2024 Repress
SHDW & Obscure Shape are back with their second EP for 2023, following their debut release on their mothership label From Another Mind. The German duo's latest release, 'Basic Instinct', is a collection of five dancefloor anthems that provide the perfect soundtrack for any moment in a set. The EP features their signature die-cut cover and includes a digital bonus track.
'Basic Instinct' is the 12th installment of their Mutual Rytm label and showcases the pair's exceptional production skills and innovative approach to electronic music, with a mix of old and new school flavors, vivid drum programming, organic percussion and captivating melodic elements. The A-side kicks off with their signature track 'Eraser', which blends crisp drums with warm sub-bass and piercing synth stabs.
"Dancer in the Dark" takes a deeper dive into late-night territory, combining lush dub-influenced synths with a rolling acid bassline. "Disturbing Behaviour" closes the A-side and shows why the 303 has become an iconic tool for producers. Despite the sirens dominating around the breakdowns, the simple two-tone acid stab is the defining element of the track, complemented by amen-break leaning drums that hint at a UK rave direction.
The B-side goes in a different direction, with 'Memories of Nobody' taking a filtered and less aggressive approach, as echoing dub pads gather around a growling bassline and kick drum combination, topped off by brushed hats. The EP concludes with 'The Last Seduction', a track that reveals the full organic breadth of the previously hinted at Amen break. The fusion of said amen break with the warmth and familiarity of waxing and waning pads is reminiscent of the golden days of electronic music. With its expertly crafted soundscapes and diverse range of styles, 'Basic Instinct' is yet another stunning release from SHDW & Obscure Shape.
Cerca:drum n bass
2024 Repress
Lars Huismann is back on Mutual Rytm with the much-anticipated third volume of his 'Sounds From The Past' trilogy.
A core part of SHDW & Obscure Shape's ever more crucial Mutual Rytm imprint thanks to his timeless techno offerings as part of his ongoing 'Sounds From The Past' series, Berlin-based DJ/producer Lars Huismann's stock continues to rise release by release as a talent merging influences from the past with forward-thinking nuances of the future. Drawing on the early 2000 techno sound, he embellishes it with his own perspective, as evidenced by his earlier releases on the label. This latest six-track offering is another accomplished outing from this unique talent as he concludes the three-part series on the label in style.
The title track 'Sound From The Past III' opens up with a finely filtered chord groove that provides a smooth and hypnotising foundation. A subtle bassline, buoyant kick drums, and embedded vocal patterns harmonise with the synths, unveiling a smooth linear groove that soon sweeps you up.
'Fusion' brings more intensity with its barreling drum kicks, a dirty driving bassline, and melodies flashing by like headlights on an intergalactic motorway, with the overhanging pent-up energy inescapable. Next, 'Shimmer' rides on vast, heavy layered drums that are warm, and comforting as the track travels through a journey of diverse dub techno elements.
Like in 'Loucura', taken from 'Sounds From The Past II', Lars again showcases his strong influences from Brazilian and Latin music. On 'Estar Farto', the drums and bass are tightly interwoven, racing beneath bright and funky synth lines that bring ever-evolving shades of colour. A jazz drummer himself, the music transports into the groove via intelligent brass chord progressions and fine-tuned vocal and percussion elements.
It's straight dance floor business on the closing vinyl production 'Bittersweet', with its muted synth smears darting over more macho drum programming, while digital bonus 'Dusty Lick' is an unrelenting, jazzy, percussion-driven banger that hits hard and heavy in all the right places.
2024 Repress
Chontane returns to Mutual Rytm with a more raw and aggressive sound than before across six powerful new tracks on his latest EP, 'Permanent'.
Berlin-based Ukrainian DJ/producer Chontane has had a busy twelve months. Capped off by recently launching his own new TANE label, the exciting talent has been working hard to reinvent and refresh his sound in the studio. Mastering new techniques to push things to the next level, this EP and return to SHDW & Obscure Shape's Mutual Rytm proves he has succeeded and then some. Where previous works on the likes of ARTS and Rekids were full and more melodic, here he has restricted himself and gone for a more visceral sound. Developed and built in all new ways with an innovative approach to sound design and arrangement, the tracks on the package showcase a more serious and harder-hitting side to his sound as he unveils his impactful 'Permanent' EP.
Opener 'Graze' has a monstrous feel to it, with ghoulish synth loops and industrial textures all coming on strong and heavy. As it bangs along, incendiary hi-hats and lithe pads all bring extra weight and detail. 'Cumaru' is a highpaced techno workout with a frenzy of synths and percussion, all making for dense layers of heavily textured sound. 'Schima' brings some big techno bounce in the drums and more hurried, rusty synth loops that lock you into the darkness. Showing yet another side, 'Lauan' is a little more paired back with pounding tribal grooves and bright synths, bringing relentless yet funk-fuelled intensity. 'Vevis' is the most melodic of the lot - a heavy track but with subtle optimism in the rising background synths that will surely get hands in the air.
Last of all is digital bonus 'Makore', a cauldron of intensity with scraping hits and relentless drums, vastly oversized hi-hats and slamming bass. This high-impact, beautifully brutal yet groove-heavy techno takes Chontane's sound into new realms, and delivers an impressive return on a label continuing to push the genre forward.
2025 Repress
Raffaele Attanasio drops his first EP for two years as he heads to SHDW & Obscure Shape's Mutual Rytm for his 'Quasar' EP.
A product of Naples' rich techno history, Italian DJ, producer and musician Raffaele Attanasio is an artist who represents the city's iconic sound while drawing from influences across the Atlantic and the genre's home of Detroit. Garnering plaudits from artists including Jeff Mills, Len Faki and Ben Sims, while releasing on Mills' Axis alongside Non Series, Third Wave Black, and his own Letter From Jerusalem imprint, Attanasio's eclectic sound now delves into Italian techno of the early 2000s as he makes his label debut on Mutual Rytm - revealing his first EP in over two years and showcasing a new side to his sound with 'Quasar'.
Title track 'Quasar' brings a tunnelling groove beneath floating melodies and zipping synths, before A2 'Asterion' combines dubby stabs and punchy kicks effortlessly. On the flip, 'Blazar' is a squelchy acid-led trip guided by sharp metallic hats, with 'Axial Inclination' utilising jittering drums and slinking bass to keep the energy levels rolling.
'Clara' shapes up the physical package, a skipping, spirited and classy cut fusing hazy textures and crisp percussion, while digital exclusive 'SGR' sees things return to acid territories, with purchasers able to access a darker impactful take on techno.
2024 Repress
After appearing on the label's recent 'Federation of Rytm II' release alongside some of the industry's most iconic artists, Steve Redhead is back on Mutual Rytm, taking over the label from SHDW & Obscure Shape with a 6-track solo EP delivering driving, furious and old-school influenced techno.
The eleventh installment of Mutual Rytm opens with the rolling grooves and choppy vocals of 'Blokhut', which flows smoothly into the highly effective drums and strings of 'Sea Choy', while 'Bruusk' closes the first side of the vinyl with a hypnotic, well-crafted 90s influenced techno anthem. On the flip side, the title track 'Eastbook Isle' is all about its rolling bassline, retro/electro influences and a mesmerizing melody, while on the B2 'Planet Phatt' closes the record perfectly with a classic old-school sounding cut, made to be the last track of the set or those early morning moments. Last but not least is the digital bonus track 'Monster Madness' and as the name implies it is the hardest of the bunch, with aggressive late night grooves wrapped in deep, repetitive and
evocative chords.
Undoubtedly one of his best works to date, the Belgian producer keeps up the good work with his second appearance on the label in the form of his Eastbook Isle EP.
Anonymous British funk studio outfit Ultrafunk was spearheaded by Blues & Soul magazine proprietor John Abbey, who ran a fashionable record shop and label called Contempo in London’s West End during the 1970s; he conceived of the group as the UK counterpart to US studio bands like Mfsb. Arranger Gerry Shury, who had worked with Barry White and Maurice Gibb of the Bee Gees, drafted guitarist Chris Rae and bassist Frank McDonald (who often composed library music together) and future Rubettes drummer John Richardson to form the group, in situ. A lack of band photos, suggestive song titles and a predilection for American cover tunes led many to believe the band was US-based. Their self-titled debut LP is where the myth all begins, with a number of truly atmospheric and cinematic hard funk instrumentals, given added textural depth through full orchestration, including covers of Bill Withers’ “Use Me” and Stevie Wonder’s “Living In The City.” Though not quite as compelling as the better-known follow-up set, Meat Heat, there is still plenty to savour on Ultrafunk, making this debut companion disc a must-have for all true funk aficionados.
‘Danse Cette Zik!’ by Parbleu is the debut LP from this enigmatic group of musicians and is a multi-cultural fever dream, wherein energized expanses of dynamic disco, futuristic funk, and cinematic jazz fusion are colored over by warming vibes of Caribbean dub, Latin tropicalia, and sunshine Afrobeat. Evocative instrumentals intertwine with breathtaking vocal performances, which move between sleepy-eyed soul serenades, mystical melodic chants, and expressive diva enchantments while pads swell in support—sometimes sparkling like ocean glass, other times raining down like a Morricone symphony.
Pianos and guitars converse via funk flourishes, reggae riffs, and jazz rock solos as blazing fusion synthesizers set the air aflame. Drums move between kinetic dancefloor urgency and islander rhythm relaxation and hand percussions both organic and electronic evoke rainforest ceremonials while basslines revel in 70s fusion fire and Italo synth-funk squelch. And the entire experience has been expertly captured and magically crafted by the sorcerers of sound at the West Hill Studio, resulting in a thrilling adventure of imagined exotica, one equally adept at scoring coastal paradises, filmic deserts, riviera cruises, or nightclubs sweltering in the light of a mediterranean moon.
(Words by Octagon Eyes)
- A1: Seba Feat Marina Samba - How It Goes
- B1: Seba - Horse Power
- C1: Seba - Etzli
- D1: Seba Feat Collette Warren - All Too Much
- E1: Seba - Sequence 5
- F1: Seba - Outer Worlds
- F2: Seba & Björn Berglund Feat Samuel Lancine - Diamonds
- G1: Seba - Public Beauty
- G2: Seba & Blackeye - Thoughts Run Free
- H1: Seba - Progression
Yellow Vinyl
Seba smashes his way into 2022 with the much anticipated release of his third studio album, "Ingaro".
Prepare yourself for ten brand new tracks of Seba. Secret Operations presents the first LP in almost ten years, from a producer who believes albums are not to be taken lightly.
"Ingaro" takes it's name from the small island outside of Stockholm, which Seba has called home for the last 20 years and is also where he spent his formative years.
The new LP takes the listener on a soaring journey through the entire Seba sound. Whether it's the dark and insistent forces of "Horse Power", which grow and fold in on themselves throughout the track, or the blooming euphoric roller "Public Beauty". A fresh collection of tracks which contain the unmistakeable Seba DNA, which has helped cement the name Seba firmly into the world of drum and bass.
Any album is not complete without some guests joining along the way and Seba has also enlisted some helpers on the journey and the LP includes collaborations with Collette Warren, Björn Berglund, Samuel Lancine and Blackeye.
For many, Seba is a name they are very familiar with. From his early releases on Good Looking right through to the present day Seba has made a name for himself for his exciting and varied production.
His music draws influence from far and wide across the musical spectrum and his work alongside the legendary Paradox and vocalist Robert Manos have gone down in Drum and Bass history.
Not just famed for his work in the studio, Seba's sets have gained a reputation for their energy and emotion. One of the scene's unique veterans. Seba's work is inspiring producers and fans more than ever. An album which sets the bar high for 2022!
DJ Support: Enzo Siragusa, Archie Hamilton, Fabe, Fleur Shore, Us Two & VITO (UK).
UK based rising star DXNBY debuts on TRMNL Records as they reveal their next eagerly awaited EP on the Birmingham based imprint, and one of Holland’s newest hottest exports Marsolo completes the package on remix duties.
One of the main artists at the forefront of Bandcamp’s thriving underground market alongside releases on East End Dub’s Belief, Max Dean’s neXup and Ben Rau’s META to name a few, DXNBY brings his in demand signature garage and underground house crossover sound to the label with two killer cuts. The label has already offered up a plethora of sounds across the underground electronic spectrum with releases from credible names including East End Dubs, Yaya, Djebali, Ray Mono and Samu.l
Title track ‘Ozone’ oozes everything that TRMNL as a brand and the second city champions - warping basslines laid down in a fast-moving fashion for those peak time moments. ‘No Return’ continues the mind-bending journey with cleverly manipulated vocals, skippy drums and hypnotic samples before dropping into another uniquely assembled heavy hitting bassline.
Dutchman Marsolo follows up from impressive EP’s on Prunk’s PIV and East End Dub’s Eastenderz by stepping up with his take on ‘Ozone’ - as the remix takes you into after hours territory with skippy drums and a cutting bassline that creates moments encapsulating the true essence of the underground
Michael The Lion and Natasha Kitty Katt began collaborating as Natasha found a second home in Philadelphia. The two have a mutual love of classic disco and found a kindred spirit in Suki Soul, who has been tearing up the scene the last few years in Northern England. I Found Peace features Michael on guitar and Natahsha on drum machines and synths alongside Michael’s long-time studio band mates. Classical composer and legendary Pittsburgh hip hop producer Jules Krishnamurti adds bass guitar and University of Pennsylvnia jazz ensemble leader Dan Paul plays keyboards on this incredible modern disco classic. Pontchartrain brings all the right touches to the club mix, along side some heavy house mixes by Tonarunur (aka B.G. Baarregaard) to round out the first Whiskey Disco release in several years.
The four horsemen are the rhythm section of The 18th Parallel riding down the plains to the sound of an heavyweight stepper inspired by the late 70s playing of the Revolutionaries at Channel One. Slow, refined and powerful, the interaction of the drums, bass and organ leaves room to an otherworldly horns chant calling everyone to dance and sing along. Probably one of Fruits Records heaviest release ever!
The first 7“ of this series features Spanish based UK singer Benjammin known for his superb work with Roberto Sánchez. He chants down all ‘Warmongers’. His singing style reminiscent of BurningSpear’s greatest days sends shivers down your spine! Dub by Roberto Sánchez on the flip.
German artist Martin Matiske’s start in music came at the hands of the legendary DJ Hell, who invited him to his first DJ gigs in 1999 at one of his Gigolo label nights in Munich. His own productions, inspired by early electronic pioneers like Kraftwerk and Jean Michel Jarre, soon followed on International Deejay Gigolo Records, as have many more since on Frustrated Funk, Bordello A Parigi, Moustache Records and Central Processing Unit. Matiske has had high-profile support from the likes of Dave Clarke and Helena Hauff, and this new EP for Brooklyn-based label Melodize is another one that will likely find wide acclaim.
The fantastic ‘Moments’ opens up with ice-cold snares and drum sounds that are backlit by celestial pads as retro-future synth work brings colour to this catchy and optimistic proto-electro groove. ‘Moments’ then gets a sublime remix treatment from the prolific and endlessly creative Legowelt, who has explored every different style possible under a myriad of aliases on a range of cult labels like Clone, LIES and Crème Organization. The Dutch maestro’s superb take on ‘Moments’ is an astral electro workout with killer acidic lines, squelchy bass and daubs of psychedelic colour.
On the flip, ‘Dimensional Space Travel’ is another cinematic electro journey that taps into the motorik tick of Kraftwerk with distinctive melodic phrasings, forming a playful call-and-response with the background chords. Closer ‘Analogue Being’ taps into early electro with lovably tinny rhythms and sugary, pixelated analogue chords that bring a sense of nostalgia and ruefulness.
Two years after her debut on SPFDJ's Intrepid Skin, Valerie Ace is already counted as a quickly rising voice in techno, her work featuring on Anetha's Mama Told Ya, Mala Adh, Haven, and more. In 2023 she founded her own Hardwon imprint, now on its 8th release and featuring established and upcoming names like Ryan James Ford, WTCHCRFT, and others. Now Rant & Rave offers her third vinyl full EP, Givers & Takers, confirming her premier place in contemporary techno. The title track starts ominous, pensively drawing tension over a slow breakbeat as busy percussion patterns interlock, leading into its intense second half, where heavy bass doubles down and pushes to a bruising climax. 'Eat Dirt' takes after its title, grinding faces into grit as it switches between breaks and straight sections while pounding the floor into submission. 'A Moment Lost' loses no time charging out of the gates, ratcheting tension with quickly evolving snares, the filtered bass punches driving the track over steadier, atmospheric background sounds. The afternoon or afterhours vibe of '3PM' is accentuated by seasick synth layers contrasted against malignant drums, unsure if the drugs are wearing off or kicking back in for another trip.
Suburban Architecture are pleased to announce the fourth in their 'Architecture Dubs' series of limited edition 10" vinyl releases, which sees some of the most revered names active during the mid 90s golden era of Drum & Bass deliver remixes of Suburban Architecture material in homage to that most innovative of periods.
Following on from the now sold out release of Architecture Dub #001 (featuring remixes from Peshay and DJ Trax), #002 (featuring Blame and DJ Trace), and #003 (featuring Nookie and DJ Crystl), edition #004 enlists two further legendary names to put their stamp on the duo's material.
Ray Keith is a DJ and producer who requires little introduction. From his beginnings in the Acid House scene of the late 80s through to the present day via Hardcore and, of course, Jungle, Ray's output has been a steady presence in UK dance music for over 3 decades. From manning the counters of legendary record stores including London's infamous Black Market Records to masterminding bonafide dancefloor hits such as 'Terrorist' and 'Dark Soldier', Ray has touched every corner of the scene. For this remix, Ray brings some of his trademark Dread flavour to 'The Drifter' injecting some tough Amen and Bassline energy to the track.
DJ Harmony is another DJ who cut his teeth behind the counters of some of the scene's pivotal record stores, having worked in Lucky Spin and Section 5, while releasing music on some of the most important imprints in the genre, notably including Moving Shadow. Today Harmony is best known as the driving force behind the brilliant Deep Jungle imprint which delivers classic, new and unreleased music from Jungle's heaviest hitters. Recent releases have come from names including Adam F, Dilinja, DJ Trace and, naturally, Harmony himself. Harmony's remix of 'The Believer' takes cues from classic Jungle with a half time break down, giving way to a smashing Amen workout accompanied by the rousing vocal refrain of the original.
Pressed on 10" vinyl and housed in brown Kraft paper sleeves, the series makes visual reference to the exclusive dubplate pressings which introduced so many classic cuts to the UK's dancefloors in the 90s.
Switzerland’s Adam’s Bite welcomes Romanian artist Lumieux onto its roster this July with the ‘When I Think Of You’ EP.
Hailing for the Romanian capital of Bucharest, Lumieux is one of many artists coming out of this region and defining a style that’s driven by stripped-back percussion, subtle nuance and detailed intricacies. Lumieux’s productions have found a home on the likes of Subtil Records, Antrakt, Dissonant and UVAR among others, while as a DJ he operates a core member of the prized Sunrise Agency out of Romania. Here though, we see Lumieux delivering his latest EP for Adam’s Bite, following recent material from IULY.B, Flabbergast and Audio Werner.
‘Psycho’ leads the EP, laid out across nine and a half minutes with murky dub chords, fluttering bass tones and choppy vocals intertwined with a swinging drum groove. ‘Tifosi’ follows and retains a similar aesthetic, bringing choppy stab sequences and wandering bass licks to the forefront, underpinned by shuffled modulating percussion and crisp drums.
‘What You Are To Me’ opens the B-side next, stripping things back to twitchy acid tinged synths, hypnotic vocal lines and vocoded voices while bumpy delayed tom toms, weighty kicks and congas subtly evolve and unfold throughout. Lastly ‘Nebula’ rounds out the EP, employing a plucked stab-led bass groove at its core alongside expansive delayed atmospherics and a crunchy saturated rhythm.
Introducing the inaugural release from "Vorm", "Vorm Series: One," a compelling compilation showcasing five tracks from a lineup of esteemed and emerging producers. This release marks the beginning for the young record label "Vorm", setting a high standard with its diverse and dynamic sounds.
From the producer and "Newrhythmic Records" founder, "Joton", comes "Neon Dystopia." This opener track of the release plunges into a hard hitting soundscape, blending pulsating basslines with highly pitched atmo surfaces. "Mineral" by Kon Janson dives into a mineral-rich sonic experience, where intricate rhythms meet hypnotic textures. This subterranean grooves is exactly the addition that the A-side needs and rounds off the whole thing as powerfully as possible.
"Ricardo Garduno" delivers "They're Between Us." This starter track on the B-side is a dark, spacious force of cavernous beats and atmospheres, perfect for those moments of peak-time intensity. Founder "Maasym" presents "Raeder," a sophisticated blend of a industrial trippy synth line and highly dense effective elements.
The track evolves with mechanical precision, emphasizing and focusing on the minimalist effects, percussions and drums. Closing out the release is Berlin-based rising producer & live artist "Peryl" with "Melting Room." This track is a melting pot of raw-high energy and experimental tones, pushing boundaries with its innovative, detailed sound design.
One of melodic techno’s biggest breakout stars, Massano steps up for his Drumcode EP debut. The emerging DJ/producer from Liverpool already gave us a taste of his elite studio capabilities via the fantastic ‘Betrayal’, his contribution to last year’s Drumcode A-Sides Vol.12 release – one of the highlights of the compilation. Massano’s sound hits with a fantastic punch, characterised by super charged sound design and powerful melodic riffs with key releases on Afterlife and his own Simulate to date. His ‘Telepathic’ EP reinforces why we’re rightly so excited to have him on Drumcode. The title track is a juicy psy-laced stomper, propelled by a menacing low-end vocal that adds plenty of atmosphere to the cut. ‘Destructure’ is formed around rattling percussive effects, before euphoric melodic layers build in intensity throughout the second half. When the two elements coalesce, we’re treated to a track with immense peak-time power, that never loses its unique edge. ‘The Method’ is a melodic ace, shifting between laser-kisser dynamism and full throttle bass-driven energy.
Ten years after his first full-length effort ‘Man Is Deaf’ landed him firmly in the runnings for DJ Mag’s album of the year, prodigal son Michael Anthony Wright AKA Brassica returns to Civil Music with a deeply accomplished, painstakingly whittled LP of hydraulic electro slickness, rich synthscapes, and hooky, peak-time tearjerkers for the most discerning front-left lifers. ‘Tribeless Gathering’ is a barnstorming testament to Brassica’s stylistic and timbral deftness, touching down in the elusive epicentre of the club/home listening venn diagram with ease.
From the elastic, neon acid pointillism of opener ‘Hop Kweng’ to the mardy, miasmic plod of closing chugger ‘Changa Hill’, Brassica seamlessly segues between avenues of influence, his notoriously omnivorous musical knowledge roadmapping each turn. Raised on a diet of everything from early rave standards to metal, and schooled in avant garde sonics as a student of sound design at LCC, Brassica does a peerless job of sublimating his countless influences into a record of refined, heterogeneous, and most crucially, catchy, club moods.
Less spartan than his more recent oeuvre on Feel My Bicep, and less baroque than his technicolour experiments in postmodern synth pop with vocalist Stuart Warwick, Tribeless Gathering represents Brassica’s triumphant return to the main room, replete with rushy hooks primed for the planet’s finest soundsystems, and passages of heads-down tension bound to draw listeners right to the edge of their seats. Overall it is a concise and refined testament to Wright’s command of spectral sonics and effortless ability to pressurise a dancefloor. It is no surprise that he has also worked as a prolific mastering engineer, tuning music from a plethora of dance disciplines for maximum club impact. This work extends to his own projects (including this one), cementing them as rare expressions of complete artistry from studio to turntable.
As we delve deeper into the record, we are ushered through a series of accomplished and varied club moods, each channelling a unique cocktail of influences, but retaining a warm, ebullient analogue sensibility unique to Brassica’s work. This playful scope of influence calls to mind James T Cotton or Machinedrum’s experiments in dance music form, but Wright manages it all under one roof, wrangling everything from sashaying wub-laden two step to snarling Dillinja-esque FM damage into something inherently his.
Choice cut ‘Change Yourself’ layers an almost Cerrone-like piano refrain over radiant surges of saturated bass, dubby, strobing chords and a jagged, driving break, building to a jaw-clenching apex of dancefloor elation, while the rude, playful half-step of ‘Elevation’ breaks down the vintage speed garage formula into linear fragments, utilising a tight palette of resonant bass slugs, infectious synth leads and Papua New Guinea-style vocal strobes. The aptly named ‘Hold Tight’ fuses heart-in-mouth UK ‘ardkore pads with glissando acid disturbance and surgical snare fills in a formula which recalls the ethereal grit of Nubian Mindz’ 00s experiments in big-smoke break science, while the questing melodic arcs and arpeggiated squarewaves of ‘Pinball Marinara’ could easily have soundtracked an 80s sci-fi epic, beset with sparkling, bare-bones drum programming and hazy beds of sub sediment.
With ‘Tribeless Gathering’, Brassica both irreverently fuses and pays homage to the many unique and weird permutations of UK dance music. The short lived gathering of junglists, ravers and house hotsteppas of a similar name may have long since dissipated, along with the tribes themselves, but across these 11 tracks, he lays a blueprint for a new sound of togetherness.
The various artists alternative sound concept (UDE001) is the first reference, presenting a variety of styles and sounds which represents a sound personality from a listening point.
These artists residing in Malaga, Madrid and Barcelona have participated with the first project to give the presentation.
-Caradusanto, multidisciplinary artist includes “Semillas” made with analog modular and ramdomized sequences.
-Dark Vektor, a pioneer in the electro scene, surprises us with “En Mitg De L’Espai”, sounds that are unusual for him and keeping the same relationship with his clarity when hearing it, sung with his native linguistics and message inside.
-Intervalo, shows us a B side where the broken rhythm predominates, its harmonic essence and melody continues to be its identification, we talk about “Solitude”.
-Guillermo Garate, innovates with electro sounds achieving the same thing, another B side of this artist “Larga”.
-Tio solo by habit in its production slides on synthesizers and analog drum machines, thus achieving “Dark Fluid” an accelerated drum & Bass rhythm differentiated from it with atmospheric and acid pads.
Our eighth chapter of Small Great Things is introduced by our resident, David Silver. The limited vinyl and digital release, titled the 'My Japanese Friend EP,' features four exquisite original tracks. This EP seamlessly blends deep and classic house vibes with contemporary beats, ensuring a refreshing dance floor experience.
Starting with the A1 side, 'Trademark' initiates the journey with a solid house groove complemented by stabs and a robust bassline. Transitioning to the A2 track, the title piece 'My Japanese Friend' assumes center stage with its infectious groovy bassline, piano chords, and captivating drums, enveloped by ambient jazzy melodies.
Turning over to the B side, we encounter two more enticing house compositions. On B1, David's 'U Move' delivers a fresh, dance floor-ready cut, featuring vocals and guitars. B2 takes the spotlight with 'Peace & Low,' a finely crafted deep house gem.
- A1: Unity Feat Red Eye
- A2: And You Feel
- A3: Redemption
- B1: Horsepower Feat Modeselektor
- B2: Mechanic Love
- C1: Hustle
- C2: Sandstorm
- D1: Black Ice Feat Skee Mask
- D2: Scratchy
- D3: Vertical
- E1: Breathe Underwater
- E2: Wind Mill Hill Feat J Manuel
- F1: Stargazer
- F2: Timesqueezed
- F3: Glove Box
- G1: Nyx
- G2: Ringworld
- G3: Scoop
- G4: Dreamweaver
- H1: Flashback
- H2: The Deal
- H3: Micro Expressions
- H4: Pentatonic Light
Fuelled by the Berlin-based duo's love of club music in all its forms ''FJAAK THE SYSTEM'' is FJAAK's most definitive album to date, a winding sonic odyssey that surveys the rave landscape, dipping between frantic euphoria and deep contemplation. Featuring sizzling collaborations with Modeselektor, Skee Mask, Red Eye and J.Manuel, the album draws a bold line under FJAAK's 15 years of mischief and mayhem, pulling together 23 tracks (culled from over 300, no less) that truly reflect the duo's boundless enthusiasm for the dancefloor. Grazing UK breakbeat, techno, 2-step, d'n'b, jungle, trip-hop and ambient, these elasticated, hybrid bangers paint a vivid picture of FJAAK's utopian club ideal, a place where genre boundaries evaporate and only the groove remains. Since graduating in audio engineering in the early 2010s, FJAAK have been challenging the logic of a maddeningly conservative club scene with their hardware only live shows, DJ sets a myriad of record releases. In 2019 they launched the label and platform Spandau20 with a steady flow of records and a mixtape series featuring new talent and established artists. With their rebellious attitude and notoriously energetic live sets, the duo have brought back a crucial lost ingredient to the rave: playfulness. And if their well-loved albums 'FJAAK', released on Modeselektor's Monkeytown imprint, and 'Havel' set the scene, 'FJAAK THE SYSTEM' rises above and beyond expectations, creating a new benchmark. It's not just blood, sweat and tears either, FJAAK's advanced technical knowhow and love of synthesizers and drum machines helps them formulate a sound that's conscious of dance music history, but focused on a brighter, more equitable future. Their second single 'And You Feel' is an emotional rollercoaster combining UK breakbeat with a dubstep-influenced bassline wobler and alluring vocals, emulating the moment the mind becomes a tranquil void through the crescendo of adrenaline like a strain of physical exertion. This is reflected on their new music video which shows an unexpected ''rage room'' scene.
CEP Records is ready to release its first various artists compilation. This collection features six tracks with a wide range of groovy, funky and driving techno.
On the A-side, Alec Dienaar kicks things off with a gripping atmospheric tune, introducing top-notch groove elements and catchy vocal shots. Cult’s track ‘Big Pimpin‘’ displays his signature, featuring snappy filter cuts, driving drums, and a dogged energy. Closing out the A-side, KAIPE takes a funkier side with a leading bassline and a memorable melody that exacts attention. Next up, Marcos Fagoagas delivers ‘Surreal Awake’, a track with a uniquely structured low-end and self-sung vocals that retain the rhythm organic. ‘Feel So Alive’ by SOURCE CODE embodies a full-on summer vibe with infectious vocals and tuneful high-pitched stab elements. Bringing this release to a close is THD+N's dub techno gem ‘Voicemail’, characterized by a winding synth line and timeless vocals that captivate throughout.
The vinyl express keeps rolling. After celebrating Ten years JEAHMON! we are back with label head Marc DePulse who presents his new series “Fingerprint”. Nasty beats. Low drums. Tireless drops. Rolling basslines. Tremendous subs. Tape emulators. Heavy guitars. Acid pots. Dark percussions. Snare rolls. 4/4 time. Headbangers. Attack and release. Fully charged energy. Trippy breaks. Weird breakbeats. Crazy rhythms. Mystic pads. Heartbreaking leads. Squeaky synths. Vocal snippets. Memorable phrases. Powerful speeches. Industrial charm. Metal bangers. Slowed down. Speeded up. Retro vibes. Modern wave. Disco elements. Same same but different. Peak time. No limits. Out of the box. A box full of colours. Painted arrangements. Equalized. Compressed. Limited. Signature sounds. Electronic earworms. Handscript. Fingerprint. Play. Rave. Repeat. Hugs & kisses. Spread the word. Share the vibes. Peace, love and freedom to everyone on the planet!
CoN and KwAkE are Confucius MC and Kwake Bass. They share long and entwined histories with saxophonist and Native Rebel label owner Shabaka Hutchings, and with many of the incredible London musicians and producers who have emerged over the last decade.
Eyes In The Tower, their debut album released one year ago, was the second release on Shabaka Hutchings’ Native Rebel Recordings, where he invites friends and family to RAK Studios improvise around sketches he’s written specifically for the invited artists. A uniquely London evolution of classic hip hop, it was brewed for over a decade before being made in three days.
Two tracks from the album have now been remixed to celebrate the one year anniversary of the album: 15 Minutes gets reworked by Daisuke Tanabe and Dance In The Dark by Anja Ngozi.
Confucius MC has been embedded in UK hip hop since the early 2000s. He was the support of choice for Mos Def, and recently toured with UK hip hop stalwart Jehst.
Kwake Bass is musical director for Sampha and Kae Tempest. Behind the kit he has become the player of choice for travelling US heavyweights, playing with MF DOOM, The Roots and Joey Bada$$, as well as UK major players Lianne La Havas and Mica Levi.
"After their critically acclaimed LP “Arcadia” THE BUTTSHAKERS return with a powerful new 45” in celebration of Record Store Day. A two-sided slab of heavy hitting soul grooves.
Cold World, with it’s darker, Stax-influenced horn hook, drives the listener on with an infectious groove and heart-wrenching vocals. The riff is heavy, but the message remains hopeful: stay golden in a cold, isolating world. A post-covid soul anthem.
On the b-side, THE BUTTSHAKERS sink into the bluesy-country roots of soul music with CROSSROAD. The intimate guitar-voice of the intro gives way to a feverish drum and bass rhythm sent straight from the bayou. The song galops and races, taking the listener on a strange and dreary trip to meet the Devil at the crossroad. A story of legends; reimagined with some twang and a whole lotta soul.
DJ Support: Jamie Jones, Reboot, Dennis Cruz, Raresh, Reelow, Dimmish, Fabe, Archie Hamilton, Rich NxT, Chicks Luv Us, Christian Burkhardt, Terry Francis.
This EP is inspired by love and dreams and continues her quest to find the perfect blend of emotional yet minimal melodic beats. Opener 'L'Amour' radiates Lazic's signature sounds with a slick bassline and melodic chords that convey meaningful emotions under female spoken words. It's a seductive world of warm pads and silky beats that cast a hypnotic spell. The fantastic 'Todo El Universo' features the vocals of Lazic's Spanish friend Monica. The title translates as 'all the universe' and is a favourite line from Paulo Coelho's novel The Alchemist about accomplishing your dreams. It's a deep and comforting groove with soft drums and pillowy pads that soothe the soul and are perfect for more intimate dance floors.
Remixer Nu Eau is a pivotal part of Romania's minimal scene with a meticulously crafted sound that has taken him to the likes of Gettraum and Memoria Recordings and he also co-founded the Uvar imprint. His version of ‘L'Amour' is more up tempo but no less heady, with lush cosmic synths doing an elegant dance over the compelling beats.
Spanish pair Los Suruba have done it all over the last 20 years - released hundreds of tracks, played thousands of gigs, established their own network of record labels, held residencies everywhere from Ibiza to London and crafted countless underground hits. Their remix of ‘L'Amour' is serene and cerebral with paranoid voices drifting through the mix and rippling chords keeping you afloat in the cosmos.
1981. A new South African band is making waves. Produced by the team “Van Blerk/Roos & Greg Cutler", it includes succulent voices and melodies, psychedelic Moog, Fender Rhodes surrounded by some Afro-folky guitars. This album is definitely a winner.
Between 1972 and 1973 Poy-Poy Makhubela appeared on 4 singles with The Young Movers produced by David Thekwane.
In 1975, as a lead guitarist, he decided to bring together four musicians to form the band Unity. Jeff Radine (Fender Rhodes, Moog), George Legobye (bass), Edward Modiselle (percussion) and Robert Moema (drum). The members were all from the group The Sound Jaws, except Jeff Radine who was with Rugare and played with Harari, Chicco, The Black Five or Prince Nico.
In 1978, after hearing Unity playing in a club, Mike Tswai joined the band as a manager.
Poy-Poy has gone on to have a long career, touring the world and playing with some of the South African’s greats including Brenda Fassie, Don Laka, Blondie & Pappa, Dorothy Masuka as well as Kwaito bands like Alaska, Boom Shaka or Trompies.
Artwork by Taychin Dunnvatanachit.
Siamese Twins embarks on its 10th release milestone with the acclaimed Thai performance artist Tul Waitoonkiat. In หนึ่งคำถาม (One Question), Waitoonkiat's poetry is conjoined into a versatile sonic meeting of minds, created in collaboration with producers Black Merlin, Sapphire Slows, and Sleep D. Aligning seamlessly with Siamese Twins' trademark ethos of cultural reflection and interdisciplinary exploration.
Waitoonkiat, known for his socio-political work "2553," which reflects on the 2010 military crackdown in Thailand, has presented his novel "Silence is Violence" through multidisciplinary art exhibitions across Bangkok. One of these collaborations with Siamese Twins’ Khun Fluff in 2022 established a profound connection and laid this release's foundational recording layer. The recorded poem explores existential themes, pondering the endless cycle of questioning and the dichotomy between silence and imagination, darkness and light, with its contemplative imagination setting the stage.
The A-side unveils George Thompson's universe, known in the terrestrial realm as Black Merlin, with two noirish cinematic explorations that compose Waitoonkiat’s trademark expressive and enigmatic voice into the release's fabric. Showcasing Thompson’s ability to create hypnotic, depth-charged soundscapes that captivatingly feed into a broader story rather than claiming center stage.
The B-side begins with a delicate approach to sound design, crafted through the Buchla synthesizer by Japanese modular artist Sapphire Slows. The charm of this version lies within the sustained notes that gently inhale and exhale between enigmatic vocoder effects and layers of beauty, nature, and technology.
B2 closes with a seven-and-a-half-minute peak timer revolving around a pulsating bassline and driving force of drum energy. One craving for packed warehouses and bush raves by the Australian wizards of OZ and Butter Sessions label owners, Sleep D, aka Corey Kikos and Maryos Syawish.
System Error are pleased to kick-off our new Flow Series with Ukrainian DJ and producer Lenzyak. He takes us on a journey through dreamy soundscapes filled with electro basslines and drum sequences to set a proper dancefloor mood…
All tracks written and produced by Yaroslav Lenzyak.
Mastered by Olo Mastering in Berlin.
System Error MM GmbH, Berlin, Germany, Earth © 2024
Multi-award-winning singer-songwriter and leading UK jazz vocalist Zara McFarlane releases Sweet Whispers – Celebrating Sarah Vaughan on 14th June. The album honours the jazz great who inspired her on her own artistic journey and whose centenary year is marked in 2024.
‘Sweet Whispers’ is more than a run-through of some of Vaughan’s most popular songs. It’s not hard to imagine the immense task in selecting those songs, after all, Vaughan’s recording career spanned 50 years notching up almost 60 albums (plus nearly 30 again in compilations and box sets). Through a thoughtfully chosen selection of songs, formed across months in collaboration with producer, and the album’s clarinettist and saxman, Giacomo Smith – Zara journeys through the musical life of Sarah Vaughan, from her first to last recording, bringing to life and breathing new life into some of her best and less familiar songs. But importantly, the songs that mean the most to Zara.
Zara McFarlane said “It was when I started to listen to Sarah Vaughan that I really began to appreciate jazz vocals. She had such control across her range and a vocal command that was cheeky, playful and fun yet sophisticated and articulate. I really wanted to pay homage to her as I feel she has been somewhat overlooked amongst the jazz singers. Although I do love Ella and Billie, it's all about Sarah for me.”
‘Sweet Whispers – Celebrating Sarah Vaughan’ was recorded analogue at Durham Studios, London. Giacomo assembled a stellar cast of musicians - Joe Webb on piano, Ferg Ireland on double bass, Jas Kayser on drums, Marlon Hibbert on Steel Pan and Gabriella Swallow on cello – to record 11 tracks live to tape; with minimal overdubs, the recording has retained a live, vintage feel. A celebration of Sarah Vaughan could be in no better hands than that of Zara McFarlane, who makes an inspired homage to the ‘Divine One’. Beautifully performed in Zara’s own inimitable style, with her own playful swoops and slides, she has added her own
touch to the music. With a silken voice and timbre that bring emotional depth, attitude and personality to this collection of SaraH Vaughan songs, this is a masterful celebration
Airrica makes her Crosstown Rebels debut with ‘Hi Speed Lover’, featuring Nick Morgan and KinAhau remixes.
Balancing experimental musical curiosity with her playful take on house and techno, Los Angeles’ Airrica may only be two releases into her blossoming journey as a producer, but she has already showcased her growing sound and vision while aligning with her own powerful DJ sets. Following her collaborative release alongside Ashee on Diplo’s Higher Ground and building on her debut via Crosstown’s sister label Rebellion, Damian Lazarus now welcomes her to Crosstown Rebels for the first time ahead of her appearance alongside the label boss at Hï Ibiza as she unveils her ‘Hi Speed Lover’ EP - accompanied by remixes from Canadian-born DJ/producer Nick Morgan and hotly-tipped talent KinAhau, as both also make their label debuts.
Bumping and trippy, ‘Hi Speed Lover’ is a snaking, bass-heavy cut loaded with energy as warped vocals are accompanied by slinking drums, icy hats and resonant chords and strings, while Nick Morgan’s take brings a stylish, hazy glow to the track as dubby low-ends and delicate keys work amongst the mix. Second original ‘Cherries’ is another impactful production merging metallic drums with further vocal murmurs and an infectious acid-dipped bassline, while KinAhau’s remix strips things back to deliver a classy journey through rich textures with an ethereal trip to close the package.
DJ Support: Danny Howard, Pete Tong, Sarah Story, Triple J, Groove Armada, Jamie Jones, Marco Carola,Nic Fanciulli, Sam Divine, Carlo Lio, Mat.Joe, Todd Terry, Jansons, Eskuche, Moon Boots, Format:B, Low Steppa, Robosonic, Dantiez Saunderson, Charlotte Van De Peer, Dario D’Attis, Shiba San, Dennis Cruz, Pirupa, DJ Rae, Danny Tenaglia, Rene Amesz, Juliet Fox, Ashibah, Boris, Carly Wilford, Booker T, Dateless, Melvin & Klein, Paco Osuna, DJ Lora
Nothing Else Matters is proud to bring an exciting new vinyl from HoneyLuv who makes her debut on Danny Howard’s imprint, teaming up with New York DJ, producer, singer-songwriter and vocalist Roland Clark for their brand-new single, ‘This Is My Life’. Crowned Radio 1’s Future Star of 2023, HoneyLuv has taken the Dance scene by storm in recent years with support from Seth Troxler, The Martinez Brothers, Nicole Moudaber, Kevin Saunderson, Maya Jane Coles, Loco Dice, Idris Elba and more, with releases signed to Black Book, Insomniac, Tuskegee, Three Six Zero and more. On the other hand, Roland has worked and co-produced music with many of the greats, including Fatboy Slim, Mark Knight, Todd Terry and Bob Sinclair, with his vocals considered the “voice of House” and one of the rare few that can bring you an electrifying DJ set while getting on the mic and giving you a performance unlike no other. Making for the perfect pairing, ‘This Is My Life’ is set to propel both artists to even greater heights and will surely be a firm favourite at clubs and festivals worldwide this year. Kicking off the B-side is a killer rework from the legendary Carl Cox who brings his A-game with this one infusing his signature grooving basslines and high-energy, hypnotic percussive grooves. Rounding off the package, Bontan’s rework delivers organic drums and captivating Afro-House rhythms catapulting the track to new audiences and new heights.
Toronto-based artist and co-boss of Parallel Minds, Ciel, known for her distinctive, precise, playful, and intricately crafted electronic productions, delivers a vibrant new EP on SUZI titled "Sada’s Dream". Originally performed during a live set at MUTEK Montreal, Ciel has refined these initial ideas into a five-track journey that showcases her unique sound palette, marked by meticulous attention to rhythmic and melodic interplay.
The EP opens with "Be That As It May," setting a contemplative tone with complex rhythms and a haunting flute-like melody that gradually unfolds into a brighter, expansive atmosphere.
Following this, the second track "Viral Load" shifts towards a tougher sound, featuring digital bleeps and arpeggiators that swirl around modern dubstep elements, creating a dense auditory texture.
The third piece, "Divide and Conquer," blends airy textures with a robust, infectious bassline and glitchy, compelling melodies, demonstrating Ciel's ability to balance delicacy with power.
Moving forward, "Bubble Gum Pop," the fourth track, adopts a clubbier vibe with its vigorous house vocals and lively breakbeat drums, offering a sharp contrast to the preceding tracks.
Concluding the EP is "Sada's Dream," the title track. This fast-paced, playful composition marries minimalist rhythms with whimsical bleeps and snippets of vocals, ending the EP on a note that feels both conclusive and invitingly open-ended. "Sada's Dream" is a sonic tapestry that weaves together the subtle complexities of Ciel's signature style with a narrative that is both intimate and expansive, capturing the essence of her artistic vision.
Robert Chini is a Southern California native music producer, multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter who began his musical journey as a drummer at the age of five. Although starting out as a drummer, he soon found a passion for the guitar, keyboard, and bass. Robert's talents led him to become a Motown songwriter during the 70s, and to tour/perform with many international recording artists.
He is currently performing as a solo artist as well as with many popular musicians and singers. Robert also operates his family owned business and recording studio (Sound Jar Studio) in North County, San Diego.
High Roller Records, black vinyl, ltd 300, insert, download code, 425gsm heavy cardboard cover, Cloven Hoof aus den Midlands gehören wohl zu den legendärsten Bands der gesamten New Wave Of British Heavy Metal Bewegung. Die Ursprünge der Gruppe gehen auf das Jahr 1979 zurück, als sie sich zunächst unter dem Namen Nightstalker formierte. Im Jahr 1981 wechselte die Band jedoch zu ihrem neuen Namen: Cloven Hoof. Der ursprüngliche Sänger David Potter, der Gitarrist Steve Rounds, der Schlagzeuger Kevin Poutney und der Hauptdarsteller Lee Payne am Bass nahmen die Bühnencharaktere 'Earth', 'Fire', 'Water' und 'Air' an. Nachdem sie Demo-Versionen von Songs wie "Return Of The Passover" und "Nightstalker" aufgenommen hatten, veröffentlichten Cloven Hoof 1982 ihre erste 12"-Vinyl-EP "The Opening Ritual" auf Elemental Music. 1984 wurde das selbstbetitelte Cloven Hoof-Album veröffentlicht, gefolgt von "Fighting Back" (1986), "Dominator" (1988) und "A Sultan's Ransom" (1989). Nach der Trennung in den 1990er Jahren kehrten Cloven Hoof 2006 in neuer Besetzung und mit einem neuen Album namens "Eye Of The Sun" zurück. Im Jahr 2014 wurde "Resist Or Serve" aufgenommen, gefolgt von "Who Mourns For The Morning Star?" (2017), beide auf High Roller Records. Das Album war eine Art Wendepunkt für die Band, da sie damit zum ersten Mal in ihrer Karriere in Nordamerika auf Tour gehen konnte. Seitdem haben Cloven Hoof zwei weitere Studioalben veröffentlicht, "Age Of Steel" auf Pure Steel Records im Jahr 2020 und "Time Assassins" auf FM Revolver zwei Jahre später.
Mit Songs wie "Do What Thou Wilt", "Sabbat Stones" und "The Summoning" markiert ihr brandneues Album "Heathen Cross" die Rückkehr zu High Roller Records. "Wir sind jetzt wieder da, wo wir hingehören", schmunzelt Lee Payne. "Heathen Cross" ist Cloven Hoofs bisher düsterstes und schwerstes Album! Es hat die satanischen Untertöne unseres Debütalbums, aber mit dem besten Sänger, den die Gruppe je hatte. Für mich persönlich ist es mit Abstand mein liebstes Cloven Hoof-Album. Wir wollten den Geist und die übernatürliche Majestät des Debütalbums wieder einfangen. Wir haben mit den Fans gesprochen und ihnen das gegeben, was sie am meisten wollten: eine Rückkehr zu den Wurzeln der NWOBHM. Sie werden es lieben!" Der Bassist ist in der Tat voll des Lobes für den neuen Sänger der Band, der ausgerechnet einen gewissen Harry "The Tyrant" Conklin verpflichtet hat: "Harry Conklin ist ein Weltklasse-Sänger. Er ist super engagiert und hochprofessionell und wir wussten, dass er nahtlos in die Band passen würde. Seine stimmliche Leistung auf dem neuen Album hebt die Band in neue Höhen, und ich kann es kaum erwarten, dass die Fans ihn hören. Harry ist ein erstaunlicher Sänger, er ist so vielseitig. Er kann hoch, tief und immer mit Kraft und Leidenschaft singen. Er weiß, wie man einen Song lebt und verkauft. Harry ist wie ein Schauspieler, der eine Geschichte erzählt, niemand interpretiert meine Texte so wie Mr. Conklin. Ich kann ihn nicht genug loben. Wir hätten schon vor Jahren zusammenarbeiten sollen."
Lee Payne - Bass Guitar, Harry (The Tyrant) Conklin - Lead Vocals, Luke Hatton - Lead Guitar, Chris Coss - Lead Guitar, Ash Baker Drums / Backing Vocals, Chris Dando - Keyboards / Backing Vocals
High Roller Records, black vinyl, ltd 300, insert, download code, 425gsm heavy cardboard cover, Cloven Hoof aus den Midlands gehören wohl zu den legendärsten Bands der gesamten New Wave Of British Heavy Metal Bewegung. Die Ursprünge der Gruppe gehen auf das Jahr 1979 zurück, als sie sich zunächst unter dem Namen Nightstalker formierte. Im Jahr 1981 wechselte die Band jedoch zu ihrem neuen Namen: Cloven Hoof. Der ursprüngliche Sänger David Potter, der Gitarrist Steve Rounds, der Schlagzeuger Kevin Poutney und der Hauptdarsteller Lee Payne am Bass nahmen die Bühnencharaktere 'Earth', 'Fire', 'Water' und 'Air' an. Nachdem sie Demo-Versionen von Songs wie "Return Of The Passover" und "Nightstalker" aufgenommen hatten, veröffentlichten Cloven Hoof 1982 ihre erste 12"-Vinyl-EP "The Opening Ritual" auf Elemental Music. 1984 wurde das selbstbetitelte Cloven Hoof-Album veröffentlicht, gefolgt von "Fighting Back" (1986), "Dominator" (1988) und "A Sultan's Ransom" (1989). Nach der Trennung in den 1990er Jahren kehrten Cloven Hoof 2006 in neuer Besetzung und mit einem neuen Album namens "Eye Of The Sun" zurück. Im Jahr 2014 wurde "Resist Or Serve" aufgenommen, gefolgt von "Who Mourns For The Morning Star?" (2017), beide auf High Roller Records. Das Album war eine Art Wendepunkt für die Band, da sie damit zum ersten Mal in ihrer Karriere in Nordamerika auf Tour gehen konnte. Seitdem haben Cloven Hoof zwei weitere Studioalben veröffentlicht, "Age Of Steel" auf Pure Steel Records im Jahr 2020 und "Time Assassins" auf FM Revolver zwei Jahre später.
Mit Songs wie "Do What Thou Wilt", "Sabbat Stones" und "The Summoning" markiert ihr brandneues Album "Heathen Cross" die Rückkehr zu High Roller Records. "Wir sind jetzt wieder da, wo wir hingehören", schmunzelt Lee Payne. "Heathen Cross" ist Cloven Hoofs bisher düsterstes und schwerstes Album! Es hat die satanischen Untertöne unseres Debütalbums, aber mit dem besten Sänger, den die Gruppe je hatte. Für mich persönlich ist es mit Abstand mein liebstes Cloven Hoof-Album. Wir wollten den Geist und die übernatürliche Majestät des Debütalbums wieder einfangen. Wir haben mit den Fans gesprochen und ihnen das gegeben, was sie am meisten wollten: eine Rückkehr zu den Wurzeln der NWOBHM. Sie werden es lieben!" Der Bassist ist in der Tat voll des Lobes für den neuen Sänger der Band, der ausgerechnet einen gewissen Harry "The Tyrant" Conklin verpflichtet hat: "Harry Conklin ist ein Weltklasse-Sänger. Er ist super engagiert und hochprofessionell und wir wussten, dass er nahtlos in die Band passen würde. Seine stimmliche Leistung auf dem neuen Album hebt die Band in neue Höhen, und ich kann es kaum erwarten, dass die Fans ihn hören. Harry ist ein erstaunlicher Sänger, er ist so vielseitig. Er kann hoch, tief und immer mit Kraft und Leidenschaft singen. Er weiß, wie man einen Song lebt und verkauft. Harry ist wie ein Schauspieler, der eine Geschichte erzählt, niemand interpretiert meine Texte so wie Mr. Conklin. Ich kann ihn nicht genug loben. Wir hätten schon vor Jahren zusammenarbeiten sollen."
Lee Payne - Bass Guitar, Harry (The Tyrant) Conklin - Lead Vocals, Luke Hatton - Lead Guitar, Chris Coss - Lead Guitar, Ash Baker Drums / Backing Vocals, Chris Dando - Keyboards / Backing Vocals
repressed !
Known for his hardware-harnessing live shows and acidic jams, the Bristol-based Miles Otto’s ‘Skitter’ EP is alive with propulsive electro rhythms and dreamy synth melodies. ‘CV Swizzly’ grabs your attention with its wistful analogue tones and percussive crunch, before a burbling bassline burrows through the arrangement, while the 303-laced ‘Vectron’ takes cues from Detroit electro with its menacing riffs and eerie synth drifts. ‘Skitter’ itself subtly reveals its details layer by layer, with crisp drum machine hits and low tones opening out into mystic harmonies, and Plant43 recasts ‘CV Swizzly’ in his distinct image, adding metallic synth bass and urgent keys to finish the EP in fine style.
Glasgow based Seated Records return with more 1980s Scottish Post-Punk / New Wave material. In this 8-track mini compilation the label introduces the work of Stirling band 22 Beaches, offering a deep dive into music recorded between 1980-1984 - the majority of which has never seen the light of day!
22 Beaches formed in Stirling in the late 1970s as an evolution of the short lived group ‘Alone at Last’ - drummer Fred Parson’s and guitarist Stephen Hunter being the two who spanned the divide. Out of the six members of 22 Beaches, many were school friends, and the rest naturally fell together. The band toured extensively and played at a truly diverse set of venues across the UK: from a local swimming pool boiler room, to small nightclubs and university parties, to several fundraisers for the miners strike. Maybe most notably of all, drummer Fred Parsons described playing at what he calls “the Grangemouth International”, organised by local promoter Brian Guthrie and which featured an all-star lineup of 22 Beaches, The Exploited and the first incarnation of The Cocteau Twins. A coach was hired to ship the audience to Grangemouth from Stirling, the cost of which was included in the ticket. The gig then paused halfway through for a 'help yourself' buffet. Young promoters take heed. This is how it's done!
Over the course of the 80s the band released music on three different, and now sought after, various artists compilation cassettes. “What Day Is It?” and “Sadie When She Died” were released on a compilation of local Stirling artists 'The A.N.K.L.E File'. The track from which the current record takes its namesake - “Dust” - was initially released on a compilation-tape for the fanzine 'Another Spark'. And ‘‘Zoo” (also featured on this record) was first released on Glasgow label Pleasantly Surprised via compilation, 'An Hour Of Eloquent Sounds', where 22 Beaches rubbed shoulders with early music from Scottish names Primal Scream, Cocteau Twins, The Wake and Sunset Gun. Unfortunately, 22 Beaches never met the same level of commercial success as these others and decided to retire the project in 1984 - leaving their recordings and demos to gather dust (hehe)…until now!
This compilation, “Dust: recordings 1980-1984” follows the band's journey and the changes in their sound over the years. It moves from the raw, punk energy of early DIY recordings through to the A Certain Ratio style Balearica of their later pieces. The record's opener and title track “Dust” is perhaps the most shining example of the latter. Characterised by the plenitude of sonic space in the mix, “Dust” has an almost dub sensibility that is communicated through centrality of Parsons’ drums, McChord’s percussion, and Fildes’ Bass while the harmonising vocals of Sharkey and McGregor chant over the top to give the track its distinctive psychedelic edge. This is an atmosphere only exacerbated by the lofi quality of the recording which sits the vocals in the same aural realm as much 1960s psych-folk. On “Cartoon Boy”, the band strips things down further. A droning bass line persists through the tape fuzz and is accompanied by the sounds of a sole looping guitar chord sequence and McGregor and Sharkey’s vocals - respectively and carefully dancing around one another before harmonising in the most beautiful way. The result is a haunting and abstract Marine Girls style heartbreaker. ‘That Girl’ again delivers a dub adjacent rhythm section similar to that of “Dust”. However, on this instance crisp guitar chords, a distant, phased organ and blue-eyed soul vocal delivery, produce a track that could easily have been a lost Orange Juice recording from their sessions with Dennis Bovel. On “Somebody Got It Wrong” and “One Of Us” the band employ a more macro approach where a jangling guitar with an almost highlife-influenced tone, vocal ad-libs and syncopated percussion give the music a Talking Heads-esque swagger.
Taken together these tracks illustrate a clear trajectory in the band's sound, moving from from the high energy no-wave quality of early recordings towards a more dub influenced, and stripped-back sound - a sonic trajectory followed by so many bands of the time, not least those emerging from the diaspora of Manchester’s Factory Records.
On “Breathing’’ we hear the beginning of this transition, with the strong influence of the oddball NYC disco styles of Was (Not Was) and ZE records. All of this is meshed together with the residual punk rock energy of 1980s UK. This combination is employed to excellent effect with the addition of the distinctly Scottish (and what the band confirmed to me to be spontaneous) vocal delivery of: “Do you love me? Do you want me?” “Aye!” “Do you love me? Do you need me?” “Naw!”.
On the record’s closing tracks, “Zoo” and “Talent Show”, we hear early examples of the band’s work, playing with their rawest all-in-one-take live energy where Hunter’s spiralling guitar riffs and McGregor's distorted vocal exclamations lead the charge. The band recalls that these initial-forays did not always translate so well into multitrack recording and overdubbing: “the deconstruction took away some of the band's natural feel”. On “Talent Show” the record ends with Sharkey delivering an almost unintelligible spoken word section over the top of the track, making for one final, disorientating, almost manic slice of post-punk.
These tracks from 1980-1984 chart the progress of a unique contribution to the world of Scottish Post-Punk and New Wave, encapsulating not only the musical trajectory of 22 Beaches but also echoing the broader sonic landscape of 1980s UK, a testament to the adaptability and creativity of the UK’s underground music of the time.
Singer, songwriter and producer Johnny Burgos returns with veteran producer Jeremy Page (Kendra Morris, Czarface, MF Doom) for "Hit Me Like," the
instrumental is dripping with retro soul nostalgia, serving up the drums and bass-forward and funky, under
a blanket of buttery guitar chords. The production carries Burgos' silky smooth and heartfelt delivery
effortlessly, offering a brilliant take on a timeless-sounding, soul-inspired love song.
Singer, songwriter, and producer Johnny Burgos returns with
veteran soul producer, Jeremy Page, (Kendra Morris, Czarface, MF Doom, That Handsome
Devil) for "Get Back." The fourth single off of the duo's upcoming album titled, 'All I Ever Wonder,' is a vulnerable retrospective of a love gone cold, with hopes of rekindling the
magic that once kept its flame alive. In true Neo Soul form, the song is driven heavily by the
drum and bass groove, distinctly reminiscent of an early 2000's J Dilla beat. Page's signature
colorful chords evoke the struggle in Burgos' story, as he confronts his inability to accept the fate
of his relationship and let go of the magic it once embodied.
Johnny Burgos is a Brooklyn - born singer, songwriter, producer & engineer. His brand of retro-soul embodies a
raw uncompromising sound revealing beauty from pain, hope from despair, and the will to keep fighting.
Influenced by his uncle and world-class percussionist, Andre Martinez, growing up Johnny developed a
fascination with the percussive rhythms of salsa and soul music, eventually manifesting into a devoted passion
for hip-hop production using an Akai MPC. With influences from Michael Jackson, OutKast, J Dilla, Lauryn Hill
and D'Angelo, Johnny's music draws upon the core principles of R&B, while encompassing elements of
hip-hop, funk, pop, salsa, and reggae. Collaborations include artists such as DJ Skizz, Mobb Deep & M.O.P.,
Marco Polo, Frans Mernick, and Liza Colby (The Gold Setting) and his band Bridge City Hustle, with whom he
toured nationally.
As a solo artist Johnny debuted with back-to-back brand endorsements from French's Mustard and Samsung
US, using them as a platform to launch his 2018 EP Love Through it All. In March 2021 his debut album Gone
Into The Grey received critical acclaim and has since been added to multiple editorial playlists by Spotify, Apple
Music and Tidal, resulting in an ever-growing listening fan base. In 2022, Burgos' song "Wild About You" was
then used as the soundtrack for Neiman Marcus' It's Your Moment global streaming campaign.
At its best, Bristol's scene has been marked out by the artists with an independent spirit. Not just the self-reliant DIY approach to getting the music out there, but a unique, inventive slant on emergent sounds which feed into the city's storied reputation. Flynn & Flora embody that idea, having come up in the nascent Bristol jungle scene while offering something wholly different to their peers in fabled crews like Full Cycle and More Rockers.
The duo were absolutely connected to the wider community, but they followed their own path, and the records reflect that. They're not as widely name checked as the likes of Roni Size, Krust, or Smith & Mighty, but their legacy is just as rich with personality and flair, offering that indefinable twist which sets West Country rhythms apart from the sounds in London or elsewhere. City Road wanted to recognise that fact with a modest 12" which cherry picks four crucial early cuts from Flynn & Flora's archives, before they went on to produce three LPs and a series of 12"s up to the mid 00s.
"We knew as much as anyone else at that particular time," recalls Flynn. "Samples, hip-hop breaks, bass lines. You've got your synth, your drum machine. It's all you needed. So that's what we did."
Rosati launches his new imprint, Global Pulse. The label embraces a futuristic development of Techno, exploring unknown sonic territories while always staying true to its original essence.
The inaugural release, 'Automatic Response EP', features five original tracks that are pulsating with powerful dynamics and detailed textures.
In the first track, A1 'Automatic Response', the vibe is established by a steady bass line and hypnotic bleep sequences that are ensuring high pressure energy.
Continuing with A2 'Way Out', where a wide landscape is created through the use of well crafted sound design elements, juxtaposed to a minimalistic 909 groove.
With B1 'Ufo Memory', Rosati is diving into alien realms, blending atmospheric UFO textures with heavily saturated drum patterns, creating a dark, pumping, and futuristic mood.
In B2 'Feeling', the focus shifts to the late 90s era, where a story of freedom is told through the appearance of percussive loops, funky bass lines and pad melodies.
Inside the record there is also a digital bonus 'Time Tunnel': a melodic electro journey that transports the listener into a robo-dystopic, yet hopeful, future.
With this first release, Global Pulse lays the ground for a promising series that will push the envelopes of Techno, promising a platform focused on sustainability and authenticity of Electronic Music.
If you love groove, irresistible basslines, and a sonic universe that dances between Italo house, Balearic, and funk, consider it as a new hit for your playlists:
“Euro Nettuno – Après Le Paradise” on POLYAMORE Records.
The first single is titled “Si Fua,” exotic rhythms blend with tropical sounds to produce Calypso vibes, yet charged with positive energy. Absolutely not to be missed is the remix by the well-established DJ and producer ELADO, who offers listeners a total immersion in drum solos that transform the dancefloor into a tribal dance.
The second single, on the other hand, is titled “Il Diavolo” (“The Devil”). Magic cults, esoteric sects, and dance floor devotees all come together for an unrestrained dance. The perfect fusion of house and Italo disco creates a true anthem for those who never stop when it’s time to dance. To close this fantastic EP, the remix of “Il Diavolo” by Marvin & Guy will teleport you on a mystical journey where dark yet colorful sounds alternate with a combination of astral rhythms that will lend sensuality and vigour to the powerful basslines of this remix.
The Issues label keeps up its fine early momentum with a new EP from Pau Roca with a remix from Crue. It is another tasteful 12" that comes on the heels of a deep outing from Dubbyman and an inaugural release featuring fresh versions of Joan Bibiloni by Kiko Navarro & Willie Graff.
Opener 'Daradada' is a spiritual deep house cut with swirling pads and classic vocals drifting next to the jazzy keys. It's expansive and cosmic in design and one that touches the heart on many levels.
'Here Comes The Moon' is another cut that shows off Roca's mastery of astral melodies. His gorgeous chords and delicate keys rise up to the stars as warm, dynamic drums bring the weight down low and spoken words unfurl in a seductive fashion. The Crue remix of 'Daradada' then brings more drive with harder but still organic house drums and hits.
The chords take on a melancholic quality and an elastic bassline pumps the party with a playful sense of energy. Last of all is 'Get Down' which once again sinks you into a beautifully warm and heady world of soft focus chords and late-night synth work.
- A1: Teresa Winter - No Love Is Sorrow
- A2: Susu Laroche - Black Is The Colour Of My True Love S Hair
- A3: Alex Zhang Hungtai - Me And My Shadow
- A4: Aya - Lovesong
- A5: Maria Minerva - The Storms Are On The Ocean
- A6: Christina Vantzou - Hot Springs (Feat Ezra Fieremans)
- B1: Spivak - Just As You Are
- B2: Flora Yin Wong - The Roof
- B3: Salamanda - La Fille Aux Yeuh De Lin
- B4: Claire Rousay - Breakfast In Bed
- B5: Wild Terrier Orchestra - Cool Waves
- B6: Dania - No Need To Argue
Commissioned and curated by Flora Yin Wong for her label and publishing house Doyenne, ‘Venus Rising From The Sea’ is a collection of love-themed cover versions featuring Teresa Winter, Susu Laroche, Alex Zhang Hungtai, aya, Maria Minerva, Christina Vantzou, Spivak, Salamanda, clare rousay, Wild Terrier Orchestra, Dania and Flora Yin Wong herself covering songs by The Cure, Robert Wyatt, Mariah Carey, The Cranberries, Pentangle, The Carter Family, Spiritualized, Debussy and more.
‘Venus Rising From The Sea’ takes its cues from the classical deity Aphrodite - whose name literally means “sea foam” - for an ever necessary expression of love in the modern age. The label asked friends and collaborators to interpret “love” in whichever way they saw fit, be it obsession, self-love, unrequited, unconditional, whatever. But despite the open brief, and the vastly different modes of execution, all the artists involved somehow ended up linking hands with a shared determination to smudge the original songs into bleary-eyed, uncanny traces of the originals.
To open, Pentangle's jaunty 'No Love is Sorrow' is puffed into stormy clouds by Teresa Winter, who retains the original’s unmistakable bass twang and teases Jacqui McShee's siren song into a saturated buzz of layered, obfuscated words. Verses twist into verses, lines into echoed-out lines, capturing the song’s boundless yearning, rather than tracing its exact contours. Next, Susu Laroche yields one of the set’s highlights on a brilliantly nuanced, highly impactful version of Nina Simone’s take on folk standard ‘Black is the Colour of My True Love’s Hair’, turning the original’s multi-faceted Appalachian/Scottish routes into a heart-stopping, Nico-esque fuzz we haven’t stopped playing for weeks. Christina Vantzou (the CV ov CV & JAB) is joined by pianist Ezra Fieremans in the absorbingly filmic scenes of ‘Hot Springs’, while Maria Spivak's interpretation of Robert Wyatt's 'Just as You Are' finds her singing Brazilian vocalist Mônica Vasconcelos' words with reverence, smearing them into a hypnagogic fantasy.
Flora Yin Wong takes an inconspicuous approach on her love-letter to Mariah Carey's 'The Roof (Back in Time)', itself a melodramatic interpolation of Mobb Deep's Herbie Hancock-sampling 'Shook Ones, Part II'. The unmistakable piano line is frayed into a granulated gurgle, fleshed out by gauzy cries; Mariah's ecstatic diva logic haunts the edges like a furtive glance, hanging beautifully behind Wong's dense soundscapes. Alex Zhang Hungtai's take on the 1927 standard 'Me and My Shadow' is even more atomised, reduced to a disembodied vocal that oozes around a clattering woodblock.
Always a standout, aya's tribute to The Cure's 'Lovesong' infuses the 1989 classic with the same self-investigatory charm she exhibited on 'im hole', slowing it down to a giddy, infatuated lurch, and replacing the guitars with eerily-tuned oscillations and drums with hollowed-out, electrically charged thuds. "I will always love you," she moans through a wall of static, like some lost “Pop Artificielle” addendum. The album’s biggest surprise is saved for last, however, a cover of The Cranberries' 'No Need To Argue' from Paralaxe Editions boss Dania Shihab. Already a poignant memory of a faded romance, Dania's version is even more glacial, her tender voice gusting over inverted guitars and looping, wordless moans, guiding us ever so gracefully into the nether-world.
‘Venus Rising From The Sea’ is a gooey, emotionally raw set of recollections and affirmations from some of the scene's most open-hearted operatives. In the end, the love that's most evident is the love each of the artists has for their source material, somehow binding loose threads into a rich tapestry that will leave you gasping, perhaps a little tearful too.
2024 Repress
With over 20 years of experience in the scene, Digital World will mark Break’s fifth solo album amongst a stack of anthems across the years. The Top D&B Artist of all time on Beatport, Break has built a huge reputation for crisp breaks, heavy bass, and strong melodies with stellar D&B cuts like Last Goodbye with Celestine, as well as I Got You with SHY FX, Breakage and Tyler Daley. His output of killer remixes and singles have to led to this latest project for 2023, which looks to be a big year for Break and Symmetry.
Break continues his legacy with this flawless body of work which truly encapsulates his timeless, forward-thinking sound that continues to push the limits of the genre. The album contains a stacked line up of features, boasting vocals from legends MC Fats, Charli Brix, Fox, Liam Bailey, Lorna King and SP:MC, all amongst that signature Break production of crisp drums and huge, system rattling basslines.
Streaming Amsterdam’s D Stone and Milion join forces this May for the sixth release on Cinthie’s 803 Crystal Grooves Collective Cuts imprint. Since the inception of the 803 Crystal Grooves imprint in 2018, Cinthie has been steadily unveiling her own material on the main label, while the sub-label Collective Cuts was inaugurated in 2019 as a platform for friends, associates and beloved producers in her circle. The past five releases on the platform have welcomed material from the likes of UC Beatz, Azuni aka Washerman, Anaxander, S3A (Sampling As An Art) and KETTAMA among others, while here the label welcomes some fresh talent from the Dutch capital, namely D Stone and Milion,who’ve been releasing their raw house sound on the likes ofHardlineMoscow Recordsand Cécillerespectivelyin recent years. ‘The Next Morning’ leads the EP, employing classic house tropes with smooth string melodies, twinkling synth chimes and choppy stab sequences, underpinned by a swinging drum groove, bumpy bass line and hooky vocal lines. ‘The Night Before’ follows and retains a similarly classic house aesthetic courtesy of a snaking bass melody, hypnotic spoken word vocals, crunchy saturated percussion and an amalgamation of organ melodies. ‘Floor Call’ then rounds out the release on a darker tip, flipping focus to murky bass swells, and skippy drums, intertwined with gritty stab sequences, Hammond organ tones and a loopy vocal chant.
Introducing Small Great Beats, an exclusive series following the principal release series, Small Great Things (SGT). This limited edition collection will showcase 1 or 2 releases annually, featuring a blend of anthems, melodic tracks, and dance floor-oriented tunes.
Limited to just 200 copies per release, Small Great Beats offers collectors a rare opportunity to own something truly exceptional. Additionally, the series will be digitally available on all major platforms and Bandcamp.
Kicking off the series is Luca Olivotto's mesmerizing 5-track EP, "Kind Of Lovin´", pressed on captivating light blue vinyl.
Opening the release is title-cut ‘Kind Of Lovin’’, an anthemic slice of classic house fuelled by a swinging 909 drums groove and bouncy bass line in combination with intertwined piano keys, strings and vocal hooks before ‘Blue’ follows and lays down a 90’s rave-tinged piano melody, cinematic string flutters and crisp saturated drums across five minutes. ‘Hear My Call’ comes next and infused a more funk leaning aesthetic with organic percussion, jazzy keys and a walking bass line, intertwined with wandering strings and choppy vocal chants.
Opening the B-side is ‘Sun After Dark’, as the name would suggest a more peak time groove with glimpses of brightness via a circling bass line, raw, heavily shuffled drums and gritty stab sequences. ‘My Soul’ then rounds out the EP, again aptly titled as the composition fuses soulful cinematic strings, bright keys and an amalgamation of soulful vocal stylings all dynamically evolving and unfolding throughout.
2024 Repress
Berlin based Alignment returns to Voxnox for what Italians are best known for: straight and forward-thinking Techno music. Floor orientation with heavy basslines, marching drums and an ever modulating Plug is therefore guaranteed on opening title "Infinity".
Second in order is "Distorted Signal", which specialises on a modulated rhythm with plenty of soundscapes, best up severed for a sweaty Saturday night on a solid sound system, highlighting the many layers and styles on this production work.
The bigger, the better. "Alienist" reminds and also focusses on the classic rave attitudes from the late 90s, with energising synths and an 808-inspired clap programming, ready to heat up the night no matter when and regardless where.
Closing this release is the fourth title "Distance", showing another high-energy production building up epic acid-vibes with various atmospheres just to finally drop them several times par excellence.
2026 Repress
DJ Support from Danny Howard, Annie Mac, Mistajam, Pete Tong, Charlie Hedges, Kraak & Smaak, Maxinne, Todd Terry, Alex Preston, Full Intention, GW Harrison, DJ Rae, Rudimental, Alaia & Gallo, Illyus & Barrientos, Johan S, David Penn, Sam Divine, Riva Starr, Claptone, Nice7, Dario D’Attis, Mousse T, S-Man, Huxley, KC Lights, Friend Within, Dombresky, Gorgon City, Chris Lake, Format:B, Pirupa, TCTS, Alan Fitzpatrick, Low Steppa, Mat.Joe, Raumakustik, Eskuche
Next up and with a label debut is one of the leading Female artists on the circuit, Tini Gessler! Tini dropped some straight-up club fire on our sister label Toolroom Trax earlier in the year alongside Juliet Sikora and digs deep into her clubby roots once again with 'Do What You Want'. After releases on the mighty Drumcode, Sola and Kittball in recent years, her 10 year career is going from strength to strength which is seeing her DJ all over the Globe on a weekly basis and her music production is making huge waves within the industry, and rightly so. Next up Italian born DJ and producer, CASSIMM is back on Toolroom with a straight up club weapon! After laying down the delicious disco number last year called 'Get On The Funk' with Kid Enigma, this follows suit perfectly and fuses chunky beats, disco licks and has Bruno Blanc sharing some sentimental lyrics about how important house music is to all of us. Last but not least, French artist Tony Romera is back on Toolroom with another slice of Tech House fire. Tony Romera first stepped onto the scene 10 years ago as a fresh-faced 20 year old looking to make waves and disrupt the electronic music world with his unique style and French-house inspired beats. Since then he's been busy releasing music and experimenting with different sounds and styles, putting out music on a range of powerhouse labels and gaining support from the likes of Diplo, Fisher, Chris Lake, Fatboy Slim, Deadmau5, Vintage Culture, Adam Beyer and more. House Y'all's distinct character is built upon a warped, creeping bassline and tough, relentless beats providing an irresistible pulsing backdrop as the familiar chanted vocal emerges. A sonic trip that transports you deep into the heart of the underground.
Countless radio plays on Radio 1 from Danny Howard, Sarah Storie, Pete Tong Other notable radio plays – Kiss FM, Toolroom Radio, Sirius XM, Data Transmission Radio, Radio 1 Dance Anthems, Radio 1 Party Anthems, Rinse FM, Select Radio, Tomorrowland Radio
Bread & Butter recordings welcomes spring with their long-stablished V.A series exclusively on vinyl. On this occassion the ammalgamation of artists comprises 4 exceptional producers, fusing together two of the most important electronic music cultures. To start off with the right foot, London-based artist Modebaku brings complex percussive patterns along groaning basslines and dreamy pads making a extravagant yet minimalistic expression. To complement the A side, Romanian Primarie keeps up with the energy, coming with a more euphoric approach distinguished by tense atmospheres and bright drums.
On the flip side, it’s another Romanian heavyweight Techu delivering an exquisite taste of contemporary electronic music. The track's warm melodies and futuristic synths combine into a deeply emotional expression. Finally, Ted Amber rounds up the record with a deep house vibe: more joyful, dubby and a contagious charm.
Once more, Bread & Butter Recordings is able to capture an innovative essence, blending different syles to make an epic EP.
Lurka is back on his own label Damage which is a place for harder-edged sounds and here includes remixes from Ossia. The one original, 'Red', is a thrilling rhythmic workout with a skeletal kick drum pattern that is broken and loopy, and deft percussion layered in over the top next to wet synths and undulating bass. Ossia's first rework spins it out into a more distorted and manic cut fizzing with static electricity while the second is slightly more paired back but no less menacing. This one has been mastered at Scape in Berlin and is mad limited to just 100 copies so do not wait around.
- A1: Oriana Ikomo - Never Forget
- A2: Moodprint - Eartha
- A3: Kin Gajo - Exit, Gajo!
- A4: Adja - Told You So
- A5: Bodies - Brioche
- B1: Orson Claeys - Conversations
- B2: Bodem - Kleine Mars
- B3: Honey - Bossa Dolce
- C1: Azmari - Sheep Party
- C2: Le Ministère - De L'amour
- C3: Ciao Kennedy - Parcifal Pt. I
- D1: Echofarmer - Beginning Would Have Been Outside
- D2: Kassius - Escapism
- D3: Bruno X Soet X Moene - Ott
Vol. 1[22,27 €]
Vol.2 Black Vinyl[24,79 €]
Vol.2 Limted Red Vinyl[26,01 €]
Vol. 3 Transparent Violet Vinyl[27,52 €]
Standard version on 2LP black vinyl in gatefold sleeve. ‘Lefto presents Jazz Cats' is back with volume 3 and still doing what it does best: putting you in the front row of what the thriving Belgian jazz scene currently has to offer and revealing a melting pot of the musical talent.
'Lefto presents Jazz Cats' is back with volume 3 and still doing what it does best: putting you in the front row of what the thriving Belgian jazz scene currently has to offer and revealing a melting pot of the musical talent coming out one of the smallest countries in Europe. Never change a winning team they say, so we're happy to have Belgian DJ and eclectic connoisseur Lefto on board again.
Although you expect thecompilation to be talking jazz, volume 3 explores a broader array of styles, genres, and sounds than ever before, arriving at a point where the 'young cats' of today don't bother no more. It may focus on the Belgian scene, but let's face it, seeing the influences, this one could be compiled from all over the world. From the empowering and bittersweet voices of Oriana Ikomo and Adja, over the more acoustic-electronic productions of Moodprint, Ciao Kennedy, Kassius and echofarmer. It's even expanding the Jazz Cats universe to dub and bass-heavy tracks with Kin Gajo and Le Ministère, Ethio-jazz from Azmari, while sending you back to earth with bodies' swirling sax and drums. That saxophone still rings in your ears when you end up in the orbit of the march-like drums of Bodem, Orson Claeys' piano testing your ability to follow him, slamming the breaks to go smooth cruisin' with HONEY (Morricone meets Khruangbin, anyone?), to crashing in a raging tempo on that last track of Bruno x Soet x Moene. And there you are, back with us.
2018's 'Lefto presents Jazz Cats' included tracks from some of Belgium's biggest hitters, including Black Flower, STUFF. De Beren Gieren and Glass Museum who have all gone on to receive global acclaim. The album was given the accolade of 'Album of the Week' on Worldwide FM and also received further radio support from Jazz FM in addition to numerous glowing reviews. The 2022 follow-up 'Jazz Cats volume 2' paved the way for a new generation inspired by its peers, entering another era of very talented individuals and collectives. Maybe even more so than 4 years before. It uncovered a beautiful balance of more established but also obscure musicians and artists. Opening up to electronics and dance, enter bands like ECHT!, Stellar Legions and TUKAN. Thrilling innovative soundscape grooves and jazz fusion with Bandler Ching and L?p?GangGang, not to forget about the weaving musical odyssey that is M.CHUZI. In addition, there's the balanced unease of One Frame Movement, the laidback 'acoustic electronica' of Boombox Experiments, the classic funky jazz stylings of Cargo Mas and cinematic The Brums, all of these have set volume 2 on the map as an essential release for any jazzhead with a passion for new sounds.
Tastemaker, selector, curator, DJ and producer, these words often get mentioned when Lefto's name pops up in discussions. And rightly so. If you've ever had the pleasure to listen to one of his incredible Boiler Room sets or one of his many radio shows, you'll know why. Famed for his gloriously eclectic taste on the decks, he switches effortlessly between hip hop, funk, breaks, neck-snapping beats, future bass, South-American influences, bruk riddims, some wild African rhythms and of course, jazz.
Growing up as a child, his father would have the sounds of jazz flowing through the speakers. Which led him to bars around town to hear the latest jazz ensembles. Falling in love with the genre, he would later refine his knack for record digging and fine ear for music working at Belgium's legendary Music Mania record store in his hometown Brussels. Which makes that Lefto is consistently a couple steps ahead. He doesn't wait for the next thing to land in his lap, but actively seeking it out.
Lefto on Jazz Cats volume 3:
"Another release in less than two years! I am very impressed by the amount of creative "jazz" talent we've managed to compile over the last couple of years. Thanks to the internet, young musicians find inspiration from around the globe and incorporate diverse influences into their work. Given the history and heritage of jazz in this country, it has managed to create a healthy jazz scene supported by festivals, venues, press, and labels. Therefore, I am very proud to present to you the thirdinstallment of Jazz Cats. This compilation is dedicated to the young and hardworking musicians who are the present and the future of Belgium's jazz scene."
With a mysteriously unknown release date, “Photochrome” could have been originally put out somewhere between the late 70's to early 80's on the Italian Idea label, which although only boasting a minuscule catalogue of mainly 7”s has gotten the attention of many collectors of European disco obscurities for releases such as “Flavio – Drum Explosion” and “Aleo's Band - EOE”. “Photochrome” features a very organic sound with hints of early electronics that might have been making their way into studios at the time. A fast passed driving bass line layered with what almost sounds like an early 303 bass line and spacey/cosmic vocals. Dry drum recordings give it a naive DIY feel which coupled with the experimental tricks on the vocals results in a very unique sound that has put this release on the radars of diggers world-wide. Now available once again at an affordable price with a new two part bonus beats remix that starts off as a more DJ friendly tool but soon embarks into a questionable full-fledged acid house excursion. Originally only released in 7" format but now re-issued in remastered 12" format.
Sol Power Sound is back in a big way with a reissue and remix EP from the legendary Nigerian Ju-Ju king, Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey. The double A-side EP features 'Eyi Yato' a tune from 1981 that captures Chief Commander and his band at their absolute funkiest, with a driving drum and bass groove, wah-wah guitar, and signature call-and-response vocals. Remixers include the legendary dub producer Mad Professor, the disco don Eddie C, and the Sol Power All-Stars themselves.
The Sol Power All-Stars keep things organic with chugging drums, heavy analog synth bass and sequences, as well as Daniel Meinecke’s additional keys and solos. The Canadian disco don Eddie C goes a little electro and a little acid with his analog bass-heavy flip.
Like a good dub should, Mad Professor’s version accentuates the drum and bass groove and drenches everything in vintage sounding Mad Professor delay, reverb, and filtered dub-sauce, live and direct from his classic mixing desk. Alongside an extended edit of the original, the Eyi Yato EP is sure to find a permanent spot in DJ record bags around the world.
Nuira is the joint project of Italian producers Giovanni Petruzzelli and Michele Lamacchia.
The 6-track strong mini LP called "For Unconventional Ears LP" is a homage to old school drum and bass and breakbeat, while also taking influences from more modern breakcore, culminating in beautiful and blissful breaky bassiness.
Hard-hitting yet romantic tracks invite you on a dreamy ride into the past, present and futu-re! A record to brighten any listener's horizon…
All tracks written and produced by Giovanni Petruzzelli and Michele Lamacchia
Mixed at acustic sound studio (Bari - IT)
Special thanks to Marco Squicciarini and Nicola Loporchio
System Error MM GmbH, Berlin, Germany, Earth © 2024
DRIVETRAIN/The Moonlight
A steamy and impassioned orchestration lead by a captivating vocal mantra, tribal percussions and the soundtrack a late night chronicle.
DRIVETRAIN/Moonlight & You
Driven by drums and bass, the jazzy ambience of voice and melodic chord progression sets the stage for a big crescendo.
G-PROD/Moonlight
A wall of mesmerizing pads float fluently atop the velvety, abduction of the dominating groove provided by the rhythm section.
G-PROD/Moonlight (David Duriez Floating Light Mix)
Adding a different spice to the mesmerization, the remix is an intoxicating acid adventure through the frequency spectrum.
Hyper Records is an original South London jungle label from the early 90’s which was run by DJ Freaky since 1990, releasing early rave inspired tracks all the way through to drum and bass. Around 2000 the label retired and the music packed away on DAT in various boxes.
But thanks to a link from Monita of Skeleton Records, Vinyl Fanatiks managed to track down DJ Freaky who still had the DATS neatly packed away and a label collaboration was formulated.
First release is this 1993 collab by Freaky with Panik featuring the amazing ragga vocals of Sleepy Ranks. This is the true origins of jungle music from London, raw, rolling with heavyweight ragga vocals. A total box ticker for any collector or recent convert.
Only 350 pressed on an incredible marbled vinyl.
Cando return to Le Chatroom to inaugurate the label’s first full length EP, backed with remixes by Bakongo and Kouslin and accompanying illustration and graphic design by Charlie Maclagan (AD93/Only Ruins/Shapework).
Since their debut on Livity Sound and subsequent appearances on Par Avion, Pressure Dome and Le Chatroom, Cando have been carefully refining their percussive bass heavy sound. The ‘Clutch’ EP is confident and distinct, from all-out slammers to warm and fuzzy synth excursions — the sound palette is diverse but has Cando written all over it.
- A1: Bakeren (Feat Faye Houston)
- A2: O Mar E A Lua (Feat Olav Wöllo)
- A3: Bergen Sunrays (Feat Selim Mutic)
- A4: Belle Époque
- A5: Den Franske Gitaren (Feat Aich)
- B1: Don`t Fall Asleep (Feat Faye Houston)
- B2: Rory`s Sunrays
- B3: Nada Pode Me Calar (Feat Olav Wöllo)
- B4: La Psychosomnie
- B5: Den Franske Gitaren (Feat Martin Halla)
2023 sees the return of multi-talented Norwegian producer Espen Horne to Wah Wah 45s, after a 24 year hiatus. The man behind the label's very first release, the now seminal Magnetica, never lost his connection with the imprint and has remained very much part of the Wah Wah family, making a comeback this year with his first solo material under his own name since that club classic from 1999.
Back in the spring, the first single from the project, the gorgeous soul-jazz beauty Bakeren, featuring the stunning vocals of Resonators' Faye Houston, quickly found a home on Gilles Peterson's internationally renowned BBC Radio 6 show as well as that of Jazz FM legend Robbie Vincent, Bandcamp Weekly and the Fresh Finds Jazz Spotify playlist.
Following that, Bergen Sunrays, became a weekly fixture on the Craig Charles Funk & Soul Show on BBC 6 Music, with the limited 7-inch of both singles selling out within hours of release.
Next up was the wistful Den Franske Gitaren, a lugubrious soul-jazz piece with drum & bass leanings featuring Bergen based MC and vocalist Aich, which found favour with legends Laurent Garnier and Jazzanova as well as hot Japanese production outfit Dazzle Drums.
This was closely followed by the final single to be taken from the album, the stunning and outspoken vocal jazz waltzer Nada Pode Me Calar (which roughly translates to Nothing Can Shut Me Up!) featuring the sublime talent of Olav Wöllo on vocals and Juno - anotherr big one with Gilles Peterson on Worldwide FM and Deb Grant on BBC 6 Music.
And now the full album, entitled The Anatomy Of Serene Eloquence is available for your aural delectation. Recorded largely during lockdown, the LP is a sophisticated and composed piece of work that sees the Norwegian producer make connections with musicians from across Europe, and some closer to home, to collaborate on this sedate and peaceful collection of songs.
The aforementioned Faye Houston also appears on the soulful, dub flavoured Don't Fall Asleep, a piece of music that explores the feeling of being isolated whilst sharing a mutual love and drive to explore new sonic possibilities.
Elsewhere, Olav Wöllo pops up again too, this time on O Mar E A Lua and once again singing in Portuguese to give this track a certain Tropicalia feel, as Espen explains:
"Olav Wöllo is a close friend, an excellent musician and vocalist, and a capoeira professor here in Bergen. He has spent much of his life living in Brazil and speaks Portuguese fluently. He wrote the lyrics for this tune years ago and had just been waiting for the right collaboration to come along.
We went to his lovely studio out on this remote island, made a massive gyoza meal, had some serious good wine and stayed the whole night to record his vocal harmonies and outspoken lyrics."
The single Bergen Sunrays also appears on the album in instrumental form with featured keys courtesy of London based player Rory More - here entitled Rory's Sunrays. His Lowrey organ adds a more melancholic feel to the track, as it does on the stunning Belle Époque, alongside the ivory work of Eirik Blåsternes - an emotional, contemplative and atmospheric track that was tested and shaped in the eclipse of Covid.
As with Belle Époque, La Psychosomnie is a playful yet explorative cut that examines insomnia, paralysis and hypnosis courtesy of some enigmatic French spoken word spinning around a framework of drums, bass and swirling keys.
And finally, the album offers up an alternative version of the single Den Franske Gitaren, this time featuring Martin Halla, a vocalist out of the Bergen Grieg Jazz Academy and winner of the Norwegian version of The Voice back in 2012! The perfect flip to Aich's more mournful interpretation of this bass and drum future classic.
Northern California psychedelic sorcerers Carlton Melton are brain surfers, mind trippers, … “psychlists,” if you prefer. The band will take your head for a ride, occasionally rushing at superluminal speeds through a wormhole or gliding softly on a gentle breeze in a leafy glade. Sometimes your brain needs to rage, and sometimes it needs to repose. For a decade and a half, the band has yo-yo’ed, almost schizophrenically, between these two modes: walloping space jams with furious guitar solos in one hemisphere of the brain and ethereal, feather-light splashdowns in the other. Not to mention a track here and there that builds from the latter into the former. But with two new releases in 2023, the band has evolved. Whether psych rock or ambient trance, their sound remains driving, organic, and flowing. With the addition of Anthony Taibi (White Manna, DDT), however, the group’s metal freak-outs are Hawkwindier and their droning kraut trances are Spacemen 3-er. In January, the quartet released the playfully spacey Resemble Ensemble, recorded in Taibi’s home studio 3D Light. October now sees the band Turn To Earth, a work with scents of Autumn, a season of death and transition. The cover art evokes a vine-covered, electric crucifix. The sound is, well, earthy but also gritty and striving towards change. The album was recorded in Fall 2022 and now harvested in Fall 2023. Phil Becker (Terry Gross, Pins Of Light) contributed drums and percussion to a few tracks on Turn To Earth, recording the album at El Studio in San Francisco.
With Becker at the helm, the synths have become more prominent (“Cosmicity,” “Roboflow,” “Migration”) and the tone heavier on the doom (“Cloudstorming,” “Unlock The Land,” title track): several moments could even serve as background music for epic dark fantasy films like Conan the Barbarian, Fire and Ice, or Heavy Metal. As exquisite as Turn To Earth is, Melton are best appreciated as a live act: their recordings as well as their gigs are largely improvised – not so much composed as birthed. And yet their most recent tour ended abruptly and perilously. The group had to cancel its final three shows once members were admitted to Arnhem hospital in the Netherlands. Five years later, reinforcements have strengthened the band and restocked its arsenal of great tracks. After the rockus interruptus of that 2018 tour and the tantric tease of the intervening Covid lockdown, Melton have some unfinished business. An October 2023 tour is poised to set the freshly minted quartet back onto the stages of Europe and within the cerebral folds of its fans. Turn To Earth, sure … but keep your head in outer space. Carlton Melton is: andy duvall – drums/gtr; clint golden – bass; rich millman – gtr/synth; and anthony taibi – synth/gtr.
Embarking on our musical journey with Wiremu, originally from New Zealand and now based in Leeds, we set sail with his EP, "The Subtle Hustle." Beyond a personal passion, Wiremu's dedication to music production serves as a tribute to his Maori heritage, infusing his compositions with profound cultural depth. "The Subtle Hustle," the opening track, forges a dynamic tone with deep bass, punchy percussion, and house-infused Rhodes chords. Minimal references and synthetic rips seamlessly fuse, creating a captivating dance track. "Beat-Up Town," the second track on the A side, is a dance floor blockbuster with bouncy bass, accompanied by an 808 kick drum. Keyboard work integrates chords into a dynamic groove, making it stand out among dance tracks. "Key Notes Frequency Quotes," opening the B side, introduces lead hi-hats contributing to a great dynamic. Vocal inserts layer over ripped synthesizer parts, creating a house vibe filled with energy and style. Closing the record, 'Have You Written On The Wall?' takes us on a journey through running percussion and minimalistic elements, skilfully compressing space and stretching time, accompanied by atmospheric backing.
The Rave Doctor – a pseudonym of Dave Wallace, who had a huge input and impact in the UK rave, hardcore, jungle and drum & bass scenes under numerous names such as Mad Dog, Fugitive as well as Aquasky, plus many, many others!
This is the second EP under his Rave Doctor alias that was originally released in 1993 on the Southampton label Adrenalin Records, that was run by Stu J (who also had a release on Vinyl Fanatiks a few years back). Featuring the track ‘Ruff In The Jungle’ that went on to become an anthem in Tenerife where 10,000 ravers will all throw their hands up and cheer when its dropped at a festival. I am reliably told that the track is bigger than Liquid’s ‘Sweet Harmony’ over there which came as quite a surprise to Dave who only recently found this out.
All four tunes are anthemic party tracks with that Dave Wallace melodic midas touch. If you like this, then grab a copy of The Rave Doctor ‘Lost In Bass’ EP which is still available via Sequence.
naive's 20th release epitomizes what the Lisbon-based label, run by Violet, has become cherished for: imaginative yet timeless, soothing yet moody, melodic yet sonic music. Entitled 'Computer Hermetics', this new record is an EP by UrbnMowgli, a fairly new Berlin-based artist who began releasing music in 2020. The opening track, 'Fast Love Life', is a 145 bpm electro-bred, breakbeat-driven emotive dancefloor banger. It features menacing stabs juxtaposed with beautiful pads and acid-drenched arpeggio motifs that lend it a oneiric quality. 'Oracle Algorithm' picks up the 303 spirit and delves into trippier territories, densening the dreamlike, expansive atmosphere while infusing the record with electro-driven grit. Closing side A is 'Warschauer Rush-Hour', a futuristik, high-tempo twisted electro banger that's both tough and playful. 'Immaterial Desires' inaugurates side B--an ode to adventurous drum programming and intricate sound design in the form of a percussion-punctuated curveball belter. 'Digital Dawn' brings it all back home to the heart and closes the record with its deepest, most immersive moment, giving us big bass lines that alchemically converse with angelic bleepy melodies as if soundtracking a soulful sci fi movie that doesn't exist yet.
One of the most consistent new labels around, Cyphon Recordings, marks double figures with another standout release that gleans from the past, but faces the future. This time they look to the talents of Emotive Technology, a new alias from Chilean Massiande who provides a five-track EP of machine-wielding, soul-rousing techno from across the spectrum.
Although this may be the first release under his new moniker, Massiande has spent the last decade putting out productions with labels such as Housewax, Phonica, Freerange and Groovin. Firing on all cylinders from the get-go, ‘Rise’ kicks off the Walk Into The Light EP. A hyperspace melding of new beat, Italo and arp-operating techno that opens out into a slice of peak-time revelry.
The swirling textures of ‘It’s On’ follow, pushing you into the next dimension. A hypnotic, entrancing and arresting heads-down powerhouse. Crunchy and considered it's the kind of strobe-stuttering basement jam that turns heads inside out.
Two Detroit-leaning tracks ‘Your Zone’ and ‘Walk IntoThe Light’ are up next. The former is a heavyweight machine workout. Layered synth lines and crisp drum programming transfix, as that grooving low-end powers bodies into bedlam. The latter, a Motor-City-influenced tour de force. One that sees Massiande recode the circuitry to hit with a piano-laden stunner, balancing power and presence, with emotion and nuance.
Closing out proceedings, ‘The Swing’ sucks you in deeper. A resonating world of synth stabs, pulsating basslines and atmospheric electronics.
Doing the Emotive Technology namesake proud, Walk Into The Light is machine music hardwired with a heavy sense of soul.
Repress!
New school Italian techno sensation Alignment is back with a third thrilling EP for on Charlotte de Witte’s KNTXT label that once again stands him apart.
Alignment's previous outings on the label - the Time EP in April 2020, then his Nothingness EP in November 2020 - made huge impacts. They are standout techno offerings from a young and exciting artist who has quickly risen to the top. He has remained hugely busy in the last 12 months with a wide-ranging sound that takes in everything from old school bangers to trance-tinged rollers via futuristic workouts.
Says label boss Charlotte de Witte, "Alignment's music has been strongly represented in all my livestreams of 2020 and 2021 and I honestly can't wait to finally bring his music and his latest creations on Power EP to the dancefloor. It's made to make you move and I'm very happy to have him on board once again!“
The artist himself adds, "The vibes we shared pre-pandemic on our beloved dance-floors inspired me a lot to create Power EP. I tried to focus on effective and highly energetic, peak-time techno weapons for KNTX011. Signature synths, big stabs and kicks following only one formula - no compromise and four to the floor.”
First up is Power, a high octane track with hard drums, slamming bass and bright synths that cannot fail to get hands in the air. The excellent 'Disconnection' has laser-like synths shooting across the face of the track while big, edgy trance stabs light up the barreling drums from way up above. 'Frequency' is another trance-influenced track that brings peak time energy to stomping and distorted drums. It is an emotive rollercoaster that never lets up and will make a mark on even the biggest dance floors. Last of all is 'Radioactivity' which has scuffed metal textures, crashing drums and strobe-lit synth lines that will turn every party into a rave.
Man Power debuts on Rekids with ‘We Trawl The Hurts’ ft Louisahhh. The duo’s first collaboration, a huge spoken vocal house cut, comes alongside three interpretations from Deetron.
DJ, producer, promoter, composer, and cultural agitator Man Power makes his debut on Radio Slave’s Rekids with ‘We Trawl The Hurts’ featuring Louisahhh on 12th April. The first fruits of a long-term friendship see Man Power (Me Me Me/Throne of Blood/Optimo) serving up a stomping, big-room cut that tips its hat to late-90s NY house and serves as a bed for the inimitable Louisahhh’s (RAAR) breathy vocal delivery of classic Prefab Sprout lyrics.
An intimate, spoken-word vocal from Louisahh weaves through a world of vibrant pads and chords. The gorgeous lyricism of their ‘We Trawl The Hurts’ is underpinned by an uplifting and emotive swirl of melody and a rock-steady beat. Man Power’s love of Murk and Tenaglia shines through.
The evergreen Deetron delivers three versions of ‘We Trawl The Hurt’s ft Louisahhh’: a remix that flips the original into a thumping deep techno cut featuring loopy synths and pixelated leads, a stripped-back and powerful dub, and his DJ tool ‘drum and bass’, built for those who like to mix.
London producer Kel McKeown celebrates the release of his tenth album as Kelpe, with a vinyl edition of uncategorisable dance music on Kit Records.
Kelpe's work combines live drumming with synthesis and guitars. Like the nine records that came before it, LP10 treads the line between gauzy melancholia and bustling, dancefloor-ready energy.
Listening to Kelpe's music can feel like fluttering through a photo album at speed. Familiar faces and locations are revealed, nostalgic scenes assembled then scattered by unruly rhythms and samples.
Analogue percussion takes centre stage on LP10. This restless drumming - gear-shifting from hip-hop through to jungle - showcases McKeown's chops as an instrumentalist, while harking back to the scrambled beats that were a hallmark of his early releases.
Kelpe has worked closely with the visual artist Nikita Iziev on this record. Inspired by pioneering film director John Schlesinger, the serendipitous geometry of new wave cinema is mapped out in fractured moments across the music and artwork.
While the track 'Schlesinger' echoes the bouncing unpredictability of the sleeve, 'The Palace Guard Loop' pours neon fertiliser over fender rhodes jazz keys. Adrenalin reaches a zenith on 'Events Proved Me Wrong', as Kelpe hits his stride for a homespun drum and bass workout.
LP10 will be the final full length Kelpe album.
The King of Miami's Cuban music scene, the late Ray Fernandez, is featured here fronting his enormously talented family band on an album that first brought him into the spotlight.
Heavily influenced by deep funk and Latin music, their psych-tinged creations also incorporated many other kaleidoscopic sound infusions, including soul, calypso, Afro-Cuban and salsa. Fronted by Ray Fernandez, his band included his very talented wife and two sons and proved to be a highly influential group on Miami's Latin music scene in the late 70's. What also made them stand out was their versatility; this group could easily shift from Cuban funk to Reggae in a blink. Their instrumentation was also different to the 'norm', and where a lot of similar sounds were saxophone-led, this band used a bass clarinet. Instead of bongos, Ray and His Court played with the unique Osi drums from Africa.
Sampled heavily by DJs worldwide (including DJ Shadow) On High presents a must have piece of music for any serious Latin, funk, or rare groove collector. Remastered and pressed on audiophile virgin vinyl for your listening pleasure.
T-RECS bags another winner with this furiously groovy sparkler. From the start, you have a train hurtling full speed at you in the dark. This track wastes no time at all in setting its stall out – pounding bass drums and high-hat are slowly blended with twisty looped vocals and strings building up – all for the big reveal where the rug is pulled right from under you with that super-powered bassline and heavenly chorus. Best served hot with lashings of strobe, smoke and lasers on the dancefloor. An outstanding, mind-blowing 126bpm monster of a tune.
2024 Repress
Often the best music gets made when people get out of their comfort zone and venture into new territory. That is what I felt listening to these tracks from Ukrainian veteran Alexander Pavlenko. He has a long history in drum 'n bass as Sunchase, and as Na Nich, you might have heard him on Rhythm Buro or Semantica, but this release reveals another side of him that we haven't heard before.
The Karpati EP kicks off with "Manipulation". A rolling sub and punchy drums propel the track's momentum forward and make it dancefloor-ready. The sounds on top take inspiration from multiple genres for a track that finds a perfect balance between the deeper sides of both house and techno.
Next up is "Still There", a stripped deep house tune where filtered percussion, pads and vocals alternate each other, flowing in and out of focus.
Title track "Karpati", a hypnotic techno track, takes inspiration from the mountain region in western Ukraine, the melody reflecting a similar beauty as the Carpathian nature. Add Na Nich's expert sound design on top, and the result is a deep and captivating trip.
"Morning Habit" rounds up the EP by slowing things down for a dubbed out house cut. Chords playfully bounce over the beat for a tune suitable for either the early or very late mornings.
LAP records is proud to present a new split EP, available on 12inch vinyl, featuring two very promising combos. The A-side kicks off with “Art Boi Sin<”by Click Click & Najeh, a hard-hitting club gem that pays tribute to the New York gay scene. With its catchy vocal samples and driving acid bassline, this track will make you feel like you are in the middle of a wild night out. The B-side starts with “Tabu Subject” by aitch & Brut, a groovy techno tool that samples alluring phrases. This track is a playful and seductive affair that mixes crisp drums, bouncy bass, and cheeky vocals. This EP is a showcase of a timeless sound and a testament to the talent and passion of LAP records. LAP records is a division of PAL Hamburg.
Duo Lucas Brell and Marvin Uhde deliver fire-powered percussion to Osàre! Editions. Longtime friends
and collaborators, they channel a liquid medley of drum menace that flips sideways, swiftly pivoting
between wildly different tempos. As disorientating as it is formidable, Purest State Confusion offers up a
fractal prism of ever-shifting beat patterns – an endlessly warping vortex of guttural, narcotic sounds.
The titular number, a wormhole techno ordeal, builds steadily, layer upon layer. A crystalline dancefloor
pleaser, it subverts classic four-to-the-floor with a delayed kick drum that punctuates every 8th beat. Like
black oil diffusing in water, the bass creeps in menacingly to 'The Disappearer', in hard and fast contrast
with the sharp fluctuations of the amen break. Slamming in mercilessly, 'Channeling Bryn Jones' opens
up the B-side, its fluttering rhythms joining together with an infectious klaxon melody before the IDM
stylings of 'Brain Massage' closes out. Purest State Confusion was recorded at various locations in Leipzig and Berlin.
Final touches and mixing assistance were performed by Mike Bierbach at the WSNWG studios. The pioneering techno producer
inflects the record with his staunch taste for aerobic club rhythmics, teasing out the whirling tempos and
pointillistic harmonics.
- A1: Strawberry Rash 03 07
- A2: Your Wedding 02 42
- A3: 37 Push Ups 02 17
- A4: Stalled On The Tracks 03 24
- A5: One Less Star 02 59
- A6: Golden 01 14
- A7: When You Walk 03 05
- B1: I Am Star Wars! 02 49
- B2: Connections 02 10
- B3: When The Power Goes Out 01 25
- B4: Chosen One 03 12
- B5: What Kind Of Angel 03 25
- B6: Stick In The Mud 05 02
Out on the street, indie rock was an exciting way of life for boys and girls alike in the gay 90s. Here's a couple of voices from the fertile Denver scene, Lisa and Hilarie of Secret Square, picking a favorite from the Drag City young galaxy of stars. In addition to Secret Square, Hilarie played drums and sang for The Apples In Stereo and today plays and sings in The High Water Marks. Lisa played bass with Neutral Milk Hotel for a little while and later played guitar, sang and led the band Late Night in Los Angeles.
Lisa Janssen: Way back in 1993, I was working in a record store in Denver, CO. My employee pick of the month was Julius Caesar by Smog. I told the kids, BUY THIS, it's the GREATEST record EVER. I love it so much I'm going to MARRY IT. Raw, fragile, desperation, then triumph over desperation. Bill Callahan knew a special, secret language. My lecherous boss had the audacity to ask me, "What does he mean by "I am Star Wars Today?"
microCastle’s first offering of 2024 welcomes Adrian Roman back to the label for his second artist showcase. Hailing from Spain, Adrian Roman first rose to prominence in 2021 with a string of superlative releases which redefined his sound, resulting in an aesthetic that was both cutting edge and effortlessly cool. F, nmully formed within the creative confines of his Castello studio, Adrian’s first microCastle project, 2022’s‘ Disturbing the Perception’ succeeded in showcasing his inventive approach to composition, while remaining club-effective, and in turn earning play from Aera, Fideles and Jimi Jules, amongst others. Moving forward the next eighteen months have proved to be impactful for the young Spaniard, recording standout projects for AZZUR and Sum Over Histories, releases which continued to build on his creative acumen, while remaining in the playlists of underground tastemakers Ame and Dixon. With 2024 beginning with Adrian’s latest Sum Over Histories vehicle ‘Oratorical Ability’, the Spaniard now makes a welcome return to microCastle with a six-track showcase entitled ‘This Is What I Was For A Moment’.
From the opening monochromes of ‘Le Sabbat’ Adrian’s craftsmanship reveals itself across this slow-burning piece, one where grating growls, granular flares and panoramic arps ultimately set the pace for the groove-centric ‘Customized Reality’. It’s here where Adrian puts a greater focus on the dancefloor, marrying hopeful vocal phrasing and silky chord stabs for a rejuvenating experience, while a drum-driven drop ultimately charts the course for a finale of deconstructed sonics and post-rave bliss. The haywire electricity of ‘Faces of Belmez’ finds the Spaniard once again flexing his creative muscles, as corrugated bleeps and cataclysmic rhythms provide a vast sense of space, creating the ultimate backdrop for distorted synths to propel choppy rhythms into dark underground passages, and perhaps onto some of the world’s most adventurous dancefloors.
The collection’s midway point is marked by the hypno-architecture of ‘Mind Design’. Trickling reverberations and long sighs of tonal tension wade through its pulsating framework, with frayed effects and thumping rhythms submerged beneath a buzzing panoramic glow. Played by Ame and sitting as one of the project's most enigmatic tracks is ‘TAGDI’ (They Are Gonna Do It). Tinted with contemplative synths and guttural vocals, Adrian’s unique emotionality peaks here, as he crafts a low-slung, slow-building dystopian romance, all while weaving in cerebral manipulations for an unforgettable ride. The mist breaks instantly on the collection’s final piece, as your thrusted into the muscular grooves of ‘Fear Track’. Horrifying vocal stabs strike, leaving the gauzy purple skies of ‘TAGDI’ behind for a more robust romp, one where anabolic bassline, retro-arps and off kilter percussion bring the release to a feverish peak. A fitting conclusion to a diverse collection of music, one where Adrian creates a journey that speaks to the complexities of life against an immersive and challenging backdrop.
Artwork: Maurcio Seidel
Transversales Disques proudly presents Alain Goraguer Rare Soundtracks & Lost Tapes.
French composer Alain Goraguer who first made a name for himself as a sideman and arranger for Serge Gainsbourg wrote very few soundtracks, but amongst them, the legendary La Planète Sauvage (1973) is an absolute staple of France’s essential music.
During that same period of time, Goraguer wrote two rare and beautiful scores using the same masterclass arrangements. On L’Affaire Dominici (1975), Alain Goraguer creates a theme of great melodic clarity from a palette of breathy flutes, clavinet D6 baroque textures, wah-wah guitars and slow-paced drums that clearly reminds La Planete Sauvage’s atmosphere. The same can be said about the score of Au delà de la peur (1975) with its descending clavinet melody, twanging bass riff, funky drums and flashes of bended electric guitars. This record also includes never before released tracks found in the vaults of French national radio: beautiful and timeless orchestral compositions recorded at Studio 105, Maison de la radio.
REMASTERED FROM THE ORIGINAL MASTER TAPES
Diogo Silva, Nuno Fulgêncio and Rui Martins collectively go by the name Bardino. With their sound consisting of an inventive mix of
electronica, rock, jazz, the Porto-based trio are pushing their sound into unchartered waters. A feeling that will be reinforced after
experiencing their new album, ‘Memória da Pedra Mãe’.
Their enthralling music draws upon the imagery of the beautiful and rugged scenery of their home country. ‘Centelha’ , their previous
album (released by Saliva Diva in 2020) was recorded in Chaves,
in the very remote region of Trás-os-Montes. Their 207 EP of the same name was created in the rustic heart of Serra das Meadas. In this
latest offering, the mention of "Pedra Mãe" (Mother Stone), refers to a rare geological phenomenon popularly known as "breeder stones"
found in isolated, deserted, and inhospitable places. On the inspiration of the new album, they explain that they want to refer to "the
importance of collective memory in the cohesion and identity of communities and the process of creating new memories, a process that
is both natural and conflicting, since it mirrors a tension between past, present and future".
The album was recorded in the summer of 2023 at Arda Recorders in Porto and produced by João Brandão and Rui Martins. In this
new material, Bardino's resources expand: Nuno Fulgêncio's drums, Diogo Silva's bass and Rui Martins' veritable arsenal of keyboards
(acoustic and electric piano, various synthesisers) are augmented by the alto and tenor saxophones of Brian Blaker (who stands out in
"Memória" and "Black Mica"), the guitar of Leonardo Outeiro (who features on "Punctum No 2") and, already indicating their affiliation
with the Porto label Jazzego, Hugo Oliveira, who records as Minus & MRDolly (and is a guest on "Pedra Mãe") and Sérgio Alves, aka
AZAR AZAR (who plays piano and Moog on "Tília"). Bardino's entry into the increasingly unavoidable Jazzego catalogue also reinforces
their obvious links to a new wave of projects that have been experimenting with different tangents to the notion of "jazz", taking this
music as part of a wider set of coordinates.
Over the course of eight tracks, and clearly benefiting from the distinct imprint of the recognised quality work of João Brandão, one of
Portugal's current best producers, Bardino presents dense, deeply cinematic music of the highest definition, in which the different
instruments translate a broad emotional and visual landscape, with solos of enormous elegance arranged over grooves that induce the
idea of movement. All the musical coordinates mentioned earlier are present, but perhaps in this new material you can feel a greater
fluidity, certainly the result of honing the vision of the central trio through a vast experience collected on stages all over the country. And
there are even echoes of a decidedly Portuguese songbook, as is so clearly felt in "O Semeador", something new in the range of aesthetic
references embraced by Bardino. This is, in fact, music that thrives on a benign tension between past, present and future, in the sense
that it embraces traditions and history, seeks a new framework in this diverse now and dares to project itself forward. Because the future
is the best of all locations.
repressed !
Office 04 circles in memories: The record is about Johannes 'Iron Curtis' Paluka's time at Karl-Marx-Straße Berlin where he used to live next door to label head Baaz and graphic designer Chris Fladung.
A1 track 'Magnet' is an ecstatic piece of house music holding all elements IC's production is esteemed and loved for : Heavy, unrelenting kicks, rolling bass lines, shimmering pads, topped with searing hot yet gamelan-like synts and an icing of slightly loose, detuned organ stabs predesting grand emotions on any dance floor. 'What happened happened' surely marks up as another proof of Curtis' fearless takes on house music: distorted field recordings and blurred spoken words, a web of gossamer melodies and subtle clicks and cuts, all cohered by the louche bassline and the reshuffled groove in a true dilla-ish vein.
Adapting elements to their own agenda, clandestine groove explorers Berg turn 'What happened' into a true midnight roller: razor-sharp hihitas join forces with a steam-maschine like percussion, whipping relentlessly in-between kick drum and kick drum. Berg cools off their take with prancing melody motifs and strung out pads of the original track, though never loosing focus of the 'reductions' aim: keep the dancer dancing.
Louise van den Heuvel is a dynamic Dutch bass player and composer. She's known for blending modern music technologies and effect pedals in her compositions rooted in the contemporary electronic/jazz scene. Louise founded the up-and-coming Belgian electronic jazztrio Dishwasher_, collaborated with renowned artists on stage such as Zwangere Guy & Lander Gyselinck and Bruno Vansina Orchestra, and is part of Stéphane Gallands' The Rhythm Hunters, The Gallands, and the neo-soul group STACE.
For her latest project, Sonic Hug, Louise composed the whole repertoire by herself. The self-titled album, supported by JazzLab and W.E.R.F. Records, features a stellar line-up of some of the leading figures in the Benelux (jazz) scene: Hendrik Lasure on keys, Daniel Jonkers on drums and Daniel Comerford on reets (live replaced by Werend Van Den Bossche). The band is set to tour in April and May 2024 after its release on 5th of April 2024.
Her own creations expose themselves as elaborated melancholic songs filled with elegant grooves, crystalline vocals and experimental jazz excursions. She's brilliantly using her own musical voice - even literally, since you will also hear her sing on some of the tracks.
?Surrounded by three equally inevitable peer musicians in the front of the new Belgian jazz generation (known from acts such as schntzl, Bombataz, Profound Observer, Otto Kintet, Dishwasher_, Kin Gajo, ...) Sonic Hug becamea very personal, unique new project. Influenced by the sounds of Scandinavia and artists such as ADHD, Nala Sinephro, Floating Points, Y Otis and Joni Mitchell, the vibe of Sonic Hug is etheric, elegant, melodically narrative, and always searching for a grasping groove.
Burnin Music bossman Pegasvs returns with his first new material in several years, and it's a classy collection that's been worth waiting for. '(No) Peace' begins the journey: a languid slice of ambient / downtempo beauty with hypnotic spoken word vocals from MA.MOYO which eases you into the EP in meditative fashion. 'Take It' ushers us more towards the dancefloor with some mellow synth-funk stylings and punchy raps from The S.O.S. weaving in and out of Twyla's effortlessly yearning vocals. 'Traffic Jam' is a sumptuous patchwork of deep house motifs, where Rhodes chords, funky guitar flecks and plump bass tones interplay beautifully, and 'La Nuit' rounds off in stripped-back Detroit house style—all murky chord stabs, throbbing low end and classic drum beats.
É Soul Cultura captain, originator of Manchester’s legendary Electric Chair and definitive people’s champion, Luke Una taps into a lifetime’s worth of musical discovery for the second volume in our Mr Bongo Edits series. A cosmic coming together that sees two of Luke’s secret weapons, re-edited and re-contextualised by the man himself to provide optimal dancefloor euphoria.
A stalwart of the underground for nearly 40 years, Luke has become an appointed leader of the late night disenfranchised, with an unquestionable ability to pick records that make minds tick. Not least through his two É Soul Cultura compilations released on Mr Bongo over the past two years.
A taste that traverses genres as much as it does emotions and decades, who better to give an insight into the tracks he has chosen to edit, than the man himself. “I've been an avid collector of afro-beat house, techno and underground black heart disco since before the basement soul days of Electric Chair 30 years ago. Both these bombs were very much holy grail finds, plucked from the last four decades of digging in random crates of dusty vinyl all over the world.”
First up, Thandi Zulu & The Young Five’s interpretation of Pure Energy’s early ‘80s disco power play – ‘Love Game’. With a distinctive South African synth bass and killer keys combo, Luke explains the original has this “bonkers alchemy of heavy machine soul, uptempo rawness and a majestic disco evangelism”, making it ripe for a re-edit.
On the B side, Lionel Pillay’s Jazz dancer ‘Plum’. “The original was a relentless 18-minute raw jam”, Luke states, “which despite its late ‘70s South African origin kinda reminded me of a 1986 Chicago piano House record”.
“These edits strip the tracks back and rebuild them, giving them more sonic weight with that looped up drum jacking militancy from the days of Chicago, combined with a boosted sense of transcendental, psychedelic, cosmic disco. They have always had such an explosive reaction on so many dancefloors including the heavier electronic club, so it felt only right to reshare them”.
BopdyParts Vinyl long-awaited twenty-ninth release welcomes veteran Tommy Vicari jnr to the imprint with "No You Neednt Explain EP", a groovy four-track solo release spanning from warm, deep minimal to shuffle house dancefloor stompers. Tommy Vicari jnr has made all sorts of dance music over the past two decades, usually proof-ready for the most refined dance floors worldwide.
The EP's first and title track, 'No You Needn't Explain' (A1), fully displays Vicari's signature: syncopated beats, shuffled squicky basslines and exquisitely looped samples for maximum dancefloor hypnotism. 'Issacgroove' (A2) continues the story with its slapping drums on top of deep pads and percussive samples, creating a particularly jazzy atmosphere full of quirky filtered samples for added funk. On the flip side and in pure Vicari fashion, 'Anytime' (B1) doubles down on pitched-up vocals and sampled guitars & keys, reminiscent of the early 00's French House era. 'Chapter and Verse' (B2) closes the EP with a slightly eerie tone and a total focus on the atmosphere and its apparently non-stop groove. Dancefloor-ready and captivating, "No You Needn't Explain EP" is no different than all other Vicari releases around - a must.
After the success of the collaborations on 2019’s Tek 9 LP, Dego and Dom team up again for AKO Beatz, this time a whole LP’s worth of back and forth, which started collaborating in-person pre lockdown, to then be finished virtually.
The sound is a kind of fantasy 1997 where drum and bass had held on to one of its alternate futures. The year 1997 had experimental intricate beats, warm bass, and odd sounds; the skill of playing real instruments matching the knowledge of breakbeat science.
If they hadn’t chosen another path, this is what it could have sounded like. The sound is very now but from another time. Is it the future, is it the past? It’s just anachronistic.
The title track "Who You Are" has become a dance floor favourite making appearances during Templé's DJ sets opening for the likes of Rick Wilhite, Osunlande, Trus’me, Rahaan, Alkalino, Late Nite Tuff Guy, Hidden Spheres and Harvey Sutherland.
It's the kind of track that can get the party started, keep it going or close it out with its tough verses, 303 acid line, drum machine build up and poppy chorus. It’s so versatile that it’ll never leave your record bag. Staying with side A, the EP's charm is further amplified by Prins Thomas's magical remix of the title track.
This luminary of the electronic music scene adds his Nordic touch in only the way that he knows how. Delicately weaving his disco sensibilities into the fabric of the original track, making the chorus the break down, turning the original track on its head. This one will get you in the feels.
Flipping the record over to the B-side, we encounter "Wait For Love." It's a powerhouse of a track, driven by a rolling acid bass line and a saxophone solo that lands right in the sweet spot, ensuring the party never stops.
The vocals soaked in effects and skilfully sliced and diced, guides the listener's focus making it the perfect tune for those late night dance floor occasions. Then there's "The Tetrah" - a departure from the rest of the EP. It's a deeper and more intricate piece featuring the soulful interplay of saxophone and trumpet throughout. These two instruments seem to tease and tantalise each other, never quite aligning until the final drop. It's a near 9-minute journey and each moment holds your attention.
DJ Support: Louie Vega, Kenny Dope, David Morales, Dimitri From Paris, Dave Lee, Simon Dunmore, Michael Gray, Brian Tappert, Melvo Baptist, Seamus Haji, Terry Hunter, DJ Spen, Hector Romero, Dr. Packer, Kenny Carpenter; Jellybean Benitez, Husky, Birdee, Derrick McKenzie.
Legendary Italian producer Gianni Bini Debuts on Groove Culture with 'The House Of Glass' LP. With an inimitable CV and discography that includes over a thousand production credits to his name, hundreds of singles under renowned pseudonyms including Bini & Martini, Fathers Of Sound, The Goodfellas, Subsystem and two Worldwide hits as Eclipse and House Of Glass, Gianni is one of the most revered producers of disco-house, defining each genre with a signature sound. Always looking to push the boundaries of what it means to make music, his latest project sees Gianni return to deliver an epic disco record that takes the sound back to its roots in every way possible. Backing up live drums, live bass, live guitars, live strings with catchy vocals and enough groove to level a discotheque, it’s this Disco-Pop energy that Gianni has captured and expertly delivered with 'The House Of Glass'LP.
The return of Gaussian Curve - Gigi Masin, Jonny Nash and Marco Sterk’s much-loved trio are back for the first time since their 2016 sophomore album 'The Distance', presenting two new tracks entitled 'Winter Sun' and 'Fever Dream'.
Both tracks originate from recording sessions that took place in Amsterdam in 2016 for 'The Distance'. Despite not finding a place on the final album and being left as unfinished sketches for six years, the tracks represent an important part of the Gaussian Curve story which the band felt compelled to complete. Coinciding with the decision to perform a handful of live shows in 2022, they finally revisited the sketches, mixing and arranging them with the goal of giving them the full release that they deserve.
The trio’s trademark sound hits from first moments of 'Winter Sun'; a lush slow builder with all the classic GC ingredients; Nash’s airy and spacious guitar lines interplay with Masin’s warm rhodes, underpinned by Sterk’s subtle use of electronics and the minimal rhythm of a CR-78 drum machine.
On 'Fever Dream', the trio subtly expand their palette; a gently building 303 bass line and 808 rhythm form the foundations of the piece, with Masin’s vocals adding to a slow-burning intensity. Arguably a fuller sound hinting at new areas of exploration for the trio, but unmistakably Gaussian Curve.
The New Mastersounds have been performing live and making funky organic-sounding records for 25 years. Starting out in Leeds, UK, having initially appealed mainly to old-school DJs and vinyl collectors, they managed to build fanbases across the USA, Japan & Europe.
The album comprises ten original instrumental tunes composed and performed at the keyboard player's studio in the heart of the English Peak District during a rainy week in July 2023. The tracks showcase the earthy essence of the band via its signature vocabulary of uncomplicated funk, soul-jazz, classic R&B and reggae-infused grooves.
In the UK selected tracks from the album will be featured on The Craig Charles Funk & Soul Show on BBC 6Music. An extensive US tour is planned for Spring 2024 in support of this release.
Eddie Roberts - guitar & tambourine
Simon Allen - drums
Pete Shand - bass guitar
Joe Tatton - organ and piano
Beltran and Harvy Valencia team up for their label debut on Hot Creations, unveiling a slick collaboration alongside solo cuts on their three-track ‘Origins’ EP.
Bursting onto the scene as standout talents, Brazilian Beltran and Colombian Harvy Valencia are quickly becoming globally recognised figures in their own right. With releases between them on esteemed labels such as Cuttin’ Headz, Solid Grooves, and Revival New York, the two now forge a new path as they unite for the first time on Hot Creations. Unleashing a trio of vibrant and impactful productions, headed up by their debut collaboration, the pair unveil a collection of cutting-edge sounds across their latest EP, 'Origins'.
Opening with playful bass grooves and crisp, organic drums, title cut ‘Origins (3AM Tusi Mix)’ welcomes a rolling masterclass from the duo. On the B-side, Beltran takes the lead with ‘Tira A Roupa (Putaria Mix)’, delivering punchy beats, funky riffs and crisp percussion, crafting a flawless laid-back groover. To close, Harvy Valencia delivers a powerful dancefloor experience with ‘Brut’, showcasing vibrant vocals, infectious beats and playful phone rings. showcases a deeper, sultry vibe with alluring male vocals at the core.
Argentinian artist and Calypso’s Dreams label hear Richer guides a tour of integration and transformation with his new release The Globalization. The four tracker enticed summer early with the opener Tropicana and makes her stay with Catch the Rhythm’s playful yet spacious grooves.
Side B continues the tour from bass to house, stopping for catchy layered classic house drums in Bring That Bass and closing with modern electro synths in The Global House.
Super db is a 4-piece band from the South of England whose sound is a distinctive mix of pop, disco, funk, rock and jazz is evoking the sound of the early 80s American West Coast. The lineup consists of twin brothers J-M Sutcliffe (Guitars & Vocals) and J-P Sutcliffe (Keyboards, Percussion & Vocals), along with two new members, Jonathan Wills (Drums, Percussion) and Indigo Pearce (Bass). Following their second album "Ecoute Ca", Super db now release their third album "Downtown". The album has spawned four singles so far, "Back To Me", "Downtown City Girl", "Side By Side" and "Hard Drivin'".
"Downtown" features all the trademark Super db ingredients, including soulful close harmony vocal stacks, popping bass lines, ripping guitar solos, and jazz infused harmony, all set to the tones of the West Coast Funk and Disco era of the early 1980s. The band also hark back to some of the Latin flavors featured on their previous album, with songs such as 'Brazil', and the album's infectious closer, 'Maquina'.
"Downtown" is an album that promises to take the listener on a journey back in time when Disco was king and Walkmans were all the rage. Twelve songs all evoke the feel-good vibes of summer nights at the beach.
Introducing "Solace", a captivating 6-track EP by dubstep virtuoso Bukkha.
Crafted amidst the stillness of 2020's turmoil, far from all the noise pollution of everyday life, each track is like an unique demonstration of Bukkha's emotional state throughout these tumultuous times. "What came out was not forced and was just a very natural and fluid process" said Bukkha about working on this EP.
"Solace" also features an exclusive collaboration with soulful Drum & Bass artist Redeyes.
Embark on this heartfelt musical journey where Bukkha's passion and authenticity resonate through every note. As Bukkha eloquently puts it, ''I have always found comfort in music. I hope that the people listening to this record will find solace in it as well.''
Steel Drum covers of Drake, Snoop Dogg & Dr Dre, Claudja Barry, The Game & 50 Cent, A$AP Rocky, Stranger Things Theme, and more. Bacao Rhythm & Steel Band, the mysterious steel pan outfit hailing from Hamburg, Germany have amassed a cult following around the globe. With a slew of classic 7”s and three critically acclaimed full length albums, they set a high bar for themselves, one they clearly intend on pushing even higher with this new offering. On their fourth album BRSB, Bacao are back with more of the same, but more of the same with them is inherently different. Covering songs that span genres and range from mega hits to underground album cuts, they make them their own with their unique approach to the traditional steel pans of Trinidad and Tobago. While part of the allure of a new Bacao Rhythm & Steel Band album is finding out what covers they do it is equally intriguing to see what original tunes they cooked upland this record is foul of standout originals. The album opener, “In The Crosshairs” is a rough and tough mid-tempo head nodder while both “Grilled” & “Treasure Quest” pick up the tempo with heavy African Funk in‑fluences on both. Bacao goes deep with “Hazy Memories”, a bass heavy slow burner that walks a line between hypnotic and hype. All these originals stand as testament that the term “cover band” is a shoe that could never fit Bacao. However, in the tradition of steel pan music, they do a heavy amount of covers. This time around there is a big West Coast Hip Hop influence with covers of Game & 50 Cent’s “How We Do”, Dr Dre & Snoop Dogg’s “Nuthin But A G Thang”, and Tupac’s “Got My Mind Made Up” all of which take on new energy and lend themselves to the BRSB steel treatment. Bacao puts another certified dance‑floor filler on their resume with their cover of Claudja Barry’s uber Disco classic “Love For The Sake Of Love” which they flip into a dubbed-out affair aptly changing even the title to “Love For The Sake Of Dub”. Pulling from the contemporary smash hit section of Hip Hop they cover Drake’s “Hotline Bling” and “Love$ick” by Mura Masa & A$AP Rocky. Then they go very unexpected with “Stranger Things Theme” where they take the synth heavy theme song to the hit show and give it a more hypnotizing tone than the original. By the time BRSB is through, Bacao has taken the listener on a journey spanning a myriad of energies, tempos, and moods while keeping it all under one umbrella. For all that, these songs are alive, and they will be taken out of the context of this album and sewn into the fabric of DJ sets around the globe for many years to come. Bacao Rhythm & Steel Band continues building their legacy and pushing the boundaries of steel pan music forward with another rock solid musical offering. Enjoy
The third release on Derek Russo’s own Broad Channel imprint “Special Occasion" EP arrives loaded with a wide palate of club swagger for any hour of the party. “Celestial Machine” is the A1 rough and rumbling trip, steered by a wiggly SH101 bass line and anchored by a thunderous sub bass and tenacious, rattling percussion. A floating pad briefly takes the edge off before lurching back. The sounds here are inspired and shaped by the aching cacophony of city life. “Yearning 4 Love” marries a Detroit inspired motif, with tasteful synth layering and bouncy, off-kilter drum programming. The result is an inquisitive banger, something different for the modern dance floor. On the flip side, the title track ‘Special Occasion’ drops the tempo to a chugging rhythm that swings from a funky break tucked underneath. Deranged piano chords open up to a sinister synth line, jangling guitar and a thick 80s bass line. The final track “Planet Sunset” closes out this EP with a soaring, introspective synth floating on top of a rolling breakbeat groove, disco fed bass work and Juno stabs that resolves into a wave of oozy pad chords - a sure piece for the late night discerning dance floor.
Unusual Systems Records is back with their 7th release. On the A side 3 cuts from Corp, recovered from the withdrawn release "Lost Cassette Tapes Extracts", several times required by some fans over the last years from it was self-released and retired in the posterior days by the artist on his Bandcamp account.
Those ones was recorded by the label founder between the years 2017-19 at the same time that the first Unusual Systems release and the track "Robotik Dreamer" with the characteristic sound that represents this era of the artist: 80's drum patterns, simple basslines, mysterious melodies and epic pads with a touch of the early spanish proto-techno sound. Yamaha RM1x as main sequencer, Kawai K1, EMU Xtreme Lead, Quasimidi Techno X and Ensoniq DP/4 as fx processor. Master direct recorded to a Tascam 424 Mk1 cassette tape recorder. 0 daw or software used.
On the B side Cavalry Stone, the spanish duo formed by Jesus Fernandez Solis (aka Nuclear Waste) and Oscar Ricardo. They have previous releases on cassette and digital on the label Soil Records and the support of artists such Ancient Methods that included their tracks in his DJ sets
Perhaps a drum is a space wrapped in material.
With some excitement the space and the material interact to produce vibrations, which we hear. Separately, yPLO prepared some sounds in advance of a performance based on the components of a speculative drum kit
ob TRU was performed and recorded live on 6/8/18 at Cafe OTO. During this live performance yPLO used amplified mylar, floor tom bass drum, mixers, audio recordings and microphones.
The recordings were mixed and edited into 8 discrete tracks.
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yPLO (Paul Abbott & Michael Speers) is a project about imaginary drums and rhythms, using acoustic percussion and synthetic sounds.
Michael Speers is a musician from Northern Ireland who works with various sound materials — using drums, computer, microphones, feedback — in performance, installation and composition. Other collaborators include John Wall, Louise Le Du, Olan Monk, Niklas Adam, Lee Fraser and Seijiro Murayama.
Paul Abbott is a writer, sound and performance artist. He has played at venues and festivals internationally and was a resident at Cafe OTO. He completed a PhD at the University of Edinburgh under the supervision of Florian Hecker and Nikki Moran, and is currently undertaking research at Royal Conservatoire in Antwerp. He is also the co-founder and editor of Cesura//Acceso, a journal for music, politics and poetics.
SSR returns for its fourth 12” release and this time round we are buzzing to have ‘Andy Odysee’ at the controls.
Along with T Mirage, Andy is the driving force behind the seminal DnB imprint ‘Odysee Recordings’ a staple in the scene since 1994. Their label released early works from legendary artists such as Source Direct & Photek to mention but a few!
Not only is Andy an accomplished Drum & Bass artist but he is a fully fledged Jazz musician in his own right! His skill on the Rhodes keys speaks for itself & you will hear these influences on this release.
‘Spine Chiller’ delivers exactly what it says on the tin! A cinematic & tense DnB piece with the kind of excellent drum work will love here at SSR..
‘White Widow’ is a beautiful breakbeat joint running at 145 BPM. Lush keys & amazing drum textures, a real journey!
Andy Odysee has delivered the goods here big time!
We can’t wait to share this music with you.
Lee - SSR
Our seventh vinyl chapter at Small Great Things is presented by our residents Quadrakey. The limited vinyl and digital release, titled "Head Over Heels EP," consists of three original tracks and two remixes. This collection seamlessly fuses deep and classic house vibes with contemporary beats, ensuring a fresh dance floor experience.
Starting with the A1 side, 'Head Over Heels' kicks off the journey with a deep house groove complemented by stabs and a robust bassline. Moving to the A2 track, 'Yeah' takes center stage with its infectious groovy bassline, piano chords, and captivating drums. The A3 track, "2 Ways Out," adds a touch of nostalgia with hints of the 80s.
Flipping over to the B side, we come across two remixes. On B1, Luca Olivotto delivers a disco-house dance floor-ready cut, featuring vocals and guitars. B2 presents a fantastic remix from DJ Merci of the track "2 Ways Out," where he reinvents the entire production, crafting a deep house gem.
Few artists have done as much as Heinrich Dressel to rekindle the genre of soundtracks. Even fewer are as capable as the Italian at writing such silver screen scores. Yet, Valerio Lombardozzi is much more than just one style. He has shown this time and time again, doing so once more with The Obscure Cities. Works of fiction, rather than film, are the fount of inspiration with tracks drawing on the likes of J.G. Ballard, Francois Schuiten, Benoit Peeters and Valerio Mattioli. The listener is transported to worlds of Dressel’s own making, landscapes of melody, textures of bass punctuated by drums. “Galatograd” opens. From understated beginnings, the track expands into a symphony of strings as columns of warmth descend. Tempos rise for “Eden Olympia”. A different tone is set. Juddering arpeggios and clean snares are elevated by bright and hopeful keys that sparkle with an enthusiasm and innocence. Deep unctuous bass gives way to gliding notes for “Remoria”. A piece where melodies and memories melt in the morning dawn. “Mylos” is the last visit of the EP. Delicate, almost fragile, notes are buttressed by drum patterns in this hazy dreamlike finale.
Bread & Souls is an ensemble of musicians, singers, DJs, producers and most of all, friends: a global family brought together by Franco Fusari under the musical direction of producer/electronic jazz pioneer Mark de Clive-Lowe.
Chapter 1 features vocal and instrumental tracks kicking off with an incredible exclusive: for the first time together on the same track West London Queens Bémbé Segue and Vanessa Freeman deliver a broken beat future classic. Paul Randolph features on a superb boogie tune, while Domu delivers an amazing remix of “Little Did I Know” - after almost a decade’s absence, he’s as brilliant as ever. And all supported by a great band: MdCL (keys), Tommaso Cappellato (drums), Marcus Machado and Landy Shores (guitars), Max Luthert (bass), Taku Hirano (percussion).
Record Kicks presents Keep It To Yourself, the new album by premier Dutch soul band The Tibbs, out next January 26th.
Dutch vintage soul combo The Tibbs are back with their highly anticipated new album Keep It to Yourself, to be released on LP, CD and digital format next January 26th on Milan-based label Record Kicks. Produced by Paul Willemsen (Michelle David) and mastered in Nashville by soul veteran Bob Olhsson, who used to cut vinyl for Motown back in the day, the new album Keep It to Yourself is the band's third Long Play. It contains 12 fresh 'n vibrant tracks that once again will take you back to the golden days of soul music. Prepare to be swept away on a groovy, soulful odyssey with one the most sensational and enchanting soul bands from the Netherlands!
From the very first note, The Tibbs' musical prowess exudes a soulful, funky energy that is nothing short of mind-blowing. Among the 12 new tracks of Keep it To Yourself, we find the first single "Ain't It Funny", a high-energy stomper that sets the tone for the entire album, the New Orleans funk inspired "Can't Teach an Old Dog New Tricks" and "Chicken Bones, "In Orbit", an emotional and heartfelt love ballad that allows the velvety vocals of singer Roxanne to take center stage or the northern soul belter "Give Me A Reason".
Lyrically, Keep It to Yourself is a poetic wonderland, delving into the depths of love, heartache, but also social issues and the need to preserve the world we're in. Roxanne's vocals, rich and velvety, take you on a euphoric journey through the peaks and valleys of human emotion. The harmonious blend of the horn section weaves an exhilarating tapestry of sound that can only be described as a symphonic supernova. The rhythm section is an unstoppable force, driving each track with a pulsating groove that is pure sonic adrenaline. Keep It to Yourself is a true tour de force, a symphony of soul that will leave you awe-inspired, foot-tapping, heart-soaring, and utterly enthralled.
Based around Amsterdam, The Tibbs is a group of seasoned musicians who draw inspiration from the timeless music of the 1960s, channeling the emotional depth and raw authenticity of that era's classics. Led by their charismatic female vocalist and backed by a powerhouse lineup of drums, guitar, bass, organ and a three-piece horn section, they have been wowing audiences with their live performances. They took off in 2012 working right from the start with producer Paul Willemsen (Beans & Fatback, Lefties Soul Connection, Michelle David & The Gospel Sessions). In 2016, their first LP Takin' Over marked their debut with Milan-based imprint Record Kicks. In late 2018, singer Elsa Bekman decided to focus on a solo career and The Tibbs duly began their search for a truly worthy successor, bringing astonishing vocalist Roxanne Hartog and the band together for the first time with their sophomore album Another Shot Fired, released in November 2020. Now, with their third album Keep It to Yourself, a testament to their dedication to keeping the soulful spirit alive, The Tibbs are once more ready for lift off.
Latest release on Earthtrax since 2020. Multi genre release with two tracks, one leaning towards dubstep, dub techno and ambient while the other is more up tempo, driving and jungle/drum and bass oriented with an ambient/atmospheric quality, which is apparent in both tracks.
Eusebeia & Aisatsaana already have a rich and diverse back catalogue together and this release only serves to affirm and enhance that. It is their first physical release together.
Five trombonists and a three-member rhythm section: that sort of unique musical synergy is what Nabou Claerhout brings to life with her own Trombone Ensemble. For years, such a project had been one of the dream projects on her bucket list, and thanks to Antwerp based cultural actor Rataplan, she already saw the creation become a reality in spring 2022. In the summer of that year, the eight-piece ensemble opened both Gent Jazz and Jazz Middelheim.
In January 2023, Nabou was artist in residence at the Brussels Jazz Festival in Flagey, where she presented the Trombone Ensemble as one of three carte blanche projects. In a sold-out Studio 4, American trombone legend Robin Eubanks joined the line-up as a special guest, having previously also contributed during the studio recordings of the young collective during. The band's self-titled debut album will be released on November 3rd 2023 via W.E.R.F. Records.
Nabou composed the entire repertoire for this Ensemble herself, and did so with a fully open vision. While writing the music, she explored the trombone's wide possibilities: "The aim is to both indulge you with warm, soft, carrying parts and then afterwards discover the trombone's spicy and cordial character." That rhythmic playfulness, which we hear more often in Nabou's compositions with her acclaimed quartet N?BOU, also seeps subtly into this band's sound.
Despite the 'unusual' line-up of five diverse jazz trombonists, each with a different background, you still get to hear a very homogeneous sound, which is full of playfulness and small details. "I tried to make room and focus for each individual. And of course there is also a starring role for the rhythm section with guitar, double bass and drums."
When Nabou started looking for the dream fellow jazz musicians for this project, she ended up with artists from her own country, Belgium, but also from far beyond the country's borders: The Netherlands, the UK and Germany. "In selecting the trombonists, I looked for specific timbres, but also for personality. It is important that there is a good balance in playing together, but also that each musician is strong enough on his or her own for the solo parts."
Wanting to push boundaries in her approach to both compositions and the trombone as an instrument, the real crème de la crème of the newest generation proved indispensable. "I selected a handful of European trombonists with whom I may or may not have already played, but who, above all, inspire me very deeply. They are all young people who have a lot to offer and already have significant projects to their name in their own region or country."
Hot Creations recruits Italian duo ItaloBros as the pair deliver three vibrant tracks across their latest EP, ‘Gosadera’
Hailing from Scalea, Italy, ItaloBros have been riding the wave of success, captivating dancefloors worldwide at venues like Ushuaia Ibiza, Motion Bristol, and PM Open Air in Buenos Aires and boasting releases on Circus, Material and Knee Deep In Sound, amongst others. With 2022 seeing the pair team up with Jerëmie for the release of their single 'Attention' on Hot Creations sister label' Hottrax, February now sees the duo step into the limelight as they drop their solo debut EP on the renowned Hot Creations with a trio of blazing tracks across 'Gosadera’.
Already becoming a mainstay in Marco Carola’s sets, ‘Gosadera’ kicks off with an orchestra of vibrant
trumpets and lively bongos layered on top of a relentless, grooving bassline. Next, ‘Story’ takes on their old-school roots, teasing lush piano chords complete with vibrant, punchy drums. Closing out the EP, ‘Amira’ showcases a deeper, sultry vibe with alluring male vocals at the core.
Zed Bias has been a bass, dub and garage king since forever, but his star shows no signs of diminishing any time soon. For this one he has worked with Shumba Youth on a new single that finds him dipping into a world of dancehall and ragga. 'London Town' is heavy, with real bass weight, churning drums and fizzing digital synths under the superb bars from Shumba who muses on the state of London right now. Next to that are slithering leads and sci-fi pads to make for a fine future vibe. The acappella is served up on the flip for DJs who want to play.
The Horn Track was created by Missile Records founder Tim Taylor in 1992. Released on the iconic FFRR imprint it crashed into the rave psyche and has been an ever present since.
Influential to dance generations worldwide and sampled by the likes of The Prodigy and RL Grime, The Horn Track does not sound like any other track. The Original and Micky Finn remixes are remastered and joined by a kick ass drum and bass remix from Blade of ONE7SIX Records.
New tape from Gabber Eleganza's Never Sleep imprint.
This time its a live recording of Drum & Bass legend / Critical Sound boss Kasra at Fabric with MC's GQ and Mantmast.
The tape is in honour of Shaun Roberts, the sadly departed Fabric booker who was a pivotal figure in the UK's electronic scene. All proceeds go to Bowel Cancer UK
"Fabric played a huge role in shaping me as a music fan and years later became the London home for me and my label. This wouldn’t have happened without the help and support of Shaun Roberts, who left us far to soon in Dec of 2022 after an 18 month battle with colon cancer.
When the Never Sleep crew asked me to contribute to their mix series I knew id like to honour Shaun and help raise some money for Bowel Cancer UK.
Without Shaun and people like him taking chances on people like me the music landscape would look very different.
This is mix is taken from the Critical Sound 15th birthday event in 2017.
Official reissue of Dortmund's self-released single from 1981. For those in the know a sought-after gem, for everybody else the single you didn't know you need in your life! Comes in picture sleeve with the original artwork. Limited edition.
'Titanic' - quite self-explanatory - is about the queen of the ocean and her sinking as a ship believed as unsinkable. Starting off with its morse code-like sounds it evolves into a heavy grooving mélange of alternative rock, funk, new wave and synth pop.
The B-Side 'The Deep' explores depths you didn't know about. This instrumental jazz boogie funk fusion piece takes you on a five minute journey that will be your life-saver on any day.
In the early 1980s the scene of the Ruhr area was alive and kicking but still under the radar. Musicians played in different bands and projects of various styles. Three guys gathered simply under their city name "Dortmund" and did their own thing which led to this conceptual single - their only release.
Before that Elmar Krohn (keyboards) and Thomas Meyer (vocals, bass, guitar, keyboards) were part of the "Mardi Gras Band", a funk and soul band with a great reputation for their live shows. They were also involved in writing 'Blame It On The Boogie' which got performed by "The Jacksons" in 1978 but that is another story. On the drums they were joined by Siegfried Hermes who also played in the band "Die Salinos".
Memory Remains boss Kirik joins forces with Miami’s Imbue for their collaborative ‘On Distance’ EP.
This time Kirik pairs up with the Miami-based trio Imbue who add their dynamic instrumentation to the project through guitars, piano, and synthesizer improvisation.
Opening the release is the jazzy funk-infused ‘On Distance’, laid out across seven minutes with an amalgamation of guitar licks and looped hooks alongside plucked bass tones, strings and organic rhythms combined to create a psychedelia-tinged twist on House. ‘All Right’ follows next and shifts gear into a more classic house feel, employing Latin percussion and wandering keys alongside guitar melodies and soulful vocal chants.
Opening the flip-side is ‘Lovers’ with its acid bass groove, intricately intertwined synth stab sequences and crisp drums all underpinned by Imbue’s hypnotic musicality. ‘Son Us On’ then rounds out the release, diving deeper into the House courtesy of bumpy low-slung drums, airy synth chimes and plucked guitars merged with an underlying dubbed-out and subtly unfurling feel.
early support by Massimiliano Pagliara, Archie Hamilton, youANDme, DJ Heather, Moskalus, Jean Pierre, Red Pig Flower, Red Rack'Em, Just Her, Michel De Hey and many more...
Making a remarkable step onto the CEP booth, Blame The Mono introduces their debut with a magnetic collection of two game changing original tracks. This release not only displays the duo's creative capabilities but also features melting remixes from Hermeth and the label head riko.
The release kicks off with the 'Kneebreaker Mix', showcasing a top-tier interplay of reese bass. The pushing bassline and dynamic vocals provide the track with its living strength. In addition to the effects, the midsection break-beat mirrors the timeless sound of Blame The Mono, showering the listener with unmistakable recognition value. Coming up next is likely the standout piece from the release. The 'Industrial Mix' manifests as a 117 BPM break, highlighting an remarkable synergy of hitting kicks, spicy drums, and leading vocals. This track radiates a rock and metal-inspired vibe, making it truly one-of-a-kind. Opening the B-Side is riko’s trance-infused remix, featuring consistent vocal shots from the original and a galloping bassline. In addition to the dub chords, the monotonous melody assumes control during the significant break in the middle, contributing a hypnotic quality to the track. Wrapping up the release, Hermeth introduces a techno-infused remix, characterized by powerful classic chords and a driving bass that sets the tone on the dancefloor. The original vocal and lead elements illuminate the track, firing it up with a distinctive flavor.
'London Accent' by Blame The Mono drops via CEP Records on 15th January 2024.
Kicking off our new Toolroom Trax vinyl series which celebrates the best releases from Toolroom’s sister label is Italian super-duo Twolate with the incredible new single 'Baila'. A straight-up 4 to the floor club shaker, with powerful hard-hitting drums, deep punchy afro vocals with carnival whistles and percussion hits that will turn the dancefloor into a fiesta. Two dance heavyweights collide on our next offering; best-selling house artist CASSIMM and Chicago house royalty Gene Farris for their latest collaboration 'Party People'. With numerous #1 singles and remixes on Beatport and Traxsource, CASSIMM returns to Trax with his notorious sound of feel-good, high-energy house music, team that with Gene Farris as he effortlessly delivers another irresistible vocal hook. 'This is for my people, my party people'. James Haskell kicks things off on the b-side with 'Check It Out'. With numerous releases on D4 D4NCE, LoveJuice and of course Toolroom, James Haskell is fast gaining support from the scenes top tastemakers including Bob Sinclar, Leftwing : Kody, David Guetta, Tita Lau and Dombresky to name a few. Gracing club hotspots around the world, James Haskell is set to top the charts with his Tech House and Big Room sound. Closing out the Sampler is Toolroom Trax A&R and Music Curator Danny Rhys with his percussive tech house weapon 'Sibali'. Following on from his 2021 Traxsource number #1 single 'Damn Good', in collaboration with house vocalist legend Mr. V. With releases on respectable labels such as Farris Wheel Recordings, Flashmob, HouseU and There Was Jack, Danny Rhys boasts high, feel-good energy, bumpy basslines, rolling percussion and infectious vocals that has since gained respect from AAA talents such as Gorgon City, TCTS, Kryder and of course Mark Knight.
DJ Support from Danny Howard, Annie Mac, Mistajam, Pete Tong, Charlie Hedges, Kraak & Smaak, Maxinne, Todd Terry, Alex Preston, Full Intention, GW Harrison, DJ Rae, Rudimental, Alaia & Gallo, Illyus & Barrientos, Johan S, David Penn, Sam Divine, Riva Starr, Claptone, Nice7, Dario D’Attis, Mousse T, S-Man, Huxley, KC Lights, Friend Within, Dombresky, Gorgon City, Chris Lake, Format:B, Pirupa, TCTS, Alan Fitzpatrick, Low Steppa, Mat.Joe, Raumakustik, Eskuche
black.round.twelve is expanding its world and creating a new series focused on releasing long cuts of music spread over an entire record, appropriately named E X T E N D E D. Berlin-based Polish artist Maki Polne opens the project with two intensely hypnotic minimal tracks brimming with detail and production value.
Highly influenced by Berlin, CdV-rooted Maki Polne‘s acute love for quality sound is evident in “Don Joy´s Magic Sunday”, as both ‘Magic’ (A) and ‘Sunday’ (B) sound clear as crystal, with a frequency spectrum that’s both wide and colourful. With a strong focus on psychedelic sounds, ‘Magic’ is built around a breaky, half-time beat filled with slightly shuffled drums. A collage of warped textures, vocal snippets, synths and quirky bass stabs fill the remaining space with class, making it easy to imagine the cinematic soundscape working its on any bold dancefloor. ‘Sunday’, on the other side, is a more functional, 4-to-the-floor bass-heavy roller full of bright colours. Echoed vocal loops and rising pads create a particular vibe that would sound totally at home on a Sunday morning at CdV. Extended tracks for extended mornings, no doubt.
“Pulses and Resonances” is Rene Lorenzo’s debut album on Subtempo. This album represents a culmination of more than 20 years of electronic music exposure as a DJ and a clear point of view. We can hear influences of broken beat, techno, drum & bass, all through the unique lens that Rene brings to the table, deeply steeped in ambient, deep techno and downtempo. Even though this isn’t a dance record, it’s filled with energy and drive. It is an out-of-the-ordinary album, with intricate shifts and turns with well-crafted kick drums, round bass lines and enveloping subs. A record filled with warm sounds, head-nodding rhythms, and rich textured spaces. It’s all woven into an easy-listening experience, without demanding the listener’s full attention, but creating a landscape that is unique and varied throughout. We can hear references to artists like Boards of Canada, Jan Jenilek, Synkro and the like.
“In this record, every track has a different pulse or rhythm, and I use different resonators in the sound design process to achieve these tones. I started by leaving the space open with the ambient pads and hardly any rhythm, and I’d let myself be carried away by my sense of rhythm slowly building the compositions. I am obsessive with audio processing and I almost never leave a sound in its initial form. I like to add some subtle effect that sounds like something different and give new sounds to the elements I use.”
“Pulses and Resonances” is out via Subtempo on vinyl and digital on February 2nd.
Decay Records celebrates its tenth anniversary with a new EP from Italian duo Neverdogs, backed by remixes from Nu Zau and Ivan Iaobucci.
Over the past decade Decay Records has firmly cemented itself as a purveyor of sophisticated stripped back house sounds, releasing music from the likes of Shaun Reeves, Mihai Popoviciu, Christian Burkhardt, Alex Arnout and of course Neverdogs duo who return here to mark the labels milestone ten years of existence. The Italian Neverdogs duo have been steadily making their own mark over the past decade through material on Bamboleo, Kluki, This And That and Tamango.
Title-cut "In The Mood" leads with crisp drums, hazy atmospherics and a dynamically evolving construction. Ivan Iacobucci's twist on "In The Mood" follows and shifts the original into a murky, twisted interpretation with choppy stabs, glistening textures and crunchy drums intertwined with fragments of the original.
"Lion Heart" follows on the flip side and lays focus on a bouncy bass groove, plucked synth stabs and shuffled percussion before Nu Zau's take on "Lion Heart" rounds out the release, employing twisted acid squelches, dubby synth flutters and subtly nuanced drums all unfurling across its six-minute duration.
Ray Mono, who first came onto the scene as a resident at well regarded Leeds party Mono_Cult more than a decade ago, is now helming the label of the same name.
After a notable first outing, he is quickly back with another of his supple and subtle minimal workouts. 'Synchronicity' is a brilliantly warm and bubbly opener with balmy pads and sci-fi signifiers, while 'Awakenings' picks up the pace for a more driving and late-night tech house vibe that oozes drum funk.
'Synchronicity' then comes as a Nu Zau remix with more chattery percussion and textured bass rumbles, and Sepp's remix of 'Awakenings' is deep, bumping minimal house. A super fresh EP once more.
A1 Lose It All… an 18 minute journey of epic proportions, crescendo after crescendo with high percussion sounds and chest pounding drum grooves. Medu’s signature low end control that rumbles under the swinging key rhythm which dominates the vibe is absolutely mesmerising. The finishing touch to this late night dance floor heavyweight sound is the combination of Odille Lima’s chopped up ad-libs, harmonies and story telling voice that keeps you moving with wonder. This track is laced with energy and excellence.
The B side comprises of 2 break beat inspired tracks that are mysterious and full of heavy hitting percussion, dusty grooves and dark driving basslines. Odille is on both tracks with her unique vocals that fit perfectly with this underground sound. A must EP have for any DJ or collector.
Kerri Chandler’s Kaoz Theory welcomes the return of Dj Steaw in January 2024 with his ‘Get Back To The Fonk’ EP.
Parisian House stalwart Dj Steaw has grown to become a widely respected figure in the field of
raw, underground, classic House over the past decade, racking up releases on many leading
imprints of the genre such as Hot Haus, Meta, Local Talk, Step and Phonogramme as well as his
own Steaward, Rutilance and House Puff. Here though he returns to Kaoz Theory following the
success of his ‘Colour Of Mind’ EP in 2022.
Title-cut ‘Get Back To The Fonk’ opens and sees Dj Steaw lay down a jazzy keys and stab
sequences, a bouncy bass line and heavily swung drums alongside an amalgamation of spoken
word vocals and chants. ‘Don’t Stop’ follows next and shift focus into deeper realms with warm,
fluttering chords, swaying subs and airy strings running atop of a robust rhythm.
‘In My Body’s House’ is up next to open the B-side, embracing a true House feel this time through
the use of organic piano melodies, sax licks and organ lines intertwined with a bumpy bass hook
and dubbed out vocal effects. ‘Grey Matter’ then concludes the original material, focusing on
multilayered dreamy keys, resonant flutters and skippy percussion.
Marina Herlop is often described as a pianist, a lingering remnant of her classical training. But what strikes the listener on Herlop’s breakout track miu is the intricate trickery of her voice, tracing rhythmical clusters around the subtlest of musical beds, in a technique inspired by Carnatic music of Southern India.
miu, the opening track of Herlop’s new studio album Pripyat, was among the first songs that the young Catalan artist made on a computer, after two albums – 2016’s Nanook and 2018’s Babasha – that brought spectral elegance to the sound of piano and voice. This spirit of adventure continues into Pripyat, Herlop’s first full album produced on a computer, and her most intensely emotional work to date.
Listening to Pripyat you can feel the emotional toil and creative endeavour that went into the record. Fans of Nanook and Babasha will recognise the combination of melancholic piano and elegant vocal lines that is found on Pripyat tracks like abans abans. But Pripyat has a far fuller, almost chaotic sound when compared to Herlop’s previous work, with the addition of electronic drums, electric bass lines and a wealth of sublime production effects.
For their next release, Futuribile looks to the work of Salerno star Carlo Fontana, presenting a set of hard-to-find & unreleased treasures titled ‘La Musica Del Sud.’
Carefully remastered at the West Hill Studio, the collection of tracks — which features contributing arrangements from Tullio De Piscopo — forms a moody pop funk paradise, with jazz horns and soul brass layered together, and amorous vocals crooning, supported by lush harmonizations and greasy gliding bass. Disco beats and exotic drums dance, prismatic pads and soft synths seek the stars, piano and guitar sing a spaced out blues, and amidst the moving grooves and deep swinging jams, moments of beautiful balladry emerge to touch the spirit.
Carlo Fontana's work is further testimony to a courtly and sophisticated musical aesthetic in vogue in Naples (and surrounding areas) between the 70s and 80s which had as its main proponents and protagonists exceptional musicians such as Joe Amoruso, Tony Esposito, Pino Daniele, Elio D'Anna, Enzo Cervo and many others.
Hilit Kolet debuts on Rekids with ‘Hot Mess’, including remixes from the legendary Mike Dunn.
Following her remix of Terry Farley & Wade Teo’s ‘Why We Dance’, Hilit steps up to the Rekids plate with her debut EP for Radio Slave’s label with her single ‘Hot Mess’. A relentlessly driving drum machine werqout, ‘Hot Mess’ sees her masterfully mixing compulsive, marching rhythms with a fiercely impassioned spoken word vocal.
With added raw jackin’ energy in the ‘Even Hotter Mix’, this has the kind of late night runway energy that demands the
Sound Factory be rebuilt. On the B-side, Chicago house legend Mike Dunn’s remix of ‘Hot Mess’ is a deep groove that adds a wriggling earworm bassline, while still embracing the enchanting vocal of the original.
Hilit Kolet has been an integral part of London’s house scene ever since she started slinging vinyl at Soho’s legendary Black Market Records. Her distinctive, energetic DJ style then established her behind the decks everywhere, from high fashion shows to some of the most celebrated underground clubs in London. 2023 saw Hilit going global with shows from Ibiza to Shanghai via Printworks, Warehouse Project and Ministry of Sound.
Her summer single on the Faith imprint ‘POV Siren’ has been embraced by DJs as diverse as Robert Hood and Paul Woolford, and her edit of Laurent Garnier’s ‘Crispy Bacon’ was rinsed by many from Carl Cox to Patrick Topping, before seeing an official release by Garnier himself. ‘Hot Mess’ sets Hilit Kolet up as a serious name to watch out for in 2024.
The incipient incarnation of Atomic Rooster with Vincent Crane (organ/vocals), Nick Graham (vocals/bass), and Carl Palmer (drums) was together just long enough to document its 1970 debut. Prior to the last-minute addition of Graham-- the only bassist Atomic Rooster ever had -- the band emerged from the remnants of the then recently defunct Crazy World of Arthur Brown.
The material was primarily courtesy of Crane and consisted of heavy and versatile sides. The versatility is evident throughout the impressive array of styles ranging from the folk-inspired pastoral songs via bluesy horn arrangement and contrasting driving rockers and jazzy spells. Lyrically, Crane reveals his penchant for dark imagery. Support at the time was bolstered by strong live appearances, positive word-of-mouth, and significant BBC Radio sessions.
Romania’s Constratti delivers his ‘Late Summer’ EP via Yecad, comprising two originals and accompanied by remixes from fellow Romanian producers Sepp and Mihai Pol.
Residing in the capital city of Bucharet, Romania’s Constratti has been grown to become a beloved producer and DJ on the local scene and beyond, racking up releases on the likes of Storytellers, Aesthetic, Eagervision and more. Here though, Constratti joins the roster of Yecad, following on from material on the label by Barac, Dragutesku, Vlad Arapusu and Swoy amongst others.
Title-cut ‘Late Summer’ leads and sees Constratti lay down crisp drums and ethereal atmospherics intertwined with acid tinged bass in unfolding with a subtly nuanced feel. Sepp’s remix of ‘Late Summer’ follows and shifts focus to a more rhythmic fuelled feel, bringing additional percussion to the mix while stirring in vocal chants and fragments of the original’s atmospheric core.
‘Tempura Rolls’ opens the flip-side, diving deeper via bubbling synth textures, twitchy resonant glitches and airy chord sequences, underpinned by a rumbling low-end drive and low-slung drums. Mihai Pol’s twist on ‘Tempura Rolls’ then rounds out the EP, taking things in a more peak, dance floor focused direction courtesy of a gritty bass groove, saturated drums and the original’s smooth chords.
After a short break Samosa Records explodes back on the scene with ‘Earth Wind & Funk’, a deadly four-tracker EP that is sure to get the juices flowing and body moving.
A1 sees New Zealander producer ‘Strange’ make a most welcome return, spinning the funk loom with the ‘Hard Working’ (De Gama Re-Drums). A truly addictive and distinctive bassline sets the pace, tone and feel for this gorgeously constructed track. It has it all; sumptuous vocal, high-end brass and an acid squelch to die for. Dig it, you will.
A2 lands with Frank Virgilio’s ‘Love Is Positivity’ – a melting pot of twisted disco, feel-good scatty rhythm and lifting vocals. The melody is literally dripping with positivity, but also has an almost transcendental vibe secretly going on. The last drops of summer are right here. Enjoy them.
On the B-side, Mosaik Kollektive raise the temperature with the De Gama Re-Drums applied ‘Keep’. A tough, perfectly cooked groove that gets right in your face and makes no apologies for screaming at you. The bass on this unstoppable monster is all-consuming. Rhythm guitar licks blend with soaring strings and that’s the full basket. Sublime meaty goodness.
Closing matters for this incredible EP at B2 is the effervescent Monsieur Van Pratt and Funk De Ibiza. MVP stretches his funky legs to the full here, laying down a solid beat, arpeggio and a bass so tough you could train it to box. Expertly blended with J-pop-esque vocal and shrill church organ. Drop this at midnight and watch the carnage unfold and hands in the air.
Earth, Wind and Funk is the exposure to the elements you absolutely want. A more perfect slice of wax you couldn’t find and one that’s sure to find its way into the record boxes of those who know.
2024 Repress
For Frenzy's 5th installment, we'll take the fusion of the past and the present even further. We present you a 6-track EP by Swedish DJ and producer 'The Miller', who was amongst the Nordic wave of early 2000s techno pioneers like Cari Lekebusch, Adam Beyer, and Joel Mull. Coming from an era where rave and nightlife escapism were blooming, The Miller possesses a vast backlog of old-school productions that embody the true Frenzy sound. We invited him to compile an EP with old and new material, accompanied by remixes from the up-and-coming generation to truly intertwine generations of dancefloor exquisiteness. Allow yourself to surpass the linear alignment of time within the next collision of decades on Frenzy 005. It's time to dance.
Starting out slow but steady on the A side, 'Kartong' gradually builds up the pressure with a playful mix of reversed phrases and thoughtful alignment of pitch levels. Tension transforms into motion as 'Apex' kicks in with big airy basslines and exotic drum elements that keep the early-day spirit alive. To complete the A-side, Stuttgart-based Rove Ranger presents a dub-influenced remix of Apex, accelerating the 00s story straight into the next decade. On the flip side, we go back to the old days as 'Complied' grabs hold of hips and minds with catchy repetition and a straightforward bassline. The Miller got us spellbound as 'Gate' follows up with a stripped-down steamy groover. To end the journey in full force, a powerful remix of Gate by the Greek-based ANNE is delivered, converting stripped down into the contrary for those big-room dancefloor moments.
Limited release.
After “The Legend of Kaspar Hauser” directed by Davide Manulli, Vitalic is once again putting his music to moving images with “Disco Boy” by Giacomo Abbruzzese (awarded a Silver Bear at the 2023 Berlinale). Electronic, intense and navigating between a variety of different atmospheres, the soundtrack - much like the film it accompanies - is full of promise and mystery. “The Swamps”, “La Guerre” and “Helicopter” are reminiscent of the intense, dark and foreboding productions of Thomas Bangalter for “Irreversible” by director Gaspar Noé. In contrast, “Winter is Coming” and “Lost Time” are places of melancholy and sweetness where all bass has completely disappeared. As for the eponymous theme for the film, “Disco Boy”, it pays true electronic homage to the sound of disco. The retro-futurist soundtrack to “Disco Boy” oscillates between devastating kick drums, moist ambient and dreamlike swathes. Vitalic has created uncharted sonic landscapes that invite us on a voyage of initiation and self-discovery.
Reverse board tip on with silver pantone print. The first ever reissue of Dorothy Carter's 1978 folk/psych/drone masterpiece. A truly unique album in Dorothy's catalog of otherwise traditional psaltery folk music, Waillee Waillee's essence sits in the confluence of Dorothy's mastery of the dulcimer; its shimmering notes fully enmeshed with the tremulous, cavernous drones of Bob Rutman's bowed steel cello. The core of this album, Dorothy's only with a full band, lies in the contradiction of traditional psych-folk idioms and the minimal avant-garde, referencing Henry Flynt and Laraaji as much as Karen Dalton. This LP version includes 12 page booklet with unpublished manuscripts, drawings, photographs, and songbooks of the songs from the album, as well as extended liner notes from friends and family of Dorothy Carter, including notable musicians such as Laraaji, Bob Rutman, and Alexander Hacke (of Einstürzende Neubauten). Drops soon - a joint release between Palto Flats & Putojefe Records.
Dorothy Carter was many things - a virtuoso player, storyteller, historian of Celtic and Appalachian folk music, avid lifelong busker, avant-garde musician, and itinerant troubadour, laying a framework for music that existed both within and outside of standard folk idioms - never better represented than on her 1978 masterwork, Waillee Waillee. Underscored by Bob Rutman’s cavernous bowing of the steel cello, the richness of Waillee Waillee’s sound produces an album unlike any other in her discography. In particular, its two side-ending pieces, “Summer Rhapsody” and “Tree of Life,’’ glide with the shimmering filigree of hammered dulcimer and Dorothy Carter’s ephemeral voice floating over Rutman’s droning buzz of the steel cello. The elements of these two tracks suggest something akin to a transcendental Appalachian raga or whirling cosmic folk music, an effortless combination that serves to add additional substance to the remaining tracks on the album.
The title track is one of her most enduring compositions, often performed in stripped down versions throughout her career, and one of her sole recordings featuring a full band, with the contrapuntal interplay of tremulous flute, vibrating steel cello, bass and drums. Lyrically and tonally, her voice would never sound as stirring and refi ned as on this, her most outwardly accessible song.
She counted musical colleagues as diverse as Constance Demby, Einstürzende Neubauten and Laraaji, as well as her lifelong artistic partner and friend Bob Rutman, whose imprint is felt throughout the grooves of this record. The master tapes for this recording were fortuitously discovered in Rutman’s Berlin studio, many, many years later. As recounted in Laraaji’s contribution to the liner notes, Dorothy was “someone who really influenced my early zither exploration and vocabulary and inspired my shift toward hammered zither performance and recording,” after encountering him busking on the sidewalk one day in the 1970s. Later, when living in Berlin in the early 1990s, Dorothy would begin work on manuscripts detailing the history of the dulcimer family and providing extensive sheet music, selected material of which is reproduced in the twelve page booklet included with this release. Dorothy would find later success touring and performing in the late 90s with the ensemble Mediæval Bæbes, which she led with British musician Katherine Blake, playing a prominent role on their first four albums.
Hustler Records announces THE DON as its debut release; a beast of a track, leaning more towards heavy breaks with a Ragga vocal and emotive strings. THE DON is all about remembering you are THE DON of your own life and you never walk alone.
THE RAGGA TWINS:
The Ragga Twins started out on London's Unity sound system, and are regarded as pioneer s of the scene. AllMusic called them "crucial cogs in the development of U.K. dance music.
LUSINDA:
One of the female DJ’s actively pushing boundaries and scenes forwards. Her eclectic taste in music overspills into her sets; ranging through anything bass heavy; House, old skool, Techno, Drum & Bass, UKG and Grime. She focuses on the raw end of the sound whilst still being both accessible and innovative. For more than 16 years DJ Lusinda has been djing around the globe; South America, Europe and USA.
- A1: Intro Feat Persa
- A2: Endless Dream
- A3: Live Your Live Feat Jae Franklin & Persa
- B1: Fred P Skit
- B2: Track For Clau
- B3: K-Brain Tribute Feat Nblue & Damian Schwartz
- C1: I Thought You Were The One Feat Jae Franklin & Persa
- C2: Rl Stadium 92 <3
- C3: Friends And Family Skit Feat Letras
- D1: Halftime Report (For Little José)
- D2: For Princess L Feat Jae Franklin
- D3: Mg Skit
- D4: Outro
Accomplished Spanish artist José Cabrera enters a fresh creative chapter with the new album Le Bateleur. The storytelling and hugely personal record arrives on his own A Harmless Deed label and is a deep dive into the house music he has always loved.
Over the last two decades and under several aliases, Madrid- born Cabrera established himself as a leading techno producer. He has released on influential labels like Fred P's Soul People Music, Tresor, Deeply Rooted and Ron Moreli`s' L.I.E.S. records and co-runs A Harmless Deed with friend Damian Schwartz. As a DJ he has toured Europe, Asia, North and South America and proven himself to be an experimental DJ with a long-standing residency at Tresor in Berlin.
When the pandemic hit in 2020, Cabrera felt detached from the techno world so used his time at home to explore new sounds. He has always had a love of house so set work on making a proper house record in the mold of greats who went before. He worked with other musicians and vocalists, made use of an array of Roland drum machines, Juno synths and Casio keys to cook up a raw and authentic sound and drew from a wide range of the back music that has soundtracked his life. The resulting album is packed with life and energy, skits from friends and timeless grooves.
The album opens up with cosmic synths radiating warmth and jazzy melodies then 'Endless Dream' is a steamy house thumper with aching r&b vocal fragments next to swirling pads. It's a passionate house cut followed by 'Live Your Life' feat Jae. This one brings classic piano energy and another gorgeous female vocal that explores dancers to cut loose and live. Following a dusty downbeat skit that features spoken word encouragement from former collaborator Fred P, 'Track For Clau' is hyper-speed future house with bumping kicks and busy synth arps bringing the light.
A prog rock guitar rings out in the cosmos during 'K-Brain Tribute' feat. NBlue and Damian Schwartz, and 'I Thought You Were the One' feat. Jae & Persa layers up booming kicks and claps with a spine tingling vocal and fat bassline. 'RL Stadium 92' taps into classic Chicago house and 'Halftime Report (For Little José)' gets down and dirty with a menacing bassline and dusty 909 sounds. Another US house heavyweight in DJ Qu features on the atmospheric ''Friends and Family Skit' alongside some of Jose associates and 'For Princess L (I Love You)' feat Jae is an exquisite deep house cut with crisp snares and a heart swelling that is loved up and blissed out. Another skit leads into the outro which is a melancholic ambient synth excursion that sends you off feeling utterly calm.
Le Bateleur is another captivating entry into the ever-evolving discography of José Cabrera.
SY Rockers is the new project from Ryan Aitchison aka Mella Dee and KALLIDA Festival bossman Reuben G. Their story goes all the way back to 2009, when Reuben invited Ryan to be a resident for his party LSS at Hi-Fi Club in Leeds.
The pair went on to bond over their shared love of bass-led music in the UK underground, a sound that was especially important to their native South Yorkshire. Fourteen years on, Ryan and Reuben revisit those early inspirations as SY Rockers. Their debut EP is a slickly produced expression of bleep, UK techno, bassline and dub, redrawing lines between the sound legacies of cities like Sheffield, Bradford and Leeds across three tracks.
True to those roots, the result is a hypnotic blend of raw drums and subsonic impact. ‘Windy Dub’ introduces the record with a hazy, heads-down bass, occasionally shivering into a cavernous space echo before it locks back into a haunting synth hook. ‘Modem’ does what it says on the tin: gameboy tones bounce around a warm sub, calling back the ‘less is more’ aesthetic of the original bleep era. Finally, ‘Rhythm Resonate’ zooms in on where it all started—the drum machine. 909s, lasers and a touch of perc combine to create the ultimate techno tool.
LTD repress !
With their new EP on their own label, Italian duo Orion deliver a record full of lowkey atmospherics, textures and sublime frequencies. 2 original tracks and 2 remixes from italian artists Primal Code and Luigi Tozzi.
“Lie” opens the record with those classic emotional elements coming out from a long cloudy day in the studio.
As previously heard on their Smoke Machine live podcast “Orange” plays with layers, cinematic pads and hypnotic drums.
On the flip Primal Code’s “Lie” version encapsulates their dreamy and tribal approach with an intricate acid bassline that will take you on a journey.
Luigi Tozzi’s dark and loopy remix is something for your brain. Subtle hypnotic melodies and roaring low frequencies are the main elements for this club version of “Lie”.
Mood Child label owners Sirus Hood and Manda Moor curate a sonic journey featuring global talent as they proudly present their latest compilation, ‘Various Moods’. A kaleidoscope of experiences, the release showcases six tracks from diverse artists, each contributing their unique vibe to this eclectic musical package.
Hailing from Brazil, Wayne Le’s ‘This is How’ pays homage to the origins of electronic music with a rolling bassline and a vocal tribute to classic Roland machines, the 808 and the 303. The track’s energy crescendos, making it a highly sought-after ID. Spanish duo Fourth Phase brings ‘WTF’ to the compilation, a groovy masterpiece characterized by 909 drums, a massive bassline, and a playful vocal, reminiscent of the 90s. From Curitiba, Brazil, guerrA. presents ‘Storno’, a fast-paced old-school beat that weaves chopped vocals from a rap DJ tool into a groove enriched with analog drums and a powerful bass sound.
A fusion of French and Taiwanese influences, Nathan Alzon’s ‘Flashback’ captures the essence of a new beginning. The track features a vocal saying “take me away”, blending seamlessly with the groovy sound characteristic of Alzon’s productions. Representing Mexico, Gama delivers ‘Tatata’, an explosion of Latin percussive elements blended with a hypnotizing groove. Inspired by his hometown Cancún, Gama experiments with new rhythms and sounds, infusing a significant Latin influence into the track. Marseille’s Malikk, known for his releases on Hot Creations and Hottrax, collaborates with Palermo-based Side B. The duo draws inspiration from '80s disco, funky, soul, and retro movies, crafting ‘How I Feel’ with punchy drums, a heavy bassline, and unique grooves.
The Cult brings on board a legend. From DMC scratch champion in the late eighties to the missing link between Detroit and Amsterdam in the nineties. Dutch producer Orlando Voorn needs little introduction and with seminal hits like his dancefloor destroying KMS smash ‘Fix’ under his belt, it is no surprise that the ever-innovative producer is as in demand today as he ever was. Having worked alongside techno originators such as Juan Atkins and honed his production skills under an incredible number of monikers over the years, we bring the multi-talented producer into the Cult. Here he produces an EP of techno brimming with the musicality and inventiveness that is regularly stamped all over his productions.
Opener ‘Between the Surface’ rolls along effortlessly with its Detroit house leanings, loose jazz drums and buoyant walking bass line driving the groove onwards. Hitting hard, ‘Dazed’ is up next with its jackin’ DX style bass and deep evolving arpeggios, that hark back to the glory days of early house music. Finally, ‘Immortal’ ventures into deeper territory for a twisted journey of discordant synths, electro bleeps and haunting synth melodies. His debut on Rhythm Cult is rich with ideas and showcases the creativity that has made Voorn a force to be reckoned for nearly three decades in the game. Joining the dots between Amsterdam and Detroit this new EP brings fresh inspiration with every listen.
OOO002 - second, vinyl-only release debuts dark, galactic grooves featuring heavy bass lines and experimental elements from artists Chad Andrew and Len Lewis.
A1: “Battle 303”
Inspired by the soundscape of the 90’s techno scene, Battle 303’s punchy bass drums hold you captive as its sine wave bounce lures you into hypnosis with a progressive rhythmic beat. The track’s rolling 303, pyramid’s a myriad of elements before awakening you to the crisp subliminal vocal, just shy of the midway point. Battle 303’s multidimensional fury of movement refuses to slow its pace, inducing pure cardio for both the mind and body, inspiring peak dance performance.
A2: “Area 15”
Area 15 intros the swirling ambiance of dark, atmospheric, easy listening as it gradually accelerates into a journey of the unknown. Utilizing distortion effects, eerie drones and chimes, coupled with the rhythmic pattern of arpeggiated synths brings about a sense of intrigue that lends the listener the flexibility to determine their personal musical trajectory and experience.
B1: Battle 303 (Len Lewis S!th Remix)
Battle 303 (Len Lewis S!th Remix) is an introspective, sonic journey that slings you through a brooding origin story of tribal, galactic funk that echoes iconic samplings spanning over 5 decades seamlessly merged into one futuristic bop. Maintaining it’s old school, breakbeat roots with a driven, heavy bassline, claps and snares, Lewis remains true to his S!th style, by altering path and speed with his signature, unexpected musical transitions, highlighted by timely breaks and experimental elements. Be prepared to move and groove as this track reaches hyperspeed early on, stimulating intense movement and journey from start to finish.
B2: Battle 303 (Len Lewis G.H.M. Remix)
Battle 303 (Len Lewis G.H.M. Remix) leads with traditional, minimal components and a suspenseful bassline, laced with piercing elements and garbled synth vocals, creating a sense of awareness and urgency that gradually builds in intensity before throwing you into punchy, sinister darkness.
This groove, set against the backdrop of deep space and all its musical element oddities, mimics the drive of the original 303’s rolling bass line while seamlessly exploring Lewis’ S!thstylings of metallic synth scales and spooky drone effects, keeping you captivated as you strut the dance floor
Jackie Mittoo is one of the most important artists in the history of Jamaican music. As founding member of the legendary Skatalites, as in-house arranger/producer at Studio One and as a solo artist in his own right leading groups such as The Soul Brothers, Sound Dimension and Soul Vendors.
These classic and rare recordings were made in the mid 1960's at Studio One. The Soul Brothers bridged the gap between Ska and the arrival of Rocksteady mixing it all up with Funk, Jazz and Latin styles. The Soul Brothers recorded at Studio One between 1965-1967. This was the transitionary period between Ska and Rocksteady where the music was a mixture of Funk, Latin and Jazz sometimes with a reminder of Ska and the hint of Rocksteady.
The previous era of Ska had been dominated by the Skatalites, the first in-house band at Studio One who created classic hits such as "Guns of Navaronne", "Man in the Street", "El Pussy Cat" and many more. Unfortunately the strong personalities in the group meant that The Skatalites stayed together for less than two years. It was also around this time that the mentally unwell Don Drummond was arrested for the murder of his girlfriend, the dancer Margerita.
In August 1965, barely a week after the demise of the original Skatalites, The Soul Brothers (featuring ex-Skatalites members Jackie Mittoo, Roland Alphonso, Johnny Moore and Lloyd Brevitt) were up and running as the new house band at Studio One.
The Soul Brothers were essentially a collective, releasing material under their own name or under a nominal leader (usually Jackie Mittoo or Rolando Alphonso). The group line-up changed over time with Bobby Ellis (trumpet), Bryan Atkinson (bass), Dennis Campbell (Sax), Harry Haughton (guitarist) and Joe Isaacs (drummer) replacing various members alongside the ever present Jackie Mittoo.
REVIEWS
"Jackie Mittoo was a true star of Jamaican music; a founder member of The Skatalites, a prolific composer and the keyboard powerhouse behind many a classic tune. His simple, often hypnotic approach, to ska, rocksteady and reggae made him one of the most distinctive sounding musicians of the era." BBC.
"Jackie Mittoo was one of the great names in Jamaican music, manning the keyboards for the Skatalites, the Soul Vendors, and Sound Dimension-- three of the greatest house bands of the 60's
(and I mean anywhere, not just in Jamaica)." PITCHFORK.
WOLFDRIFTA steps up to his own Wolves That Drift label with another stylish fusion of sounds that stand him out in a class of one. The London based artist has a fresh sound and is really making waves with his own platform which evokes real emotion and brings innovative sounds to the underground. The title cut pairs dubby bass with snappy electro-style percussion and sci-fi melodies. It's a distinctly futuristic world of cinematic designs and immersive atmospheres. Remixer Theo Nasa has credits on the likes of Rekids, ASPX and We Are The Brave and flips it into a double time and bass heavy stepper with compelling rhythms and tribal percussion. Tekdroid then layers up crispy drum programming with swirling pads for a twisted and acid laced techno workout. Glitch Overdrive has a future sense of soul over hunched drums and rasping bass.
Phuture Shock is a game-changing EP from this crucial producer.
Andrew Macari joins up with Paka Project for a first outing on the fledgling Greenhouse Recordings labels here and delves deep into some true-school deep house. 'Beeston Fields Drive' is a warm and diffuse opener that rolls on loopy drums with balmy chords melted over the top.
'Hold Dat' has jazzy motifs and funky bass riffs down low that remind of early West Coast tech house sounds from the likes of Fresh & Low and 'All We Need' then layers up r&b samples and even more smooth and silky late-night chords into a real smoocher.
'PR Process' ends on low-slung and lumpy drums and spoken word samples run through with dubby chords.
*Repress*
An artist as imaginative and unique as Ana Mazzotti doesn’t come around often. Dubbed a “super-musician” by fellow Brazilian virtuoso Hermeto Pascoal, Mazzotti’s short but rich musical career culminated in just two studio albums: Ninguem Vai Me Segurar (1974), and Ana Mazzotti (1977). Outside circles of Brazilian funk aficionados, these two gems of spellbinding samba-jazz, lysergic funk and trippy bossa have remained relatively obscure. This was partly as a result of Mazzotti’s premature death (she lost her battle with cancer in her mid-thirties), but also due to financial restraints and the prejudice she faced as a female songwriter in a fundamentally sexist society.
Born in Caixas, in Brazil’s Rio Grande do Sul municipality, Mazzotti began to play the accordion aged five, before moving with prodigious ease onto the piano. By the age of twelve she was already conducting her convent school’s choir, and at twenty-one she led her city’s premier chorus, the Coral Bento Goncalves. When rock and roll hit South America in the sixties, a young Mazzotti was one of the early adopters, fronting various guitar groups including an all female Beatles cover band, and an eclectic, eight-piece psychedelic group Desenvolvemento. Before moving to Sao Paulo to start her career proper, Mazzotti met drummer, producer and fellow music educator Romido Santos, who she would later marry. Romildo introduced Mazzotti to jazz, and music by the likes of Chick Corea and Hermeto Pascoal who she would later befriend and perform with.
In 1974 Mazzotti recorded her first album Ninguem Vai Me Segurar (1974), enlisting the in-demand arrangement talents of Azymuth’s original keyboard maestro Jose Roberto Bertrami who co-wrote several of the tracks and plays organ, piano and synthesizers on the album. It also features Azymuth’s bassist Alex Malheiros and percussionist Ariovaldo Contestini, with Romildo Santos who produced the album on drums. Recorded in Estudio Haway around the same time Azymuth recorded their debut album there, it’s no wonder the samba jazz-funk pioneer’s distinctive aesthetic is present throughout, and Mazzotti’s sensational compositions are made even more beautiful for it.
Kicking off with the swirling samba-jazz-dance masterpiece ‘Agora Ou Nunca Mais’, the album hosts several groove-heavy Brazilian cult-classics including ‘Roda Mundo’ and ‘Eu Sou Mais Eu’. Deeper moments come in the form of the alluring future soul synth sounds on ‘Bairro Negro’ and ‘Sou’, and Mazzotti’s tender, hallucinatory version of ‘Feel Like Making Love’ (made famous by Roberta Flack) perfectly reflecting the idiosyncratic genius Mazzotti achieved with Bertrami’s visionary arrangements, and Romildo’s impeccable production approach.
Far Out Recordings is proud to present the official reissue of this cult favourite Brazilian treasure. Remastered and pressed to 180g vinyl, Ninguem Vai Me Segurar (1974) will be available on vinyl LP, CD and digitally from 13th September.
Depending on your personal circumstances, the Covid pandemic was either a blissed-out paid holiday or a stressful and seemingly never-ending time of loss and hardship. Both ends of the spectrum are gorgeously captured here by London-based Joy Ellis, who wrote her third album 'Peaceful Place' during those strange weeks.
Though a renowned singer, she decided to strip things back to just piano for this record, with long-time collaborators Adam Osmianski on drums and Henrik Jensen on double bass fleshing out the sound.
It is a poignant listen from front to back, with all the many different emotions of that time conveyed perfectly, from grief to uncertainty, hope to despair, in one immersive record. The sheer beauty of these songs and the meaning of the melodies stay with you long after they have finished playing, making this a real triumph out of adversity and one that is sure to stand the test of time.
Sometimes you just stumble upon some music randomly, fall in love with it and you quickly look to grab a copy, but only a CD was ever released of it.
So after playing it digitally for quite a while now, it was the right decision to get it pressed on Vinyl, as some of you out there prefer that format.
Here we are, after more than 2 years preparing it, finally the Vinyl release of FC Europe is ready!
A joint project made by Andy Rantzen, Anthony Maher and S. Correa, first saw the daylight back in 1999 on Air Recording Australia.
From housey tracks to the finest breaks and hints of Drum & Bass, this Album has everything for everyone out there, must have record in every collection.
Growing up in the 90s in rural upper Austria, Jakobin spent his time with skateboarding and listening to lots of hip hop before witnessing the halcyon days of the Vienna downbeat era and later being introduced to Austrias club culture. Pursuing his growing passion for collecting vinyl, he started spinning his first records in the region and later moved to the Austrian capitol.
There he quickly connected with likeminded people. Quickly getting immersed in the Viennese electronic music scene, he started producing and DJing with his longtime friend Domino under the moniker Jakobin & Domino and became founding members of Luv Shack Records in 2011. After a number of successful releases he started his solo career and began working on his live setup. His growing collection of analog gear helped shaping his productions. An overview of his current sound is expressed on his new record ‚Forever More‘. Heavily influenced on 90s UK house productions this 3-track EP will activate your senses and move your body with its groovy basslines and drums, creating an irresistible rhythm.
L+P-2 is Rivet's second album following his acclaimed debut, On Feather and Wire, released on Editions Mego in 2020. The wheels were already in motion for a subsequent album on the same label, but tragedy struck. Peter "Pita" Rehberg, the legendary owner of Editions Mego, suddenly passed away at only 53 years old, leaving the experimental electronic music community in a state of pitch-black grief. Rivet was among the many deeply affected by this loss. The inspiration and support from Rehberg had propelled Rivet to create at a level he himself was uncertain he had mastered. For Rivet, Rehberg's death felt like the death of music.
However, that brooding sentiment was abruptly shattered when Rivet's beloved dog and companion, Lilo, was diagnosed with incurable cancer just a couple of months later. They were inseparable, and now they would be separated nonetheless. The only way Rivet could cope with this double blow was to compose—for Lilo, for Pita, for his own sanity. L+P-2 is the result.
While the album naturally emerges from a place of despair, it's remarkably comforting. Partly, this stems from Rivet's singular ability to make machines not only sound human but also act human—sincere and warm, yet flawed. In more than one track on L+P-2, you'll encounter a distinctive melody and a gnarly bassline dancing hand in hand with Rivet's eccentric and captivating drum patterns. Then, seemingly on a whim, the melody takes off on its own, leaving the faithful bassline behind—much like a dear friend that suddenly vanishes from your life without warning. Yet life goes on, and so does the music. But never unchanged. Never.
L+P-2 is an album of lamentation, yet also of resolve—a dedication to those who go through life losing more than their share because they always carry too much.
Repress!
A year after his debut, Raleigh's Echo Brown, returns to The North Quarter for his sophomore EP “Midnight Static”; a 5-track tour-de-force showcasing his maturity as an artist. Echo Brown balances his signature hazy, lo-fi chords and clinical drum programming with weighty bass tones, as Midnight Static moves between lighter and darker moods with elegant ease. Guest appearances are handled by rising Manchester star K S R and The North Quarter boss Lenzman. Echo Brown's talent and growth is on full display on “Midnight Static” and it's become clear that he's an artist with an exciting new voice that needs to be heard.
a a1. Motions ft K S R
Harry Romero returns to Crosstown Rebels as he links with vocalist Shyam P for ‘Mind Games’.
With a catalogue as rich as any and continuing at the top of his game two decades after his emergence within New York’s fabled nightlife scene, Harry Romero continues to serve up his own take of Latin-inspired and percussive- driven house music via a long list of the industry’s leading imprints. Having previously remixed Chilean favourite Francisco Allendes on the label last year alongside his collaborative ‘It Hurts’ EP with Jessica Eve in 2021 and his contribution to the ‘Spirits III’ compilation before that, the Bambossa Records head honcho is back on Damian Lazarus’ revered Crosstown Rebels for his latest EP project, uniting London-bon, Dubai based singer/ songwriter Shyam P for the excellent ‘Mind Games’.
Crafting a slick and heady groove before launching into a hypnotic haze accenting by a bubbling bassline, ‘Mind Games’ is an infectious and vibrant house cut as Shyam P’s alluring vocals take hold amongst emotive builds and breaks. Nest, ‘Mira’ is a classic Romero offering as the focus shifts to crisp organic percussion arrangements, carnival-esque whistles and hooky Latin vocals for a bustling terrace number, before ‘Analog Bugz’ takes cues from its title as crisp drum shots and sharp stabs unite to create a no-nonsense builder made for the main room.
Building on their shared exploration of forward-leaning UK club sounds, EM + STAV herald the arrival of their new label JoyLift with the Endless EP. Having entrenched themselves within the free-spirited landscape of Bristol’s music community, the pair home in on a focused sound which draws on the city’s storied bass mutations as a springboard for their own take on modernist dance music.
There’s a tough, brooding quality to Endless EP which speaks to the meditative pressure of soundsystem immersion, but equally EM + STAV build out evocative, shifting narratives within that club-ready framework. From dubwise processing to deft sound design, a broad church of processes are wielded to shape out these pieces, and physicality comes in many forms whether in weightless sub lines or pointed, angular drum programming. Given their long-standing connection to developments within the underground music scene, there’s a keen instinct for the dynamic shifts which can set a dance alight, while the ill- defined shape of the wider genre-not-genre allows plenty of space for movement and experimentation.
Alongside the three original productions from EM + STAV, kindred spirit Forest Drive West steps up for a remix of ‘Odd' which aligns with the aesthetic intentions of JoyLift while demonstrating the idiosyncratic qualities associated with the scene’s most vital artists. The cohesive feel of Endless EP extends to Luke Griffin’s artwork, in which natural source material undergoes heavy processing to wind up in a striking new form, shot through with colour but ultimately shrouded in a moodiness that harks back through the lineage of hardcore-rooted UK dance music.
By its very nature the future is unwritten for JoyLift, but EM + STAV’s new project commits itself to an ever-evolving palette of sound, rendered as music with a strong sense of identity - tracks to shake the dance without resorting to obvious tropes, responding to and feeding into the inspiring tides of ideas emanating from the environment around them.
Steve O'Sullivan's Mosaic label is back with a second volume of its dubs series, this time on nice yellow vinyl with Sub Basics and Fletcher given one side each to shine. Sub Basics goes first with 'Mediterranean', a lovely liquid dub with bottomless depths and perfectly smooth, frictionless drums. Lovely soft melodies drift in and out as the echoing hits and icy hi-hats help oil this most heady of grooves. On the flip, Fletcher offers up 'Sludge' which is a little more tense and menacing, with darker bass and more texture as well as distant groaning pads that keep you guessing and on edge.
Hailing from Mexico City, Louie Fesco is as cool as his name states, he is never lame. Louie can make a Tiesto t-shirt cool, just by cutting off the sleeves and wearing it. Mr. Cool has graced many top labels over the last decade and made these labels even cooler, his outing on CV
Could be one of his best and coolest, #truestorybro.
On this crispy 12 inch he delivers a masterclass on party rocking grooves, proper basslines and drummy hooks (not to be confused with dummy hookers).
So to speak- a perfect weapon in your vinyl arsenal (not “Vinyl Arsenal” the amateur football team made up of various aging UK Djs).
On the remix duty, we get some heavy hitters from the ever mysterious Gathaspar. We heard he gets his inspiration from tiny elves that are only found in Munich catacombs. When asked about these tiny elves on Instagram, he leaves you on “seen”. His OP vinyl series are instant hits and collectors items among bearded vinyl nerds, and people who use a lot of bedroom hand lotion. These remixes are monsters- I know, I tested them myself in raves to people and they responded by dancing.
In short, if you are a Dj who likes nasty records to rock parties, this is a must, and if you’re a creepy Discogs shark, this is sure to go up in value.
Why do we even write these write ups?
I’m not sure, and if you are still reading this instead of listening to the 12 inch, I don’t know what else to say to you.
I guess I’ll give you the “ your good enough, your smart enough, and god darn it- people like you” words to get you thru the day.
Sincerely, Jay-the writeup guy.
Established in 2016, Little Giant Records is the Brooklyn-born label founded by Anna Cavazos that specializes in the kind of deep house sounds that belong in the dark and sweaty basements of underground clubs. Anna is a DJ, producer, and vocalist who has played out across the globe for over 15 years mixing and blending the deep house sounds of Chicago, New York, and Berlin. . Her discography includes original compositions, remixes, and collaborations with the likes of Satoshi Tomiie and Eli Escobar.
The EP kicks off with the original of ‘Love Interlude’ - melancholic and piano-heavy with an ultra-deep baseline embellished with warm pads and soulful drums. Anna’s soulful vocal floats above the melody creating an emotional and moving interlude. Next up Matthias Vogt delivers a deep-house masterpiece adding extra keys, drum accents, and a well-placed baseline that is weaved neatly into the vocal hook while Vogt delivers the warm, jazz-flecked vibrations he is well known for.
Up next Rick Wade weighs in with some ever so classy house laced with flashes from the Motor City of Detroit. Warm electro piano, glowing synths, and vocal parts contrast with the deep sub baseline. Closing out this EP Rissa Garcia draws heavily on her New York house inspirations. Organ riffs and a funk-inspired bass line lead the charge dropping in and out between vocal harmonies and subtle synth work. Percussive accents bring it all home making this closing cut one dancefloor destroying, peak-time bomb.
For their fourth release of the year, Chat Noir Tools welcomes Hamburg based producer and DJ Rupert Marnie! Co-founder of The Press Group and part of Remoto record store, the german artist is one to watch among the new scene. In his High Tech Artisan EP we can feel his very distinctive touch: sci-fi influenced music with artificial voices from the future, vocal synths, psychedelic soundscapes and pads.
Rupert Marnie also adds complex drum programming and acid bass lines to create his very own groovy yet minimalistic sound crafted for a cyber and playful dance floor.
Aarset and Bang have collaborated since the early 1990s in constellations with, among others, Nils Petter Molvaer, Bugge Wesseltoft, Sly & Robbie and Jon Hassell. 'Snow Catches on her Eyelashes' (2020) was their first recording as a duo, an album that was widely praised, inspiring John Eyles of All About Jazz to write: "Aarset, Bang and company go from strength to strength, as does the Norwegian scene. Onward and upward."
'Last Two Inches of Sky' further expands this sonic universe - onward and upward. Like its predecessor, the new recording is an amalgam of styles, linked together by Jan Bang's hallmark sampling technique and Eivind Aarset's continuous exploration of the guitar. Now, the rhythm section of Audun Erlien (bass) and Anders Engen (drums) are prominent on most tracks, and the arrangements are enhanced by guests like Gianluca Petrella (trombone), Adam Rudolph (percussion), Emanuel Birkeland- Bang (drum programming) and Erik Honore (samples, lyrics on "Legion").
"El Caos Reina" by Oxygeno is the new chapter of our label. This EP is made up of four raw, mental and introspective tracks where the creator tells us the story of a difficult and uncertain time.
Side A opens with "Veneno En Los Labios", an exercise with heavy drums, wrapped by a crunchy bass and a tense and nostalgic atmosphere. This track is followed by "Condenados", a more experimental, dark and anxious piece, where you can feel the terror of the situation.
On the B-side we first find "Grito Al Vacio", the most energetic track, with a strong kick and bassline, cutting percussions and a pad that appears as a desperate scream. In the last track but not least, "As De Corazones", is the hypnotic piece of the album but keeping the forcefulness of the rest.
Rees landed on Bordello A Parigi with a bang. His “Three Eyes” track left dancefloors slippy and listeners wanting more. Thankfully, the Middlesborough musician only too glad to comply. Dream Wave collects three tracks that are emblematic of Rees’ enviable ability. A serial cross pollinator, genre lines are blurred before being rewritten. “A Dream Wave” melts rich basslines and muscled percussion with a daringly upbeat counter melody. Kick drums usher in “The New Beat”. Flourishes float above the thump before Rees lets loose. Acid barbs, rave shouts and Eastern echoes coalesce in this unique work. Keeping bodies moving until the very end, Rees delivers “Electric Body”. Guitar strings and incising snares collide with a hypnotic synthline that adopts elements of synth pop and full bodied techno. A record that perfectly illustrates the versatility of this style shifting artist.
Brazilian Bruno Furlan returns to Hot Creations once again with his ‘La Fiesta’ EP, featuring two scorching house tracks.
One of Brazil’s leading house artists, Bruno Furlan continues to build a dedicated following across the globe, with his current US tour welcoming memorable performances at Club Space in Miami to Club Vinyl in Denver. His return to Hot Creations comes following the success of his ‘Bongoloco’ EP on the label to open 2023, alongside a slew of other releases on the likes of DIRTYBIRD, Club Sweat, Fool’s Gold Records, and his very own Track ID imprint. Delivering two fresh cuts for his fourth outing on Hot Creations Furlan showcases his growing sound once more here with ‘La Fiesta’.
Leading with a spicy fusion of rattling percussions and vibrant bongo drums, the title track ‘La Fiesta’ ignites a Dancefloor frenzy, honouring his roots through rich, pounding beats and impassioned vocals. Next up ‘Give Me That Bass’ is another production built with main stage energy, bringing punchy stabs and alluring calls to get people locked into the groove.
Leading with a spicy fusion of rattling percussions and vibrant bongo drums, the title track ‘La Fiesta’ ignites a Dancefloor frenzy, honouring his roots through rich, pounding beats and impassioned vocals. Next up ‘Give Me That Bass’ is another production built with main stage energy, bringing punchy stabs and alluring calls to get people locked into the groove.
Paisley Park Enterprises, in Partnership with Sony Music Entertainment and Warner Records, announces expanded reissue of Prince & the New Power Generation’s multi-platinum album Diamonds And Pearls. This 2LP contains Diamonds And Pearls remastered for the very first time by Prince’s original mastering engineer Bernie Grundman.
Diamonds And Pearls is the thirteenth studio album by Prince, and was the first with his new backing band, The New Power Generation. Featuring six massive international singles, including the hits “Gett Off”, “Cream”, and the iconic title track, the album was a worldwide smash reaching multi-platinum status in the USA and the UK, where it remains his best-selling album.
The New Power Generation was a band that Prince believed in so wholeheartedly that he gave them co-credit on the cover of Diamonds And Pearls, something he’d only done previously with one other band, The Revolution. The group consisted of Sonny Thompson (vocals & bass), Damon Dickson (vocals & percussion), Rosie Gaines (vocals & keyboards), Michael Bland (drums), Kirk Johnson (vocals & percussion), Tony M (vocals), Levi Seacer, Jr. (bass, guitar & vocals), and Tommy Barbarella (keyboards).
Paisley Park Enterprises, in Partnership with Sony Music Entertainment and Warner Records, announces expanded reissue of Prince & the New Power Generation’s multi-platinum album Diamonds And Pearls. This 2LP contains Diamonds And Pearls remastered for the very first time by Prince’s original mastering engineer Bernie Grundman.
Diamonds And Pearls is the thirteenth studio album by Prince, and was the first with his new backing band, The New Power Generation. Featuring six massive international singles, including the hits “Gett Off”, “Cream”, and the iconic title track, the album was a worldwide smash reaching multi-platinum status in the USA and the UK, where it remains his best-selling album.
The New Power Generation was a band that Prince believed in so wholeheartedly that he gave them co-credit on the cover of Diamonds And Pearls, something he’d only done previously with one other band, The Revolution. The group consisted of Sonny Thompson (vocals & bass), Damon Dickson (vocals & percussion), Rosie Gaines (vocals & keyboards), Michael Bland (drums), Kirk Johnson (vocals & percussion), Tony M (vocals), Levi Seacer, Jr. (bass, guitar & vocals), and Tommy Barbarella (keyboards).
Skatebård is one of the very best Classic Techno producers from Norway since the early 2000's - the distinction from others simply lies within his sense of melody, rhythm and live arrangements. The 2002 release "Skateboarding Was A Crime" on Tellektro had a clear thread of Detroit Techno and Electro, a craft and influence that also heavy club hitters "Conga", "Ta-Ta Arr" and "Emotional Bits" on Sex Tags Mania strongly carried. It's unarguably always a "classic touch" in his dance music, but still it always sounds like a Skatebård production - there is simply no blueprinting in true inspiration.
"Spektral LP" has been compiled and edited by DJ Sotofett with material from Skatebård's 2001-2005 recording archive. In short it's recordings nobody else cold get a hold of – fine tuned and restored into a synergetic and consolidated world of riding, mechanical and electronic funk - released on Skatebård's own Digitalo Enterprises.
Tracks "Seventh" and "Vaskemaskin" are both cymbal driven Techno cuts by the former metal drummer, one with chorded synth stabs growing in harmony, the other leaning on a dark sci-fi pad and a flipped vocal loop. There's a bit more of Skatebård's vocals on the beautifully robotic "Ei Anna Framtid", an alternate take of "Future" which Finlands Keys Of Life released in 2003. DJ Sotofett's mix of "Den Anarkistiske Anode" is nothing but a distorted head-schredding basement Techno blaster, while "Strengje", "Bassi" and "Spektral Elektro" punctuates the catchy Electro & Italo grooves Skatebård crafts so much better than most current producers.
The A side 'Lip Locked' is an animated collaboration between Parris and Untold, is certified fast house compatible and comes stripped back to the classic raw elements of synth stab, vocal, sub bass and kick drum.
Early support by Ben UFO and Marie Montexier.
'Just Look at the Rain' sees a rare solo outing for Untold spinning crunchy breakbeats and guitar stabs into something both old school and new.
ORO was set up in 2014 as a sub-label of Hemlock for the more 'out there' material and has released music from Brian Routh (R.I.P), Untold, IVVVO and Lord Skywave.
Parris runs the label Can You Feel The Sun with Call Super and has just wrapped up a busy summer with performances at Love International, Houghton and Glastonbury festivals, as well as touring the US and Columbia.
In 2023 Untold founded and began running the modular synth brand Laine.
Mere months after launching his very own Ruff 'N Tuff imprint Stekker drops his second vinyl EP of the year on fellow Breda based hardcore junglist Coco Bryce's Myor Massiv label.
Another 4 cuts of drum & bass wise Amiga choppage and exquisite rave breakbeat euphoria, teaming up with the likes of DJ Sofa and the inimitable, illustrious Phineus II.
Aphrose reveals her sophomore album, 'Roses,' a captivating amalgamation of Neo-Soul and R&B, delving into the wellspring of ancestral strength and love.
Hailing from Toronto, Canada, Aphrose, also known as Joanna Mohammed, unveils her sophomore album, establishing her as one of Toronto's best-kept musical treasures. Known for her commanding vocal prowess within her hometown, this gifted songwriter and vocalist is rapidly garnering global acclaim and accolades from both fans and music critics alike. Signed to independent Soul label LRK Records, 'Roses' remains firmly rooted in Aphrose's signature style characterized by resounding R&B vocals. However, it also embraces a softer, more introspective aura that brilliantly showcases her remarkable versatility in navigating diverse genres, moods, and musical approaches with remarkable finesse.
This album offers a little something for everyone, catering to enthusiasts of Neo-soul, traditional Soul, Hip Hop, and R&B. Produced by her longtime friends/collaborators at SafeSpaceship Music (Scott McCannell, Chino De Villa, Ben Macdonald), the album serves as a compelling testament to the collective creativity of Aphrose and this exceptional production trio, delivering a kaleidoscope of soundscapes, textures, rhythms, and grooves. 'Roses' weaves together both lighthearted and profound elements as Aphrose explores her life journey, delving into her familial past and present, grappling with the challenges of new motherhood, and contemplating her relationships with herself, her partner, and her friends. Across the 35-minute LP, Aphrose draws inspiration from Neo-soul icons like Jill Scott and Erykah Badu, pays homage to Soul legends such as Aretha Franklin and MJ, and infuses contemporary R&B influences from artists like Frank Ocean, SiR, and SZA. The result is a sound that distinctly bears the 'Aphrose sound,' reflecting her deep admiration for her inspirations while imparting a refreshing twist to familiar genres.
The album commences with its title track, 'Roses,' which was released as a single on August 25th. This song sets the stage, invoking the strength of Aphrose's ancestors, particularly her late Grandmother Rose. Following suit is 'YaYa,' also released as a single on July 7th. This buoyant dance track whisks listeners back to the disco era of the late 70s and early 80s. The album's third track, 'Heavenly Father,' offers a brief interlude featuring a recording of Aphrose's Grandmother Rose engaged in prayer, setting the tone for the subsequent track, 'In The Time Of Sorrow.' This contemplative, chill piece captures Aphrose's musings on navigating a world often shrouded in fakery, while craving authenticity. 'Honey (Don't) Come Back' seamlessly transitions between two distinct musical personalities, commencing with a deep, almost Trap-like bass/drum beat before transforming into a spirited Funk/Soul jam—an anthem of empowerment encouraging the listener to leave a situationship that is no longer working. 'What You Don't See' strips the production down to its core, as Aphrose and guitarist/co-writer Heather Crawford craft an intimate ode to a friendship's sad ending.
The B-side opens with the evocative 'Weapons,' featuring a five-person choir including LRK label-mate Claire Davis, Nevon Sinclair (Daniel Caesar and LOONY), Kyla Charter (Aysanabee and Alessia Cara), Lydia Persaud, and Marla Walters. The track is adorned with a stirring string arrangement courtesy of Jessica Deutsch. 'Chop The Cake' acts as a breather, interlude-style, easing the intensity. 'Soft Nuclear' channels the spirit of the early 2000s R&B movement, bearing traces of influence from Lucy Pearl. 'Good Love,' released as the first single off this body of work on May 19th, transports listeners to the 70s with its soulful resonance, drawing inspiration from the likes of Michael Jackson and Teddy Pendergrass. 'Higher' stands as Aphrose's tribute to Prince, capturing the essence of his music within its hook and production. The album's culmination arrives with 'ZAG,' an acronym derived from Aphrose's daughter's name, commencing with the sound of her daughter's heartbeat in-utero from a sonogram taken when Aphrose was pregnant. This heartfelt composition serves as a dedication to her daughter and all parents navigating the rollercoaster of parenthood, emphasizing the imperative of nurturing love to shape the future.
'Roses' stands as Aphrose's homage to her history—her Grandma Rose and the ancestral trailblazers who paved her path to the present life she enjoys; her current experiences—her self-discovery, her relationships with her partner and friends; and her aspirations for the future—her daughter and the generations to come. This album crystallizes these temporal dimensions, prompting introspection, celebration, laughter, and tears. 'Roses' is a musical odyssey that scrutinizes the multifaceted beauty of existence, inviting listeners to partake in this thing called life.
The radio world has taken notice of Aphrose's talent, with national Radio Capital's Italy Massimo Oldani spinning her latest single "YaYa" for the entire month of July on his show "Vibe." And both singles getting to number 10 in the UK soul chart.Additionally, Aphrose has received national radio play on renowned stations such as BBC in the UK, RTVE in Spain, and Radio France FIP.
Aphrose has also made CBC's Top 100 finalist list for their Searchlight competition.
Huey Morgan played "YaYa" the second track off the album on his BBC radio six show
Titled “Vernacular", the debut album by Blake Reyes is set to release on Axis Records on Friday, October 27, 2023, in vinyl and digital formats. The album is personally overseen by Jeff Mills, and is part of the "Axis Jazz" collection.
This confirms the eclecticism and versatility of both Axis and Blake Reyes, through harmony and rhythm, cultural influences, and the right touch of fusion: characteristics that have always defined jazz.
The album was recorded in three different cities (Bologna, Milan, and Rome), with Jeff Mills present during all recording and mixing sessions. Particularly in Milan, work was done at the Officine Meccaniche studios, where Duke Ellington, Quincy Jones, and many others have recorded.
?Vernacular" is an album that draws from jazz, Detroit techno and funk. It evokes operatic work due to its aspiration to create strong emotional intensity. The album features a blend of acoustic instruments such as acoustic bass, acoustic and electronic guitars, and the Steinway & Sons Grand Piano - the same Duke Ellington played in 1963 when he recorded ?The Symphonic Ellington" album - alongside electronic instruments including drum machines and Roland synths.
?I titled the album ?Vernacular' because I focused solely on production and sound quality, drawing inspiration from vernacular art, as a self-taught and artisanal approach in the noblest sense of the term", Blake Reyes explains. ?The musical references can primarily be found in Jeff Mills and his Millsart project, and more broadly in the works of composers like Bruno Nicolai, Piero Umiliani, Piero Piccioni, Brian Bennett, John Cameron, and even Raymond Scott. For the lyrics of the track ?At Night,' the visual reference that inspired the lyrics can be traced back to certain paintings by Henri Rousseau, particularly ?The Dream,' ?The Snake Charmer,' and ?Sleeping Gypsy.' All of this was done in post-production, working alongside Jeff Mills: a wonderful experience, a continuous flow and exchange of ideas."
Producer, DJ, and sound designer Blake Reyes (born Luca Vertulli) divides his time between Milan and Ibiza. His productions consistently focus on the sounds and emotions derived from tapes, samplers, drum machines, and analog synthesizers. His mixes are broadcasted on stations such as Ibiza Global Radio, Ibiza Sonica, Radio Raheem, and Olà Radio. His DJ sets are distinguished by their elegance and quality, always bringing the dancefloor to the right temperature. He boasts releases on Trax Records and Rebirth Records, and in 2019, he founded Triton Records, his own record label.
Musicians: Dario Lutrino: piano, Stefano Brandoni: guitar, Niccolò "Bolla" Bonavita: bass, Anna Bassy: singer, Blake Reyes: drum machines and synthesizers.
Music composed, produced and directed by Blake Reyes. Lyrics written by Blake Reyes. Studio Engineer: Taketo Gohara, Mastering Engineer: Giovanni Versari, Producer: Jeff Mills.
Studios: Officine Meccaniche, Milan / Fonoprint, Bologna / Forum Studios, Rome
































































































































































