quête:deliver

We present to you our ninth release on 7” format, a collaboration between Ojah and Jamaican singer Ras Tavaris.

The A side contains the track “Long Run”, a great modern roots vocal performance by Ras Tavaris over a steppers riddim paired with the delivery of important lyrics for these times of fast changes and short-term views.

On the B side we find a dub version as usual, in this case an instrumental dub,
mixed live in analog by Ojah at his studio in London.

Limited edition of 500 copies, hand-stamped and hand-numbered, served in a thick custom reversed kraftliner sleeve.

Produced by Ojah, recorded at Alchemy Dubs Studio, London.
Vocals by Ras Tavaris
Backing vocals by Jah Kirk
Mixed & mastered by Oscar Pablos “Ojah" at Alchemy Dubs Studio, London, 2019.
Graphic design by Victor Castro.

May not know Maedon, the artist formerly known as pulsewidthmod, but you will soon; she has been pulverizing select dance floors with live sets since her arrival in Brooklyn late summer of 2018. Shrouded in mystery, there is one thing known about her, she’s a wizard with the hardware driven by some fierce passion for the music.

After having toured across the country on her own, she released a 12″ EP with the highly-respected Detroit Underground. Now she is ready to bring her work to the next level with a hard-hitting EP that epitomizes her sound on Adam X’s legendary Sonic Groove label. The label, of course, is known for delivering some of the hardest and intricate records in EBM and industrial, having releases from Rebekah, Dasha Rush, and Orphx.

Against His Will opens with the uncompromising ‘Illusion’ and its all-out destructive energy. Industrious and unforgiving synths dominate this cut, while a riff shifts in and out of chaos. The unrelenting percussion almost calls out like demons, as if you’re making your way down the river Styx, but instead of a boat, you’re on a mechanical conveyor belt.

Tasked with the difficult job of following that opener is ‘Limited Hangout’ which ends up proving as powerful as the first. A bit more punchy, this track has more body to it, the percussion is enchanting, and through all the chaos you will be dancing and stomping.

Next up is ‘Special Report’ in an attempt to tame and focus the disarray. The track has less overall unpredictable texture, and more EBM flared body banging beats. Still an absolute powerhouse, it uses door-pounding percussion to drive it along with modulated synths and riffs generating a menacing presence.

‘Alchemy’ brings the proceedings to a close. The textured cut is a slow down to things. Well-thought-out and more EBM than industrial, it demonstrates Maedon’s dynamic range of skills. Rhythmic drum patterns sway the beat while swirling and electric modulations percolate and oscillate throughout. The dark stabs evoke an underground feel, and although the track evokes smokestacks and assembly lines, it is inherently primal.

Hand stamped white label, album sampler for forthcoming Richard Fearless album of the same title.

Atlas of Insanity’ is reactionary, big room techno from Richard Fearless; a pounding kick, death whip snares, and synth lines that drill into your core. This is raw, impulsive electronic body music made to loose your mind.

With ‘New Perspective’ Fearless delivers pure techno soul. With sonic leanings towards the North’s Bleep scene and minimalist techno pioneer Mika Vainio’s Philius and Ø alias.

"We Can Do Anything We Want Because They Say We Can't Afford The Police"

Talking Heads lost in Ancoats. Prince in a Berghaus. The Compass Point All-Stars meet the Piccadilly Gardens Spiceheads.
Welcome to the world of SEE THRU HANDS.

Here to bring salvation to a Broken Brexit Britain, See Thru Hands is a fresh band from Manchester with hooks for days and a SERIOUS live vibe. Their debut EP on Manchester legend RUF DUG's label RUF KUTZ - "The Hot City EP" - brings you two new songs backed with remixes tested on the world's best dance floors.

Opener HOT CITY's energetic punk/funk conveys a dark story of British city life outside the London bubble.
Our councils are fucked, our public services neutered and all anyone cares about is when Deliveroo is gonna be available in their neighbourhood. Throw away your post-apocalyptic fantasies because it's already like that - the only option is to dance. It's grim up north.

After dancing ur arse off and simultaneously coming to the realisation that we're all fucked pls don't worry - See Thru Hands are here to pick up your pieces with NOTHING TO LOSE, a whimsical modern pop banger with shades of New British House that will instil in you a sense of freedom and ease all your worries.
Yes we are all going to hell in a handcart but with See Thru Hands as our companions, I think it's all gonna be just fine.

The package comes backed with a pair of deadly remixes - boss man RUF DUG strips back Hot City to the bare bones, rigs up a couple of jazzy neon lights and a DMX drum machine and brings you his 'Metrolink Vibes In The Area' version, while young upstart METRODOME completes the all-Mancunian lineup on this record with a twisted Marmite 2-step interpretation that is either gonna make you buzz or spew. It's not for everyone.

Alexander Pletnev started an entirely new journey under his own name two years ago. Release after release on forward thinking and respected labels like Media Fury, KUMP, Fleeting Wax, SZE and Hard Fist, he has built a solid discography of incredible diversity - from percussive DJ tools to viscous synthetic EBM to dreamy weirdness.

His latest EP titled Voranto Bros is a long awaited return to Le Temps Perdu and the prime example of refined musical storytelling. Title track is a cinematic tale, a sound novel about two migrant brothers hitting the shores of USA in the dawn of XXth century to became vicious gangsters, broken souls ruling the night of NYC. Dusty tape hiss, off kilter percussions and melodies all alternate to later sink under the weight of heavy drums. While Hope They Wont Come Back is a severe instrumental ballad with low drums, talking bass lines and noisy guitar riffs - five minutes inside confused man's mind.

On a remix front, Cocktail D'Amore's head honchos Discodromo strip Voranto Bros down to bear bones to deliver EBM style dance floor burner. And Harold Boué aka Abstraxion aka Lion's Drums of Biologic Records fame delivers menacing remix for Hope They Won't Come Back, a dark & mystic journey, which unwinds slowly and builds up to unexpected climax.

PBR Streetgang return to their newly launched KURTZ imprint this October to deliver ‘Acid Tools’, accompanied by Wilde Renate residents Longhair on remix duties.

Founded in Leeds but now found touring the international scene week in, week out, Bonar Bradberry and Tom Thorpe, aka PBR Streetgang, have cemented their position as leading names within the current house and disco landscape via a slew of stand-out releases on imprints such as Skint, Crosstown Rebels and Futureboogie, plus appearances in 2019 alone at Glastonbury, Love International, Printworks and a summer residency at Pikes Ibiza to name just a few. Launched earlier this year, their new KURTZ imprint quickly found favour amongst a who’s who of the industry’s leading names, from Andrew Weatherall to Bicep, Hot Chip to Soul Clap, and here we see the duo step out again on home turf to deliver the second instalment as they reveal their Acid Tools’ EP, featuring three versions of the up-front ‘Ron’ - each of which have been doing damage in their sets across the summer months - backed by a remix from Wilde Renate residents Longhair.

Up first and delivering the ‘Full Fat’, version one sees Bradberry and Thorpe introduce punchy analogue percussion arrangements in tandem with a chunky, menacing acid line at the production’s core, whilst infectious vocal samples and hooks ebb in and out of the mix to guide the production as it chugs along, whilst the ‘Half Fat’ mix strips back the vocals to reveal a driving and warping journey across six-and-a-half minutes. Next up, Berlin duo Longhair’s remix welcomes a low-slung interpretation armed with delayed effects and sci-fi atmospherics to provide a combination of rich depth and space, before rounding out proceedings via the ‘Fully-Skimmed’ mix – a high-energy 909 fueled workout set to feature as a favourite for many across the months ahead.

Warehouse Find!

Flight Mode makes a welcome return to Delusions, this time joining forces with Joel Brittain to come up with another killer release in the form of Burn This. Those who caught his last one It’s So Nice last year will know the drill…. epic, rolling, dubbed-out loopy uptempo house based around a classic disco bassline which patiently builds, increasing in intensity Wild Pitch style. Burn This treads similar waters with subtle arpeggios floating around an incessant groove whilst layers of vocal pads build to a crescendo over a beautiful ten minute ride. Completely flipping the script we’ve got the man like Medlar stepping up for remix duties and delivering just the kind of bonkers reworking we were hoping for. Keeping the trippy vibe of the original in place but opting for a more drum machine-programmed groove Medlar’s remix turns the shuffle factor up to ten and adds a rude bassline and intense synths which make it a real ear worm. Finally, Flight Mode gives us his own Tricky Dub of Burn This which adds a straighter 4/4 vibe and goes heavier on the FX creating a perfectly bubbling track which seems to simmer without ever boiling over.

TROY TOWN are back with their 3rd release and itʼs another dance floor focussed EP from a South East London mainstay. El Prevost has been a fixture of the underground London dance music scene for nearly 20 years - his first label, Linx Recordings, was at the forefront of the garage and grime crossover at the turn of the millennium signing early tracks by Kano, Wiley and Pay As U Go Cartel. However, over the past decade his productions in the world of house, garage and techno have brought him widespread respect amongst discerning A&Rʼs and DJs such as Third Ear Recordings, Patrice Scott and Ricardo Villalobos whilst building his own label and party series ‘No Speakersʼ. This EP is unmistakably indebted to the sounds of London but equally doesnʼt sound like anyone else out there at the moment. ‘A Little Politicalʼ, dripping in dub effects and toughened up with the immense delivery of poet Kyla Jenee Lacey, is full throttle and combines consciousness with a determination to fill dance floors. The broken beat influence of Ladbroke Grove and the Co-Op collective is given a hefty rejuvenation on ‘Nu Jazzʼ. ‘Wheelʼ and ‘Acid Tonerʼ are heads-down, deep and dubby. Both tracks that would ramp up the temperature in dark basements like Plastic People circa 2011.

Balatan delivers an ecstatic brain reset on this highly limited, noise bent four tracker. First issue of Bare Hands Tapes, a subdivision of Bare Hands Records. Recorded at Carbroke House, London. © Bare Hands Records 2019

A mainstay of the independent funk, soul and blues scene - Dr Rubberfunk's home-grown, honestly composed, and intricately produced recordings, combined with a hands-on approach both in front of and behind the mixing desk, have earned him a well-deserved reputation for being a name synonymous with quality.

That quality just keeps coming as he carries his successful 'My Life At 45' singles series into a third instalment. With two sell out runs of limited edition 45's having won praise from the likes of BBC6 Music, driven mixes on Mixcloud to the top of their charts, and garnered support across the blogosphere, it made sense to continue the good work and get to work on number three.

Extending his fruitful relationship producing fellow Jalapeno Records artist and soul gospel specialist Izo FitzRoy, the lead track sees them team up for some timeless songwriting in the shape of 'A Matter Of Time'.

Izo is on a real hot streak at the moment having featured on Pt.2 of this 7" series before going on to work with Shawn Lee (BBE Records) and Dimitri From Paris (Glitterbox) on singles that tore up radio charts worldwide. And she delivers on this track once again, with the catchiest melody you'll hear this year over Rubberfunk's tasteful, upbeat and lively production.

Backing it up is the bluesy 'Slim's Mood' which allows the Rubberfunk band to stretch their legs over a driving soul jazz arrangement that's a must for fans of 'Boogaloo Joe' Jones and Grant Green. ... As before, it's likely to be another sell out run, so move quickly before they disappear!

Taking inspiration from a vast musical sphere, the Munich-Vienna pair Jorkes are widely recognised for their open-minded and passionate approach to electronic music which is translated through their Freeride Millenium imprint and own unique productions. ‘Cross The Line’ will be the duo’s first outing since 2016 seeing them join up with the Italian pair Hard Ton who are known for releases on Wonder Stories, Luv Shack Records, Toy Tonics and many more. Jorkes invite Live At Robert Johnson artist Massimiliano Pagliara and Philpot founder SoulPhiction aka Jackmate for remix duties which tops off this distinctive release highlighting the openness and sensibility of their musical philosophy.
‘Cross The Line’ begins the EP with alleviating pads balanced harmoniously with alluring, heart-warming vocals and gentle keys drifting throughout before Massimiliano Pagliara delivers an infectious remix focusing on hypnotic bass grooves, effervescent drums and undulating pads fluttering naturally with the stirring modulations.
‘Jackmate’s Dub Mix’ deploys low-riding resonations fused with muffled tones and thrilling, shuffling rhythms within whereas ‘Jackmate’s 90s Mix’ focuses heavily on organic percussion rolling throughout with robust musical elements and looping vocals. SoulPhiction’s ’Dub Mix’ completes the pack with a tranquil take on the original laying focus on funk-infused instrumentals and subdued jazz drums.

A double header from A Colourful Storm delivering Recept's sublime ode to Detroit, 'Quisite' alongside a previously unheard number by Tom Churchill, head of Headspace Recordings and Emoticon (home to Q Project, Russ Gabriel and Scape One). Our pick is 'Quisite': emotive, introspective dancefloor bomb which hasn't lost any charm since its 1998 release. Both tracks remastered in 2019 by Mike Grinser at Manmade Mastering, Berlin. Includes liner notes by Merrick Brown and Tom Churchill.

“Having moved forwards emotionally from the wilds of dystopian stalking and associated hobbies, Madonnatron have instead been found frolicking through the green pastures of gangsta pimps, Hindu God wars, Cyber Men invasion, loveless nightclub hook-ups, modern Italian Nabokov, and revered screen goddess Elizabeth Taylor. Think of them as post-punk lab rats in the Secrets Of Nimh, feasting dubiously on back-dated episodes of Top Of The Pops. With notorious roaring guitars, chanting vocals and rabid drums they audibly glow in the dark, are strong-armed, and will probably bite you.”

Like their debut, which was released to much acclaim in July 2017, Musica Alla Puttanesca was produced by Liam D. May at Trashmouth Studios.

Their atmospheric, raw, and confrontational live shows carry a sonic force that by turns will make you weep, cross yourselves, and weep again. In the last couple of years, Madonnatron delivered a successful UK headline tour; supported The Moonlandingz,

lack Truffle present In Real Life, the latest in a flurry of releases from Berlin-based guitarist and composer Julia Reidy. Having drawn acclaim for solo performances on 12-string acoustic guitar that bridge microtonality, ‘American primitive’ stylings and classic minimalism, Reidy’s recent releases have utilised an increasingly broad sonic palette, fleshing out guitar-based composition with electronics, field recordings, and – most strikingly – heavily auto-tuned vocals. On In Real Life, Reidy pushes one step further, crafting an epic LP-length suite that moves from abstracted song to lush electronics and explorations in contemporary musique concrète. Beginning with a passage of eerie electronics and creaking percussive interjections, Reidy’s heavily auto-tuned voice quickly takes centre stage. Surrounded by explosions of electric guitar and synthesised arpeggios, the auto-tuned voice delivers a melancholic ode, bringing together poetic images to reflect on the instability of experience and mutability of identity in a contemporary world saturated by digital technology. This concern with the unsettled relationship between the physical and digital is reflected musically by the constantly shifts in emphasis between Reidy’s physically demanding guitar-picking and the various forms of synthesis deployed. Similarly, the dynamic imagery of cutting, shattering, and ‘racing streams’ present in Reidy’s lyrics also serves to characterise the structure of In Real Life, which ceaselessly shifts between distinct episodes. The song-based opening, long sequences of frenetic 12-string guitar shadowed and eventually overtaken by synth tones, passages of delicate chiming harmonics, electro-acoustic cut-ups – each flows seamlessly into the next, often recurring throughout the record’s duration, which lingers over interstitial moments between these episodes.

Mixed and mastered by Joe Talia at Good Mixture, Tokyo. Vinyl cut at 45rpm for maximum fidelity by Rashad Becker at D&M, Berlin. Artwork by Suze Whaites. LP desgn by Lasse Marhaug.

A1: Madness blasts through the front door, armed with obscure effects and a gnarly acidic bassline. Severe Chicago percussion massacre in the middle, followed by a soothing synth finale. Cum on, you know that’s how Dj RFR does!

A2: Munich mesmerizers Rhode & Brown at their best sonic behaviour. May we call this acid trance wave?
Sure, ‘cos Boys Do Cry.

B1: Born in Romania, raised in London, now Munich’s her home. Oana Leca delivers a fusion of two of her most beloved styles- Minimal House vibes in a blue shimmering Detroit coat.

B2: No-holds-barred for Nik Wookward. The long time Munich affiliated producer drops a sneaky brain intruder. Minimal Deep House with a psychedelic twist, just what we like. So please don’t latch the club gate before…forever.

Glenn Astro conquers new territories with Naturals, fusing elements of Balearic and leftfield house with tribal and acid sounds on Tartelet Records.

In an impressively short amount of time, Glenn Astro has created a musical universe that’s entirely his. With full-length releases making waves on Ninja Tune and Apollo Rec, the sister label of R&SRecordings, the Berlin-based musician assembles a perfect pastiche of influences on his forthcoming EP Naturals, coming out on Copenhagen’s Tartelet Records this September.

Exploring the outer fringes of the Balearic sonic spectrum, Naturals delves into unexpected sound territories without losing touch with planet home. Sub-heavy drums mix with private oceanic field recordings, futuristic synth, and effect pedal workouts, delivering a four-track EP that is novel but honest to the bone.

“I tried not to take any direct influence from any particular music I was listening to,” Glenn Astro says. “Instead, I tried concentrating on where the instruments and effects were taking me, experimenting with different ways of using the gear that I know so well.”

Inspired by Sicily’s natural beauty, the juxtaposition of its rough landscapes and clear blue waters, Naturals takes listeners on a journey into unfamiliar sound; a conscious diversion from his usual style and yet an instant dance floor cracker infused with the artist’s signature panache.

“I made most of the record while being in Sicily,” he says. “In retrospect, it is easy to hear that the volcanic landscapes contrasting the idyllic beaches were a major influence.”

The EP opener “Naturals (Unsweetened Mix)” is a beautiful freak – a peak-time cut – starting out with tranquil ambient melodies and water drop percussion followed by a beasty acid line and slick drum programming. Next, “Naturals (Dance Mix)” slows it down to 116 BPM, taking a completely different route with a hypnotic dance between tribal and dub – a wonderfully weird closer.

On the flip side, “Slarutan (Pristine Mix)” emerges au natural with Sicilian field recordings, layered pads, playful melodies, and crisp drum programming. Saving the best for last, “Slarutan (Water Mix)” dips its toes into the early days of dance music, shifting into futuristic, ambient dub territory with divine melodies and filtered percussion.

“This one is for the plants and the trees. Return to planet Tartelet,” Glenn Astro says.

Following his debut on Phantasy earlier in 2019, Joshua James returns to the label with ‘Journeys In Love’, complimented by a propulsive remix from Joe Goddard. Flipping the ruthless sleaze and hi-NRG of ‘Coarse’ on its head, the XOYO and Rinse FM resident presents a release that soundtracks the deeper, more vulnerable and always joyous aspects of London’s queer nightlife culture. ‘Journeys In Love’ lands with immediate effect, building steadily and confidently around a trippy sample and the hugely pleasurable push-and-pull of James’ synths. Breathing deeply and suspended in red-light, James’ new production tastefully recalls the late-hour, sensual attitude classic NYC deep house, while transmissions of a bottom-heavy bass weight anchor the track in the capital’s defiant after-hours scene. As a digital exclusive, the Super Drama remix utilises skittering percussion and cymbal rushes to drive things forward, dissolving with a playful acid coda.
Needing little introduction, Hot Chip and Two Bears co-founder Joe Goddard delivers a soaring and complementary reinterpretation of ‘Journeys In Love’, one built on halcyon, analogue sounds and further bathed in ecstasy and melancholy.

Sarah Benabdallah and Alexis Lebon are a very 21st century musical coupling, absorbing their metropolitan surroundings while tapping into a rich cultural heritage, not unlike fellow countrymen PNL or the Dutch band Altin Gün. A Paris-based duo set for greatness they might be, but it’s fair to say Mauvais Oeil are operating under a misnomer: while their name means “evil eye” in French, you’ll only experience enlightenment when you lay eyes (and ears) upon them. Mauvais Oeil are set to release their debut EP Nuits de velours, a magical melting pot of musical shibboleths and contemporary grooves. On opener “Mes nuits de velours”, we’re transported in the land of 1001 Arabian Nights, with the music every bit as smooth and alluring as the subject matter. “Afrita” is a trance-inflected musical acclamation evoking all
the madness and gayety of a midsummer souk. Sung entirely in Arabic with delightful blasts of strings, it’s a North African-influenced banger with a delicate wistfulness. “Asha” meanwhile is in a reference to Asha Vahishta, the middle-eastern concept of truth
according to the ancient religion of Zoroastrianism. Sung again in Arabic, it features catchy Phrygian guitar manoeuvres played over ambient analogue keyboard strokes. The E.P. is completed by “Constantine”, a song of longing, dedicated to the home of Sarah’s forebears. Having met in the arty northern faubourgs of Paris, Sarah and Alexis soon developed a musical telepathy and a shared sonic agenda, mining their own histories for the profound
cultural roots that underscore Mauvais Oeil, while absorbing the ubiquitous sounds of the suburbs, where Turkish, Armenian and Ethiopian music ring out. The band’s moving and melancholic chansons are delivered with a delightful French pop sensibility, making Mauvais Oeil one of the most exciting and musically diverse prospects in 2019.

Having built up his self titled label alongside his sterling work as part of Oscillat, Lazare Hoche and Will & Ink, the one and only Malin Genie delivers his debut solo album. Moving beyond the pure club focus of his singles and EPs, the Genie has seized this opportunity to present a widescreen panorama of his sound, leading in with the subliminal ambience of "You" as a springboard to explore breaks, electro, techno, and especially IDM. There are so many ideas swirling round Anthropomorphic Sympathy, it's hard to know where to begin describing it. A true headphone commute for the deep listener to burrow into.

The 6th Bodytrax release is the first in a new series and marks the first appearance of artists other than Bodyjack on the label. He has invited some of his favourite kindred spirits along for some duelling action over the machines with the simple premise for each EP; both deliver a track apiece, which is then remixed by the other. It is with great pleasure to say that the first to step-up to the plate is Fiedel (MMM, Ostgut Ton, Berghain etc). The Berliner whose work has featured in Chris's DJ sets for aeons, has been behind some of the music that has without question influenced the Bodytrax label since the outset. His idiosyncratic production style meshes perfectly with Bodyjack, and it's safe to say fans of both will not be disappointed to have this duel kick off the series.