most honest way is to have it the most stripped down. I was thinking of using traffic samples etc., but I think the duet really comes from the background sounds from every unique venue/environment. So as it stands, I’ll just be doing acoustic solo cello.

Mexican producer/musician MONSIEUR VAN PRATT returns to our TSTD shores with his second two track Edit trip into the world of Mexican obscure, super rare Coverversions.
His first 7 Inch (with an amazing Edit of a Cover of Bobby Caldwell's "What You Won't Do For Love") has been the most repressed and highest selling Issue in our long ongoing TSTD EDIT Vinyl series.
For the upcoming 7 inch he delivers two brandnew fun reworks:

Side A is a slow disco edit of a super rare Mexican late 70s cover version of Bill Withers' classic love song "Just The Two Of Us".
Side B is a midtempo Rework of a Mexican cover of "Upside Down" by Diana Ross w/ Nile Rogers