Brooklyn trio Forma's latest LP continues their mission to 'broaden the idea of what an electronic music ensemble can sound like.' Semblance emerged from exploratory sessions at The Schoolhouse, the Bushwick loft where members Mark Dwinell and John Also Bennett live, then was tracked at Gary's Electric studios, where their previous album Physicalist was also recorded.
Inspired by polyrhythmic composition, the human voice, and conceptual improvisation strategies, the songs are striking in their textural detail and emotional nuance, alternately synthetic and sentient, futuristic and intuitive. Incorporating flute, piano, guitar, saxophone, acoustic drums and cymbals alongside an array of synthesizers, the record persuasively demonstrates the group's unique playing abilities and fluid chemistry - attributes they credit to 'techniques we've developed to trick our electronic machines into mimicking the spontaneous character of live instruments.'
Members George and John Also Bennett also cite as an influence their recent stint in minimalist composer Jon Gibson's ensemble, performing his 1973 proto-ambient masterwork Visitations. The long- form modal piece requires restraint and deep listening to execute, qualities especially apparent in the more muted moments of Semblance, such as 'Rebreather' and 'New City.'
The group states the intent of the new album as 'to be more direct and exacting', which it is. Over half a decade spent writing and recording together has distilled Forma's hybrid electro-acoustic interplay into an attuned and astounding language, capable of articulating impossible symmetries and reflective states.
The stunning visuals of the artwork are by frequent collaborator of the group Peter Burr.
Cerca:dr futurist
Earthboogie's debut album, Human Call, rightly earned praise on its release earlier in the year, with listeners responding positively to its sticky and humid dancefoor fusions of African and South American rhythms, chunky dub disco, retro-futurist house,
spacey analogue electronics and sun-kissed Balearica. Hot on the heels of that release, Leng Records has sourced new remixes of two album highlights - 'High Minded Man' and 'Silken Moon' - from Running Back label boss Gerd Janson and synthesizer-wielding Balearic boogie stalwart Pete Herbert.
It's Janson who steps up frst, offering up two total overhauls of 'High Minded Man' that re-cast the undulating, Afro-fred original as a dreamy, drum machine-driven chunks of vintage deep house goodness. Where Earthboogie's album version bobbed
and weaved around horns and live bass, Janson's Deep House Mix places the duo's original chanted vocals above a bouncy, polyrhythmic rhythm track, Larry Heard style chords, Kwaito-esque electronic bleeps and a smooth, soul-stroking bassline. Janson's
Deep House Dub, which strips out the vocal for a more sparse and ethereal listening experience, is also included on the EP.
The EP's other remix comes from sometime Reverso 68 member Pete Herbert, who gets his mitts on previous single 'Silken Moon'. While he retains some key elements from Earthboogie's original - specifcally the vocals, Afro guitars and house stabs - he
naturally adds a little of his own rubbery electronic disco favour via spacey synthesizer fourishes and a massive electronic bassline that brilliantly tracks the rising and falling
movement of the main melody. It has the feel of a terrace anthem in the making.
'A futuristic, post-internet mini-album from Japanese multi instrumentalist 'Jigga', stacking static noise, ferocious drums and warped echoes into 7 unconventionally abstract club tracks.'
Very LIMITED album discs available now:
This is the first album Oscar Mulero has released under his own name, after two acclaimed LPs under the moniker Trolley Route. Well known for his skills as a hard-edged, raw and floor-orientated techno dj, his productions go far beyond, digging deep into the intricate landscape of intelligent techno, floating moods, reminiscent atmospheres, harmony and detail.
Grey Fades To Green is the affirmation of his maturity as a producer, using both hardware and software in the pursuit of a highly coherent and diverse album.
The concept is split into two parts: The Grey and The Green, each one with its own character. The first part is rougher and meant for the dance floor, although pays full attention to detail and complexity. The second part is quieter, has a slower pace and is best enjoyed at home.
In The Green Oscar goes deep into the intellectual side of techno music and is heavily influenced by the post rave sound emerging from the UK in the nineties: Aphex Twin, Gescom, B12, Plaid, Autechre.. but with a contemporary approach.
This part of the album brings you melodies, harmonies, endless atmospheres, and hours of studio work. Each sound has been carefully constructed, nothing is left to chance: Every stereo panning, every change to the synth's parameters has been meticulously designed for your listening pleasure; just what you want when you listen to techno on headphones. Futuristic music made with the utmost care.
'Last Regrets' shows how melancholic harmonies can be a perfect match for abstract beats and a dub-step reminiscence. A fine piece of sci-fi techno.
'Grey Fades To Green' makes a clean break by offering us an industrial drum'n' bass piece with a techno approach that mutates as the minutes tick by. A dub-step melodic track. Futuristic breakbeat for the decades to come.
The final track of The Green, 'Silent Air', picks up the homage to the intelligent techno sound of the beginning and returns to random grooves, crunchy samples, impossible hi-hats and massive synthesizer and step sequencer routines. A perfect ending to this sound journey from the heart of the dance floor to the core of your mind.
A mature work that confirms Oscar Mulero as one of the most qualified studio animals on the techno landscape.
(180 gram pressing, blue coloured vinyl) Musique Pour La Danse presents CRON aka TODD SINES 'Scalable Architectures', the classic 1995 EP remastered. For fans of Dopplereffekt, Drexciya, Keith Tucker, Mid-West Electro A highly sought after EP equally blowing your mind and the floor. Cron is a project where Todd Sines focused on his long-running passion for electro music by exploring a specific set of machines composed of a Synton Vocoder SPX216, a Yamaha DX 100 and an Arp Avatar in a vibe completely different from his .xtrak alias or productions released under his own name. The record visual presentation was equally important as it features 3-D objects created Todd Sines through intentional misuse of mathematical functions, creating unique forms and 'scalable architectures'. Please find the complete 1995 liner notes below for more informations. Comprising of an intro + five highly danceable futuristic electro tracks of deep, sharp-edged electric grooves and hypnotic warm cuts that are each an exploration of a 'less is more' approach to production.
Death To Techno'Death to Techno is a new, futuristic ep of "The White Screen", ever before into a world of ruff beats, dark electronics and analog effects. Musical producer Dori Sadovnik, the sound genius from Red Axes, produced this ep at Garzen Studios, diving together with the whites into a new world of unknown pleasures and sins.
A mind and body bender between techno rhythms and broken rock n 'roll tapes, between the dancefloor and a campfire, between darkness and light - the new recordings are asking big questions about past and future, vintage and electro, about the screen and about the white.
"Death to Techno," the main track that opens the record, is also treated in a wildly remix version of the RED AXES pair. The cover of the album - "Hellenic Plasticine Party" - was created by multidisciplinary artist Oren Fisher, who has been accompanying the band since its inception.
Produced by: Dori Sadovnik
Musicians:
Stav Ben Shahar - Drums
Noa Ayali - Chello
Liat Raz - Vocals
Nimrod Goldfarb - Contra Bas
Shay Landa - Organs
Having debuted with a fine EP by Job Sifre, Artificial Dance has returned to the source for release number two. The 12' pays tribute to one of the most influential figures of original DIY electronic music scene of Holland, Hanjo Erkamp.
During the first half of the 1980s, Erkamp had a hand in some of the most experimental and forward-thinking releases on the now legendary cassette label, Trumpett. Famously, he was a member of two of the label's key bands - industrial outfit Doxa Sinistra and new wave combo Ende Shneafliet - but during the period he also recorded a swathe of solo tracks as C. Stein, most of which only saw the light of day decades later.
La Bombe Plastique', a thrillingly spacey and futurist cut rich in proto-techno rhythms, intergalactic electronic motifs and drowsy choral vocals. For this timely reissue, the superb original version comes accompanied by a fresh re-edit created primarily for DJ use.
Second EP of the label Lowlife Cartel. An all star, six-track release from sixl key artists in various genres, from cutting edge techno to leftfield house, confirmes the versatility of Lowlife Cartel.
The EP begins with "Butt Dub Pregost", dubby downtempo atmospheric track, by one of most innovative and versatile artist of the last years: Buttechno (Rassvet records, Collapsing Market..)."Out For A Walk" by Fmy (Too Rough 4 Radio) is a leftfield house track, face covered and steps muffled through a deadening blizzard of tape saturation and white noisey envelops that find a balance between deepening the sense of immersion and a retained rhythm. "Unusual Mondai", hypnotic track by Sammy T Thompson, an alias of S.Olbricht (UIQ, Opal Tapes..), fits with an introspective melody and atmosphere.
"Mr Hodge Appreciation Society" is a quintessential Machine Woman (Ninja Tune, Peder Mannerfelt, Where to Now) club track, spanning sexy house and bold techno.
"Celestial Body" by PRESENTE oscillates between jungle and drone like a futuristic comet.
"Y'alll" by the rising producer Voyd, is a abstract house piece. Setting skittish drums and altered vox sample, smothered against a grey-ish canvas of blurry, washed-out pads.
Raw and indisputable quality of production.
- A1: Moment Of Collapse (Feat. Heidi Vogel)
- A2: Palmares Fantasy (Feat. Hermeto Pascoal)
- A3: Waltz For Hermeto (Feat. Hermeto Pascoal)
- A4: The Blonde
- B1: Montreux (Feat. Hermeto Pascoal)
- B2: Said (Feat. Hermeto Pascoal)
- B3: Tudo Que Voce Podia Ser (Feat. Sabrina Malheiros)
- B4: The Conversation (Feat. Hermeto Pascoal)
For his third album for Far Out Recordings, London based multi-instrumentalist and one of Europe's finest saxophonists Sean Khan ventures to Rio de Janeiro to collaborate with iconic Brazilian polymath Hermeto Pascoal. Taking its title from the escaped slave settlement 'Palmares' in the Northeast of Brazil during the 1600s, Palmares Fantasy is Khan's utopian jazz message for the world, and features Azymuth drummer Ivan 'Mamao' Conti, bassist Paulo Russo, guitarist Jim Mullen, and guest vocals from Brazilian chanteuse Sabrina Malheiros, and Cinematic Orchestra frontwoman Heidi Vogel.
Like Hermeto Pascoal, Sean Khan is a self-taught musician. Never able to afford his original dream of studying at Berklee, and having been turned away from Guildhall School of Music for being 'too raw', he became disillusioned with what he saw as the exclusivity, elitism and dangerous institutionalisation of the jazz world. Yet Sean's love for music and the drive to create never faltered.
Hermeto Pascoal, the man Miles Davis once dubbed the most impressive musician in the world', is a similarly independent artist. A true maverick whose ingenuity and freedom from conventional restraints is so great that he has essentially conceived his own musical language, made him the dream collaboration for Sean.
Aspiring to inclusivity and equality also informs the message in Khan's music. Inspired by the 17th Century settlement of Palmares in Brazil's Alagoas region, which was free from the Portuguese crown's murderous exploitation of South America for a century, Khan notes his fascination with the fact that while majoritively made up of escaped African slaves, many deserter conquistadors also joined the settlement.
Hearing the deep-grooving title track with this history in mind, the listener is transported to a futuristic musical eden, with Mamao's insatiable 10/8 rhythm back-boning Hermeto's wild improvised vocals, rhodes and whistles, while Sean's harmonically brilliant sax and flute add more layers of moody, characterful expression. 'Moment of Collapse' is Sean's poetic study on the uncertainties of modern day western civilisation, delicately presented by the gorgeous vocals of Heidi Vogel and drenched in lugubrious strings and Alice Coltrane-esque harp. The two covers on the album are of Hermeto's own 'Montreux' (on which Hermeto plays solos on a teapot and a pint of water), and an uplifting soulful jazz-funk take on Milton Nascimento & Lo Borges MPB classic 'Tudo Que Voce Podia Ser' featuring the vocals of pioneering nu-bossa voice Sabrina Malheiros.
The recording sessions for the album were part of an intensive and hugely productive eight-week excursion to South America for Far Out boss Joe Davis in the summer of 2016, which also saw the sessions for Azymuth's Fênix and a forthcoming album from Uruguayan fusion legend Hugo Fattoruso.
Fantastic' Gilles Peterson
Loving this!' Opolopo
Thank you!' Sassy J
Proper! Great track.' Colin Dale
this is great!' Yannick Elverfeld (RBMA / Needs Records)
I've enjoyed Sean Khan's earlier releases, but this really seems like he's grown into his fairly considerable talent.' Mark Sampson (Songlines)
His last album was his best so far, but I think this one may be even better.' Laurence Pragnell (Soul Brother Records)
dope!!!' Kyri (R2 Records)
this is great - really cool vibe!' Sam Redmore
wonderful track - can't wait to hear the lp.' Simon Harrison (Basic Soul Radio)
This is very tasty indeed.' Gavin Boyd (Soul Has No Tempo)
Stunning!!!' Mark Milz (Further In Fusion)
Oi Oi' Samuel Lloyd (Balamii Radio)
PRESS / ONLINE
VINYL FACTORY (UK) News (Anton Spice) 09/03/18 online
SOUNDS & COLOURS (UK) News (Gabriel Gahan) 09/03/18 online
THE WIRE (UK) Review confirmed (Joseph Stanard) print
EVENING STANDARD (UK) Review confirmed (Jane Cornwell) print + online
ECHOES MAGAZINE (UK) Review confirmed (Laurence Pragnell) print
LIBERATION (FR) Feature confirmed (Jacques Denis) print + online
MUSIC IS MY SANCTUARY (CA) Premiere confirmed (Mike Jones) online
JAZZ MAGAZINE (FR) Review confirmed (Frederic Goaty) print
SHINDIG! (UK) Review confirmed (Grahame Bent) print
MUSICA MACONDO (UK) Premiere confirmed (Tim Garcia) online
RAWCKUS MAGAZINE (USA) News (Randy Radic) online
KIND OF JAZZ (UK) Review confirmed (Fernando Rose) online
TONART MAGAZINE (DE) Review confirmed (Michael Moehring) print
WORLD MUSIC NETWORK (USA) Review confirmed (Raul Da Gama) online
BADD PRESS BLOG (USA) Review confirmed (Kevin Press) online
ORKESTER JOURNALEN (DK) Review confirmed (Patrik Sandberg) print
LIVE
WORLDWIDE FM (UK) Sean Khan live session confirmed (Gilles Peterson)
RADIO
BBC RADIO 6 (UK) Gilles Peterson - Palmares Fantasy (24/02/18) link
OTHER
BRITISH AIRWAYS On board BA flights (June 2018)
The Safe Trip Organisation Has Been Broadcasting Their Musical Version Of A Traditional "numbers Station" On The Frequency 5079. Human Intelligence Suggests The Agent Behind Four Regular, Ear-pleasing Transmissions Is The Safe Trip Associate "artis".
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Using A Specially Modified "one-time Pad", We Were Able To Decipher These Undercover Operatives. The Ethereal, Dreamy, Arpeggio-driven Throb Of "panthera Pardus", With Its Poignant Tone And Undulating Lead Lines, Was Clearly Meant As A Warning.. The Same Could Be Said Of "cetacea", Where Melancholic Synthesizer Sounds And Meandering Electronics Gently Wind Their Way Around Hybrid Electronic/acoustic Percussion.
Panic Set In Once We Deciphered "giganthopithecus", A Composition Littered With Frequent Increases In Percussive Intensity And A Mind-altering Melodic Refrain. Our Hunch That Artis Was Ordering Immediate Action By Agents Was Confirmed By "delphinae", Whose Colourful Melodic Fluidity, Futurist New Age Construction And Layered Wooden Drum Hits Deeply Affected Our Researchers. We Ordered Our Own Agents To Raid The Station, But Artis Had Long Since Scuttled Off Into The Hazy Morning Sunshine.
3x12"
Listening back to Roman Poncet's first releases on Figure just a couple years ago, they already hinted at the producer's keen technical abilities and a knack for rich texturing, resulting in tracks that were
both carried by force and form. What he delivers now is an impressively mature debut album, ripe with personal creative realization.
On Gypsophila the French producer uses the extended format to slowly shape up a scenery of epic proportions where surprise and constant change lurk around every corner. A certain sense of
progression and evolution runs throughout Poncet's music; it invariably keeps one locked in, no matter for the opening drones of Do Not or the patiently growing Thick Vegetation, which fuses tribal
percussion and choral chants to showcase another of this LP's key features: its dense soundscape, which at once feels inherently electronic yet deeply organic, translating the abstract futuristic themes
of techno into something jam-packed and heady albeit steadily grounded - a listening experience that is as dreamy as it remains tangible.
This holds true for the highly atmospheric synth-lead pieces, such as the cinematic intro Hello You, the elevating arp-ride Epreuve or the suspended celestial groove of Atlas. But equally goes for the floorfocused
rhythms, like relentless steam engine-workout Piege or mid-album mind-trip In Aeternam. Adding even more variety and depth to the mix, the tidal title track is given its own side to explore the
sheer endless expanses of dub...
Bundling the complete range of his influences, Gypsophila marks the pinnacle of Roman Poncet's work to date. Covering a spectrum this broad in his very own way, the album proves as relevant for the
current club scene as it will be for repeated return visits.
It's rare to come across a debut album that delights and surprises in equal measure, but that's exactly what you can expect from Human Call, the first full-length excursion from daydreaming dancefloor fusionists Earthboogie.The East London-based duo of Izak Gray and Nicola Robinson has previous form when it comes to creating beautiful, funk-fuelled fusions of soundsystem-ready rhythms, humid instrumentation and intergalactic audio explorations. To date, they've released a pair of fine EPs on Leng, both of which did a splendid job in showcasing their unique musical vision.Even so, this vision has never been clearer than it is on Human Call, a vibrant eight-track missive that fixes the sticky tropical cheeriness of African and South American dance music - be it Afro-disco, Afro-funk or samba - with a wide range of complimentary sounds, styles and influences, from spacey analogue electronics, sun-kissed Balearica and hazy West Coast jazz-rock, to chunky dub disco, snappy retro-futurist house and bouncy, dub-fuelled club workouts.Throughout, Gray and Robinson showcase an impressive level of musicianship, variously combining crunchy drum machine hits and dusty old synthesizers with razor-sharp electric and acoustic guitars, rich bass, cascading saxophone solos and hazy, life-affirming vocal harmonies.The result is a string of memorable highlights, from the sticky tropical-house-meets-dub disco futurism of 'Human Call' and fuzzy disco-funk righteousness of opener 'Overground', to the post-punk disco jauntiness of 'Stargazing' and samba-infused dancefloor bliss of Nina Miranda collaboration 'Silken Moon'. Cheery, absorbing, imaginative and hugely entertaining, Human Call offers a perfect snapshot of Earthboogie's distinctive musical world.
- A1: Youaresurrounded (The Intro)
- A2: This Is Life (Featuring Rapper Big Pooh & Sly Johnson)
- A3: Boom Bap Love (Featuring Lisa Spada)
- A4: Leiho (Featuring Pumpkin & Sly Johnson)
- B1: N.t. (Featuring Georgia Anne Muldrow)
- B2: Lost Art (Featuring Finale & Sly Johnson)
- B3: Danceonitifucan
- C1: Ame Son (Featuring Tiemoko)
- C2: F___ It (Featuring Sly Johnson & Saga)
- C3: Raponitifucan
- D1: Retrograde (Steven Beatberg's Raw Mixxx With Sly Johnson)
- D2: Run To The Sun (Featuring Elodie Rama) D.b.b.s.m. Remix
- D3: La Dune Noire (With Dilouya)
From Hip Hop to Soul, then from Soul to Beatmaking, Sly Johnson never really changed universe. Today, it's immersed in the mechanics with processors and printed circuits that we find him, under the alias of TAGi, producer-beatmaker who, for the occasion, has joined the services of Steven Beatberg. It's together, in artistic autarchy with the only presence of softwares, samplers and sequencers, that they have built their pieces in the light of their computer screens.
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After three EP dominated by instrumentals, the duo finally chose to realise their dream: to craft a multi-voice album where customized production for each guest would guide the creative process.
Rapper Big Pooh, the former member of the Little Brother group (With Phonte & 9th Wonder), the contemporary soul of Lisa Spada, but also the rapist #madeinfrance Pumpkin (worthy descendant of MC Solaar, Fabe ...), multi-faceted Georgia Anne Muldrow, the MC Finale, the new rising wave of artists of the Hip-Hop scene in Detroit. Tiemoko from Paris, Saga an MC who follows the pure tradition of the New York Hip-Hop, the very smooth-jazzy Elodie Rama and Dilouya, the producer of the previous record of Sly (The Mic Buddah), are of this casting where men and women share the roles and where TAGi as soon as the mic presents itself to him, becomes again Sly Johnson for some refrains, choruses or solo rereading of the sublime "Retrograde" of James Blake.
Guided by Hip Hop since the 90's until today, worked in great detail, YOUARESURROUNDED highlights vintage keyboards on granular rhythms, injecting a lascivious Soul, P-funk, electro futuristic or melancholic in black and white touches on 13 tracks that are as atmospheric as they are emotional.
One of Sonic Groove's longest standing label artists, Realmz returns with an infectious well rounded four cut extended EP entitled 'Mindfold'. Straight out of Pittsburgh the steel city capital of the USA Realmz has been involved in electronic music since the last decade of the 20th century. Growing up on a steadfast diet of Industrial/EBM/IDM/Detroit techno and Drum & Bass, Realmz has taken inspiration from these many underground forms of electronic music. In his signature style, the Sci-fi sound design on 'Mindfold' weaves it's way in an out of bleak futuristic overtones set across a multitude of uniquely written broken beat and 4/4 drum rhythms. This heavily thought provocative & extremely well produced, contemporary Industrial Techno EP is a must for any aficionado of the genre.
Soul Of Hex's Vicario Musique is making a comeback in 2018, with Cedillo's most personal EP to date. The main track ''Tetro'' is a futurist, simple but effective track dragging influences of the highest order on Chicago, Berlin and Detroit. ''Shadow Aspect'' moves into a darker perspective combining analog and modular synthesis and clever drum breaks. On the bright side of the EP, ''Sun Compass'' a collaboration with his brother Anttares is reminiscent of a Paradise/balearic inspired track showing Cedillo brothers versatile style. To finish the EP, the melancholic ''There are no words'' is a dedication to the memory of Cedillo's grandfather. Tetro has been already being championed live on Soul Of Hex's Live Boiler Room session, and at Tim Sweeney's Beats in Space Mix by Zombies in Miami.
Following from Deetron's accomplished entry in to the DJ-Kicks mix series, !K7 are now serving up one of the original singles from it. Produced by the Swiss artist and featuring soul futurist Steve Spacek, it comes with the original and three vital versions. Entitled 'Chose Me', the single is six tender minutes of musical electronic soul. Warm and supple bass, twinkling keys and smeared chords form the atmosphere as Spacek delivers a dreamy and heartfelt vocal up top. It's a track to get the spine tingling, while the Instrumental allows the celestial keys to ring out into a night sky as the main focal point. On the Jupiter Version, the drums are more loose and broken up, lending a spaced out vibe that will be perfect on outdoor terraces as the weather warms up. Jumbled percussion tumbles next to the chords as the vocal soars. A Jupiter Instrumental closes out this cosmic and cultured house EP.
The cornerstone track from Chloe´'s new album, an adventurously dark landscape dotted by Montreal rock band Suuns' singer Ben Shemie's vocals, Recall deserved this long-awaited quartet of astounding remixes, which serve as extensions of her latest full-length Endless Revisions' second single, released last October on Lumie`re Noire, the label founded by Chloe´.Moire´, Matthew Dear's latest signing to his Ghostly International label (which released the London artist's debut album in early 2017), retained a smattering of Ben's syllables, setting them to a captivating retro- futuristic remix that straddles two worlds, along the milestones of a restrained beat in a mesmerizingly ethereal and ghostly road trip that could last forever.German Crosstown Rebels signee Jonathan Kaspar's version is a more banging techno version, rounding out the EP's wide array of moods and genres. Over a formidably progressive build-up, the mood remains dark thanks to Ben's stretched-out vocals, and Recall's original universe is made more dynamic with a sped-up tempo, added percussions, and a concluding harmonisation finale that brings it all into the light. Douglas Greed, previously remixed Chloe´'s Driven (released on BPitch Control back in 2015,) similarly chops up the vocals, but takes them down a different road, reassembling the original's elements to create a different track, resulting in a fascinating free-form re-reading, an adroit upcycling, a long detour through the German producer's favoured poetic techno backroads - possibly inspired by the surroundings of Jena, Greed (a.k.a. Mario Wilms') hometown, and homebase of the Freude Am Tanzen label, the serious stable of geniuses directed by the incomparable Robag Wruhme.In a more motoric register, Autarkic's re-imagines Recall via a different narrative lens, re-populating and grounding it all at once. The Israeli Red Axes accomplice, who released an excellent debut album (I Love You Go Away) on Disco Halal last April, has a knack for propelling fanatics of rock urgency straight to the dancefloor. A gang of machines amplifies Shemie's voice, highlighting its minutiae of suffering and pleasure, leading the listener into dawn.
"Leonardo arrives as a new artist in 2018 having been promptly picked up by Alan Fitzpatrick for his We Are The Brave label project. A string of releases are planned and in place for 2018 on WATB with offerings also coming here on his own imprint Etheric, which serves as an outlet for Leonardo's music outside of his ongoing relationship with We Are The Brave.
The Origin EP is a collection of four tracks that draw on primitive feelings, heavily influenced by recent trips travelling through Peru and South America. The EP has a trippy hedonistic feel and represents Leonardo's take on a tribal rave in the depths on the Amazonian Rainforest, while still drawing on futuristic and electronic elements.
ALEX is a dark, haunting and brooding synthwave record that sets the night on fire, taking you from darkness all the way to the shining lights of Broadway. With hints of cyberpunk, outrun and other 80's inspired retrowave influences, ALEX has developed a true signature sound that is funky, groovy and totally rocking. X takes you on a futuristic, electronic music trip that's filled with nostalgia and suspense. Artist bio: Originating from Edinburgh Scotland, ALEX is a Scottish born electronic music producer, composer and DJ. After spreading his sound to every channel and label possible, ALEX broke through in the most significant way possible. If you get the attention of Playmaker and NewRetroWave in the Synthwave scene, you're doing something right, and ALEX's unique approach to composition and production led to his debut release with NRW, the 'Blood Club' EP. And things haven't slowed for the young producer, with two more EP's and an album since his debut, each showing another side to the artist. After the release of his Drive inspired EP 'Youth', fans of the powerful vocal tracks 'Rebel of the Night' and 'Youth' can get excited for the pair of major budget music videos ALEX has in store, with filming having taken place in Russia and New York City. ALEX grew up listening to the likes of Daft Punk, Justice, Underworld, Chromatics, Deadmau5, absorbing the sounds of Disco, House, Hip-Hop, and Rock, cherry picking his favourite elements to blend into the new retro haze of his own material. He also cites film composers, such as Disasterpiece, John Carpenter, Vangelis, Johan Johansson, and John Williams.
Black & Clear Mixed Vinyl
aniel Schwerdel aka Acid Lab has been a familiar face on Lossless Music and Dope Plates over the last few years. Turning heads with his tracks 'Ancestors' and 'Tundra', Dan has laid the ground work for a bigger project, a solo album. 'A Matter Of Time' is a stunning 10 track breakbeat odyssey which sees Dan draw on influences from the past as well as futuristic visions which combine to form a body of work that perfectly fits the Dope Plates ethos.
There are some records that manage to sound both of a time and utterly timeless and Bon Voyage Organisation's Jungle Quelle Jungle (a nod to Supertramp's Crisis What Crisis) is one of those albums. Its silken-smooth production, irresistible grooves, funk-tinged guitars, lush soundscapes and general glowing presence could easily lead one to believe that have dug up a lost disco gem from the 1970s. However, behind the disco-pop gleam lies eerie dystopian sci-fi ruminations of a futuristic bent and tones that can often feel as French as they do Asian or African.
This sort of cross-continental exploration is an expansion on BVO's previous two EPs, the man behind the Organisation, Adrien Durand, says. 'I tried to continue the musical expedition between dystopian Science-Fiction Haunted Africa - plus Haitian Vaudou on 'Soleil Dieu' - and futuristic Asia. Addressing, in a double entendre manner, some of the political issues that I am sensitive to.' In fact the jungle in question in the album's title is a metaphorical one and one that creates a vast series of environments for Durand to explore such subjects as world trade, utopian ideals and themes of idols, as well as of time and communication. However, one will need to speak French to decipher such explorations, as well as shake off the natural impulse to move with every glorious beat on its 13 tracks, of which are moved along by Maud Nadal and Agathe Bonitzer's golden vocals.
Durand is a full-time producer based in Paris, working with the likes of Amadou & Mariam, so it makes sense that this record would absolutely sparkle in this department. Durand feeds off the variety of musicians coming and going during recording sessions as well as the rotating members and numbers of people involved with the band but fundamentally he writes all songs on piano first before bringing them to record live. 'We recorded a rhythm section of five - drums, percussion, guitar and myself on bass/synth bass and keyboards - at La Frette which is a studio located in a mansion outside of Paris and fitted with a beautiful 1973 NEVE desk. We only used analogue gear, by taste really, and found it a pretty reliable way of doing things. This simply consists of putting good players together in a room and waiting for the right take to happen.' Two four-day sessions and a 'cooling off' period (to let the recordings settle) soon followed before Durand picked the material back up to give it a final polish.
The resulting album is one loaded with intricacies and idiosyncrasies, something that Durand puts down to his own unique approach. 'I don't consider myself much of a songwriter but I love arranging rhythm sections and I'm pretty proud of the ones on this record.' This applies when it comes to working with such musicians as Inor Sotolongo Zapata, who with Durand used traditional Cuban percussive instruments and explored Haitian rhythms. When Durand expands on some of the ideas and influences that were funnelled into the record, you begin to get a sense of the vastness of the sounds that fill his world, from Trevor Horn's production work on ABC's Lexicon of Love, to the literary work of JG Ballard to the visual flair of the original Blade Runner and even the Tuareg sounds of Tinariwen, due to the fact that his studio neighbours their manager's and he would hear their rhythms bleeding through the walls. You therefore end up with an album that offers tracks such as 'GOMA' that fuses Chinese and African rhythms as well as 'SI D'Adventure' a piece of pop music that is dazzlingly hook-laden.
As a result of this cooking pot of sounds, influences, thoughts and creations, Durand has more of a gumbo approach to making this music than a set-out scientific formula. 'There is no definite recipe for me to like the production of a record,' he says. 'Of course it really sticks out that my work is really influenced by the 1978-1983 period, the golden age and last stand of analogue studios and session musicians.' Whilst Durand adores the traditional and conventional music, he really views this as something bigger and wider. 'I have a taste for the otherworldly vibe from records coming from less sought-after musical scenes, particularly Poland, Haiti, Ethiopia, Somalia, Congo and early Cantonese pop. Languages and the rapport of the people involved in the making of those records really inspires me. I particularly hate the use of the word 'World Music' as a potpourri for everything that doesn't sound quite western enough.'
The early 2000s were a time of upheaval for hip-hop. The underground and mainstream divide that had dened so much of the previous decade was showing the rst signs of irrelevance. Timbaland and The Neptunes made radio rappers sound futuristic while independent artists struggled in a quagmire of backpacks and misguided claims to keep it real. Away from this, in a misunderstood middle ground between hip-hop and electronic music, a new generation of artists were busy imagining a new sound for hip-hop.
One such artist was Scott Prefuse 73' Herren, whose perpendicular MPC chops on his 2001 debut for Warp Records set curious minds racing with possibilities. That same year Tadd Mullinix released his debut as Dabrye on Ghostly International, a sonic wildstyle that appealed to both hip-hop heads and IDM nerds. Sometime that same year Herren and Mullinix met after sharing a bill in Detroit. CD-Rs were exchanged and a year later Eastern Development, Herren's newly launched label, released Dabrye's Instrmntl, a short album with a big impact. On its fteenth anniversary Ghostly International is reissuing Instrmtl on vinyl and making it available digitally for the rst time.
Instrmntl is a continuation of the beat experiments Dabrye began with One/Three and a bridge to the diverse textures that would dene Two/Three four years later. About half of its nine tracks (ten if you lived in Japan) were created at the same time as One/Three while the rest were newer or made specically for the album. Once again Mullinix looked outside of hip-hop to techno, house, and drum & bass for stylistic and technical ideas while embracing the blissful minimalism of a good hip-hop instrumental and the rhythmic nuance of Detroit.
Despite the similarities between Dabrye's debut and this follow up, Mullinix didn't simply replicate what had made One/Three so arresting. He pushed and pulled further between the two cornerstones of his approach to reveal more potentials. Instrmntl takes you deeper into electronic depths — the rugged synth stutter of 'Won', the tumbling, wobbling bass in 'No Child Of God', the electro get down of 'Prospects (Marshall Law)' — while also treading more organic grounds by letting samples breathe and moods unfurl at a gentler pace ('Take Me Home', 'Evelyn', and 'You Know The Formula Right'). And then there are the moments where this push and pull nds balance and the result becomes more, as it does on the mournful march of 'D-Town Tabernacle Choir' and the twinkling daydream of 'This Is Where I Came In'.
At just over 30 minutes, Instrmntl offers a snapshot of a time when potentials seemed innite, when lines could be drawn between jazz, ragga jungle, techno, and hip-hop and the resulting shape divined an exciting future.
- Reissue of the out of print 2002 album, available for the rst time on Ghostly.
- Includes previously Japanese-only bonus track, Gimme Lowlands'
- Standard weight blue vinyl is housed in a matte jacket.
- Dabrye's beats are like Jay Dee getting crunked up with Autechre.' — Prefuse 73
It was chance that brought about the release of One/Three, Dabrye's debut album. Early demos were tucked on the B side of a cassette Tadd Mullinix passed to Sam Valenti in 2000 while working at the Dubplate Pressure record shop in Ann Arbor. Mullinix had spent the late '90s producing jungle, techno, house, hip-hop and more using the All Sound Tracker software as a primary instrument. Each style pulled from a similar sound palette as Mullinix used limitations to define the contours of di-erent musical personalities. Dabrye was his hip-hop wildstyle, a captivating collage of sparse instrumentals inspired by the laid back vibes of midwestern hip-hop and east coast boom bap, the futuristic funk of Umma-era Jay Dee, and the calculated subtlety of Detroit dance music. Released in 2001 as the first in an intended trilogy, One/Three announced Dabrye's arrival with an unavoidable contribution to Detroit hip-hop. Ghostly International is reissuing the album in 2017 for the first time, including a long overdue vinyl edition.
On its release One/Three was the rare album that appealed to both fans of Slum Village's smooth yet rugged hip-hop and enthusiasts of the distinct American IDM released by labels like Schematic. Over the following decade, the inadvertent demo submission turned into a body of work that placed Dabrye alongside innovators such as Prefuse 73 amid the cannon of a new generation of producers. Today, One/Three remains a concise and intriguing study in instrumental hip-hop that helps join the dots between J Dilla and Flying Lotus.
One/Three is a record that says much with little. There are no obvious hip-hop tropes. Instead Mullinix captures the ingenious minimalism of '90s hip-hop instrumentals to build tracks both supple and hard, joyous and melancholy, full of sharply angled rhythms and warm rubbery basslines: 'The Lish' throws a sickly sweet saxophone against digitally fragmented melodies, 'How Many Times (with this)' draws you in with an irresistible, clipped guitar groove, the rhythmic stutter of 'Smoking The Edge' makes your head spin with pleasure. Playing with his inspirations, Mullinix injects omitted downbeats for imagined rhymes and repurposes the intricacy of ragga jungle for breakdowns.
But what really defines One/Three is the rhythmic sensibility and metric modulation of Detroit's school of hip-hop production, which Mullinix was a fervent student of. The beats feel like they're constantly escaping a rigid tempo grid even though they are, in fact, pretty tight. A lot of it is nuance,' Mullinix explains. I've been known to say that I'm not impressed by spectacle. I think that nuance is what really captivates people.'
If you like your beats with a dash of class, do not miss this. An essential purchase of the highest order.' -BBC
- First time all tracks from the original 2001 release appear on vinyl.
- Remastered by Daddy Kev
- Standard weight black vinyl is inserted in to 3.5mm matte finish vinyl jacket.
- Download card includes free download of the Payback EP
Formerly of France, now based in Brazil, D3 Elements returns with their second instalment of the "Beatz" series, this time with jazz artist, Bruno E, also hailing from Brazil. Bruno, who has been producing and performing since the late 90s, has worked with and remixed the likes of Silhouette Brown and Gilles Peterson, as well as releasing albums in his own right. This limited colour 10" release features three versions of the track Ventos Do Outono, (loosely translated to Autumn Winds). First up is drummer, composer and producer, Pat Van Dyke, taking a break from composing the soundtrack to Jerry Seinfeld's "Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee", with a breezy, laid back version of the original. Featuring lush horns and flutes, along with vintage keyboards, the track urges us to "Get Down", while straddling the boundaries of jazz and golden era hip-hop. Still on the A side, it's Bruno's turn, delivering a wonderful broken beat track. Full of beautiful keys, strings and intricate rhythms, this track is reminiscent of the sound championed by Kaidi Tatham and Nu Era. Flip over to the b side, and techno legend, Kirk de Giorgio takes us on a deep, futuristic ride. The track starts off with banging drums and a pulsating bass line, priming us for the cosmic pads and keys to come as the UK producer takes us on a journey to outer space and back. Another quality release from Bryan Hervieu's label, with three diverse versions of the same track, sure to appeal to a wide variety of tastes.
- A1: Get Wid It Feat. Tyna (Visioneers Version)
- A2: Happy Days Feat. Bagi & Sarah Ann (Peter Kruder Remix)
- A3: Code Of The Snake Feat. Blabbwona (Pulsinger & Irl Codeine Shake Dub)
- A4: Why We Feat. Ward 21 (Jstar Remix)
- B1: Holdin´ Back Feat. Wordsworth (Flip Remix)
- B2: Concussion Feat. Blurum13 (Trishes Remix)
- B3: Get Wid It Feat. Tyna (Visioneers Version Instrumental)
- B4: Holdin´ Back Feat. Wordsworth (Flip Remix Instrumental)
- B5: Concussion Feat. Blurum13 (Trishes Remix Instrumental)
Die zweite Runde von Remixen zu dem selbst betitelten Album von Urbs ist eine fesselnde Zusammenstellung von zeitlosen HipHop sowie Downtempo Nummern.
Marc Mac: Gibt es zu dieser Person etwa noch was zu sagen Als Teil des UK Duos 4Hero hat er Musikgeschichte geschrieben und sein Visioneers Projekt setzte neue Standards in Sachen organischem HipHop. Sein Remix zu - Get Wid It featuring Tyna aus Neuseeland, besitzt alles, was man sich von diesem Musikgenie erwartet. Ein souliges, harmonisches Meisterwerk, welches auch auf einem seiner legendären Visioneers Alben hätte veröffentlicht werden können.
Peter Kruder hat als Teil von Kruder & Dorfmeister sowie mit seinem Projekt Peace Orchestra Musikgeschichte geschrieben. Sein Remix zu - Happy Days feat. Bagi und Sarah Ann ist eine Reise zurück zu seinen musikalischen Wurzeln, welche ihn berühmt gemacht haben - eine relaxte Downtempo-Nummer. Der Remix weckt Erinnerungen an die Zeit, als seine Musik Millionen von Menschen berührte.
Patrick Pulsinger ist der dritte im Bunde aus der Riege der Helden der 90s. Gemeinsam mit Sam Irl, seinem derzeitigen Komplizen, zeigen die beiden was herauskommen kann, wenn ein Studio-Zauberer mit Techno Wurzeln auf ein Musikgenie mit HipHop Wurzeln trifft. Ihr Remix zu - Code Of The Snake feat. Blabbwona ist eine trippige HipHop-Tech-Dub Nummer mit viel Bass und als solches absolut einzigartig.
Jstar aus London hat sich bereits einen Namen gemacht als Produzent von unzähligen Remixen und Edits auf seinem eigenem Label Jstar. Seine Spezialität sind Dub und Reggae Remixe von HipHop Classics. Er ist ein Großmeister des Digital Dancehall und transformierte den Golden Era Sound von - Why We feat Ward 21 (aus Kingston Jamaica) in etwas absolut Futuristisches.
Flip: Rapveteran von Texta aus Linz, der zuletzt durch sein Soloalbum auf dem New Yorker Raplabel Ill Adrenaline Records aufgefallen ist, bringt einen Remix zu - Holdin' Back feat Wordsworth. Mit einem genialem Chuck D Sample und einem funky Beat setzt dieser Remix Tanzflächen von Alaska bis Auckland in brannt.
Trishes: Last but not least: Moderator der legendären HipHop Radioshow Tribe Vibes auf FM4 und integraler Bestandteil der Wiener HipHop Szene. Für seinen Remix zu - Concussion feat BluRum13 von Oneself, setzte er auf einen heftigen Groove mit lauten Becken um einen Underwater-Funk-Beat zu kreieren und somit einen neuen Hintergrund für diese echt verrückte Geschichte zu gestalten.
Über das Album 'Urbs':
Ganze elf Jahre sind seit - Toujours Le Meme Film', dem letzten Album von Urbs vergangen. Auf Kruder & Dorfmeisters G-Stone Label lieferte der Wiener Musiker, DJ und Producer damals den Soundtrack zu einem fiktiven Film Noir, zog sich aber nach einer Europa-Tournee fast gänzlich aus der Öffentlichkeit zurück. Er sieht sein Schaffen nicht als Karriere, sondern als Teil seines Lebens, welches in den seltensten Fällen einer konkreten Planung unterliegt, und deshalb hat Urbs sich auch bewusst viel Zeit gelassen für sein aktuelles -unbetiteltes - Album.
Urbs: - Der Vorgänger "Toujours Le Meme Film" kam bei sehr vielen Leuten extrem gut an, und über die Jahre habe ich mitbekommen, daß es manchen Leuten richtig viel bedeutet. Das war eine gewisse Belastung, weil man diese Leute natürlich nicht enttäuschen will. Mittlerweile denke ich, daß genug Wasser die Donau runtergeflossen ist, um vielleicht den einen oder anderen mit etwas ganz Neuem zu überraschen. Die Leute, die mich kennen, wissen ja, daß ich im Grunde immer dopen HipHop produziert habe.'
Konsequenterweise handelt es sich diesmal nicht um ein Instrumental-Album sondern um eine Sammlung von 12 souligen HipHop Nummern, die mit handverlesenen Vokalisten der internationalen Rap-, Dancehall- und Soul-Szene aufwarten. Neben den New Yorkern Wordsworth von EMC sowie R.A. The Rugged Man, finden sich unter anderem Ward 21 aus Kingston, Jamaica, Voice Monet aus New Orleans, Blu Rum 13 von One Self aus Washington DC, als auch alte Weggefährten wie dem Wiener Skero oder dem Wahl-Münchner Blabbwona von Abstract Art auf dem Album.
Auf die Frage, wie es sich anfühlt, nach mehreren Instrumental-LPs erstmals ein Album mit Vokalisten aufzunehmen, erwidert Urbs mit einem Augenzwingern: - Generell war es für mich schwierig die Songs loszulassen und mich den MCs auszuliefern. Man verbringt viel Zeit mit einem Stück und baut eine gewisse Beziehung auf. Die Musik erzeugt Bilder im Kopf und hat oft eine schwer fassbare Bedeutung für den Producer. Dann geht ein MC drüber und es ist ein bisschen als würden die brutalen Freunde deines älteren Bruders dein Kinderzimmer verwüsten- in deiner Anwesenheit.'
Wieso das Album keinen Titel trägt, ist auch schnell beantwortet: - Dieses Album ist nun sozusagen meine Leistungsschau auf diesem Gebiet und durch den unendlich langen Reifeprozess, ist es auch schön intensiv eingekocht und auf dem Punkt. Deshalb auch keine Intros, keine Interludes, kein Titel, no Gimmicks, einfach 12 gute Songs - Punkt.'
Neben dem Album werden auch zwei EPs mit Remixes von Retrogott, Brenk Sinatra, Visoneers (Marc Mac von 4 Hero), Peter Kruder, Cookin' Soul, J*Star, Flip (Texta) und anderen veröffentlicht. Für das Artwork zeichnet DJ DSL verantwortlich.
Two Dutch institutions in Delsin and 2000 And One team up for a reissue of the 1994 EP Belongings. It was an early release on 2000 and One's influential 100% Pure label and found him in full on space-techno. The EP has been fully remastered and sounds as gloriously futuristic now as it did more than 20 years ago. 'It Belongs To Me (Version)' is an intergalactic techno track with pads drifting off to an infinite horizon as a soft acid line burrows into the big, icy hi hats and punting drums. It's perfectly spacious and sombre, while 'It Belongs To Me (Reprise)' is a much more downtempo and thoughtful version of the track where pained leads synths take the lead and the drums are off in the distance. It's the sound of resignation and dejection in techno form. 'Crystal' then layers in new age harmonies as classic dusty break beats do their dance below. Again the synths are smeared and grand in scale and the whole thing feels like a blissful rave comedown. Last of all, 'Bowed' is a happy and manic melodic track with warped bass and fluttering snares that carry you away to the stars.
For this release Metrist delves into a set of carefully constructed and deeply rhythmic but ear-grabbingly idiosyncratic, mixed fidelity dancefloor-geared oddities.
The first three tracks are united, in a fashion, by the artist's skill at programming a series of drum tracks that set a definite tone for the productions. Within a quite partisan field of often microscopic generic variety, largely pinned down to the tempo and timbre of electronic drums, here Metrist has pursued a tricky-to-define path. The bounce of new jack swing is twisted amongst stripped back polyrhythms, equal parts groove and glitch seasoned by some futuristic acid filters that create a constantly shifting aura of space and textural nuance around the individual drum hits. Quite often arrhythmic interjections punctuate these 'grooves', be it the sawing bursts of noise and snarled, incoherent vocals on 'An Soaep', the non-language and playful, bubbling bass surrounding the half time feel of 'On Golden Seize' that builds to something approximating an industrial take on UK Funky or the brash sub-wobbles that intrude 'Pantomimer Tongue's juddering knife-scraping-on-a-balloon stutters.
'Caaacel the Horze' closes the record in a less weighty style, with crunchy arpeggios running on a synth that sounds like it's picking up interference from a radio channel, as snatches of moaned vocals allude to a deeply ambiguous yet chilling narrative behind the music. Thudding kicks intrude on the skittish melody but in a non-rhythmic way reminiscent of someone trying desperately to snatch your attention by banging on the adjacent wall. Gauzy melodic textures in the background provide a calming counterpoint to the uneasy qualities of the composition.
repress
Following on from the critically acclaimed Penya Investigations cassettes and the 12' Acelere EP, Afro-Latin-electronic collective Penya conclude an intensely creative period with a Long Player collection of tracks Super Liminal. 'Liminal' - an in-between state -references the transitional process the four - piece band entered during a series of self-produced recording sessions held at Penya's multi-instrumentalist Magnus P.I's home studio between March 2016 and May 2017. Penya's percussive and futuristic Afro-Latin sound also owes its genesis to the concept of 'liminality': the threshold of disorientation occurring during ritual practices. Penya's hypnotic groovescapes, led by Jim LeM's bata drumming,ancient chants, sung by Lilli Elina, dubbed-out improvisations on trombone by Viva Msimangand lo-fi electronic production by Magnus P.I create a sound that has garnered significant support on BBC 6 Music via Tom Ravenscroft, Worldwide FM via Gilles Peterson, on BBC Radio 3's Late Junction, as well as being praised by a host of producers including DJ Khalab, Will LV, DJ Jose Marquez and Dengue Dengue Dengue. Penya's energised and engaging live show has also toured across UK festivals this summer, including Brainchild, Wilderness, Farmfest and Big Love.
KMD1 is not an ambient opener. It's the sound translation of your nightmare's anxiety. Don't be scared, it was just a dream.
Intentional Drowning is a bridge to the underworld. Let the syncopated groove fl ow through yourself and brace yourself for another dimension.
Aquaris Monopole takes you in a sub heavy journey towards the dancefloor. The urge to dance will be stronger than first expected.
All tracks mastered by Pole at Scape Mastering in Berlin.
Fathered by Lium, dj active in the Belgian new beat scene back in the late 80's, Cabasa is the continuity of his father's passion. Drawing influences from electronica to jungle and techno, his sound is an hybrid bass music genre. The will to make people dance has definitely been passed down though!
Resident dj for the Under My Garage party concept in Belgium and 199Radio in London, Cabasa is the kind of new blood that kicks you in the head: his sound is a threat, a menace, a danger to your existence.
He's also able to pick up the records you would never play out and make the crowd dance on a level you've never dreamed of. And should you give him that old synth you've never been able to get something of: he will use it and produce the most futuristic sound.
In a nutshell: don't forget his name, in a few you will follow him around the globe.
- Team Dreams' is the collaborative album of Sin Fang, Sóley and Örvar Smárason of múm and FM Belfast. It combines the individual strengths of three acclaimed musicians, blends folk sensibilities with futuristic pop beats. It's an emotive ocean of sound, melodies and miniature stories that gently washes over you. And it's easily one of the best albums the three Reykjavík artists have been involved in.
Tachyon Audio is a new vinyl label that's focused on forward-thinking sounds in the techno realm targeting sweaty, dark places, with large, high-quality sound systems.
Inhabitants make a strong offering with their first EP as a duo, IGC. These two primates are often found inhabiting dark spaces, forging ahead on complex math equations. Their distinct, driving, mathematical, and drumming techno is a result. Expect more solid work from these two mysterious beings on Tachyon Audio as the label continues its progression.
Tachyon Audio is coming out of the gates strong with a diverse EP that touches on three techno sounds that are helping to lead the march forward into the future of sound production. The first Tachyon release comes from the mysterious dark studio of Inhabitants, who's inaugural release as a collaboration is sure to move feet on a diversity of dance floors. The A-side track, Mut14 (sc8.18 Mix) (A1) is a futuristic pounder that weaves its way into a frenzy with subtle yet penetrating synths that sweep through the soundscape. The simple and sound drumline will keep even the pickiest selectors satisfied. Side A ends with two separate open-source NASA space samples. The first, Iota_20_0.998_h (A2), is the repeating sound of two orbiting neutron stars. The second sample (A3) is two 50 solar mass black holes spiraling into an inevitable collapse, eventually becoming one. These samples are poised for reuse in production and make for good intro and looping material for performances.
The second side of the EP starts with the dark broken beat track, Mut7 (B1), that starts with a solid groove and works its way into a breakdown that captures the mind with a chopped and effected late 1990's Frankie Bones vocal. By the end of the track you'll be left wanting it to forge on, as it can flow well with a wide range of techno sub-genres, especially the dark, more broken beat tip. Inhabitants then continue to make their impression with Mut10 (B2), a track molded around an originally crafted 303 line that morphs and builds throughout and creates an atmosphere that separates itself from the remainder of the EP with a lighter, yet heady feel.
M=100 (2 - 50 Solar Mass Black Holes)
Into the mystic. Crank up the amp and drop the needle on the record. Exclusively on vinyl only, it's the cross-genre collaboration everybody's talking about - between the don of drum'n'bass and one of the godfather's of grime. Goldie and Skepta share a birthday, an elemental connection and an impeccable taste in beats. Upstart is the blistering outcome of their studio sessions together - a fierce, futuristic alchemy of tense horrorshow melodics, street-level rhymes and bangin' breaks. Minted somewhere between Blade Runner and A Clockwork Orange, it's for the kind of kids who want to ram-raid tomorrow, become a ghost in the machine, a contagion that cannot be stopped.
Osage (pronounced Oh-Sage) is the electronic music making alter ego of dj/producer lil'dave, a veteran DJ on the Philadelphia nightclub scene, a member of the highly respected dj crew Illvibe Collective and the co-host of the internationally known broadcast Eavesdrop Radio. As a recording artist, he has released music under various aliases for record labels such as BBE Records, Tru Thoughts, Record Breakin' Music, Soulspazm, and First Word Records and collaborated with and remixed a diverse range of artists such as RJD2, Lady Alma, Ty, Ryat, Captain Planet, Foremost Poets, and more.The Osage sound is an amalgamation of musical influences such as deep house, samba, African rhythms, futuristic r&b, boogie, uk garage, salsa, broken beat, and soul. Built from slightly unorthodox drum programming, and layers of synthesizers, the music is focused on bringing the soulfulness out of the machines he is working with. Over the years, he has been building a solid reputation by creating a catalog of clever dance floor edits, remixes, and original tracks which have been supported by notable tastemakers such Gilles Peterson. This 12" compiles 4 of our favorite moments from the 2 EPs that Osage has released thus far on Bastard Jazz. The record kicks off with the bubbling house vibes of "I Found You" featuring Dezeray Dawn on vocals, before moving into a deeper House dub of the track from Washington DC's Sol Power All-Stars. On the flip, "Last Call" is a late end of the night anthem with Osage himself offering words of inspiration, and the EP rounds off with the "Anyway", a sparse dance cut with syncopated claps, moody synths and heartfelt vocals from Yemi.
* Aquatic Lab Records presents a very special release to close out 2017. LAB018 plays host to Bristol luminary and Tectonic boss Pinch, who delivers three menacing and forward-leaning apocalyptic cuts.
* The pointed and growling ragga-style techno of A-side 'Brain Scan' is built on battering rhythms and dubwise sonic techniques, in the vein of an old school revivalist production. True to the roots, futuristic in scope.
* On the flip, 'Street Light' is an equally abrasive bassweight roller, counter-balanced by Pinch's cavernous and cinematic sound design. Strictly war sounds for the dance.
* Rounding off the release is soundsystem meditation 'Abducted', an icy, gangster half-stepper drenched in thick reverb and melancholic DMZ-style laments.
* Mastered by Rashad Becker at Dubplates & Mastering (Berlin). 180-gram vinyl.
Durban's 23 year-old producer Emo Kid has announced he is to release eight-track debut EP, 'Gqomtera', through Gqom Oh! on September 22nd. Although titled 'Gqomtera', which Emo Kid explains is a slang term he and others use for the music, the record actually explores Sgubhu — another strain of South African dance music that shares many stylistic parallels with Gqom, though is always written with a 4x4 beat. Like DJ Lag before him, an artist widely considered the king of Gqom, Emo Kid is also considered a pioneer in Durban; 'Some people call me the Sgubhu king, but I'm just happy they're enjoying my music', he says. Based in Inanda, in the Etafuleni area township in Durban, Emo Kid's house looks out over an area called Isandlwana — the spot where the Zulu army famously defeated the British Army in the Battle Of Isandlwana in 1879. It is from this backdrop that he has written the majority of his music over the last few years, including new record 'Gqomtera'. At eight tracks long, 'Gqomtera' provides a comprehensive overview of the Sgubhu sound, with the aim of taking the listener on their own 'Durban Journey'. 'I wanted to show the uniqueness of my own style which I would describe as more musical', Emo Kid explains, 'you can feel the music when you listen but it still hits hard with that Gqom flavour.' That Gqom flavour, powered by hard, fast, uncompromising drums, provides a solid core from which everything else functions. Bright, shimmering trance synths feature on 'Futuristic Gqom', while on 'Enkwarini' — 'another word for a party or fantastic get together' — vocalist Fawell skips over light, playful Sgubhu rhythms. There's also space for harder, deeper cuts like 'Ground Shaker', cut with a twinkling melody line, the charging pace and power of 'Insimbi Yase Dubane' and the anthemic 'Asbambeki' featuring local crew TLC Fam, translating loosely to being unstoppable; 'It means you can't catch us basically', Emo Kid says proudly, 'On the dance floor, you can't touch us, we're on fire.' Capturing the raw, street sounds of his city, Emo Kid is the latest Durban artist to take the music global and with 'Gqomtera', put Sgubhu firmly on the map.
Awake at an undefined hour. Floating between the realm of dreams and open awareness. Accept it — you're a headspace passenger. Talking to a machine is a thrill for a moment or two. You want to go out, need to get lost. It's still yet all under the surface ... but you know it's going to happen, eventually. What you need to do is: return to the same old place. What you think is:
I hope the roof flies off, and I get sucked up into space.
This is the debut album by Berlin-based musician and futurist Andre´ Uhl. Crackling noise, moody arpeggios, and haunting melodies tell tales of the hazy past, moving into the twilight of the future. Each of the 13 songs is a dark and cinematic piece on it's own - altogether combined a compelling story, here for the listener to explore.
The album is available digitally and on vinyl in a limited edition of 300 copies, including a booklet of 13 short stories by different writers like the Czech visual artist and poet Katarina Hruskova, Berlin-based subcultural magickian Daniel Jones, and the British novelist Chris Brownsword - each story inspired by one of the 13 songs. I hope the roof flies off, and I get sucked up into space is the first trueness presented by Neofakt, a new label for audio, text and visual art.
Mint Condition - A reissue label focussed on excavating the outer fringes of classic House and Techno. Unreleased mixes, classics and overlooked gems mined from the last 20+ of contemporary dance music are the order of the day. From Chicago, Detroit and New York to London and beyond, Mint Condition have got their expert digging hats on to bring you exclusive heat and those rarer than rare jams that have been on your wants list for years! Dig in....
Hot on the heels of his 'Relief Sevensixty' EP we are pleased to announce the latest instalment of Jaime Read cuts from the vaults. The 'Target This MF' EP is another collection of golden-era jams from Read's envious archive. Steeped in history, these infamous tracks are now seeing the light of day again. You only have to have a quick online search to read the fascinating story of the journey of this music and then maybe this EP title will make sense! Kicking off with the serious Detroit leanings of 'P.E.G.' you get a real taste of what's in store, frantic claps and detuned synth swells combine to create a pacey and essential slice of futurist Techno. A2 'Sux' is another epic piece of space electronics, tough drum machine programming and swirling sounds give the track an epic feel, mildly disorientating in the best possible way it's hard to believe this music originates from the South coast of the UK! B1 'Rein (Pt.1)' is mining a deeper, House infused sound. A sublime groove that tips it's hat to the masters with a serious bassline that just won't stop. Funky machine music of the highest order. The EP finishes with the absolute killer 'Peeano', a jam that flips Jazz on it's head in zero gravity, incessant piano lines drive us deep into the speaker stacks and it feels great. The whole EP is a total trip. Essential music from an unheralded UK legend.
The 'Target This MF' EP has been legitimately released with the full involvement of Jaime Read for 2017 and remastered by London's Curve Pusher from the original sources especially for Mint Condition. 100% legit, licensed and released. Dug, remastered, repackaged and brought to you by the caring folks at Mint Condition!
The new EP by rRoxymore signals another audacious step forward for one of the most daring artists in the electronic music diaspora. 'Thoughts Of An Introvert Part 1' is born out of introspection, out of the necessity to disconnect from the frenzy of crowds and to create a soundtrack to an inner landscape which exists beyond the reach of government and dogma. In the words of the artist, "it is a sonic diary of sorts, cataloguing the events of a world which has not yet been invented, in the form of three mesmerizing dance tracks free of nostalgia and the expectations of style."
The spatial afro futurist funk of 'Prodrome' finds rRoxymore balancing darkness and optimism as only she can. The title track, 'Thoughts Of An Introvert' is instantly familiar and carries a soothing utopian spirit, so needed today. Mycetozoa, the closing track is bouncing, drum driven and mad, a celebration of rRoxymore's complex musical mind, offset by irresistibly banging toms and rolling rimshot patterns. It is a track which is at once melancholic, happy, vulnerable, and full of hope. Everything seems possible on the dancefloor this music was written for.
Cryosleep is the debut album from Null + Void, the alias of prolific New York producer Kurt Uenala. It's an album of contrasts and tension, where darkness is pierced by blinding light, and where moody new wave bleeds into stark electronics. In one moment, joyful memories give way to isolation and regret, and in the next, Cryosleep explores the catharsis of crowded dancefloors. Throughout the record, Uenala matches his dynamic production with incredible vocalists-from Depeche Mode's Dave Gahan and the inimitable Shannon Funchess, to Black Rebel Motorcycle Club and The Big Pink. Null + Void's take on dark pop meshes with his love for Detroit electro, poignant synth melodies, and cold atmospheres. With the cinematic opener 'Falling Down' and brooding instrumentals like 'Come To Me", Cryosleep can feel like the soundtrack to a lost space epic. No doubt, the album evokes Blade Runner, dystopian landscapes, and the splendor of far-off galaxies. As Uenala puts it, Cryosleep is inspired by 'classic sci-fi stuff,' images of futuristic machines sustaining humans frozen in a dreamstate. The melancholy 'Foreverness' explores what they might be thinking: 'A collection of fragments, memories of a life lived-preserved, but incomplete and jumbled.' Meanwhile, 'Into The Void' paints a peaceful, otherworldly picture, 'like soaring towards a white light.'
Rotterdam based duo ARKVS release ''Oppression EP'' through the PRRUK black series. The result is an exciting package of futuristic techno sounds and searing drums. The duo has managed to find a perfectly executed trip throughout the different sides of ARKVS. While the general tone is darkish throughout, there are some uplifting atmospheres and hints of hope to be found in this package. While the title track is a thumping piece of dancefloor techno, the cinematic voyage ''Our Deepest Fear'' is a stand-out production of adventurous electronics. On the B-side we find ''Chose To Defy'', which is a tough work of dark techno and the somewhat more mellow ''Nonviolence'' on which an intrusive bassline is combined with some beautiful synth sounds.
The man who views life in constancy is destined for stagnation. Everything is change, everything is motion. Atoms to galaxies, seasons to lives. Together in motion. The powerful force brings together, spinning together. Be magnetic. Music is the magnet that brings together and makes us spin. With subtlety, the aptly named Gyration EP begins its spin as minimalist synths assault with increasing frenetic abandon. Under the guise of apparent simplicity, Rekord 61 abducts the mind to a realm of constant motion. A futuristic merry-go-round stuck in overdrive, adrenaline spikes and neon lights smear across your vision. Unbalance and Ari Atai produce remixes of Gyration and Ferrimagnet that brings the machine to life. With catchy sequences and galactic atmospherics, the remixes imbue organic energy to the unwavering motion of the original tracks. Bringing the revolutions back under control, the efforts of Ari Atai and Unbalance expose dubby layers, pounding drums and melodic texture. Let the breakneck pace of Rekord 61 race through your mind, then let your soul reverberate with the timeless melodics of the remixes.
'Break at Home' is the collected recordings of the mysterious group '2 Katara' which was formed in Athens, Greece in 1978 by George Theodorakis (keyboards, percussion, vocals) with his close friend Dimitris Papangelidis (bass, guitars, percussion, vocals). TIP!
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This musical-duo recorded quietly over a decade between Theodorakis' family idyllic home studio in the Philopappou hill of Athens and the nearby studios Theta and SR. For some part, the tracks seem like adventurous experiments or even unfinished samplers or riffs the band starts to develop, but at the same time there are productions that are clearly meant to be the backbone of an album that never came out.
Into the light proudly presents 14 sun-soaked productions from the above-mentioned sterling material from 1981 until 1991 where the band split. This sixth installment is meant to be enjoyed as a journey from proggy pop to TR-909 drum driving compositions to Mediterranean disco-not-disco and further futuristic synth-scapes.
The many elements from the Greek traditional folk music - especially in 'I Can Not' which is an ambient take on a folk lament song from Epirus area and the reverse play recording of a Greek orthodox priest chant on their last ever recorded epic 17min track 'Greek lady' -, the unusual but clever combinations of colorful styles and the intense improvisation put the group in the first line of Athens' best kept secrets
Very LIMITED album discs available now:
This is the first album Oscar Mulero has released under his own name, after two acclaimed LPs under the moniker Trolley Route. Well known for his skills as a hard-edged, raw and floor-orientated techno dj, his productions go far beyond, digging deep into the intricate landscape of intelligent techno, floating moods, reminiscent atmospheres, harmony and detail.
Grey Fades To Green is the affirmation of his maturity as a producer, using both hardware and software in the pursuit of a highly coherent and diverse album.
The concept is split into two parts: The Grey and The Green, each one with its own character. The first part is rougher and meant for the dance floor, although pays full attention to detail and complexity. The second part is quieter, has a slower pace and is best enjoyed at home.
In The Green Oscar goes deep into the intellectual side of techno music and is heavily influenced by the post rave sound emerging from the UK in the nineties: Aphex Twin, Gescom, B12, Plaid, Autechre.. but with a contemporary approach.
This part of the album brings you melodies, harmonies, endless atmospheres, and hours of studio work. Each sound has been carefully constructed, nothing is left to chance: Every stereo panning, every change to the synth's parameters has been meticulously designed for your listening pleasure; just what you want when you listen to techno on headphones. Futuristic music made with the utmost care.
The Green starts with 'Letters From Madrid', a dreamy and melancholy track, where an introspective melody leads to a slow-building drumbeat. Broken rhythms and distorted drums go side by side with the piano riffs and analogue bleeps: intelligent techno by definition.
'Dreams of Happiness' is a sci-fi soundtrack where pads and the different atmospheres are the main stars, and where subliminal drums add flow to this tune from outer space.
'After All' departs from calm dreamy territories with its grounded beat, complex 303 programming and micro synth sounds. A track which is as good for listening at home as it is for the dance floor.
'The Darker Days' uses a similar formula. Slow bpm, fat drums and weird 303 lines that make infinite layers of sound.
Mint Condition - A brand new record label focussed on excavating the outer fringes of classic House and Techno. Unreleased mixes, classics and overlooked gems mined from the last 20+ of contemporary dance music are the order of the day. From Chicago, Detroit and New York to London and beyond, Mint Condition have got their expert digging hats on to bring you exclusive heat and those rarer than rare jams that have been on your wants list for years! Dig in....
Jaime Read is something of an unsung UK legend. An original, unique producer who has been making noise in the underground in his own way, emanating from the South coast of England, since the mid 90's. 'Relief Sevensixty' is a collection of Read's rarer tracks that have appeared in a roundabout way, on a legendary Chicago label in a tale that has by now been widely documented. But that's a story for another time. The real focus here is the music, of course. Across 4 tracks this EP shows what a dynamic producer Read is, the music contained within has a depth and maturity and of course it's some funky as, futuristic, space Techno that sounds like it's just escaped the warp drive and landed here on earth and implanted itself in our eardrums. From the joyous, glorious, electronic funk of 'Douch Me' to the curiously monikered piano driven, subterranean stormer 'Droopy Dancing' the whole EP captures a real insight to a remarkable UK talent operating from under the radar. 'Relief Sevensixty' is the first part of a 2 EP set covering Jaime Read's amazing music. Keep your eyes open for the second installment, winging it's way to us through the cosmos as we speak.... soon come!
The 'Relief Sevensixty' EP has been legitimately released with the full involvement of Jaime Read for 2017 and remastered by London's Curve Pusher from the original sources especially for Mint Condition. 100% legit, licensed and released. Dug, remastered, repackaged and brought to you by the caring folks at your new favourite reissue label - Mint Condition!
Next up on the influential Artreform Records label is the boss himself, aka Kyiv-based DJ and producer Yevgeniy Joss. Often turning out tracks that sit high in the Juno and Decks charts, Joss has a high-quality sound that ranges from slick tech to deep house and now he proves that once more.
Up first is Smooth, an infectious groove with lively synths scurrying about and bringing lots of dynamism to the drums. The percussion is crisp and the whole thing feels spaced out and futuristic. It's busy and brimming with energy and will get any floor on its toes. Sharp is a darker number with more menace in the drums. They are rubbery and supple and run through with edgy little synth lines. The track grows wilder as it unfolds and will really work dance floors into a lather.
Once again the master Joss shows just why he is such a tastemaker in the underground dance scene.
Serotonin Records, the little neuron that could, returns with a compilation of futuristic electronic funk.
'It's What We Live For: Volume 1' is the first in a series of compilations sharing our vision of tomorrow and/or the sound of the day after yesterday... Serotonin has always been what we've lived for, now we'll try and make sure it's what you live for too.
John Selway takes us 'Solar Sailing' on a tour of classic Serotonin themes set in the deep space between our ears. Of course it sounds like Selway, but it's the unique sound of Selway on Serotonin.
Alex Cortex has been making electro for years and Serotonin is excited to finally catch up with him. His contribution 'Proxy' is a deep, fat and brain chemistry-altering groove.
Synapse, the duo consisting of label heads John Selway and Jason 'bpmf' Szostek, reach into their archives to deliver 'Payback'. What was the debt Well, that was already paid back with another track so we can share this golden slice of the electro dream with you.
TCMF with isti.f can transform your body with laser beams and bass. 'We Are The Almost People' is just weird enough to rock you out of your seat so you can get up and jam.
Pointsman and bpmf each deliver a loop so that the Serotonin never runs out.
Watch out for more releases soon, including a full Synapse EP and some old friends doing new tricks.
Serotonin, It's what you we live for...
Inaugurating the release, the cleverly designed Oberservate' drives forward with relentless kick drums that merge into self-indulgent pads slowly growing into a stargazing techno tale. P.Leone's remix sticks to the originals' covertness while adding more depth by peeling out the pensive atmosphere as his lead synth gears more empathically towards the dance floor. Opening the flip, Discrete Circuit's ambient version of Remote Conversation' in which the monologic acid line encounters blood boiling pads passing through some unknown territory. Blind Observatory's remix rips out the principal elements from the original in order to create a pulsating ominousness reminiscent of his trademark neo-futuristic journeys that are roaming through cinematic sci-fi realms.
The sub label of Sonic Groove, 'Sonic Groove Experiments', returns after a 4 year hiatus with a stellar re-release of the Electrowave classic 'Eruption' by Beta Evers. Originally released as a Limited Edition 12' back in 2005 on Beta's own Kommando 6 label. Now in 2017 the original pressing goes for quite a fortune on the record collecting market. Often exceeding €60 for a mint copy. For the first time in a dozen years this release is available on vinyl in its original running order but with very sleak new artwork for the normal asking price of a new store bought 12'.
Beta Evers is Brigitte Enzler from Augsburg, Germany. An artist with a substantial amount of accomplished work to her credit including an early release on the storied Hague label, Cre`me and her side project Black Spider Clan. After ceasing Kommando 6 operations, Beta Evers continues on independently releasing music on her other labels Bodyvolt and Venus Noir. Her most recent release is the 2016 awesome 'Delusion' album on legendary Industrial/EBM pioneer Dirk Ivens prestigious Daft imprint.
The opening track's title serves as a warning, titled 'Don't Be Afraid', a cold introduction led by sinister synth lines soliciting our attention to expertly crafted true analog electronic percussion in the EBM/Dark Electro disciplines. Surreal, deep and seductive vocals lie in the wake at the center of the composition giving us a melancholic piece worthy of deep contemplation during listening on or off the dance floor.
The following track 'Move In My Body Rhythm' continues in the same sinister and dark aesthetic in a more driving manner, this track continues to bring forth energy with a precise beat and rhythm accompanied by acidic synth modulations.
Side B continues to hold the heavy weight of this extended player with the track 'Eruptive' This reference track to the title of the EP. is an electronic/vocal robotic analog circuit breaker suitable for dawn light on the floor. Traditional arsenal of classic analog sounds are arranged and rearranged with sonic manipulation at the test. Mutant dance music for cosmic venues.
The closing track, 'Destination Lost' is comprised of lyrics of urban angst and disturbance whispered out through sultry vocals. Dark minimalist and cinematic cyberpunk breaks reinforced by low drone synth waves and crystals of lysergic analog bleeps drifting along the perimeter. Dead serious wave infected electronics.
This sonic document also serves as a good example of a roots approach to creating music whilst at the same time giving us something entirely innovative. This is as futuristic as it is timeless and that reflects the elements of a masterpiece.
My Favorite Robot welcome the collaborative outfit of Rodion & Local Suicide for their next EP, which comes boosted by
remixes from Los Mekanikos, Moscoman and Fairmont, as well as artwork that is made up 3D prints of the act.
Rodion is an Italian classical piano player and acclaimed producer whose albums and EPs for the likes of Gomma, Nein
& Nang have helped to reshape modern disco. Also one half of Alien Alien and boss of the Roccodisco label, he is a real
studio visionary who for ten years has mixed up classical, trance and psychedelic sounds. He makes everything from
chamber music to computer game soundtracks, has remixed Giorgio Moroder and counts the likes of Tim Sweeney, Erol
Alkan and DJ Hell as fans. Berlin-based duo/couple Brax Moody and Vamparela aka Local Suicide have been
collaborating together since 2007, either as a DJ duo, in bands, or as remixers and producers. They have played all over
the world and are in favour with the likes of XLR8R, Thump and Mixmag for their fusions of slow techno, post disco and
acid.
These original analog tracks were recorded between 2014 and 2016 in Rodion s vintage studio in Berlin. They came about
when they all met following one of his gigs just after he moved there, and after being in touch online for a while. During
one of the nights, Rodion brought friend, producer and singer Ali Bey (part of the Belgrade DJ collective Beyond House
and a famous record digger) to contribute.
Impressive opener Abu Dhabi includes samples from field recordings from all over the world. The most prominent is the
recording from an airport in Bangkok where Brax Moody and Vamparela were waiting to catch their plane to Saigon
and it ended up being the main vocal hook. The alluring track is a wonky feeling number with gurgling synth lines and
gentle releases of white noise lulling you into the groove. A searching synth line and distant siren add urgency and the
whole thing feels urban and futuristic.
Comprised of Mexico City producers Max Jones and Eddie Mercury, Los Mekanikos combine raw hypno-rhythm tracks
with pumping grooves that pay homage to Chicago, Detroit and Berlin. Their special remix is another late night and
unhinged number that encourages you to freak out amongst the panning and paranoid synth patterns and robotic grooves.
Then comes the brilliant True Love Floats with Ali Beys singing and Vamparela s vocoded vocals. The interplay between
the two is tense and alien and makes for a perfectly inhuman groove with popping bell sounds, undulating pads and spooky
deep space ambiance.
Remixing this one is Berlin via Tel Aviv artist of the moment and Disco Halal label head Moscoman, whose raw machine
grooves have impressed on labels like ESP Institute, Correspondant and I'm a Cliche. His slow and purposeful version is
deep and psychedelic with disorientating vocals and blistered synths wallowing in a menacing urban landscape. Buy it
digitally and you will also get a fine remix from label regular and Canadian Fairmont. He runs the Beachcoma label, has
worked with cult outlet Border Community over the years and mixes up dark disco and goth into his own fresh sounds. His
remix here is more direct and driven, with powerful drums and well sculpted synths making it another great rework.
This is a unique sounding package featuring plenty of heavyweight names and marks another cultured outing from the
always considered My Favourite Robot label.
Conceptual Records presents you its third vinyl only release Univers Parallele written by a music producer from Canada, Montreal Claire. Inspired by her tour in Europe in 2016, Claire finally embodies her absolutely cosmically sounding ideas in three original composition: Pyjama Jazz, Sometimes I Turn Into stars (on side A) and Parallel Dimensios ( on side B) , in which she uses futuristic sounds, analog drum sections, deep bass, jazz sections from the 30 s and her own vocal. The last track of this release is a tribal dance mix from a talented modern musician of romanian origin living in Ibiza Plusculaar (on B2). Mixdown and mastering by Pheek. Covert art from Djack Arta a moldovian artist. Plunge into the fascinating musical journey to a parallel universe with Conceptual.
It s time for Lewis Fautzi to introduce his first album on Pole Group, a collection of ten tracks of cosmic techno, carefully crafted making a soundtrack of the future, deep, intense and scientific.
Psycho path is the intro, made of granular textures, subtle drones and ambiences, stepping into Entering, pulsating sub bass, continuous sinoidal sequences, pads and tension.
Subconscious starts with the beat, opaque bass drum, micro hi hats, atmospheres and monotonous sequences at a low bpm rate while Diffracted speeds the tempo a bit with electric synths, flanges and twists creating an hypnotic number. Rentless pain follows, with resonant bleeps starring until assymetrical sequences appear and the synth lines evolve in a hi pass filter galore.
Seasick is humid and liquid, gummy sounds, clean drum programming, spaced out sounds and a lot of room. Then we come into Furrow, aimed to the intelligent dancefloors out there, synthetic bubbles, rolling sub woofer action , bleeps and noises. Cyclic Human reminds to the best scifi techno with bell like sequences, digital clicks, jazz harmonies and abstract progression.
Number nine is Optic Chiasm a direct number based on an obscure drum workout and filled with hi pitched relentless sequences, intelligently arranged to create a mental feeling as well as inducing to dance. Album closes with The Brain Revolution, like an evolution of Entering, beatless but still preserving the tension and the movement.
A coherent and complete collection of precise, surgical and futuristic music to be enjoyed as a whole adventure..
Ikonika's third album 'Distractions' builds on 2013's 'Aerotropolis', and the title answers the question Why has the album taken so long' In the last few years she's been building up a strong CV of remixes, from Chvurches to Dawn Richard, Austra and Junior Boys, as well as DJing and working on this album. 'Distractions' distils the character of Ikonika's music productions across a wider set of styles than previous albums, and she subtly fuses and switches elements from contrasting genres, giving the whole set a uniqueness and consistency that puts it in its own lane. Furthermore what sits at the centre of 'Distractions' more than ever is her love of R&B and hip hop, in all its forms, which has opened the door to bring in a selection of guests in a way she's not fully explored before. From the full throttle blend of grime and 80s synth soul 'Noblest' with Andrea Galaxy, to the reflective 'Sacrifice' with up and coming MC Jammz, a slowjam that merges dubstep with hip house drums. The final vocal track is the languid 'Hazefield' co-produced with Sweyn J and featuring Jessy Lanza on vocals. Its mix of mechanic clunk and minimalist, lulling funk could only happen in 2017. The LP artwork takes its inspiration from West London's Golden Mile, a stretch of the Great West Road where the A4 meets the M4, and the road takes on the character of the arcade game Poll Position, with art deco factories and illuminated, hi-tech signage selling lifestyle products. It's this kind of mix of futuristic and industrious with a touch of gentle glamour that the album exudes.
Damon Yates, AKA martianMan, set up 4th Planet Recordings to release music by people which includes some of his more favorite artists. Artist that simply need to have more music released. It involves the same basic idea that he had when starting up the martianMan volumes which is to release original, high quality jungle with a completely underground feel. Not only the bass and drums are important for the vibes but the whole feel of the music is in play. It can be completely futuristic sounding or full of old school vibes though out. However it's served up just know that it is underground.
Bushcraft; the knowledge of survival in the wilderness.
A young man leaves the safe harbour of his home town, only to find himself lost and lacking the soul.He was always able to trust his ears, but are they really true to him. Or is he merely not listening. Distant echoes of bass and the melancholia that was always present seem far away. With Bushcraft EP Jor-El finds himself in touch with the elements.The elements of the hard hitting futuristic music that once took his heart and formed his life. Rumbling bass lines controlled by lazer sharp hi-hats driving forward. Eerie sounds coming in and drifting out again. Always driving forward. The influence of his early years in drum & bass is there. Still this is pure techno music from an artist discovering new things in the universe within himself.
True Rotary Recordings is run by Joel Alter and Ena Cosovic out of Copenhagen.Stemming from a mutual appreciation of the combination of raw techno and seductive sounds, the label is a natural development of their musical and personal partnership.
True Rotary Recordings represent their musical vision and the vibe that they love. Keeping it raw and genuine.
Planet Rhythm usual Yan Cook teams up with fellow Ukranian artist ''Mays'' for a tough collaboration record named ''Old Friend EP''. On the opening-track 'Fixed' the tone is being set for this being an utter dancefloor effort with the extended use of FX and modulation. 'Old Friend' resumes in this fashion bringing a glitchy atmosphere of some kind together with matches chords and outlandish drum work. The B-side opens up with the futuristic tones of 'Coder' which is based around tough synth arpeggiators and ferocious kick drums. 'Tesla' continues down the road of futuristic Techno with it's strong and extended FX works and intrusive synthesizer sounds.
The fourteenth effort in the Attic Music series is a full EP by Roman artist Cristiano Balducci
under his Black Catcher alias. ''Gossip'' is a firm and futuristic sounding bundle of modern day
Techno which spans 3 tracks. On the A-side we find the title track Gossip which is a scorching haul
of tough drum sounds and hypnotizing arp sounds that build throughout.
The opening track on the B side is a remix of the track by Cristiano Balducci himself of more acidic
proportions. The final cut on this 12'' is the original ''Into The Void'' which showcases a deeper
side of Black Catcher. This track is built around a misty atmosphere and soaring synth patches.
Visible Cloaks' Reassemblage is a collection of delicately rendered passages of silence and sound that invokes - and invites - consciousness. The foundation of the duo's second album is gently poured upon the ground their musical predecessors explored, using the materials of chance operations, MIDI translation,' and other generative principles that favor inclusive musical environments over the narrowly constrained.
In 2010, Spencer Doran, one part of Visible Cloaks alongside Ryan Carlile, prepared the first volume of Fairlights, Mallets, and Bamboo, a mixtape indicated by Doran as an investigation into fourth-world undercurrents in Japanese ambient and pop music, years 1980 - 1986.' These mixes contextualized the outré orbit of Yellow Magic Orchestra-related solo projects and their abstract, radiant forays as forever futuristic modes of music.
Reassemblage evokes similar musical futures celebrated on the Fairlights mixes, but does so observantly rather than reverently. The title Reassemblage, for example, is taken from a film essay by Trinh T. Minh-ha, which explores the impossibility of ascribing meaning to ethnographic images. The author aims to speak nearby' rather than speak about.' In other words, to embrace lapses of understanding, and realize that the impulse to map direct meaning across a cultural gap often results in further disconnect.
In an effort to speak nearby' rather than speak about,' Visible Cloaks filters and forms source material to become young again. Often the duo strip tonal elements of their specificity or randomize melodies so they become stirring and lucid. Essential patterns emerge, conscious experience heightens. In these moments, the musical language of Reassemblage finds unlimited resonance and presents a path to uninhabited realities.
The origin of this language could be described as translingual or polyglottal, working within the eastern / western feedback loop of influence, Fourth World ambiguity, and the universality of human emotion. Incorporating an international array of virtual instruments to advance the idea of panglobalism through digital simulation, tones and colors cohere into a living, breathing pool of sensorial experience in Visible Cloaks' environs.
Beyond embracing the fluidity of worldly musical influences, Visible Cloaks works fluently between mediums. The contribution of stalwart digital and installation artist Brenna Murphy's dream dimensions to Reassemblage's cover artwork and surrounding videos extends the album's exploration of global headspace into a visual, visceral reality.
Co-Founder of The Galactic Shelf Records and resident DJ for MODU:LAR - Nerram is a Liverpool-based artist that's been making music and DJing for over six years. Having spent this time carefully refining his productions and growing a unique record collection; he's built up an edgy style based around original, rare house music and punchy minimal. Nerram is an exciting UK artist embarking on the next stage of his career.
Nerram launches The Galactic Shelf with a debut 3-track EP including a remix by Voigtmann. Combining driving, futuristic sounds with deep grooves and breaks - this trio of cosmic cuts come dancefloor-ready and represent the artist's diverse sound encapsulated. Enigmatic and Micron on the A side are an Odyssey through big basslines and twisting synths, followed up by the experimental, spacey Round and Round on B1. Completing the release is an altogether different interpretation of the first B side track by Voigtmann - a grooving, stripped-back outro by this excellent producer.
Gatupreto release their sophomore "Distino Di Nos Vida" on TINK! Music! The duo from Lisbon's hinterland return with a second round of their impeccable, futuristic theory on modern club music after the acclaimed "Modo Di Trabadja" EP, released in 2015. The tropical taste of Cabo Verde, the cool of that Lisbon dance floor fusionism, the appeal of classic vibes. Tracks too dark and twisted to be called "Afro", too sexy and melodic to be called "Techno", too smart and freaky to be called "House" and too cool and mature to be called "Kuduro", it is simply Gatupreto.
On the A side "I Became Me", deep afro dub with a killer sub bass and endless echoes, starring Portuguese soul and hip hop legend NBC as guest vocalist and a remix by afro Dutch master and fellow TINK! artist Philou Louzolo - who turns "I Became Me" into an irresistible deep house with african undertones.
On the flip side, the dark dramatic stomping tracks "Afrowerk" and "Gatu Di Noti", the first an eerie, irresistible peak time banger, and the later a stormer with sounds from natural Africa, harpy acid lines and an off kilter beat.
Italian Roberto Clementi has really struck a chord in the hearts of Northerners, with releases on Scottish Soma, Danish Echocord Colour and Swedish Kontra-Musik. Perhaps it's his ability to create evolving and often emotional melodic landscapes over raw, punchy beats that's especially appreciated north of The Wall. This is very much true for True Rotary Recordings, in any case, bringing Roberto Clementi in for the label's second release. 'To Balance a Tide' is perfectly set in the True Rotary Recordings universe, combining analogue warmth with genuine musicality. There's no question Roberto Clementi has soul and has willingly poured some of it into this release, the music has a considerable thickness to it that's very pleasing to the ear, yet it's still exceptionally artful. Clementi's soul seems to be an ancient one, given the timelessness of his tracks - old SVEK releases come to mind but with an added futuristic twist. This is music for dancing and music for dreaming, all in one package.
True Rotary Recordings is run by Joel Alter and Ena Cosovic. Stemming from a longstanding mutual appreciation for the combination raw techno with more seductive sounds, the label is a natural development of Joel's and Ena's musical and personal partnership. True Rotary Recordings represents their mutual musical vision and vibe that they love. Keeping it raw and genuine.
It's been five years since his acclaimed debut 'Severant' and time has proved it prescient, its futuristic trap influence is now ubiquitous. 'Slow Knife' seems to return to where 'Severant' left off, but with the intricate sound design of last year's haunting EP 'Assertion Of A Surrounding Presence' subsumed into the compositions, making them more exacting and beautifully crafted. Between albums Kuedo has been working as a sound designer and composer for hire and the application of intent and widescreen rigour that commercial work requires has definitely found its way into the new album. 'Slow Knife' has the subtlety, ambition and pacing of a brilliant soundtrack - a sense of an album of scenes, that easily lends itself to an impressionistic narrative. But, as with 'Severant', the title suggests relationship unease, with the slow knife being a metaphor for the building resentment in any close relationship. 'Slow Knife' is almost two albums, the first half, according to Kuedo, invokes the seduction of the city, taking the music of Michael Mann's 'Manhunter' as a cue, with the latter half being inspired by the bloody starscapes and voodoo wilderness of films such as 'Angel Heart', 'Night Of The Hunter' and more recently the 'True Detective' series. Both halves of the album are also in thrall to Mica Levi's inspiring 'Under The Skin' soundtrack, especially in the turbulence of the mid-section. The songs of the albums first half are synthetic and seductive, a gelatinous veil with shades of the pseudo-sophisticated trance of Enigma, of all things, underpinned with dusky unsettling shadows and atmosphere. 'In Your Sleep', perhaps surprisingly, features the vocals of Hayden Thorpe from Wild Beasts, who settles his dark, whispered vocals into the moonlit shadowy atmosphere. 'Floating Forest' is the first track to allow back some of Kuedo's experimentation with the Southern rap template, which he explored before it became commonplace, with echoed drum splashes and a sinister repetitive motif, ending with a haunting growl. The second half of the album enters wilderness territory with 'Approaching's slow descending notes, before 'Broken Fox - Black Hole' throws the record into the cathartic darkness, as undulating chords play hide and seek with riotous reeds and scratchy strings grown from challenging collaborations with cello player Koenraad Ecker (from Lumisokea). 'Breaking The Surface' shivers and coils, before metal and strings dominate while 'In Your Skin' feels like being lost in a vast hinterland before 'Warmer Light' introduces some memories of sunshine, with its plucked bassline and spiralling dub. 'Halogen Light' opens with the sound of crickets and a clear piano, cleansing the soul before 'Lathe' brings things down to earth with a short, yet powerful coda.
Berlin based Adam Marshall and Christian Andersen collaborate as Graze. In the latest installment of our UFO series, the Dekmantel Records offshoot dedicated to experimental and futuristic electronic music, the Canadian veteran producers serve up a 50/50 lethal/dreamy drum trax package. Many have applauded the versatility of Graze, and their Xup EP is yet more proof of their original minds.Xup' is an abstract 4/4 jugular, beating out devious percussive patterns and rattling hi-hats over a grizzled and arpeggiated synth mortar-fire. 'Vast' on the other hand is an esoteric slow-burner, a hallucinatory trip to the depths of analog synth paradise and a perfect intro, outro or home listening gem. On the flip, the hyper-lean gearshift of 'Tryptch' pumps energy through off-kilter and plunderphonic basslines, while 'Shadow Play' is a classic piece of breakbeat bliss including a celestial synth arrangement that makes a perfect soundtrack for slow-speed sci-fi rides.
After a highly-regarded debut single on Names You Can Trust back in 2014, Combo Chimbita returns, expanded and transformed into one of the most original and wild ensembles currently cutting their teeth in the New York City live arena. Their latest 4-track studio effort, EL CORREDOR DEL JAGUAR, co-produced by NYCT's Greenwood Rhythm Coalition and featuring the powerhouse Carolina Oliveros on lead vocals, is an explosive tour de force of unbridled psychedelic energy and futuristic fire with firm roots in the ritmo of the African diaspora. With connections and inspiration drawn from the vast sea of Caribbean music - specifically the band's native Colombia - these transplanted first-generation New Yorkers have carved a unique corridor in the thriving underground jungle of the big bad city.
RAWAX proudly welcomes Mr. Lamont Norwood aka Dj Di'jital to the family! A true pioneer from Detroit!
Truly an old school Techno Bass jewel, DJ Di'jital has been a key player in the development of what some call the "Second Generation" of Detroit Techno. Having released on classic Detroit labels like Metroplex, Direct Beat, and Twilight 76, there is plenty of good reason why his name and his work have become so legendary over the years.
Influenced by early groups like Kraftwerk and Parliament, it was no surprise that the 80's fusion of Electronic Music, Funk and Hip Hop that brought about the Electro Funk sounds, would have such an impact on him. As a kid, Lamont Norwood aka DJ Di'jital became acquainted with the idea of mixing two songs together using tape decks, which while being limited, still gave him the drive and passion to pursue a career as a professional DJ. Over the years he played many different house parties and underground clubs, even spending some time as a Cabaret DJ.
Throughout this time, Di'jital became an incredibly skilled turntablist, quickly gaining the reputation of being a formidable force behind the wheels of steel. The year 1996 would prove to be quite a momentous one for Norwood, not only signing to the already well established label Direct Beat, but also becoming the official DJ for one of the label's finest and most important artists, Aux 88. Having already released his first EP, "Prototype", on Direct Beat, this would become a great opportunity that would help seal him as an icon of what was now known as the Detroit Techno Bass scene. Over the next few years,
Di'jital continued recording for Direct Beat, releasing some of the greatest and most unique Techno Bass classics to date, even doing a few remixes for some of Aux 88's most well known releases like "Electro/Techno", "I Need To Freak", and "Break It Down". Hit EPs like "From The Mind Of The Master", and "360 Degrees" became instant classics, still very sought after to this day. He also had some of his songs appear on some of the various Direct Beat compilations that were released between the years 1996 and 1999 like "Xperience De Bass II", which released "Radar2Bass", one of his most notable works, as well as the all time collector's album, "Techno Bass: The Mission".
Perhaps what may have been one of the biggest signs that his career was becoming exactly what he had hoped for, was the opportunity presented to him to remix Aaron Carl's classic "Down", which was released on the iconic Metroplex Records in 1998; Something that to any Detroit native would have been an honor and a milestone, given the reputation and level of success and influence that Juan Atkin's imprint had on the Detroit Electronic Music scene, as well as the global Electro/Techno movement.
Between the years 2000 and 2002, there was a small hiatus in complete EPs or albums being released by DJ Di'jital, although there were 2 different tracks released on the labels Bipolar and Studio iK7. In 2002, he went on to sign to another of Detroit's legendary imprints, Twilight 76, where he released 2 EPs, "Bass Programmers", and Di'jital's Revenge". In 2005, already a veteran and having amassed the necessary skill and knowledge needed to be a true beat warrior, Di'jital was now ready to join the resistance...Underground Resistance that is! Featured on the Interstellar Fugitives Vol. 2 compilation ( also later released as a 2xCD/DVD set ), Di'jital also released on the Electrocuter EP, which featured the previously released "Bang", as well as "Track 19".
In 2006, already well into the digital age ( no pun intended ), Norwood would release his first set of downloadable works, starting with an album called "The Prototype", on Twilight 76, which was completely unrelated to his first EP which was also called "Prototype". Recently, Twilight 76 has also released what is so far a 2 volume set of battle cuts dubbed "Electro Battle Tools".
The only known material that is known to be in the future for DJ Di'jital at the moment is a remix of Morphogenetic's "Techno Bass Is Back!", which was originally released as a free download to members of Technobass, but will soon be released on a 12"/Digital release that will launch the site's own label "Techno Bass Music". There will also be a follow EP by Di'jital, so stay tuned! Over the years, DJ Di'jital has proven to be an unstoppable force in the Techno Bass scene, tirelessly working to push the boundaries of Electro forward with his futuristic and visionary beats that have unleashed mayhem across the globe, not just in his published works, but also in his incredible DJ acts, where one can truly witness one of the few actual turntablists in this style of music. Expect more in the future as Di'jital's revenge continues to spread across the globe with his out of the ordinary approach towards Techno Bass music.
Detroit isn't just a place. Sure, it IS a place, and those who physically live there know its triumphs and its tragedies far better than anyone else. But Detroit is also a feeling, a sound, a philosophical home for those who connect with the futuristic, dystopian sounds of Detroit techno and electro on a deep level.
Those tendrils of connection reach far and wide, bringing people from all over the world into orbit with the people and sounds of the city, connecting through the snap of a snare, the wiggly groove winding its way through the beat, the beauty in the sound of strings, the anger in a bubbling bassline.
On this label collaboration between two modern purveyors of techno and electro, Detroit Underground and Detroit Techno Militia have brought their game face and also connected Detroit with producers from elsewhere who've long been tapped into the techno and electro zeitgeist.Activating legendary techno mystery collective Scan 7 for the leadoff title track Direct Effect, they take us on a high speed chase, a desperately frenetic percussion jam crunching its way through the bass bedrock for maximum damage. DTM's T.Linder then slams down the accelerator on a brutal remix, kicking up the stomp and reversing the bass for a subtle melodic turn, while the ride cymbals cut deep enough to draw blood. Romania's Andrew Red Hand, known for his fierce electro production, does not disappoint with his remix. He drops down into the classic low slung bass and snare rhythm, letting the metallic bass bubble up like a submariner surfacing with soundsystem intact.
Rounding out with a cave dwelling minimalist stomper are extant techno legends Teste. Originally from Hamilton, now based in Berlin, Teste bring their hypnotic sensibility to a hammer beat to end the remix lineup with a bang.
Packing much sonic variety into four tracks, Direct Effect shows that Detroit's heart is still beating strong, collecting people in the path of its sound, mapping out a line between techno soldiers far and wide. It's what made the city great, and why it remains the spiritual home of techno.
Londoner Endgame is a new addition to the Hyperdub roster after releases on Lisbon's Golden Mist Records, and NYC-based Purple Tapes Pedigree. Endgame hosts an excellent monthly show 'Precious Metals' on NTS and produces and DJs as part of the Bala Club crew (also featuring Uli K, Kamixlo and Rules) who are regulars at Lexxi's occasional club night 'Endless'. He already has mixes and features with the likes of the Fader, Fact, Dazed and Confused and ID under his belt in the short time he's been releasing music. In his ice-cold productions, Drill, Grime and most notably South American dance riddims are threaded and mutated into tracks that he describes as an ever-evolving vision of the dystopian underbelly of London. 'Felony Riddim' is an icy introduction to the EP, an explosive club jam with a menacing and stabbing chime melody leading up to a pounding kick drum. It's all out war, but you can definitely roll your hips to it. 'Sittin' Here Redux' recasts Dizzie Rascal's 'Boy In Da Corner' opener into a tense anthem, with police sirens wailing in the background, dogs barking, and rolling 808 snares that bring a vibe somewhere between reggaeton and drill. Next up is 'Fallen' featuring the MC Organ Tapes - a slow burner that works both as a moody headphone track or a club slow jam. Organ Tapes' slurred autotuned vocals flow perfectly with Endgame's blend of grime drums and chiming rap production. The EP finishes as it began, going out with the explosive and high-energy 'Toxic Riddim'. It's a mix of reggaeton and futurist dancehall, with a menacing melody and relentless electric shock-like hi hats across a deep sub. Endgame takes you all around the world - but the ice-cold tone unmistakably brings you right back to winding in a dark club in London's culture clash
Unshakable integrity, adamant dedication and multi-faceted creativity are all characteristics that define the personality of french electronic artist Marcelus. Following an already fluent relationship with music and a string of single releases on Tresor Records, Marcelus - given name Cedric Bros - thought it would be the opportune moment to dive into his most intimate inspirations and produce Vibrations, his debut album.
This full length project naturally comes at a pivotal moment for Marcelus, his experiences and knowledge coming together to create a homogenous body of work reflective of his expertise as a musician so far. Vibrations is purposefully techno oriented. It is a personal journey through his proficiency in the genre, travelling from techno to house inspired dub techno to futuristic and experimental by the end of the three vinyls.
To calculate the dark, nonetheless melancholic energy of the record, mathematical datas of Pi and Phi were deliberately measured into some parts of the composition of each track. The result is an ever-evolving web of rhythms that redefines pre-established structures.
Through its rich sonic journey Vibrations proves, from A to F, that Marcelus is undoubtedly one of today's most interesting and dexterous producer in the genre, and pertinently lands on Tresor's 25th Anniversary calendar
'Sidetracking - Part 1: Prologue' is the first vinyl taste of Jona's de- but album project for Alex Niggemann's forward-thinking AEON la-bel. The musical puzzle will be completed in February 2016 with the release of a second vinyl instalment, featuring 6 more original tracks, and the full 10-track album on CD format. Created over the course of two highly creative years, the concept for 'Sidetracking' was for Jona to invite some of his musician and producer friends to collaborate with him in the studio and compli- ment his album's solo productions. This impressive coming together (to be fully revealed over the coming months) features Varoslav (Rue de Plaisance, Paris), Usio (Studio Barnhus), David K (Cocoon), Bo- livian percussionist Daniel Aguilar, Italian pianist Giovanni Verga, and Edinburgh-based producer The Reverse Engineer. Driven by his desire to explore new sound perspectives and ideas, Jona has carefully forged his career path by consistently creating exciting and forward-thinking music. His previous label outings: 'Traffic' on 'Lost Tapes Volume 1' (AEON010) and 'Gemini EP' (AE- ON016) have seen him fine-tune his own unique sound. By incor- porating a wide range of styles into his tracks, Jona strives to break down unnecessary boundaries and explores new ideas and ways to ignite that hallowed dancefloor flame. It is therefore no wonder that his collaborative creations for 'Sidetracking' have yielded such stimulating aural delights. Fittingly, the album prologue opens with a track whose style is heav- ily influenced by the jazz music that Jona was so in love with dur- ing his formative years. Calling on the somewhat mysterious Usio (whose 'Kuwa Huru' LP on Studio Barnhus should be checked by everyone) to join him in a studio jam, has resulted in 'The Chase', an utterly compelling afro-beat influenced percussive groove, topped with swirling funk-fuelled stabs and strings, mesmerising chiming piano, and a large helping of pure, hip-swinging goodness. Taking 'The Chase' on an entirely different and yet perfectly com- plimentary twisted trip, AEON family members Simone Sinatti and Marco Paladin (aka Speaking Minds) conjure up a futuristic technoid disco demon that is all about throbbing energy, sweat, darkness and hissing smoke machines - perfect ingredients for an unforget- table strobelight serenade. Changing the mood entirely and cutting the tempo to a dublicious skank, 'Transmission Breakdown' sees Jona's experimental creative juices in full flow, as he teams up with Edinburgh-based digital com- poser and sound artist Dave House (aka The Reverse Engineer) for a delightfully hazy downtempo jam. Both as an artist and a DJ, Manchester's Marcus Intalex has been at the forefront of soulful, musical drum & bass for what seems like forever. A passion for techno has always run deeply through his music and under his Trevino moniker he is also a powerful creative force (check his recent 'Front' album to get the full picture). Here, he takes 'Transmission Breakdown' on a magical excursion, filled with subtle, hypnotic, evolving energy, anchored with an irresistible pul- sating bassline throb - a perfectly synergetic interpretation to round off Jona's 'Sidetracking' album prologue in style.
The perfect Christmas gift for discerning fans of cutting edge analogue electronica. And Kraftwerk!
Radioland was initially devised as a breathtaking audio-visual live experience by the Anglo-French trio of Matthew Bourne (synthesisers, voice), Franck Vigroux (electronics) and visual artist Antoine Schmitt.
The original music has been transformed with hurricanes of modulated electronics, earth-shattering bass frequencies, vocoders ebbing and throbbing and the occasional drop into periods of eerie near-silence.
Using a variety of vintage analogue synthesisers and electronics, they have recreated the futuristic, industrial world of ominous darkness and dazzling light imagined by Kraftwerk in 1975 and reconstructed in this bold new manifestation for 2015.
The album is mastered by Denis Blackham, who mastered Kraftwerk's classic 1974 album Autobahn
The LP edition is limited to just 1,000 copies for the world in a deluxe gatefold sleeve with a CD included
Both versions include liner notes by David Stubbs, author of Future Days: Krautrock and the Building of Modern Germany, and photographs and images from the project
The album cover artwork is taken from the video work of Antoine Schmitt, creator of the captivating visuals that are a vital component of the Radioland performance
Matthew Bourne and Franck Vigroux's impressive collective CV boasts collaborations with artists such as John Zorn, Nostalgia 77, Marc Ribot, Annette Peacock, Elliot Sharp, Mika Vainio, Ben Miller and Zeena Parkins
More Radioland shows are expected to follow the release in 2016
After impressing with his debut album, 'Buy The Ticket, Take the Ride', on Tsuba last year, Magic Feet label boss Craig Bratley is back with a hot new EP on his own label that features tracks by Unisexl Audio Club, Beato Cozzi and the man himself.
Since 2014's LP release, Bratley has been remixed to great effect by Ewan Pearson and has continued to take his machine made, darkened disco sounds to clubs and festivals around Europe.
His sound is robust and analogue, has come out on labels like Andrew Weatherall's Bird Scarer and Is It Balearic and now for the first time arrives on his own Magic Feet, a label that has showcased sounds by Timothy J Fairplay, Antoni Maiovvi and Tommy Awards amongst others.
Up first here is Unisex Audio Club with 'Event Duality,' an elastic, low swinging, mid tempo track with frazzled synth lines, pixelated melodies and lots of dark energy. Flabby bass adds serious weight to this most arresting affair.
Beato Cozzi offers up 'Killer ', which comes on like a long forgotten Italo B-side, a chugging rework of a solitary 1990 chart hit that sounds all the more resplendent for its rainy alien melodies, extra visible and twinkling chords and invitingly laboured drums.
Then comes Bratley with the first of two cuts. 'Photons' is seven minutes of loose and lush house music with arcing pads, feel good chords and emotionally swollen melodies. It's the sort of breezy, al fresco tune that would sound great at a boat party and shows a more tender, vulnerable side to Bratley's work.
His second, 'Analogue Voodoo', is a slow and sparse affair where futuristic synth lines, apocalyptic drums and darkened spoken word snippets all conjure an unsettling, industrial mood. It's a fresh sounding cut that is destined to stand out on any dancefloor.
This is another fine offering from Magic Feet that offers disco lovers of all shapes and sizes something to explore and enjoy.
Hardy and Stephan began their musical careers separately in the early 2000's. They randomly met in the clubs in Berlin and started the Survey project back in 2013. Sharing one common direction to produce DNB with a deep, refined and hypnotic edge. Their minimal sounds, paired with systematic DJ skills have seen them perform in some of the top dance venues in Germany and across Europe.
Fast forward to 2015 and we are presented with a 4 track EP on DSCI4. Manufactured on crystal clear vinyl for a crafted, futuristic look. A release that stimulates the mind, body and soul with their signature trademark vision.
//Time EP//
A.Twisting, rolling bass flows with pure techno adrenalin in 'Move in Time'
B. Deep future-sub pairs rolling warehouse vibes in 'Warp Resistant'
C.Warming party atmosphere and dance floor perfection in 'As You Want'
D.Final thoughts with the creeping, haunting electronic precision of 'Both Sides'
This is classic DSCI4....with momentum geared to the future of drum and bass. Pushing and showcasing the finest producers of the moment. Survey leads us into the ever evolving blueprint of Drum & Bass.
There are no rules.
Fantasma, the latest project of South African innovator and creatve pioneer Spoek Mathambo, is
a fve-man collectve which weaves together electronica, hip-hop, traditonal Zulu maskandi music,
shangaan electro, South African house, psych-rock and punk to form a unique, original and fresh
hybrid.
The godfather of 'Bacardi House', producer DJ Spoko joins with former Machineri guitarist André
Geld- enhuys, drummer Michael Buchanan and maskandi mult-instrumentst Bhekisenzo Cele to
complete the line up.
Fused by Spoek Mathambo's futurist vision, Fantasma pulls inspiraton from all corners of South Africa:
the sounds and spirits of townships and cites as well as the rural countryside. It is diverse not only in
its membership but also in its forward-looking music.
Dear reader,
since Ramona presented all her disciples work throughout the first Lifesaver compilation in 2013, it's now time for another episode of togetherness. Summoning all of her artists around Frankfurt and those who live around the world, Ramona is now ready to present the Lifesaver Compilation 2.
Kicked off by one of the Frankfurt young guns, the compilation leans into a melody-driven warm-up with a slight hint of analogue soul - "Digital Revolution" by Orson Wells. Next up is the Italian-born and now Berlin-based Massimiliano Pagliara. His contribution "Phasing Down The Sea" enriches the second Lifesaver installment with some of his signature synth-lines paired with a classic chicago-driven beat. The secret weapon from Kilianstädten also known as Mr. Melody, who goes by the name of Lauer, delivers a dark-italo and wave-ish piece topped off with the famous Lauer-craziness called "Language". Roman Flügel, the man of the hour, reinvents classic UK bleep-techno with Tender Hooligan". Another member of the young-guns-club, Chinaski, brings his certain level of synthesizer-love to the table with a track called Futuresex". Portable, one of Ramona's most delicate flowers, teamed up with Lcio again - together they created a hieroglyphic and deep-driven piece of music: "Dive In". TCB, also known as the only member of The Citizen's Band, delivers "Byrdmap", a solid piece of spheric deep and broken music. "Brainwashed" by Benedikt Frey marks the end of the compilation and simultaneously shows his dimension of futuristic dark-disco acid-madness.
The Lifesaver compilation will be released as a double 12"-vinyl. Additionally Live At Robert Johnson will release an Extension-10"-vinyl containing two brand new tracks by the infamous Hotel Lauer and Tuff City Kids end of March 2015.
Be prepared,
Ramona
Imagined as a sharp contrast and complement to Funn City's trashy vintage vibes, Darshan Jesrani's new Cylinder moniker sets out to explore the more streamlined, forward-facing side of Startree's vision, while sacrificing none of the warmth or funk of its classic influences. 'Disco Engine' is a futuristic joyride which draws upon late 80s and early 90s techno vibes as much as it does disco and R&B to produce a groove which is warmly insistent, buoyant, sexy and a little menacing. Ruthless, detuned 808 toms and a punchy, round analog bass synth provide a floor you can push the gas pedal to. A greasy, giddy synth rhythm holds the middle down like a session guitarist when rent is due, and ecstatic choral synth pads and vocals by Chelsea Adewunmi soar just above the horizon. Underground dance music with the top way down. Side B's '4-Stroke Dub' works a more DJ-oriented angle around that 808 and juxtaposes parts which do not play together in the original, creating a track which is subtly driving and every bit as engaging. The gorgeous, understated vocal refrain in the middle is a destination you will have been happy to go the extra distance to reach. Startree is happy to present its second release as a continuing statement of its musical intentions and its simple desire for all to have a really good time.
After dancing with HNNY under the disco ball and staying up late listening to Mella Dee's warehouse tracks it's time to go visit Detroit with Esa.
Have a listen to Umatic 3000 and you'll understand why Tooli started sweating while listening to the demo the first time.
Futuristic and deep dance music from a space ship that crashed somewhere in Detroit. 8/8 (Son Op) on the flip is a dramatic interlude that leads straight into Big Snoek, a track that both sounds and smells like a modern Global Communication tribute.
American Intelligence' is Theo's long awaited follow up to 'Sound Sculptures vol 1' and its truly sensational. Huge tip!!!
On this album Theo fuses jazz & soul music with electronic production, making this album sound both futuristic and grounded in the past at the same time. Contributions come from Marcellus Pittman, Ideeyah, Duminie Deporres.
LTD. FULL COLOUR SLEEVE 12' (500 COPIES ONLY) INCLUDING FULL RE- LEASE DOWNLOAD
Fantasma, the latest project of South African innovator and creatve pioneer Spoek Mathambo, is a fve-man collectve which weaves together electronica, hip-hop, traditonal Zulu maskandi music, shangaan electro, South African house, psych-rock and punk to form a unique, original and fresh hybrid.The godfather of 'Bacardi House', producer DJ Spoko joins with former Machineri guitarist André Geld- enhuys, drummer Michael Buchanan and maskandi mult-instrumentst Bhekisenzo Cele to complete
the line up. Fused by Spoek Mathambo's futurist vision, Fantasma pulls inspiraton from all corners of South Africa:
the sounds and spirits of townships and cites as well as the rural countryside. It is diverse not only in its membership but also in its forward-looking music. The band will be in the studio this summer recording their debut LP set for release early 2015. Watch
this space.
Annie Hall's new LP Random Paraphilia on Detund™ explores these experiences through five original tracks with remixes by Richard Devine, Valance Drakes and ERP.
Setting the stage for this intense journey into experimental electronics is Annie Hall's track DSM-5 which when spliced and diced in the remix by rhythmic mutilation master Valance Drakes establishes an ache deep inside mind and body. Together they offer a bold introductory to Random Paraphilia. Annie's collaboration with Shadow Huntaz in Bandit 28930 adds a male vocal and sets the stage for release of the pent-up pressure, through a remix by none other than Richard Devine, who emerges after months incommunicado from his new Atlanta based studio with Bandit 28930 Remix -- a remix for which many around the world have been anxiously awaiting. Prepare yourself for new Richard Devine frequencies creating what we believe to be the most blissfully disturbed / re-aligned symphonic nerve rhythms of aural affect. Annie takes the reigns back pumping a frenetic, raw, experimental sound in Sada Abe. Tables are next given to Convextion aka E.R.P. who captures her snare for a mesmerizing effect in his gorgeous idm electro soul Sada Abe remix. Annie's voice and rhythm machines respond with breakbeat-style in Foihtreiu diversifying the set with what only a graceful feminine touch can produce. Rounding the set out is Symphora featuring new synced visual work by CPU Bryant Place, SF based Obscura digital artist, complementing the mystical journey with a visual experience unlike any other.
Record Sleeve and promo video are by DMAS3 who once again completes the audio-visual package with elegantly futuristic visual art appealing to our desire for journey far and wide. Annie Hall's Random Paraphilia is personal, intimate and political. It is a highly-charged and dynamic 8-track LP beckoning us to explore the world anew.
Narratives Music proudly present the debut EP of the artist Rhyming in Fives. The 'Hindsight' EP sees a well respected producer
embark on a new journey under a new alias, with an intention to breach the boundaries of Drum and Bass and the 170bpm template.
Fusing drift space ambience, glassy synths and retro drum machines with gritty warm bass grooves, Rhyming in Fives has gathered
sensibilities from the austere 80s pop of Depeche Mode and Gary Numan, the soundscapes of Cliff Martinez and Vangelis, and
transcended to something altogether more futuristic.
This highly anticipated release has already caught the imagination of DJ's across the genres with huge names such as Paul Woolford,
Om Unit, Com Truise and Zomby working it into their multi tempo sets while still finding its way into the record bags of Drum and
Bass' hottest players such as Doc Scott, Jubei.and BBC Radio's Friction.
Lead track 'Hindsight' glistens with the trademark Narratives sound of emotion and contrast. Melancholic calling synths build over
pumping kick drums and beckon the classic bass to grow and soar to an euphoric drop of arpeggiators and driving percussion. The
ability to draw the listener completely in to its immersive groove and simplicity, only feigns the depth of this beautiful track, a depth
which reveals more with each listen.
Turning many heads has been the track 'With You'. Instantly recognisable, it builds on the same retro influences as the flip but is
injected with the vocals of Hana. Bubbling basses, beautiful keys and a song like structure make this a golden addition to the
Narratives catalogue; one that evokes the summer decadence of Kavinsky's 'Drive' movie soundtrack.
The last track on the EP, 'All's Well' takes the Rhyming in Fives sound to a much more brooding and meditative place. Cavernous
bass, reverbs and FX lead this wave of haunting ambience to create a heartwrenching close to this debut EP. Sentimental, emotional
and relentlessly engaging, 'All's Well' refuses to let the listener do anything but be drawn in.
Only furthering Narratives reputation for releasing music of bold quality and longevity, this EP embraces experimentation and genre
shifting sounds whilst having relentlessly moved dancefloors and festivals over the summer months.
DJ Support includes : Friction, Paul Woolford, Doc Scott, Om Unit, Kuedo, Com Truise, Zomby
*This is the second solo album from Ken Camden who lives and works in Chicago. He also plays in the Implodes sound quartet. *Space travel is the dream of many and the reality of few. Since Yuri Gagarin rst shed the bonds of earth gravity in 1961, only about 500 humans have made the trip beyond the atmosphere. *Ken Camden travels to space while still grounded on terra rma. His vessel of choice is a guitar and some effects with which he journeys on fantastical expeditions and surveys the biggest territory of all, the one between your ears. *The glimmering sound elds he forms could be a soundtrack to an epic 60's science-ction lm, or a long forgotten grade school educational lm strip explaining how humans would be living on Mars early in the 21st century. *Camden's narrative rejects the dominant dystopian view of the future and posits that there are great voyages yet to be made in inner and outer space. *The album forms a gravity-free environment in which the listener is suspended, enhancing an aural excursion to the outer reaches of the musical Kosmos. *Press quotes for Lethargy & Repercussions: 'Transcendence achieved.' Tiny Mix Tapes 'It's an album that, although it's only been recorded once, feels forever embedded in the present tense when you listen to it.' Attn Magazine 'Ken Camden fuses the mystery of Eastern scales with Krautrock and Karl Stockhausen inspired themes, yet his sound remains futuristic.' Bearded 'Awesome record of shimmering, electronically modied solo guitar music. The pulsing, gated rhythms do have a certain (k) / (c) luster that reminds me of Achim Reichel and / or Steve Hillage, but the sound- palette is decidedly contemporary, with endless synchronized delays & comb lterings making the proceeding just so rich & dense.' Keith Fullerton Whitman *Track listing:
Sister Label to Vanguard Sound Anunnaki Cartel plays host to the fourth installment of the Vanguard Sound Series featuring 4 tracks from crew members Dakini9 (Lola), Chris Mitchell, DJ. Spider, and founder Amir Alexander. During the time since Vanguard Sound Vol. 3 launched the Vanguard Sound label, the series has reached a kind of cult classic status among the most dedicated U.S. underground vinyl collectors. As more and more people discover Alexander and his Crew of ultra talented DJ/Producers, their releases on discogs disappear and then reappear for three to five times their original price. Buy on sight status is quickly being achieved by all six members of this shadowy Crew.
The four tracks contained in this release all touch base with the vibes already established by the Crew, while continuing to expand the sonic palette as well.
Amir Alexander's Cypher is classic dirty analog at it's finest. With a slightly overdriven synth baseline leading the way, followed by restless percussion. Midway through, deep and mysterious pads create a dreamy texture as a spoken word passage muses about loyalty to those you came up with.
Chris Mitchell's 213NL raises the temperature with Chris's signature "Phrenetic" drum programming under an SH101type acid baseline oscillating wildly as melodic strings soar.
DJ Spider keeps things gutter with some Vanguard/ Plan B style street knowledge in the form of New World Resistance. An industrial/ futurist tech beat frenzy full of vocals dropping science about the New Word Order's plans for global domination.
Dakini9 closes the release by taking us to the depths and beyond with her deeply emotive work in the form of Rollercoaster to Nowhere. Sci fi atmospherics weave in and out of lushly serene pads while her always deadly serious percussion marks the time effortlessly. Time travel is evoked as the dulcet tones erode all sense of the here and now. Fall into infinity! For the collector's, this one is not to be missed as it is a rare Vanguard Volume on it's sister label Anunnaki Cartel with both logos on one record. Don't sleep..
These last few years Rome based producer Egisto Sopor has been turning heads with a steady stream of most excellent releases. A cdr on Legowelt's Strange Life Records, a tape on 100 % Silk, a double LP on Planet Mu and an evergrowing series of jams that are put on soundcloud or on his youtube channel. All of which offer atmospheric acid tinged techno laced with idiosyncratic touches. He has thus developed quite a cult following among lovers of lo fi electronic music who eagerly await his next grainy video, that feel like lost transmissions from an early nineties MTV broadcast. Polysick doesn't get out much and keeps a low profile which adds to his rather enigmatic standing.
With his new LP 'Daydream', Egisto has created the perfect soundtrack to a midnight trip through darkened cityscapes. Starting out like a confused jam session it slowly takes off and twists into uncanny shapes conjuring up images of a futuristic nightlife that plays out under neon lights, with a feeling of dread constantly lurking in the shadows. This is techno that tells a tale; a storyboard that comes pushing through in muffled flashes. A chase scene through deserted back alleys, executed while hunter and prey are both in a half-awake state, stuck in an infinite loop. And when the ambient synth twirls unravel and a 4/4 pulse kicks in and tears through the dreamy state of conciousness, it never signals a reassuring release of tension. You might dance to it, but not without anxiously looking over your shoulder.
Dutch producers Mindmapper & Fre4knc team up to deliver the 'Martial Manners' EP in celebration of Translation Recordings' tenth vinyl release, which comes on a visually stunning piece of crystal & transparent white vinyl! Up first is 'Collessius,' whose heavy-rolling bassline rushes in with the
force of a tsunami, leaving a wake of dancefloor destruction in its path. 'Shutter Angel' is a futuristic track where tight, snappy breakbeats slingshot back and forth between an electrifying bassline that surges across the airwaves like a beam of focused energy. Mindmapper & Fre4knc
delve into darker territories on 'Fenryr,' whose gritty atmospherics and subterranean low
frequencies deliver a unique and immersive listening experience. They close the EP on a deep, meditative note with 'Mind of Steel' (digital only) where drum edits slice through growling bass riffs with blade-like precision. The 'Martial Manners' EP strikes the perfect balance between dancefloor and experimental to carry on Translation Recordings' ongoing mission to bridge audiences with quality music that can be enjoyed in all listening environments.
'Little Drummer Girl' is a stunningly rich, diverse and futuristic 4-track EP from the Brooklyn duo Tiger Fingers. A collaboration between Jordan Lieb (also known as Black Light Smoke) and Asako Kujimoto. The cheekily-named pair have assembled three unique remixes of their title track - each as bold and refreshing as the other. The A side kicks off with the original - all bubbling synths, arps and effects, and a subtle yet disturbing vocal from Asako. Beats and thunderous synth riffs combine with speak 'n' spell samples to produce a mesmerizing brand of 22nd century electro pop. Next up is the 'Night Plane Club Mix' - one of two remixes the Texan William Rauscher provides for this release. The club mix straightens out the groove and develops the track into a crisp house groover, finding plenty of space for old school sub bass, chiming 808 percussion and washed out, ethereal vocals - huge vibes for the floor. 'The Night Plane Remix' sees Rauscher explore more glitchy, post-everything, acid-flecked waters - an atmospheric, twisted stormer. Last but by no means least is the Hotflush man-of-the-moment, Jimmy Edgar. His take on 'Little Drummer Girl' uses the original as a springboard, from which he constructs a slamming electro-boogie-space-jam. Deeply funky, highly charged, and immensely inventive club music. 'Little Drummer Girl' is taken from Tiger Fingers debut minialbum which is due for release on hafendisko in December. About Tiger Fingers: The upcoming self-titled debut album by Tiger Fingers, the duo of Jordan Lieb and Asako Fujimoto, almost never saw the light of day. Recorded in the aftermath of their first collaboration, the aggressive electro-rock band Dead Radar (2005-2007), Tiger Fingers yielded six decidedly more dance and pop inspired tunes filled
The top futuristic year is 12006: next up on label-owner David Vunk's Moustache Recordings label is a collaboration between him and fellow Rotterdam rogue, Ben La Desh who between them have combined to produce two tracks full of spaced out house, techno, electronic and disco feelings. First up, Turner drops a rich colour palette of vibrant space disco prize strings. The creeping cresecendo of synth-led brushstrokes paint a rich impressionistic glow interpersed with positive vocal samples drifting through like dutch boats in a gale. Next up Deep Valley takes off over the snow-capped mountain tops and towards the flowing river of deep techno drums. Eerie soaring strings and isolated vocal snaps conjure up images of cavernous depths of deep sea and space as we go deeper into the valley of the dolls. With releases coming on strong over the past few years La Desh continues his ascent into production adulthood on the 21st release on Moustache Recordings while Vunk's typical high-class production values shine through this entire release. Further collaborations between this duo would be only gezellig.
s one of the most successful artists in contemporary Techno Music Hendrik Weber aka Pantha Du Prince presents his new studio project together with Workshop's Stephan Abry: URSPRUNG.
After several studio sessions in the cold and charming winter of the Swiss Alps, Abry and Weber were driven deeper and deeper into some microcosm of sound to almost cut the edge to the myth. Influenced by Krautrock, the Ambient Music of Harold Budd and early Brian Eno, Avantgarde, and the minimalistic guitar sound of Durutti Collumn the URSPRUNG project can't resist to make the guitar a main source. coming together with highly futuristic sounds as we know from the researches of Pantha Du Prince. A truly unconventional structure of slowly growing beats hold this universe which came from the cold mountains together.
We celebrate our number 30 with a double pack, featuring one of the creators of techno in Spain: Groof.
Roberto Gemelin, from Madrid, is Groof. He's Robert Calvin too. No matter which of his alias you know him by, he's one of the most active producers in the Madrid arena.
Aka Robert Calvin, he released materials with Turbo (Tiga's label) in 2004, having previously collaborated with Star Whores in a joint release with Alek Stark (2002).
Also important are the remixes he did for Disko B or for Sindicato Records and MSX, paying tribute to Megabeat with his recreation of the great classic Strange.
His background as Groof is even more extensive, as his early steps go back to the times of Minifunk (the cheeky and shameless label from Barcelona that was then managed by Omar and Dj Loe). With them he recorded Mambo! (1999) and I want you (2000). He has also recorded with WarmUp, Fieber, Rainwaves or Shareware Records.
At the end of the ninetees Groof shared Quite Unusual with Oscar Mulero: the start of a deep friendship that nowadays brings us WU30 mini-album.
'Angel exterminador' is on the A side; modern and dark techno, based on cemented beats and deep synth work. A track that is constantly growing and evolving; quality and punch in one track.
'Diagrama esporadico' goes next: relaxed BPM, 909 beats, spacey arpeggios, and analogue synth percussions for a mental feeling.
'Gummy' starts with weird flanged noises, fed with distorted drums and drones that create an elastic feeling, hence the gummy name. Scientific techno.
'Amb' goes back to darkness, subtle ambiences and drones, fixed sequences and a clever arrangement.
'Vac 04' continues on the same mood: obscure synths, classic drum machines, sharp hats and white noise.
Closing the release, 'Islands' is a liquid track based on lush keyboards, and a dubby feeling with those endless delays. A classy number.
A nice mini-album which is diverse, complex, classic and futuristic at the same time.
'End Of Times' on the A side is a dark futuristic beast of a roller sure to get your blood pumping on and off the dancefloor. On the flip 'Hondonadas' features a more experimental approach maintaining the right balance between dark and light with lush pads and breaks washing in and out of the soundscape. A must for the more concerning drum and bass heads out there.
Australia-based musician Mark Gomes presents the debut full length under his own name for Soda Gong. “Alphane Moods” finds Gomes employing strategies that will be familiar to listeners of his work as Blue Chemise – elegiac, loop-based modes of composition and a predilection for concise etude forms – that manifest here with a strikingly different scope and intent, shifting from expressive abstraction into more conceptual terrain. Over the course of fourteen widescreen tracks, he navigates the gap between nostalgic and futurist sensibilities, concocting elusive, romantic, and sanguine settings that feel both plucked from the past and beamed in from a time still to come. Gomes describes his approach on the record as a “practice of ‘constructed ambience’, deploying sounds and track titles with pop-psychological associations of escape.” The result is a vivid, cinematic album that splits the difference between the worldbuilding retrofuturism of the best vaporwave music and the shadowy, homespun tape vignettes for which Gomes has become well known.
Written and produced by Mark Gomes
Master + cut by Kassian Troyer at D&M
Artwork by Alex McCullough


























































































