Suche:deep sounds

Originally released following his acclaimed sophomore album, HYBRIDISM finds Ecuadorian producer Nicola Cruz at the height of his exploratory powers. Now reissued on limited editon green vinyl, this expansive EP re-emerges with renewed relevance—blending North African rhythms, ethereal Persian motifs, and vocal fragments that evoke both ancient traditions and imagined worlds. A contemporary take on global exotica, HYBRIDISM is a vital entry in Cruz’s ever-evolving sonic journey.

'Aima’, named after the refrain sung by Igbo girls from Nigeria, creates the illusion that you’ve dusted off a lost LP. The aesthetic details recall expertly produced French exotica from the 70s, an overall feeling of warmth and character rarely pulled off with such panache.

‘Naeku,' in Cruz’s words, is "a sorrowful song in minor tonalities, but with a warrior energy, strength and forward vision: a soul departs, but a new one arrives in the name of Naeku, a maasai child. Not all grief needs to be a suffering; a feeling which I can relate to the place I come from with a Quechua word: Llaquilla - triste, pero feliz (sad, but happy). As always, the 303 adds that heart touching feeling.” If there’s a template for Multi Culti’s ethos, Cruz has synthesized the formula: Masai lamentation filtered through Quechua wisdom with a touch of 303 for the soul.

'Drom Tradisie' is a nostalgic vignette that captures the fantasy of a scenic horizon on a lost beach, a portrait done with the FM domain of synths that somehow associates with tropical imagery.

'Third Eye Dub’ takes things deeper, exploring the fractal realm of concentration, a point where the Oud (played by Nasiri) acts on the pineal gland. This inward journey through the cavernous depths of the subconscious sails on a smooth modular groove that transports the listener across this psychic expanse, a filigree of Persian harmonies (in Shur, to be exact) tracing outlines in the dark.

Finally, 'Kawe’s Dream’ ventures even further into the imaginary spaces of the mind. It is an aural reconstruction of the Tibetan Bardo Thodol, or ‘Book of the Dead’, a sacred text that guides the spirit through the passage out of the body. In Nicola’s words "To paint that depth, I had these Tibetan chants in mind, that I ended up crafting with Ableton's vocoder over a piece of Ayan’s vocals (sung in a made-up language). A few notes, and it gave the gravity I was looking for in the song.” Stuff that only a producer as capable as Cruz could pull off.

Hybridism’s five tracks are sonically diverse, yet all possess an ephemeral quality, a pastoral, transitory feeling that travels through the music - we listen to the sounds pass us by, we might even catch a hook or two, but the feeling is of sand running through our hands, deep, elusive, beautiful.

Steve Bicknell returns to KR3, once again unleashing his mastery of power electronics!
Following his two reinterpretations of last year's "JK Flesh Remixes" and four years after his solo EP "A Day In The Life" in 2021, Bicknell takes us deep into the realms of his sonic mysticism, marking a significant milestone in the fifth anniversary of the label.
Several Streams of Thought LP - is an unrelenting and immersive odyssey, presented through nine tracks, seven of which will be available on a double 12-inch vinyl, with two exclusive cuts in a limited 7-inch format.
The album hits hard, straight to the brain, with no warning, across sides A, B, and C. Each side is a raw, untamed techno experience, with Bicknell's unmistakable signature dominating throughout, delivering unwavering intensity and relentless impact.
However, on side D, a transformation takes place: a 15-minute soundscape that turns the embedded waves into breath - a blinding light emerging from the darkness. It's a moment of tribalism and evocative magic, offering a refreshing pause, a return to balance after the intensity of the shadows.
The 7-inch, available in a limited edition under the title "the eye of the invisible world", contains two tracks - one on side E and the other on side F.
The mystical sounds complete this dual experience: one part filled with dark, untamed energy, while the other brings a sense of mental lightness, emphasizing breathwork and emotional self-
healing.
S | B is back, stronger than ever!

With a steely sound matching fathoms-deep echo chambers with metallic textures and precision drums, Sciama arrives on Samurai Music to press into the inspiring hinterland between techno and drum & bass.

Sciama is the production alias for Michael Watters, a producer who since 2019 has carved out a formidable reputation across a stellar run of releases on ASC's Auxiliary label. While his music references UK bass, transcendental techno and industrial, the end result is a taut, focused journey through fractured, weighty rhythms and vast, ranging atmospherics tilted towards the darkness.
Between Veils is testament to Watters' refined production, steeped in intensely detailed and layered sound design in constant fluid motion, whether locked to the grid or shifting across the surface of the track like grayscale snow drifts. Noise becomes a subtle tool in his hands, capable of delicacy as much as abrasion, and discord evokes a haunting beauty if you listen past the clangorous overtones he elicits from his pads.

For all the writhing, artful sonics, there is still ample weight in the Sciama sound to hold court over a sound system. 'Figures In Mist' rests on a constant half time cycle underpinned by monolithic bass pulses and 'Ghost Trail' finds deadly energy in the faintest flicker of double-time hats above the slow march of a 4/4 kick clocking around 85BPM. Restraint is paramount, even in the fuller rhythm section that drives 'Anima Trace', creating tension through what isn't sequenced as much as what is. 'Veil Of Mirrors' has an especially punchy kick propelling the cavernous echos and ripples that shape out yet another vivid soundscape, but at all times Watters keeps a tight grip on his arrangement to keep the energy simmering just below boiling point.
Moving well beyond the boundaries of any specific genre, Between Veils winds upas a strong, independent statement on the meeting point between broad influences and clear intentions - a formidable addition to Samurai Music's explorations beyond drum & bass and Sciama's steadily evolving, singular style.

Welcome to Club Partenopea — a masterclass in understated elegance and deep, introspective grooves.
Side A: Sunset Sessions – The Soundtrack Toward Night
A1. “Smooth Rides”
An energetic yet fluid track, “Smooth Rides” blends warm analog synths with a swinging groove, creating an immersive listening experience. It invites the listener to drift into its layered soundscapes and lose themselves in the rhythm.
A2. “Hope Is the Refuge”
The ultimate soundtrack for relaxation and good vibes. This soft-textured piece weaves shimmering pads with subtle piano flourishes, while hushed, ethereal vocal samples float in and out—not as a lead, but as an ambient layer—adding to its dreamy, gently melancholic mood.
________________________________________
Side B: Blending Into the Party-Time Pulse
B1. “Club Partenopea”
A deep house groove that shines with infectious piano riffs, acting like rhythmic exclamations. Joyous and unifying, it’s made for the dancefloor — pure, celebratory energy wrapped in elegance.
B2. “Timer Groove”
Your late-night companion. “Timer Groove” fuses the lush, immersive tones of deep house with a buoyant, uplifting bassline. It’s the perfect 1 AM tune—when the crowd gets intimate, the energy softens, and the music becomes a trusted guide through the night.

Blending Afro-Brazilian roots, electronic textures and transatlantic songwriting, Yemamaya is the debut album by French-Brazilian duo Luizga & iZem, born from a chance meeting on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean in Lisbon. The project brings together the melodic and spiritual sensibility of Brazilian singer Luizga with the urban, hybrid touch of producer iZem, creating a musical journey that feels both grounded and universal.



At the heart of the album is the title track “Yemamaya”, a word whispered to Luizga in a dream. It pays tribute to Yemanjá, the Afro-Brazilian sea goddess. The song is a joyful and healing incantation, carried by Luizga’s luminous voice and subtle electronic arrangements that bridge the sacred and the rhythmic. It’s an ode to the feminine, to the ocean, and to vital energy.



“Say My Name” boldly reimagines the Destiny’s Child classic through a fresh and soulful lens. Silky R&B vocals glide over warm Brazilian acoustic guitar, while Afrobeat-inspired rhythms bring an irresistible pulse. A surprise horn section blossoms mid-track into a deep, sultry bass drop. The result is both nostalgic and forward-thinking — a perfect snapshot of the duo’s aesthetic.



On “Feelings Going Through”, the instantly recognizable voice of Curumin — a key figure on Brazil’s alternative music scene — adds a new dimension. The track is a smooth, soulful meditation on emotion, wrapped in organic percussion and refined production.



Rooted in the legacy of Brazilian popular music while embracing the global sounds of today, Yemamaya is a free-spirited and luminous musical statement. An album that sits at the crossroads of genres and continents, where introspection meets celebration.

Leng Records proudly presents Everything You’re About to Hear Is True: Volume 1, a compilation carefully curated by Rotation Soundsystem. Brought together by Rotation founders Dean Meredith and Ben Shenton, alongside the Wrekin Havoc trio of Rob J, Stuart Robinson, and Rich Hall, this debut volume captures the collective’s shared vision – shaped by decades of crate-digging.

Founded in 2013, Rotation has grown from a modest gathering in Staffordshire into a thriving community of like-minded music lovers, attracting heads and partygoers from across the UK – and well beyond. What began as an intimate affair has evolved into a full-scale, three-day celebration, now held in a grand yurt and powered by a bespoke six-way sound system. The rig features four Klipschorns, two JBLs with twin 18” and 15” sub reinforcements, compression horns, and an Isonoe 420 mixer.

Meredith explains: “With the help of my brother, Martin, I’m constantly looking at ways to improve the setup. I love the way Larry Levan did that at The Paradise Garage. We have a few things that are custom-made. I want our system to be unique to us.”

According to regular attendee, DJ and writer Steve KIW: “In the right hands, the sound system at Rotation – very much Dean’s labour of love – is untouchable. The comparisons with Mancuso’s Loft come easily because they are deserved. There isn’t a bad spot in the yurt. Wherever you are, it sounds incredible.”

As the dancing continues through the weekend, the DJ line-up has grown to match the occasion. Guests and headliners have included a roll call of legendary selectors: Bill Brewster, Colleen “Cosmo” Murphy, Phil Mison, Nick The Record, Ruf Dug, Mark Seven, and The Idjut Boys — the latter playing a marathon 10-hour set in 2024. The parties have also featured live performances from Emperor Machine, Quinn Lamont Luke, Reuben Vaun Smith, and Orbs of Light.

Presented on gatefold double vinyl, this lovingly assembled collection is the result of decades spent digging through dusty crates, reflecting the selectors’ deep-rooted passion for uncovering rare gems and overlooked treasures. Decidedly European in spirit, the album brings together 14 rarities with standout selections from Belgium, Sweden, Italy, Germany, and France. The vast majority of tracks are true obscurities, and nearly every one is a mid-tempo bumper.

“This has been a long time coming – something we’ve always dreamed of doing. We’re incredibly thankful to Leng Records, who understand our vision and what we’re trying to build. This compilation pulls together some of our favourite tracks from over the years. It’s not just a playlist – it’s a journey, a window into the sound of Rotation,” says Meredith.

Representing the spirit of the underground in Dubai, Shadi Megallaa is a multifaceted music lover whose unwavering passion for music permeates throughout all of his endeavours. A pioneer of Dubai’s electronic music culture, Shadi’s roots lie with the foundations of modern day electronica: all shades of house, techno and beyond. His commitment to preserving and evolving the culture is inherent in his record shop, The Flip Side, which has been intrinsic to the growth and development of music culture in Dubai. As a DJ and producer he draws on a multitude of experience, diverse taste and a refined ear that has instilled the ability to craft compelling productions. On Spirits Of The Deep we find Shadi exploring the deeper side of electronic music, creating layers of vibration designed to immerse the listener in layers of positive vibration.

As prescribed by Shadi himself, we start the traditional way, with Side B (the info side), where ‘Microgravity’ transports us into the cosmos. Soothing sonics envelop a taut low end with crisp percussion and swathes of pad work cultivating an interstellar atmosphere. Subtly shifting layers keep you locked into a groove, as the track maintains its energetic pulse. The synth lines increase with intensity midway through, adding more potency. Across almost nine minutes Shadi takes us on an excursion beyond the stars…

This is followed by ‘G-Dub’, a smooth jazz-inflected piece full of soul nourishing goodness. Intuitive drum programming with a groove-laced low end form the propulsive backbone of this track. The dreamlike melodic elements are almost transcendent in their illuminating impact. With all of its elements combined, ‘G-Dub’ is a glorious foray into the depths of true deep house. Shadi keeps things interesting throughout, adding and subtracting layers to complement the pace. Those hi-hats and intermittent cymbal crashes are especially impactful. A delight.

On the flip we have ‘Pressure’, where Shadi’s UK breaks influence comes through. A characterful vocal sample features throughout the intro before we enter a world of unusual sounds. The beats are, once again, impeccably executed, accompanied by a dubby bassline and an ever-evolving cacophony of squelchy sounds and chirps. Running at just over 9 ½ minutes, ‘Pressure’ sees Shadi flexing his creative muscles with a heady, expansive composition that invites us on a deep musical trip.

Finally, ‘The Poet’ closes out the EP on an emotive tip. The track is dedicated to the Palestinian poet and activist Refaat Alareer, who was killed during an airstrike on Gaza in December 2023. It utilises Refaat’s powerful poem If I Must Die, with the spinetingling words taking centre stage, as Shadi’s beats, bass and bright pads provide the backdrop. A piano-led melody appears in the latter part of the track, amplifying its emotionally-charged atmosphere. A wonderfully imagined homage to a martyr for peace. As the samples state, Let it bring hope…

A long-lost masterpiece of Yugoslavian jazz-funk and disco finally returns! Originally released in 1979 on the iconic Jugoton label, YU Disko Expres by Igor Savin and Orkestar Stanka Selaka is a rare gem—an electrifying fusion of jazz, funk, electronic music, and traditional folk elements. Decades ahead of its time, this album remains a strikingly modern and danceable exploration of sound, seamlessly blending synthesizers with tight horn arrangements and deep, infectious grooves.
Igor Savin, one of Croatia’s most respected composers and pioneers of electronic music, was a driving force in blending contemporary jazz with emerging electronic sounds. A classically trained musician with a deep love for jazz, he left a lasting mark on the region’s music scene, working across film, TV, and avant-garde composition.
Backed by an all-star ensemble featuring some of Yugoslavia’s finest musicians—trumpeter Stanko Selak, bassist Miljenko Prohaska, drummer Silvije Glojnarić, saxophonist Stjepan Mihaljinec, and more—YU Disko Expres delivers an unparalleled groove that has remained a collector’s favorite for decades.
For the first time ever, this sought-after album gets an official reissue, fully remastered from the original tapes. DJs, hip-hop producers, and groove aficionados take note: YU Disko Expres is back, sounding fresher than ever. Don’t miss your chance to own a piece of Yugoslavian music history!

2025 Repress

Conundrum Records delves into the depths of techno with a riveting release from Hitam, the Dutch producer who's renowned for his immersive soundscapes, stimulating textures and dynamic low-end. The "Subterranean EP" is a compelling journey through shadowy, bass-driven terrain, meticulously designed for powerful club systems. Despite the variety in tempo, the EP's relentless energy and thunderous low-end form a cohesive thread throughout.

The EP kicks off with "Nagini", where minimalist, driving drum patterns intertwine with glitchy synths and eerie atmospheres, setting the stage for what's to come.
"Hoia Baciu" intensifies the experience, maintaining a dark, brooding energy that envelops the listener in its foreboding vibe. "Kaelago" shifts gears slightly, slowing the tempo but upping the complexity with intricate sound design and broken beat transitions that showcase Hitam's deft production skills.

Adding to the EP's allure, renowned techno artist Rene Wise contributes a hypnotic, tribal-infused remix of "Kaelago," layering new depths onto the original and enhancing its already potent impact. For those seeking an even more intense experience, Hitam's alternative version of "Kaelago" serves as a digital bonus, pushing the boundaries of auditory immersion.

"Subterranean" is a masterclass in crafting dark, cerebral techno, with Hitam firmly establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with in the genre. This EP is not just a collection of tracks but an exploration of mood and atmosphere, making it an essential listen for those who appreciate techno's deeper, more introspective side.

Under-the-radar artist CV1 debuts on Life In Patterns Lab with "Blocks of Darkness", a six-track EP that delivers a captivating blend of raw, expressive techno inspired by 90s and 2000s sounds with a modern edge. This release showcases CV1's talent for crafting immersive techno journeys, balancing peak-time energy with deeper, hypnotic, and introspective moods. "Blocks of Darkness" is set to release in mid-July 2025 on hand-stamped vinyl and digital formats.

The fourth release on ALT, the sub label of Cartulis Music, sees the return of AV1, the freshly formed French duo composed of Chris Carrier and Le Loup. Following the success of Waves + Plants Pt. 1 (ALT004.1), the pair now delivers the highly anticipated second chapter, pushing the boundaries of their sonic exploration

AV1 is the result of a deep-rooted connection between two of the most respected names in the Parisian underground scene. Chris Carrier, a prolific producer and DJ since the late ‘90s, has carved out a legacy with his unmistakable approach to house and techno. Le Loup, equally revered for his refined touch and forward-thinking productions, brings his own signature style to the table. Together, they craft an electrifying synergy built on a shared love for acid, deep grooves, and classicist house/techno foundations.

Waves + Plants Pt. 2 (ALT004.2) expands on the energy of the first release, offering a fivetrack journey through a diverse soundscape. Blurring the lines between trance, techno, breaks, and experimental sounds, the EP showcases AV1’s ability to merge different sonic textures into a cohesive, cutting-edge release. From hypnotic acid sequences to raw drum programming and ethereal atmospheres, each track presents a unique side of their creative vision.

This latest installment solidifies AV1’s place as a standout project in contemporary electronic music and reaffirms ALT’s commitment to releasing forward-thinking, genre-defying sounds.

“Everytime I try” by DJ Chus & Cevin Fisher was one of the biggest worldwide club hits in Summer 2023. That catchy acid-inspired synth line, along with Chus’ signature driving percussion and Cevin’s iconic voice preaching such an inspired message was a peak hour favorite immediately upon release.

And now comes the well-deserved and much anticipated remix treatment. Wheats adds some minimal leaning deep tech flavor with an appealingly mutated effect added to the vocal; Audio Junkies retains the acid based synth line but strips it down and then builds it back up with some new melodic elements that will open up the track to a dancefloor community that looks for more eclectic house music sounds; and finally the 12” includes the Viot remix where this emerging Brazilian producer adds building hypnotic rhythmic elements that give the track an early morning feel to go along with its already established peak hour energy. Rounding out the 12” is the original DJ Chus extended mix, released on vinyl now for the first time as part of this remix package.

This release comes in special yellow colored vinyl.

SHDW's Mutual Rytm imprint is back with its third release of 2024, marking a full label debut from Sonic Propaganda with their 'Native' EP.

Sonic Propaganda comes from the collaborative minds of Earwax and Rosati, a pair who favour dark and intense techno sounds and take inspiration from Jeff Mills and Robert Hood. In the studio, they blend analog and digital technologies into smoky warehouse atmospheres and immersive journeys that connect with listeners on an emotive level, and this full EP lands following their contribution to the third instalment of the Mutual Rytm's Federation Of Rytm compilation series in February.

The powerful 'Native' opens up at high speed with tightly coiled drum loops that never let up. Sleek metal percussive sounds peel off the grooves and lock listeners into a perfect state of hypnosis. 'Soul Pressure' is just as absorbing, with a tense bassline keeping you on edge as the train-like drums march under incendiary hi-hat ringlets. There is plenty of perfect machine funk to 'Terminal', which has more rusty synth textures and chopped-up vocal fragments humanising the turbulent grooves. 'Basic Path' brings an extra skip to the kicks as they enter, scuffed up and flowing just above the groove, while vocal pulses and twitchy synth modulations bring the detail. 'Body Empire' closes the vinyl package with a deeper vibe and pensive synths that add warmth and soul to the brilliantly mechanical grooves, while digital bonus 'Acid Riot' closes with squelching acid lines amongst a swell of analog crunch and laser-sharp percussion.

Lars Huismann drops fourth essential release on Mutual Rytm with 'Catharsis', following his successful 'Sounds From The Past' trilogy.

German producer Lars Huismann has a percussive and groove-driven take on techno that often comes with scintillating melodies and separates him from others amongst the genre. His releases have come on labels such as Dolly and Soma; however, he has also quickly become an essential member of the Mutual Rytm family, having contributed to the label's 'Federation Of Rytm III' VA as well as serving up a trio of forward-thinking EPs in the form of his 'Sounds From The Past' trilogy. Delivering yet more stellar material on SHDW's thriving imprint, his latest EP delivers the newest evolution in his sound while maintaining his signature sonic essence.

The hunched techno funk of 'Divergence' kicks off with plenty of plenty up energy and tight, bouncy synth vamps, while 'Portal' goes deep into a futuristic landscape with static-laced synths and oversized hi-hat ringlets that ramp up the pressure. The mighty 'Neural' is brilliantly functional and linear techno with a playful synth that rides up and down the mix as the sleek and slamming drums race onwards. 'Riot' brings some extra raved-up madness with serrated synths and raw percussive energy, and 'Technician' then slips into a deeper, more paired back sound with liquid synth lashing about the mix as dubby undercurrents power along the punchy rhythms and freaky vocals bring the menace. Digital bonus cuts 'Incognito', a fizzing, busy, textured techno workout, and the machine soul of 'Submerged' close out this high-grade EP in style.

Aussie techno innovator Alpharisc returns to Mutual Rytm for a second standout EP.

Shane Yates, aka Alpharisc, has been living and breathing techno for over 30 years. He first began producing in the mid-90s and has amassed a fine hardware collection that lends his sounds a raw, rugged feel. After breaking through with the Wetmusik party and label collective, he has let his music do the talking and isn't afraid of colouring it with a hint of nostalgia. Previous material has come via several notable labels over the years, but his most recent outings have been on SHDW's Mutual Rytm imprint, with his solo EP 'Ram Face' from 2023 becoming an underground favourite alongside a fine outing as part of the label's 'Federation Of Rytm II' and 'Federation Of Rytm III' compilations. Once again, he returns in style, uncovering an impactful selection of gems across his new 'Remain Seated' EP.

The opener 'Peace Be With You' is a straight-up techno weapon with urgent synth flashes peeling off the groove like a police siren. The drums hit hard in true Alpharisc style before 'Hail' builds on that with a more hard-edge groove topped with frosty waves of white noise that electrify the dance floor. 'Remain Seated' brings a hint of trance-leaning energy with its bright sheets of synth lighting up the driving drums and saw-tooth bass loops. Next, 'Look At This' is another brilliantly forceful techno sound with slamming drums and rusty synth loops, layering melancholic pads up top and adding a cerebral edge, while closer 'In Your Mind' is from the Jeff Mills school of synth-laced and serene deep techno with lush pads radiating cosmic light. As a bonus, digital-only cut 'Expedition' brings some backlit celestial synth work to a rubbery and pummelling drum pattern for pure techno escapism.

Like a metaphor for life, the progressive sounds of « Tree of Life » evoke the image of a tree that never stops evolving and growing. With its deep and captivating melodies, Nurse Erica takes us on a cosmic journey to the outer edges of Trance and Progressive House.

As its name suggests, « Being Trance » brings together all the elements of a Trance classic: soaring melodies, spacey leads, and groovy percussion. It’s the perfect introduction to the first side of the vinyl, a metaphor for the birth of the tree.

« Do My Stuff (Ears in Space Mix) » picks up right where the opening track leaves off. Striking a balance between dreamy and nostalgic, its deep bass and driving percussion lay down the rhythm, while the airy melodies scatter like autumn leaves.

With « Take The Heartbreak », Nurse Erica explores a universal rite of passage. The first half of the track, broken and introspective, gradually gives way to a brighter second half : a glimmer of hope for every broken heart.

And with spatial vocals and cosmic atmospheres, what better way to close the journey than with the title track « Tree of Life » ? In this piece, Nurse Erica blends Trance-infused melodies with Progressive House percussion, enriched by luminous, nostalgic piano notes, like the blossoming of a tree. Deep.

Mobach drops his lush melodic debut album ''Cold Rain'' on Syncom Data Records. Four years after his ''Metrobots'' twelve inch Mobach delves deeper into his unique hybrid form of techno, house, electro, dub and downbeat experimental electronics. Ten tracks full of infectious melodies, clever beats and weird soundscaping that creates this typical Mobach audiosyncratic world, probably best reflected in the beautiful artwork, also from the hand of the artist.

Seasons pass and recording sessions flow. Flow one after the other. With each new release Dub Shepards & Bat Records solidify their indisputable position as one of the leading production teams and suppliers of reggae music. From the outskirts of Clermont Ferrand, the Dub Shepherds quench the thirst of roots lovers and soundsystem selecters worldwide. With their authentic sound and their studio built in the tradition of the Jamaican forefathers that is stocked with razor sharp musicians, MCs and singers- they are always ready to go to work. Equipped with an exclusive approach to dub: Jolly Joseph and Doctor Charty have the ways and means to produce and share their own take on this music they love so deeply. Today they produce a handcrafted sound that is made-in-France. Paying tribute to reggae music's foundation stones.

Their new project coming out in May 2025 is the culmination of several years of collaboration between Dub Shepherds and Junior Roy, a regular at BAT Records Studio and a key figure in the global soundsystem scene. This release is the French singer and MC's very first LP, entitled "Troddin On". After the successful release of a 12 Inch 45 in the summer of 2023, the Shepherds and Roy naturally began to ferment new ideas. The arrival of this LP on the turntables is both a milestone and a stepping stone towards the future of this union.

As is customary with BAT Records the sound is warm, the basslines heavy and the riddims groove on solid rhythmic footing. "Troddin On" revives the feel of 80s and 70s Jamaican music. Behind the mic, Junior Roy navigates the highs and explores the sacred themes of the genre. His voice is vibrant, his emotionally charged lyrics soar, embracing instrumentals. Perfectly tailored to fit. This is roots music, this is reggae, no detours—each track is paired with its dub version, giving the project a traditional album showcase format. And when it comes to Dub, with the Dub Shepherds it’s all about "Hardmix"—no compromises, just great mastery!

“After a stay in Detroit in 2022 (where I met some of the artists whose music I admire the most), I returned to Montreuil, illuminated and brimming with energy. I had my MPC2000XL repaired, found a second-hand Yamaha Motif ES6 at Zikplace in Croix de Chavaux, and a Korg Triton on Le Bon Coin. The three instruments connected together rekindled my practice of electronic music in my home studio. Passionate about the new setup, I tried to record a little each day.

After two years of work, I felt the desire to bring together the eight tracks that brought me the most joy during their recording. A certain nostalgia and/or melancholy can arise from the sounds of the instruments used, each dating from the late 1990s. They plunged me back into the house and R&B clips that played on MTV when I was a pre-teen, which I adored.

The recording is raw and conveys a message of peace, humility, and unity. It pays homage to the early hours of house music.

The title of the project, “please don’t wait,” is simple and refers to the passage of time, urgency, and the present moment. It’s a message that invites movement and action.”

-Mad Rey”

After what seems like an aeon of anticipation, Yugen Blakrok returns bolder than ever with The Illusion of Being, a raw, fearless exploration of emotion and resilience. This album is a call to triumph. Through poetic lyricism and experimental soundscapes, this project offers the listener a journey into the heart of uncertainty and the power of perseverance. Created and recorded in a world in flux, The Illusion of Being reflects the artist's evolution as a storyteller and resonates directly with the era that shaped her. Driven by incisive lyrics andsoundscapes blending grunge, trip-hop, and 90s spirit, this project tests the boundaries of alternative hip-hop. Here, rhythm speaks louder than reason, and the acceptance of "Being" becomes the thread that ties each track together. This album captures a bold new chapter in Yugen Blakrok's discography. While rooted in the lyrical mastery and poetic precision that fans cherish, it marks a departure from the familiar, embracing a more unfiltered and experimental approach. The collaborations seem purposeful, and match this intensity: Sa-Roc delivers combative and sisterly energy,Cambatta brings his visceral urgency, while Hannah Allen offers a touch both delicate and impactful. Instrumentally, the arrangements dare to break new ground: wailing electric guitars,enchanting flutes, and hypnotic beats create a striking sonic alchemy. As described by Yugen in three words: Free. Involved. Anti.Free from convention. Involved in the fight. Anti-establishment. In many ways this album is a sonic manifesto. Each track resonates as a call to rebellion, an anthem for those who refuse to bow down. The Illusion of Being is not just a work of art; it’s a statement: for freedom, for community, against oppression. A mirror of our collectivestruggles and a light for those who keep moving forward. It promises its listeners a deeply personal connection, offering a glimmer of hope amidst despair and a soundtrack for their fight.