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Nippon Psychedelic Soul 1970-1979 is Time Capsule’s continuation of the deep dive into Japan’s rich history of folk and psychedelic soul music.

Vinyl LP with 4 page insert, original artwork and photos

The kaleidoscopic psychedelia of 1970s Japan captured a fragile and fertile moment as the country sought its future in funk grooves, heavy reverb and lyrical hallucinations.

The follow-up compilation to Time Capsule’s Nippon Acid Folk, Nippon Psychedelic Soul takes myriad pathways into the tripped-out undergrowth of 1970s Japan. Finding their feet at home and looking for inspiration abroad, the musicians featured here were engaged in the communal soul-searching that followed the breakdown of the 1960s protest movements. Some made it big, others drifted into oblivion. The music they left behind shimmers with intensity.

At the core was Happy End, the first project of YMO’s Haroumi Hosono, whose distortion-heavy guitar and crisp back-beat laid the foundations for Japanese lyrics that flipped the paradigm of Japanese rock music on its head. With it came a new found sonic ambition, such as in the bold Philly-soul style arrangements of producer Yuji Ohno, whose work with occult wandered Yoshiko Sai shares some of the bittersweet grandeur of Rotary Connection or David Axelrod.

Then there was Jun Fukamachi, a pioneer of Japanese synthesis, whose debut album was a carnival of orchestral funk, euphoric horn lines and rich production, complete with soaring guitar solos, psychedelic organ and a truly cinematic finale. The first and only time Fukamachi would sing on record, ‘Omae’ rips like the ultimate end-of-nighter.

Influenced by giants of the US soul scene, maverick composer Hiroshi “Monsieur” Kamayatsu (otherwise known as ‘the Brian Wilson of Japan’) went one step further, enlisting Tower of Power to play on ‘Have You Smoked Gauloises?’ The B-side to Monsieur’s biggest-selling single, it coasts with sophisticated cool - a liquid bassline and suave keys comping under a roaring trademark ToP sax solo. No surprise it found favour once more on the Acid Jazz dance floors of ‘90s London.

Such was the spirit of experimentation that big studio productions and private press releases sat side-by-side, with the likes of Momotaro Pink and Kazushi Inamura, taking their hopes of success into their own hands with the resources available to them. More reflective but no less robust, theirs was a heavy, fat-backed drum sound, soaked in dramatic, soulful psychedelia.

If some were dreamers and others space cadets, none were further out than sci-fi writer, musician, activist and self-made scientist Tadashi Goino, who transformed his own fantasy novel Messenger from the Seventh Dimension into an operatic prog odyssey with few discernible musical reference points – a majestic and completely bonkers outlier even among company as strange and brilliant as that which is collected here.

Less a compilation of a scene, as a compilation of a sentiment, Nippon Psychedelic Soul is a wild ride from start to finish, shattering the narratives of the Japanese folk and rock tradition into a million tiny pieces.

Joining the ranks of Razor-N-Tape’s 45 series, London producer Danny Kane drops a pair of disco heaters under his D’Swing moniker. Pulled from the archives of his 90s street soul and UK Garage project D’Swing, these tracks were brought back to life from the original masters, and flipped as modern disco cuts that preserves their authentic vintage quality. Snappy drums, dexterous live instrumentation, and soulful vocals feature on this pair of summery floor fillers!

2026 Repress

NC4K, based in Kyoto, presents the third installment of their vinyl-only series. This four-track EP features House and Breakbeats tracks exclusively produced by artists residing in the Kansai region.

Expect raw, impactful drums and skillful sample manipulation designed to deliver a jolt of energy to the dance floor.

60 artists from 9 countries gathered in Armenia for the first edition of Notations Laboratory: a two-week interdisciplinary platform initiated and curated by hosq Foundation, bringing together musicians, sound artists, composers, and visual artists to collaboratively explore new artistic forms. Using Avet Terterian’s Symphony No. 3 as a conceptual and sonic point of departure, the participants created 11 original compositions during the laboratory through collective experimentation, improvisation, electroacoustic composition, and cross-disciplinary exchange. Rather than a fixed-genre compilation, the record captures the energy of a temporary artistic ecosystem formed in real time through shared process and collective creation, moving between ambient, drone, contemporary electronic music, experimental folk, and electroacoustic sonic practices. Recorded and produced during Notations Laboratory 2025 at the State Philharmonia of Armenia.

*repress*

The prolific Lord Of The Isles (aka Scotland's Neil McDonald) has had a string of stunning 12's over the past few years on labels such as Permanent Vacation, Unthank, Shevchenko, Mule and of course his four track 'Year Of The City EP' on Phonica, which was widely acclaimed upon its release in 2012.

This time LOTI presents two long-form tracks, each a mini-masterpiece in itself. The 10 minute plus 'Greane' bursts into life after an intro of kicks and white noise hi-hats. It continues to slowly build, with pitch-bent synth lines and a pulsing bass-line making way for a melacholic shift in mood. Truly original stuff!

On the flip, a swirl of synthetic strings introduces 'Gigha', in a manner that brings to mind Rhythm
Is Rhythm's legendary 'Kao-Tic Harmony', before the drums and infectious acid-line join in. Over the 8 minutes they continue to interweave and play off each other to dazzling effect.

Artwork by Jack Featherstone, the designer of a number of sleeves for Border Community (including the highly praised campaign behind James Holden's 'The Inheritors', its singles and live visuals), Electric Minds, Warm and of course, Phonica.

Nite Hawk is a new name to us, but one we'll be keeping an ear on, just off the back of this new EP on York-based John Deevechis's The Owl label. The opener plays with a classic rhythm and serves it up with a bleeping synth sequence that will also be familiar, while the rickety drums unfold in off-grid patterns. It's a great start before 'Shake Ya Rump' brings machine-made disco with sugary synths and playful vocals over funky basslines, then 'Be Together' closes with another cold analogue groove that ramps up the pressure and is the sort of tasteful and timeless crowd pleaser you will be playing forever.

Love On Vinyl is headed up by K.C. aka K Civ, an American with deep roots in the scene and a legendary Boston selector who has now assembled the first instalment in a new Soul Tickler Essentials compilation series. It's drenched in love and soul and features a ton of timeless artists, starting with Ralf GUM's sunny, Omar-featuring 'Love Core.' Elsewhere, the musicality flows through subtle jazzy keys and Afro drums on Don Kamares's 'Batie' then Moodymann drops one of his deep and dusty soul grinders with a remix of Ralf GUM's 'With Her Hand'. Further gems from Trinidadian Deep and Aaron K Gray & Conway Kasey make this one a faultless selection of grown-up grooves.

Proto Exotica notches its third release with The Infinite Hum EP , the debut project from Melbourne producer Mateo Torres Rodriguez under his new alias: Cerro.

Cerro is a personal and transportive collection of recordings owed to four months in Colombia, where Mateo returned to the neighbourhood he grew up in. On a table in his childhood home, he set up a modest travelling studio with a small collection of analogue hardware. At times, he'd pack individual pieces of
gear to travels within his travels, working without a fixed room or routine.

And so from a drum machine, a monophonic synth, a polyphonic synth, a laptop, and a pair of headphones (but no speakers) came five tracks of dub-inflected house and cosy Balearica.

The EP opens with 'The Bright Side' , dub bass, warm analogue pads, housey tempo. 'Unending Journey' slows things down, its deep low-end holding space beneath a synth that drifts in and
out.

'Power Of The Small' brings a dreamy house melody alongside a dubbed-out analogue lead, the filter opening and closing as the track breathes. On the B-side, Andras remixes 'The Bright Side' , keeping the bounce and weaving a jazzy lo-fi Rhodes solo through it. The EP closes with 'Indubitably' , dubbed-out vocal samples and floating pads settling into a downtempo Balearic lilt.

The return of Jonne Lydén aka 53X is an exhilarating welcome for Emotional Especial with 4 more seismic analogue psychedelic jams that are becoming recognisably a unique and hypnotic statement.

Lydén’s studio time is distillation for personal contemplation and perfection just 3 releases in 5 years that are worth the wait. The heady demand for his debut ‘Synapse’ and the following ‘Zen ‘23’ on Especial (limited repress incoming!) show constant development a sound of widescreen technoscope where dub beats trance pyrotechnics and 303 mind-melt swirling in a cosmic matter.

His return takes this further his music heritage in Finland’s hardcore punk scene to finding the techno of Detroit and Berlin before submerging in synths and drum programming jamming recording and mixing these trip-out electronic journeys live.

This heavy 4/4 jack is apparent on opening Sanctuary. Like his recent outings ‘Radar’ found on the Especial 50th “sampler” release ‘Gracias Especial’ (EES050) and also ‘Simulaato’ hidden away on blink and you miss it cult label Avidya (AVI003) this is a pure undiluted bang. Straight forward heavy bass kicking charged with acid 303 and monotonic vocal insights the track is a flourishing temple a call of embrace.

The eponymous Cyan Haze showcases 53X’s cinematic finest panoramic audio and sound design creating expansive phonics. BPMs drop samples flourish around break drops and rolling bass – breathing looping shouting lifting.

Owls enlightens. Hardware rumbles cerebral a temporal universe awakening. The collage of found sound successive sequential all encased by hypnotic broken chords rolling bass and melancholic piano refrain. Meta worming braindance ecstatic tribal industrial gliding by Shiva into the night.

Dust closes apt its basement collage pounds Lydén to techno genesis. Proto-zeitgeist steppa dark room incantation pulling and expanding the fantasy to strange dreamscapes. Reincarnation and hope in 2026.

A long-time figure at the heart of Samurai Music, Last Life makes his first appearance on SAIBAI trading his signature snarl for shadowy psychedelia and snaking beatdowns. Since 2015 Mauro Picciau has been cultivating a sound that maximises on the space that opens up around half-time 170, finding plenty of power while stretching out his rhythms. On this new release he pivots towards subtler tones and textures, and plugs directly into the wave of innovative artistry occurring at the intersection of D&B and deep techno. Writhing, taut sound design spells out the mood on opening track 'Gear Cutter', as Picciau gets expressive with metallic feedback tones that elegantly contort across the front of the mix. There's a strong sense of narrative that brings the track's dynamic movement to the fore, holding back energetic shifts with a measured intent to ramp up the tension. 'Norma' has a more ceremonial feel, locking into a steady pulse and letting distant clouds of melodic ambience create a bewitching atmosphere around the percussive mantras. 'Radian' speaks its own minimalist, techno-spirited language, drawing on alien murmurs and steely drones to strike a lighter note without breaking the mysterious fog that hovers over the EP. 'The Moat' leads on a heavier set of drums to close the record out, shaping space with skilful reverb and a tightly controlled synth pulse. Within this echo chamber, and across the whole release, Picciau has capitalised on this patient approach to bed infinitesimal ripples into the mix, rewarding the active listener and instilling his creations with a kinetic vitality that can always be felt, no matter how slight the sound is.

Aural Imbalance returns to Curvature for the first time since the label’s very first release with an EP of stunning atmospheric and old school bliss. A1 - Ghosts of Midi - String Theory (Aural Imbalance remix) Kicking the EP off with a spirited remix of the immense Ghosts of Midi track String Theory, delicate padwork and subtle hats open proceedings before Aural Imbalance deploys a brisk, heavily chopped and spliced Circles break to drive the luscious atmospherics atop a deep, moody 808 bassline. Synths, pads and strings jostle playfully across the soundscape before the breaks fall back before we are treated to a blissful extended ambient outro. A2 - High Time Taking us right back to the early 90’s with crunchy, rustic amen breaks that immediately burst into the mix, Aural Imbalance flexes his old school muscle with a flurry of thumping, distorted breakbeats with an earthy analogue sub bass rumbling below. Synths and light strings add character and juxtaposition to the track to complete an enjoyable and very dancefloor friendly throwback classic in the making. B1 - Magnetism Chunky, belligerent breaks smash their way into a drum-riddled intro as Aural Imbalance unleashes an old school amen workout for the ages. Punctuated by cheerful, swirling sounds of sonic phosphorescence, the drums are chopped and filtered liberally as an earworm melody works its way into the mix. Magnetism is a perfect example of how old school breakwork and atmospheric ambience are such a perfect match. B2 - Night Vision Switching things up with a more introspective vibe, Night Vision sees Aural Imbalance opening with trancey synths before thick drums with metallic snares and dense kicks are introduced - carefully and elegantly arranged with a thoughtfully constructed pattern. The synths continue to surf the audio waves with deep 808 bass accompanying the beats and micro melodies layering throughout.

A legend returns as the alias of scene stalwart DJ Levi and Curvature co-creator Ghosts of MIDI unleashes an EP of seismic tracks backed with remixes from ASC and Aural Imbalance. A1 - Iron Dinosaurs Opening a fine Curvature debut for the label’s very own Dan Azimuth, Iron Dinosaurs is an epic piece of atmospheric goodness introduced with a long, elegant intro of synths and luscious female vocals. Before long, classy, energetic metallic breaks kick in, set to an immensely memorable key melody and a room-filling bassline, creating a breathtakingly fluid and captivating piece. A2 - Iron Dinosaurs (ASC remix) Taking an incredibly evocative track and lacing it with sprinkles of ASC goodness to create a true gem is the order of the day here, as the heart of the original courses through an ominous intro, quickly beset by fine analogue amens that hit hard for the dancefloor, while allowing the soul of the piece to breathe, syncing in harmony with the distinctive vocal samples and swirling synthwork that colour the atmosphere so perfectly. B1 - Deadly Dimensions A DJ-friendly intro of hi hats gradually ushers in epic, bassy melodies gliding through serene vocals and airy pads, before the drop reveals exquisite breaks with just the slightest hint of an apache in there. Very danceable, the breaks are chopped and diced at will, driving a determined pace for another superbly epic, ethereal piece of atmospheric drum & bass from one of the OG’s of the scene. B2 - Deadly Dimensions (Aural Imbalance remix) The EP closes with a real treat - this is as close as an example you’ll hear to a match made in heaven as the eerily epic production of Ghosts of Midi collides with the inimitable ambient mastery of Aural Imbalance. Intersecting the thoughtful vibes of the original, this remix sees playful old school breaks jostle with swathes of fluid synthwork and delicate pads, creating a unified expression of atmospheric purity.

The duo of Nail and Barney Osborn are rising stars who work under the Indoor Tall Boys alias, a new name on us but this fresh drop on In The Dance suggests they have a deep understanding of dancefloor dynamics and a wide-ranging taste. 'Flames' is a supple, succulent and poppy sound with silky disco flourishes and a soulful, almost gooey groove. 'Re-Vibrations' has a lovely double skip in the drums and a gloopy bassline that brings a nice louche vibe, while 'Hold A Groove' has a sunny outlook and subtle strings worked into a smooth groove that exudes summery heat. 'KTT' shuts down with a filter-edge and glistening keys all stitched into a classic disco house groove full of colour and funk.

Scottish producer and label owner Graham Wilson signals a new phase for Seventh Sign Recordings with a four-track EP that blends Detroit techno roots with bright European electronic colours. Across the release, Wilson moves between pulsing four-on-the-floor rhythms, analogue basslines, crisp drum-machine percussion and shimmering synth work. "Mode" opens with an energetic, uplifting drive with steady kicks, pulsing bass and bright synth leads shaped with clean, modern production and side-chained pads. "Oberheim' follows with warm analogue textures, arpeggiated lines and optimistic pads, carrying a classic synth-wave feel while keeping a tight, Detroit-leaning groove. "Are You There" pushes into tense, atmospheric territory: rising pads, crisp hi-hats and a pumping bassline build momentum, giving the track a spacious, late-night techno edge. Closing cut "Parallel Lives" shifts into retro-futurist mode, neon-lit and melodic, evoking 80s energy and nocturnal late night drives. All in, a strong, forward-looking EP that connects machine-soul heritage with modern electronic clarity, ushering a fresh chapter for Seventh Sign.

Teemon and Poomba go looking for light in the darkness on their new EP “Hopeless.” The Madrid duo have a knack for dragging nostalgic sounds into the present, and this release is no exception. With equal parts Hi-NRG euphoria and dark disco dread, the four tracks feel like a glitchy transmission beamed in from another decade, or perhaps another galaxy…

The title track, “Hopeless,” sends us hurtling down a wormhole. Powered by a cavernous bass, we are propelled through kick drums, warp effects and sparkly synths, while a distant voice calls at us through the darkness.

Iranian producer Amirali takes “Hopeless” somewhere a little lighter with his remix, easing the intensity down before letting it slowly climb again. His version foregrounds the track’s earworm synth line and builds on it, layering and expanding on the vocal line until it sounds celestial. Amirali’s skills as a classically trained pianist feel reflective here in his compositional approach.

If “Hopeless” is the wormhole down, then “Moon Connections” is what’s waiting on the other side. The track leans heavily into sharp, percussive sounds that form a grounding contrast to the high synths that glitter above. With a spoken word line that sounds like it’s being transmitted through a space-age radio and enough deep warp effects to get lost in, this B side sends us to the stars.

Closing things out, the Eagles & Butterflies remix of Moon Connections brings us down to earth. Chill, deep-house adjacent and with a hint of Daft Punk in its DNA, it wraps a heavily filtered guitar line around a softened groove built for the comedown – the sound of the sun coming up on the last people left on the floor.

Detroit producer and DJ Kyle Hall joins forces with New Zealand drummer, producer, and current Fat Freddy's Drop drummer Cory Champion for a new collaborative 12-inch on Wild Oats Music, featuring the tracks "Acuna De Mar" and "Steppin'".

Hall and Champion first met in Auckland in 2016 while Kyle was touring Australia and New Zealand. They stayed in touch over the years, with Champion regularly sharing music from his Borrowed CS and Clear Path Ensemble projects—records that Hall quickly became a fan of and frequently included in his DJ sets.

When Hall returned to Australia last November, Champion had relocated to Melbourne. The two seized the opportunity to spend time together in the studio at Dune Castle, where their shared musical language naturally evolved into these two recordings.

Rooted in a mutual appreciation for jazz, deep house tradition, rich chord voicings, and rhythmic syncopation, "Acuna De Mar" and "Steppin'" capture the organic chemistry between two artists whose paths have crossed over nearly a decade. The result is a warm, groove-driven release that reflects both Hall's Detroit sensibility and Champion's distinctive rhythmic approach.

Here comes the next revelation in our ongoing journey of uncovering true artistry, with KAIR stepping again into the spotlight for his debut EP on Real Talks Records. After touching our hearts with his appearance on our first VA, it became clear that his sound and his message deserved a deeper exploration. The result is the Salsa! EP, a stunning reflection of his talent.

We couldn’t be more thrilled with this release. KAIR has been consistently recognized for his highly creative music productions, brimming with his colorful personality, endless groove, and heart. This follows a stream of successful releases on 5511, K7 Records, Banana Gold, Miura Records, theBasement Discos, Real Talks Records, and more.

The first three songs on the EP deliver some serious heat, setting their sights straight for the dancefloor. With well-structured drum rhythms that move the body and stir the soul, crafted with love and dedication, he delivers a succinct slice of tech-housey goodness that keeps it tight throughout.

While these 3 bangers won't fail to make you dance and feel good, the B-side holds a hidden gem. Closing out the release, “GTA” embodies an entirely different energy, delivering emotional vibes that keep things slick and grooving all the while.

The Salsa! EP captures the essence of what we stand for at Real Talks Records: music with intention, depth, and soul. It’s an EP built not just for the dance floor, but for meaningful moments.

Enjoy. This Is Real Talks Records.

Following years of quietly refining her craft, Dilemma now returns with her debut album A River Without Banks, landing this August on Spearhead Records.

Known for her effortlessly deep and soulful approach to drum & bass, Dilemma has become a respected name among listeners who favour atmosphere, musicality and understated emotion over quick trends. A River Without Banks feels like the culmination of that journey, a rich and carefully crafted body of work that moves between warm liquid rollers, deeper late-night textures and moments of genuine introspection.

The album showcases Dilemma’s versatility without ever losing the unmistakable character that has made her music so recognisable. Tracks like “You Do It To Me” capture her signature laid-back soul, while collaborations including “Watch” with BCee and “Days To Come” featuring In:Most & Lauren Archer bring a cinematic and emotional depth to the project. Elsewhere, cuts like “Usurper” and “Vibe Check” reveal a heavier, more stripped-back edge while still remaining rooted firmly in groove and feeling.

Rather than chasing peak-time moments, A River Without Banks unfolds patiently and naturally, rewarding repeat listens and drawing inspiration from across the spectrum of soulful drum & bass culture. There’s a timeless quality to the album, music designed to stay with you long after the final track fades, whether heard in solitary moments or shared across packed rooms and late-night systems.

Released via BCee’s Spearhead Records, A River Without Banks continues the label’s long-standing tradition of championing thoughtful, emotionally rich drum & bass while further cementing Dilemma’s place as one of the scene’s most quietly consistent producers.

Children, the one and only instrumental song that breaks all the rules, created by Robert Miles. The netherlands producers Tinlicker signed the new remix of Children.

Bio:
Tinlicker are Utrecht based duo Micha Heyboer and Jordi van Achthoven who have been crafting their computerized soul together since 2013. Before joining forces, they individually honed their skills as part of world renowned drum 'n bass act Black Sun Empire (Heyboer) and as producer, songwriter and music editor for many artists (Van Achthoven). Their previous experience was apparent from day one of their collaborative project, resulting in an impressive
string of highly mature and deeply emotive tracks. Since starting working together they’ve quickly become a household name in the world of electronic dance music previously releasing on Armada,
mau5trap, Anjunafamily and Astralwerks. They have released their first full length album 'This Is Not Our Universe' last fall and released their remix album this past spring from the likes of Dosem, Joris Delacroix and Grum.

Persona proudly presents its debut release, introducing Nae – a trusted friend, dedicated producer and creative force behind the new label. Nae delivers with his deep and immersive production style, providing a powerful blend of driving bassline and crystalline drums, all the while delving into his signature atmospheric sound.

These tracks are carefully crafted to captivate the dance floor, delivering bursts of pulsating intensity, as well as more intimate, reflective moments. With four tracks and four different flavours, this EP is designed to fit seamlessly into your record bag. With only 300 copies available, this limited first release of Persona’s debut is not one to miss. Grab it while you can

Following the launch of the label late last year, Tripsitter Records returns with its second release, Social Memory Complex EP, a four-track Various Artists compilation that explores the evolving intersection of speed garage, warped low-end pressure, and contemporary tech house. Featuring contributions from Baumb, Marcos Coya, New Balaance, and Voosen, the EP captures a shared fascination with the resurgence of UK garage aesthetics while pushing the sound into new territory through modern club production and forward-thinking songwriting.

Across the release, listeners are met with rolling grooves, swung percussion, and a heavy emphasis on elastic warp basslines that nod to the roots of speed garage while embracing the power and functionality of modern tech house. Built equally for dark club rooms and open-air festival systems, each track offers a distinct perspective on the genre's current evolution. Baumb delivers a driving, high-energy cut that balances hypnotic rhythm with low-end intensity, while Marcos Coya leans into deeper club textures and precision-engineered groove work. Voosen rounds out the collection with a track that further reinforces the EP's dancefloor focus, combining punchy drums with unmistakable garage-inspired movement. Perhaps the most unexpected contribution comes from New Balaance, whose track ventures into synth-pop territory without abandoning the EP's core identity.

Melodic hooks, emotive synth work, and song-oriented structures are woven together with speed garage rhythms and bass design, creating a standout moment that broadens the compilation's sonic palette while remaining firmly connected to the release's underground roots. With Social Memory Complex EP, Trip Sitter Records continues to establish itself as a platform for artists exploring the spaces between genres—where UK garage heritage, tech house functionality, and contemporary electronic songwriting converge. As speed garage continues its resurgence across clubs and festival stages worldwide, Social Memory Complex EP arrives as a snapshot of a scene in motion: nostalgic without being retrospective, and innovative without losing sight of the dancefloor.

The Jazzcodes and Michele Chiavarini kick off this fine survey of contemporary deep house with 'Wolf Dust (Saison Rework)' which draws on jazz-inflected motifs and feeds them into a steady groove with layered keys sitting over a controlled kick pattern. 'Friday' from DJ Romain works in a more direct frame driven by looping piano stabs and clipped drums with diva vocals injecting heat. 'In The Moment' has an air of cool jazz to it with deft horns and spoken word that muse on the great genre while Saison's 'This Is A House Record' sure is that: classic drums and knotted little synths bring a warming vibe for grown-up floors.

David Rodigan MBE and Defected Records announce the release of House Of Roots; a specially curated three-track remix project by the legendary tastemaker, DJ & broadcaster, reimagining Defected classics as they’ve never been heard before.

House Of Roots has been born out of a partnership that’s blossomed since David first touched down at Defected Croatia in 2025, with his performance becoming one of the defining moments of the entire festival. After returning to Croatia for this summer’s festival finale, Rodigan - this time armed with the House Of Roots remixes - delivered another landmark set, underlining exactly why he remains such a revered DJ & selector.

The House Of Roots project reimagines Defected’s rich catalogue through the lens of reggae, dub and drum & bass in a celebration of music genres that have continually inspired one another throughout the decades.

Enlisting legendary drum & bass originator Shy FX, jungle maximalist CLIPZ, and fabled dub reggae producer & engineer, Prince Fatty, to remix three of the label’s seminal records - Fish Go Deep’s 2006 classic ‘The Cure & The Cause’, Soul Central’s ‘Strings Of Life’ (2004) and The Vision’s ‘Heaven’ (2019) - House Of Roots marks some of David’s most important and intriguing curatorial work yet.

House of Roots comes as a limited edition 7” box set including the 3 remixes plus exclusive dubs and instrumentals plus a 16 page sleeve note collectors booklet.

Nachdem seine legendären Aufnahmen aus den 1970er Jahren zu grundlegenden Meilensteinen des modernen Reggae geworden waren, setzte der einflussreiche Musiker und Produzent Augustus Pablo in den folgenden zwei Jahrzehnten fort, neue Ausdrucksformen seines einzigartigen Sounds zu entdecken. Ob er nun seine Dub-Meisterschaft mit digitalen Techniken verfeinerte oder die instrumentale Palette seiner basslastigen Melodica-Grooves erweiterte - der wegweisende jamaikanische Künstler blieb während seiner kurzen Zeit auf dieser Welt stets ein Innovator. Nur wenige Wochen vor seinem vorzeitigen Tod im Jahr 1999 erschien ,Valley Of Jehosaphat" - das letzte Album von Augustus Pablo und ein zeitloses Statement eines Künstlers, der seiner Vision stets treu blieb . Mit einer Produktionsqualität, die die körnigen Klassiker seiner frühen Karriere bei weitem übertrifft, erklingen die fesselnden Instrumentalarrangements dieser Sammlung mit Klarheit und fangen die friedliche Essenz von Pablos Kreativität ein. Jetzt erscheint ,Valley Of Jehosaphat" zum ersten Mal überhaupt als vollständige Vinyl-Veröffentlichung. Dank Nature Sounds und dem neu gestarteten Label Rockers International enthält diese 2-LP-Vinyl-Edition außerdem fünf Bonustracks mit seltenem Material von Augustus Pablo aus den 1990er Jahren.

The evolution of Andreas Tilliander's moniker TM404 has reached its third stage. The first TM404 album was a heavily self-restricted concept album, live recorded with classic Roland machines. The subsequent album had a more playful vibe, shaped by Tilliander's extensive live touring. This third TM404 album on Kontra-Musik simply tells the story of what he's been up to since. The third part of a musical diary, initiated in 2013. The TM404 venture might have started out as a dreamy acid dub project, more suited for the chill-out than the main floor. But by popular demand Tillander found himself touring big clubs around the globe and the TM404 sound adapted organically. As a result, the album features tracks like Vactro and Rymdeko: fast paced acidic techno tracks in the same vein as classic Plus 8 releases, but with more space echo. Much more. But never fear, fans of the classic warm and bubbling TM404 sound. You'll certainly get yours as well. A substantial portion of this album was recorded in a studio flat in Berlin as part of an artist residency. For obvious reasons, Tilliander could only bring a small portion of his studio gear to this German sanctuary. As a consequence, this album has a more stripped down vibe than its predecessors, which creates more space for Tilliander's glowing melodies. The last track on the album, a loving homage to Kontra-Musik's label boss, is a sublime example. And for the Instagram generation, here's the short version: The album is called Syra. That translates to Acid. You're welcome.

Huxley debuts on Rekids with the ‘MIND G%MES’ EP.

UK DJ, producer, and Dumb Safari label head Huxley joins Radio Slave’s Rekids for the first time with the ‘MIND G%MES’ EP, dropping 25th July 2025. The first track, ‘M%ND’, kicks off with woozy and alluring pads swirling round a cuddly but kicking Deep House groove. Soulful vocals and delicate, cosmic melodies rise out of the mix to bring it to a close in style. 'CLUB SH%T' ups the ante with zippy synths injecting some texture to slamming drums that straddle the House and Techno divide, while wispy stabs and warm daubs of sound dance around the cowbells to make this an evaluated late-night tool.

'FEAR N%THING' is a new school cut, with fi ltered loops, sugary chords, and pent-up energy all surging through the dance fl oor. Last but not least is 'ANY1', a sleazy House pumper featuring moody spoken word, a big, rubbery bassline, and slinky, Garage-infl uenced percussion.

Active in the underground music scene for two decades, former Rinse resident and sometime Aus, Shall Not Fade and Unknown To The Unknown artist has had one hell of a career. From huge breakthrough tracks like ‘Let it Go’ on Hypercolour and ‘Box Clever’ on 20:20 Vision to his 2014 ‘Blurred’ LP on Aus, he’s seen universal critical acclaim as well as massive support from DJs and dancefloors globally. In recent years, his Dumb Safari label, the online community R Trybe (co-founded by Ramin Rezaie/BAKKIS) and collaborations with Steve Bug are just a handful of his projects, while his ‘MIND G%MES’ EP for Rekids is already feeding the fi re with support from Jen Cardini, Cromby, I.Jordan, Jennifer Loveless and big room dons, Michael Bibi and Solomun.

No, we’re not yelling at you. That’s the answer. WHO ASKED? is the long-awaited sophomore album from the French-born Domi Louna and Texas native JD Beck. Following two GRAMMY nominations, including Best New Artist for a debut album (2022’s NOT TiGHT), WHO ASKED? is unlike anything they’ve done before. Bringing together a small sinfonietta of seasoned classical players, WHO ASKED? showcases the duo’s incredibly singular, super maximalist, and strikingly beautiful orchestral vision.

There is a kinetic energy that binds drummer and producer Karriem Riggins and singer-songwriter, rapper, and producer Liv.e, the spark that happens when instinct meets flow and spirit finds rhythm.

Their collaborative debut as GENA (short for “God Energy, Naturally Amazing,” and loosely inspired by Gina from Martin), The Pleasure Is Yours feels like a playful, soulful conversation between two kindred improvisers: Liv.e’s smoky, unpolished vocals glide through Riggins’ warm, percussive universe. Rooted in jazz, soul, and hip-hop, Liv.e brings a raw, experimental approach to R&B, while Riggins known for his work with Common, Erykah Badu, The Roots, Madlib, and his close kinship with J Dilla, extends his lifelong dialogue between jazz improvisation and beat science.

Together they create a world that’s analog and ethereal, percussive and poetic, bridging eras without settling in one, the sound of two artists finding a new shared language rooted in rhythm, vulnerability, and exuberance.

Pressed on 180g vinyl, the album comes in an embossed sleeve and is avaible in red and black splatter.

FatCat was recorded in a single session-live, with all four musicians together in the same place. What you hear on the record isn't a polished production, but a one-of-a-kind recording of four people playing at the same time in the same room.
This is not a nostalgic gesture. It's a stance. As music is increasingly understood as the output of a prompt, the question of what actually makes music becomes urgent again. Not flawless, efficient production, but the imperfect moment and its context. Not the result, but the process in which four people listen to each other, react to each other, misjudge, and find one another. This fallibility - the hesitation before an entrance, the slight pull in the timing, the glance between musicians that signals a turn - is not a weakness but the substance itself. It cannot be synthesized, because it isn't a data point but a lived relationship: between the instruments, between the people, between their shared history and what emerges new in this one take. The album is thus also a statement on the question of where, in the age of generative music, authorship and art can still be located: not in the result alone, but in the shared risk taken in creating it.
"The question was always: how do I bring my work as a producer and beatmaker onto the stage? How can something that usually happens alone behind closed studio doors become a live experience?" With the album FatCat, Sepalot pursues this question to its logical conclusion: what began as a live performance now becomes the recording itself - the studio becomes a stage for a day, and the stage becomes the definitive version of the album.
The love for electronic music remains, the raw pressure of hip hop is still palpable - and yet everything on FatCat sounds like a fresh start, captured in the very breath in which it was played.
On stage as in the studio, the four characters fit together like a puzzle. Sepalot's signature as producer and mastermind is unmistakable. On drums, Fabian Füss, longtime partner behind the kit and the voice that makes Sepalot's radio hit "Rainbows" so unforgettable. On bass, Robin Jermer. On trumpet, Matthias Lindermayr, multiple award-winning jazz virtuoso with his own albums on Enja Records. And then there's Sepalot himself, who turns it all into more than just the sum of its parts.
The eclectic beats, the pulsing bass, Sepalot's passion for atmospheric sound design - all of it remains, now joined by an element of jazz and captured in its most immediate, unpolished form. The album shows what four people in one room are capable of: a sound born of shared experience, and precisely for that reason, unique.

Elypsia Records presents A Future Tribe, the new album from Italian electronic music producers CEM3340 & 2030. Rooted in the formative language of electro and early techno, A Future Tribe channels the past through a lens very much focused on the future. Across the album, analogue warmth, machine-driven funk, synthetic textures and futuristic atmospheres come together in a sound that channels the pioneering spirit of early Detroit while remaining unmistakably connected to the present. For CEM3340 and 2030, machines are not simply tools, they are central to the creative process. Both producers have spent years immersed in the culture of electronic hardware. They've been carefully building and refining their own approach to production through an extensive collection of synthesisers, drum machines, sequencers and studio equipment. Based in Bari, southern Italy, their work reflects a deep fascination with the physicality of electronic music: oscillators, circuitry, voltage, rhythm and the unpredictable character of machines programmed and played with a human touch. That philosophy is deeply embedded in A Future Tribe. Rather than treating the early years of techno as a museum piece, CEM3340 & 2030 approach its foundational ideas as a living language - one that can be stripped back, re-translated and taken somewhere new. The influence of Detroit's first generation of electronic innovators is unmistakable. There are echoes of the futuristic electro and techno pioneered by artists including Juan Atkins and his contemporaries, where funk, science fiction, machines and the possibilities of tomorrow became part of a new musical vocabulary. It is an approach that has already earned the duo recognition within that lineage. Their previous Machines Awake EP, released through Atkins' Metroplex Records, was described as paying homage to the classic foundations of the genre while pushing them into new territory. Juan himself gave the release his sonic approval. But A Future Tribe is not an exercise in retro-futurism for its own sake. The album comes from two producers who understand the history, have the hardware to explore it and, crucially, are interested in what happens when those influences are given space to evolve. The result is electronic music that is full of funk, groove and a kind of nostalgia that is pure and intentional without being a pastiche. Together, they make music that is rooted in one simple truth: machines can't come to life without human creativity.

Repress

After a stunning debut EP on Whities, Italian-born London resident Anunaku (aka TSVI) continues his quest for international drum domination with "Stargate": Three percussive workouts that are both contemporary and body moving, exploring different parts of the drum spectrum.

Key To World Peace is the third release by Prophetic Justice Ministry - aka Australian musician Sam Perry. An atmospheric, cinematic album that belies a striking pop songwriting nous at its core, its conductor Prophetic Justice Ministry is at the centre of a new wave of creative, rule-bending Melbourne artists. Romantic, smudged and hazy, Perry emerges from behind a wall of
half-light with a clutch of earworms and affecting emotions.

Recorded in home studios in Belgrade (Serbia), Christchurch (New Zealand) and Melbourne (Australia) over the course of three years, Key To World Peace offers a dichotomy in approach. Shifting on a dime between ambient, filmic washes of sound and more traditional song structures, the approach feels natural, casually acid-tipped and emotionally revealing. While Perry’s
distinctive keys and production melding with melody is evidenced in Melbourne group Who Cares?, as Prophetic Justice Ministry there’s a heightened sense of mystery and space being used.

Swirling in a psychedelic fog with dry iced chords falling down like melting stars, the album pulses with an ominous, distorted intro that sculpts air into blocks of sound before Psyop offers a glimpse through the gloom at the artist navigating through crushed, shoe-gazing chords, singing a consolation into an abandoned building. Side A’s more abstract tone veers from industrial tracks (T-A) to pastoral, impressionistic pieces (Trance) before album highlight Life’s A Party showcases the effortless, classic songwriting lurking in Prophetic Justice Ministry. Built on the tension between the upbeat lyrics and suppressed, rich delivery, the song lopes on an alluring loop with acoustic guitars and Perry’s voice walking a tightrope between irony and sincerity. The song blooms into a bright burst of light, almost inducing synesthesia in the listener and reminding a little of The Beta Band’s most outre and catchy moments.

Opening Side B, Naked Shine’s scintillating guitar is punctuated by a sub bass swell that offsets the yearning vocal performance. With palpable sensitivity the song is shepherded into short, atmospheric passages before Love Drum’s direct delivery: Perry’s vocal and guitar, dancing over a hint of distortion feels like Syd Barrett at his most casually brilliant. Carrying on the tradition of a single cover on every Prophetic Justice Ministry release, here Lana Del Rey’s Mariner’s Apartment Complex is given a stripped back but faithful treatment. With a sound that feels like a hushed, Chris Isaak classic it’s testament to Perry’s own compositions that the cover doesn’t outshine the rest of the album. Album closer and single Spirit House Party combines a classic chord progression with Perry’s double-tracked vocal into a murky but brilliantly catchy chorus. While nowhere near as lush in its production, there’s something in the atmosphere of Prophetic Justice Ministry’s vocal sitting in the mix just so that reminds us of The Electric Prunes’ Holy Are You-era work with David Axelrod.
Key To World Peace flits between displaying a spectrum of blurred emotional resonance in its instrumental passages and vulnerability in the shape of raw, melodic songwriting. With his first release outside of Australia and vinyl debut, Sam Perry’s Prophetic Justice Ministry is a beguiling dance in and out shadows.

Mark Ambrose has been a serious house head since the 1980s and has always brought his own flavours to the original Chicago and Detroit sound. He heads up the Crayon label, which is where much of his music comes from, including this latest deep dive into groove. 'I Want You' (feat Talia) kicks off with a meandering lead synth that comforts over a warm bed of drums as a sultry vocal whisper brings some intimacy. 'Rumble Jazz' then rocks back and forth a little more with swaggering attitude and hints of darkness and 'Monica Dancing With Angels' is a smooth cruiser with a far-sighted melodic edge. 'On A Dream' brings a sultry jazz flourish with some sombre trumpets lingering above classic deep house drums and bass that take you way back.

Dal Platinum returns to the Toxic Funk series with another double-sided serving of funky breakbeat gold, once again proving why he remains one of the most creative beat craftsmen in the global Nu Funk scene. Following up on his previous Toxic Funk outing, the Danish groove specialist delivers two fresh cuts packed with soulful samples, neck-snapping drums and irresistible dancefloor flavor.

Leading the charge on the A-side, Shave the Lords blends tight funk breaks, slick edits and classic party-rocking energy into a heavyweight groove designed for DJs and crate diggers alike. Flip the vinyl over and Good Shines takes things deeper with infectious basslines, uplifting vibes and a raw funky swagger that perfectly captures the spirit of the Toxic Funk series. Both tracks carry Dal Platinum’s unmistakable signature style — playful, soulful and built to move crowds.

This 7” release marks yet another essential chapter in the Toxic Funk legacy, delivering timeless grooves for funk lovers, breakbeat heads and vinyl collectors around the world. Toxic Funk Vol. 22 is ready to bring the heat straight to your turntable — so don’t sleep on this limited 45 before it disappears into the crates of DJs worldwide!

Presenting the eighth edition of the Bizarre Trax wax series and the second solo outing from bare-knuckle beatmaker B.Love. A Shape You Can Feel EP marks a subtle but deliberate evolution in the producer's sound. While the groove-led, funk-infused records that first put his name on the map are still woven into his DNA, this latest four-tracker strips things back in favour of a more understated, headsdown approach. Leaner drums, weightier low-end and hypnotic arrangements take centre stage, with each cut built for long blends and late-night dancefloors. Across four rolling club weapons, B.Love explores a deeper, more refined sonic palette without losing the character that's become synonymous with his productions. Chopped vocal fragments, unmistakable sample work and crisp, polished percussion remain at the core, but are now delivered with greater restraint, allowing space, tension and groove to do the heavy lifting. Designed for selectors who favour subtlety over spectacle, A Shape You Can Feel EP is a confident statement from an artist continuing to carve out his own lane; proof that sometimes the smallest shifts leave the biggest impression

The gold standard edit masters at Scruniversal have decided to refocus somewhere away from their usual Brazilian sound for this latest 7". It finds the crew heading to Africa and digging deep for new grooves, with Tony Lavrutz, Scruscru & Dwaal coming correct. 'Afrika Bambaataa' kicks the record off with a laid back Afro-tinged broken beats with a sunny disposition and plenty of bright melodies that wouldn't sound out of place in a Nightmares on Wax set. On the flip side joint, 'Zulu Jam" the drums cut more deep with organic percussion scattered up top next to expressive flutes. Perfect summer vibes.

20:20 Vision has been defining the house underground for decades now, and much of its earlier material remains as revealing as its newer output. A case in point is this reissue of the rare Echo Beach release. Founder Ralph Lawson and his old pal Carl Finlow's recordings from The Farm in the Rhubarb Triangle retain a warmth and analogue weight that contemporary production struggles to replicate - all hands-on-deck live passes through drum machines, synths and outboard desks, the process audible in every groove. The discovery of unreleased cut 'Blues Dimensions', which was rescued from corrupted DATs, is the real find here: rasping Moog bass, P-Funk refrain and heavy Rhodes that sounds anything but archival. Top drawer excavation.

KSRX003 introduces French producers Benales and Clotur. On the A-side, Benales delivers direct, groove-led tracks with solid low-end and tight drums, built for club use. On the B-side, Clotur takes over with a deeper, more hypnotic approach and a raw edge. The B2 switches to breakbeat, adding a different angle without losing flow. Straightforward tools for the floor.

Knowsum is set to release his new album, Cherry Stone Pillow on his label Sugar Brain.
A record that keeps swinging - blurred at the edges, and gently surreal. Psychedelic rock pulses at it's core, softened by the sweet touch of soul, the sway of bossanova, and the sun-faded glow of 60s easy-listening. Each track feels like an afternoon stretched into midnight – This is music for children of the moon, where drums riot like subway prophets and guitars drip human gasoline

Classy Frenchman Franck Roger is one of the most consistent performers in the deep house game and he is back with another MVP performance on Seasons Limited this Autumn. This all-new trio of tunes opens with a delightfully airy, light-footed blend of Afro drum patterns and buffed metal melodies that have a lovely late-night glow to them. It's a persuasive rhythm that will infect your hips in no time, while 'Circulation' is more humid and bouncy, with nods to the deep and smoky foundations of house but still one foot in the here and now. 'Feel Free' closes with an elastic groove and the sort of introspective melodies that mean more than most throwaway synth lines in the modern scene. Tasteful and timeless as always from Roger.