Cerca:forward funk

Followed by the first release last year Chinese label Motivation, curated by B.ai, comes back with its second V.A. featuring Ilkay Yeler, J6, SMEV and NAE. The vinyl attributes in progressive house, electro house and electro.

Opening track “Destiny” ‘s morphing main motif gets kept in check by a steady pulse of snappy bass. Enigmatical vocal samples add to the ambiguous atmosphere, so the sets of twinkling mallets J6 sleekly includes, bring a touch of subtle lightness.

A-2 Ilkay Yeler’s sound is fueled by endless nights of groove, and on “Frontliner” this translates to a hypnotic trip into the deep end. Underneath its dreamlike current of silky chords a steady bass riff propels everything forward, allowing a restless arp to zone in and out.

Flipping to the side B, Sev’s Miami-inspired 808 patterns have “Clearing The Fog” come out of the gates swinging. Bright flutes and big basslines provide this slab of machine funk with a tapestry of melody, and fluorescent synth solos top it off.

Nay ends affairs on a melancholic note with “Silent River”. The leads sound like they ran through an eighties wave pedal chain, and as pondering chords and choirs work their way in, a Juno 6 bass adds extra depth. Still firmly directed at the club, the track escapes easy classification - and suitably closes a diverse yet coherent EP.

Candido Cameron was a Cuban percussion maestro who had played with luminaries such as Dizzy Gillespie, Buddy Rich and Count Basie throughout his illustrious musical career which started in 1952. Fast forward to 1979 and Candido finds himself caught up in the Disco boom that had engulfed his adopted New York City. Feeling he could add his trademark quick-fire Conga and Bongo playing to Disco's straight 4 x 4 syncopated rhythm he cut some records with legendary NYC label Salsoul. The fruits of this partnership were 2 full length LP's and a handful of 12" singles that changed the face of underground Disco."Jingo" is an all-time classic dance record, sampled, edited, re-configured and coveted by too many names to mention! It's a killer funky Disco version of master Nigerian drummer Olatunji's 1969 percussion suite of the same name, Salsoul style, while over on the flip we have one of the deepest Disco records of all time; "Thousand Finger Man" a testament to Candido's percussion prowess and a spacey, beautiful voyage that has left more than an indelible mark on modern House music, often being cited as a huge influence by artists such as Masters At Work and more. Essential stuff basically, every collection should have a copy!

This 12" has got to be one of the toughest Salsoul records to find. Changing hands for up to £300 a time for a used copy. Now it has been re-mastered, re-pressed and made available again with all original label artwork intact with the permission of Salsoul Records, New York City.

Radio City EP marks the vinyl debut on DOTS. Music, showcasing three distinctive cuts from Dutch producer Pascal Benjamin, along with a standout remix by Argentinian artist Alexis Cabrera. Built around tight grooves, warm analog textures, and playful percussive details, the EP captures a rhythmic, dynamic, and dancefloor-ready energy.

Opening the A-side, Radio City blends sexy chord stabs with Rhodes keys and tiny vocal fragments that lock effortlessly into the groove. Cabrera’s remix flips the original into funkier territory, adding a gliding bassline, electric guitar riffs, and an irresistibly rolling swing that complements the original’s flow while offering a fresh twist.

On the flip, Rewind explores a more underground dimension with sharp drum programming, subtle acid touches, and chopped vocals. A groovy, short-note bassline drives the rhythm forward, while deep chords make the track equally effective in afterhours sessions or peak-time club sets.

Flat Sprite closes the EP with a forward-driving acid hook riding over rolling snares and synths — a functional groove weapon with hypnotic momentum.

With Radio City, Pascal Benjamin delivers a tightly curated selection that merges minimalistic sound design with groove-driven charm — a confident debut that balances functionality with character on the dancefloor.

The Sun Trax EP marks Jonny Loves House’s return to vinyl with four dancefloor ready deep underground house grooves. With elements of funk, disco, house, and techno, it brings a crisp and crunchy sound that fuses classic underground vibes with forward-thinking production.

Feelings has a lively club vibe with its crowd noises, FX, pumping beats and funked-up synth bass holding down the groove. Classic keys and synth melodies come in and out, bouncing off the cut-and-paste female vocal loop.



Hazey Phase takes things deeper, with a minimal guitar lick, jazzy keys and dreamy synths. A subby garage bassline and hypnotic beats hold the track together as it builds up and down throughout.



What You Do To Me takes things a bit harder while still retaining the funk, with its acid-tinged synths, call-and-response rhythms mixed with tight, crispy beats and percussion, a rolling bumping bassline and vocal snippets.



Soundtrack builds a lush soundscape with rich synth textures, an arpeggiated synth, emotive keys and deep bass playing off each other. The crunchy beats and percussion keep things moving along, with spaced-out vocodered vocals drifting in and out over the top.

Locked-In rises again through tumultuous times with its eleventh instalment, Peace Pack EP, the four track EP from FSK24, lands just in time to spread sonic sanity.

We only see clearly at the brink of change, and Peace Pack EP embodies that moment, with four bulletproof cuts that instill calm, carry you forward, and keep it locked on the dancefloor.

A1. A groovy roller, with crisp synth stabs and bouncy kicks, radiating timeless hypnotic allure, poised to energise the crowd

A2. Pure driving elegance, with psychedelic modular synth lines weaving through crisp hats and rolling bass, evoking the peak of a sunrise after hours

B1. Subterranean minimalism, layered with rich textures and cavernous bass, creating a late night delirium distilled into one track

B2. Cheeky funk meets squelching acid riffs in a sinister finale, lacing the floor with dark euphoria

Drawn from years of early-hour sets and the quiet intimacy of the booth before the room fills, Gimme The Sun marks the debut EP of Al-Veez (real name Alvise Marino). A seasoned guitarist raised in Italy with musical roots in funk, boogie, and blues, Marino’s release is a sonic travelogue of his formative years as a selector in a city, NYC, that quietly became home. The prominent guitar captures both the ache of departure and the bright, restless hope of return.


With a wistful blend of beachy, meandering textures, lush synth layers, and a hypnotic pulse, the EP lands in time for another steamy summer in the city—sure to strike a chord with longtime NYC house heads, whether they be behind the booth or lost in the crowd. Arranged in close collaboration with TSoNYC label boss Danilo Braca (also on mixing and mastering duties), theshimmering title track reads like a Dear John letter to New York. Tender, honest, and full of gratitude, it’s the kind of farewell only a true love could inspire—one that dances forward even as it looks back.

As the record warms up, “F Train Boogie” evokes snapshots of bright midsummer mornings gazing out a scratch-blurred train car window at the glistening city, while the track that follows, “Sneaky”, sizzles with cosmic allure—an intoxicating blend of luminous synths, tightly interlaced rhythms, and a commanding kick drum that locks the listener into an entrancing groove from the very first bar. “Underwater”, the fourth and final track, shares some of the same allure and mystery, but features a playful optimism, encouraging the listener to lean into curiosity of what the next chapter, night, or DJ set will hold. 


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

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

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

Steve Redhead returns to Mutual Rytm with second searing EP, 'Cosmic Alchemy'.

Belgium pioneer Steve Redhead is the founder of Reda Recordings and has spent his life immersed in techno. His potent take on the genre has appeared on labels like MB Elektronics, Zync, and Primate and has helped define the sound of the underground within his home country over the last 25 years. Returning to SHDW's Mutual Rytm imprint following his well-received 'Eastbook Isle' EP last year, he's back to impress again as he uncovers six new productions with his latest EP, 'Cosmic Alchemy'.

He shows his class from the off here with opener 'Sincfala', bringing the heat with banging drums and rusty percussive loops. Yelping vocals add raved-up intensity, while 'Rapidshare' is energetic and loopy with funky drum patterns and loose-limbed percussive madness. The fantastic 'Ad Valvas' is another straight-up linear banger with tightly woven drums, percussion and lithe synth lines that take you to the heart of the dance floor and 'Nusakan' is a muscular wall of drums and toms with urgent synth stabs powering it forwards with great intensity. 'Asmodeus'
brings a more zoned-out feel with soulful pads and subtle vocals layered over the elastic drums and bass, before digital bonus 'Voice Incident' delivers another perfectly textural techno workout with melancholic motifs and surging synths that bring warm rushes of emotion to the grooves.

Facta returns to Wisdom Teeth with ‘GULP’: a zippy, hi-def mini-album full of scrambled vocals, blown-out basslines, dripping synths and spring-loaded grooves that together map out his playfully psychedelic corner of contemporary club music. Written in a quick creative burst in late 2024, the record brings together a range of the producer’s distinct creative strands into a sharp, cohesive whole. Sitting snugly within the stylistic niche carved out by his A&Ring and DJ sets (alongside label co-founder K-LONE), we hear the influence of 00’s minimal, tech house, UK soundsystem music, ambient electronica, dub and more rubbing shoulders in a way that feels effortless and personal. Many of the tracks began life as sketches penned on the road - dotting between festivals, European club shows, and on tour in Japan - and so the record carries with it a sense of movement and forward momentum, and feels populated by voices, memories, people and places.

The Londoner’s characteristic approach to sound design and genre interplay are on full display here. Generative vocal hooks melt and warp into strange fluid forms, while synths stretch, detune, bend and dissolve into space before snapping back into shape again. Keyboards mirror human vocal formants, forming melodies that feel at once organic and alien. Basslines warp and distort, as if being re-moulded out of different synthetic properties.

Across the record there’s a commitment to expressing simple or familiar ideas in new and unexpected ways, whilst experimentations and innovations are presented clearly and intuitively. Cherished genre references are lovingly deployed as personal touchstones across the record - bleeping minimal- and tech-house; breakbeat dubstep and funky; Chicago house; dub techno - yet sounds and influences are combined and meshed in unexpected ways. Each track is tightly engineered and reduced down to its key elements, which are then manipulated, flipped, warped and pushed to breaking point. As is typical of Facta’s music, uncanny contrasts are worked throughout the music in unexpected ways. Warm, balmy moods come laced with seams of tension or uncertainty, whilst the record’s darker moments are handled with a light, playful touch.

With 15 years experience writing, DJing and A&Ring under his belt, ‘GULP’ is testament to Facta’s love of creation and curation - of seeking out, absorbing, experimenting, and channeling new sounds to create your own sonic world. A record borne of playful experimentation and happy accidents, ‘GULP’ shines bright with a simple, pure energy - a testament to writing quickly and intuitively and, above all else, enjoying the process.

The album’s artwork features photography by award-winning Boston-based photographer, Pelle Cass, whose complex time-lapse composites present hyperreal yet impossible tableaus of seemingly simple everyday scenes - an approach that parallels the record’s blurring of the familiar and the unfamiliar. Cass’s work has been widely exhibited, collected, and published, including solo shows at Gallery Kayafas, Boston, the Photographic Resource Center, Boston, and the Houston Center for Photography, and in collections such as the Fogg Art Museum, the Peabody Essex Museum, and the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. He was twice a Critical Mass Top 50 photographer and has received two fellowships from Yaddo and one from the Berkshire Taconic Foundation.

E-NUMBERS returns with its next forward-facing 12”, this time from label heads The Molecule — the collaborative alias of Bobby ODonnell and Quixano. Blending deep, elastic grooves with stripped-back futurism, the duo serve up two original cuts that channel the spirit of late-night dancefloors with a distinctly UK-informed edge.

On remix duties, tech house pioneer Pure Science delivers a driving, heads-down version primed for sweat-soaked basements, while Oshana reimagines the track with her signature minimal-funk aesthetic — rolling percussion, hypnotic atmospheres, and a masterclass in restraint.

A versatile four-tracker built for discerning selectors, this release further solidifies E-NUMBERS’ dedication to cutting-edge club music with soul and substance.

Mood Child Presents ‘Various Moods Vol. 4’: Six Multi-Mood Tracks from Nick Curly, Joey Daniel, Wilder (ITA), and more

Mood Child, the forward-thinking label helmed by Sirus Hood and Manda Moor, proudly unveils Various Moods Vol. 4, a striking album of six genre-blending tracks that each bring a unique sonic perspective. Set for release on both vinyl and digital formats, this carefully curated collection showcases the label’s signature commitment to innovation, groove, and dancefloor energy.

Side A leans into classy, funky house vibes, while Side B ventures into wilder, tech-driven territory, offering a versatile listening experience for both crate diggers and peak-time DJs.

The compilation marks the return of German house icon Nick Curly, Italian heavy-hitters Wilder (ITA) and Mattia Scolaro, and rising Brazilian talents Las Heras and ROKKE, who teamed up with RAMOOX for a potent collaboration. Mood Child is also thrilled to welcome Dutch maestro Joey Daniel to the label for the first time.

Markantonio returns to vinyl with Radici, a bold statement that dives deep into his origins, both in name and sonic identity. This four-track EP marks a pivotal moment in his artistic journey, bridging the raw energy of early techno with his signature funky groove-driven approach.

A vital force in shaping the Neapolitan techno identity since 2001, AnalyticTrail now takes a new step in its evolution with the release of Radici. Markantonio, the label's founder and one of Italy's most influential techno figures, makes a striking return to the forefront. This release doesn't just mark his comeback to vinyl, it reflects a renewed connection to his roots and a forward-thinking vision that continues to drive the underground movement.

Opening with Welcome to Disco, the A-side sets the tone with an infectious rhythm, pulsating basslines, and shimmering synths that light up the floor with hypnotic flair. Rising Dutch talent Isaiah delivers a bold reinterpretation with his Rework, injecting a darker, more driving edge layered with brooding atmospheres and relentless percussion. On the B-side, the title track Radici dives deeper into tribal-infused territory, blending hypnotic loops with raw percussive energy, while Groover rounds out the EP with a stripped-back, minimalist roller designed for late-night momentum.

A must-have for techno lovers, Radici captures the essence of where it all began and where it's headed next.

Soul Clap’s HOUSE OF FUNK is ever moving into the future. The touring event series and Soul Clap Records sub label imprint continues pushing forward with a brand new VA compilation. Each year we drop a new record showcasing a few of the artists that will join us at our 2-day afterparty for the Detroit Movement festival at TV Lounge as well as across a number of cities where EFUNK will soon pop up! It is with great excitement that we present EFUNK VA 2025 with some super strong cuts from the likes of Axel Boman, Mathew Jonson, Ataxia & Mister Jooshua, Juliet Mendoza and yours truly Soul Clap & Byron The Aquarius. We will let the music speak for itself, but dont miss this heat which will premiere on wax at our event in Detroit May 24-25.

* Limited edition 2 x LP vinyl with full colour outer sleeve and printed inners.

* The sound of a D&B original. Carlito's debut LP blends timeless vibes with fresh energy and presents a masterclass in liquid funk.

* A long-awaited debut from one of liquid drum & bass's true pioneers, Fiesta En La Playa sees Carlito step out solo on Liquid V with a full-length that's been years in the making. Known for his work with DJ Addiction and iconic releases on labels like Moving Shadow, Creative Source, Hospital Records and Defunked, Carlito helped shape the early sound of soulful D&B, and here he refines it with maturity, depth and a forward-thinking touch.

* Includes the standout singles Fiesta En La Playa, Wide World, Savanna Rain and Take Me Down, plus a host of new tracks exclusive to the LP.

* An album that brings Carlito's classic touch into the present — deep, melodic and musical, with the weight and clarity to hold its own in any modern DJ set. Also featuring vocal contributions from V regular MC T.R.A.C.

* "I've always loved the more musical side of things," says Carlito, "and with this album I really wanted to stay true to my sound but bring it into the now."

* A personal and creative milestone, marking Carlito's return to the scene and celebrating the spirit of D&B culture past, present and future.

* Full support from Bryan Gee, DJ Marky, LTJ Bukem, Jumpin Jack Frost and the V family, with roots that run deep and a sound that continues to inspire across generations.

* Built around standout singles and brand new material, the LP is as much about feel as it is finesse, lush, rolling and warm, but with weight where it matters. From start to finish, it's the sound of a producer reconnecting with the craft: "I still get the same buzz turning the kit on, not knowing where a session might go."

* With a legacy that spans decades, Carlito delivers a record that speaks to both long-time heads and the new wave alike — soulful, confident and packed full of funk.



c A3. Sing It Now Swerve Mix

e B1. Fiesta En La Playa VIP

The Aachen Jazz Files

A collection of essential jazz from the NABEL record label (1980-1994), compiled by miche & Rainer Truby.

The Aachen Jazz Files celebrates the pioneering spirit of NABEL Records—one of Germany’s most underrated yet influential independent jazz labels. Founded in 1980 by Rainer Wiedensohler, NABEL became a home for innovative musicians blending classic acoustic jazz with fusion, Brazilian rhythms, and avant-garde flourishes.

This compilation collects some of the label’s finest moments, including the soulful and Latin-tinged brilliance of Monika Linges Quartet (whose album *Floating* was reissued last year by PANORAMA Records for RSD Black Friday), the cosmic jazz explorations of John Thomas & Lifeforce, the deep jazz-funk grooves of Hipsters In The Zone, and the stunning, expressive vocals of Maria João’s quintet.

Nestled in the far west of Germany, near the Dutch and Belgian borders, Aachen has long been a hidden gem for jazz lovers. Its vibrant scene, fueled by music schools and the legendary Malteserkeller jazz club, cultivated a unique sound that resonated far beyond its city limits. In fact, the city didn’t just birth a jazz movement—it also lays claim to opening Germany’s first discotheque in 1959.

From London to Tokyo, NABEL’s releases became secret weapons for jazz DJs seeking deep, danceable cuts. The label’s trademark blend of acoustic jazz, fusion, and Brazilian influences made its way onto turntables in underground clubs and festival stages worldwide.

Expect elegant samba jazz, spiritual grooves, and modal masterpieces that capture the essence of NABEL’s golden years. Monika Linges’ contributions shine with her rich harmonies and heartfelt compositions, while John Thomas & Lifeforce deliver a perfect storm of fiery instrumentation and deep soul. Maria João’s early recordings showcase her extraordinary vocal range, and Hipsters In The Zone bring a forward-thinking, acid jazz-infused perspective to the NABEL sound.

As co-compiler Rainer Truby puts it:

'NABEL Records always had this special ‘Aachen sound’—a jazz flavor that carried its own energy, somewhere between the cool sophistication of fusion and the warmth of Brazilian music. It’s a pleasure to finally bring together some of these classics in one essential collection.'

Compiled by miche & Rainer Truby.

PANORAMA Records is a London-based label dedicated to unearthing and reintroducing rare and essential music to new generations. With a focus on jazz, funk, and global grooves, the label has built a reputation for high-quality reissues that capture the spirit of the originals while providing fresh context for today’s listeners. Their past releases have garnered support from tastemakers like Gilles Peterson, Patrick Forge, and Mr Bongo DJs.

SAISEI founder Junki Inoue continues his vital archival work uncovering the riches of Japan’s distinctive electronic music scene and bringing them to new audiences around the world.

HERO U.D.A. aka Hiroyoshi Udaka is not someone you can easily google, but he’s sure lived a life worth retelling. His story starts back in the late 80s when, inspired by the acid house emanating from the UK — during what was fondly christened the Second Summer of Love — he picked up DJing and made the move from Japan to London. Throughout the 90s he DJed at underground techno institutions like London’s The End, CLUB UK and Silver Fish, as well as at the infamous Tribal Gathering raves, periodically returning to Japan to support techno greats like Colin Dale, Mad Mike, Suburban Knight and D. Wynn on tour.

The tracks on this EP, previously unreleased except for one, were all recorded after Udaka moved back from London to Tokyo, between 2002 and 2005. Yet they sound strikingly modern, drawing on a rich range of sounds that have come back round again two decades later: broken beat, acid jazz, dub and breaks. Deceptively simple grooves are given depth by layers of textures and micro samples, for example the surface noise on ‘On The Way’ that glues together an otherwise sparse skeleton of dubby pads and body popping drums. ‘Mature Missile’, ‘So Good’ and ‘Night Driver’ employ raw broken beat templates with acid accents, whimsical melodies and vocal interjections for a playful mood. ‘Sin City’ takes a darker turn, off-key piano hits and plunging bass adding to the wonkiness. The EP closes with a wiggly vignette, ‘222AM’, reminiscent of early 00s contemporaries like Mouse On Mars. Now these hidden treasures from Udaka’s archive gain a new life on SAISEI.

———

SAISEI is a Japanese word which translates to ‘reproduction’ and ‘to play’ (as in playing records). Japanese culture is widely known for its traditional nature just as much as it is for being forward into the future and this label’s concept does justice to exactly that. Having started digging for records as early as 16 years old, Junki Inoue delved into productions from 1990s Japan to uncover these native gems. SAISEI’s core concept is to recapture and reintroduce unique pieces of Japanese electronic music onto vinyl, to an audience it never reached before as most of this music was only released in Japan.


b A2. So Good Acid Funk

From an artist in their seventies, you probably wouldn’t expect to hear an album like this. But Brazilian drumming legend Ivan ‘Mamão’ Conti has been experimenting and innovating for the last half a century. As one third of cult Rio jazz-funk trio Azymuth, Mamão was at the root of the group’s ‘samba doido’ (crazy samba) philosophy, which warped the traditional samba compass with jazz influences and space age electronics. Even with his lesser known jovem guardua group The Youngsters, Mamão was experimenting with tapes and delays to create unique, ahead-of-its-time sounds, way back in the sixties. More recently Mamão recorded an album with hip-hop royalty Madlib under the shared moniker ‘Jackson Conti’.

With his first album in over twenty years, and the first to be released on vinyl since his 1984 classic The Human Factor, Mamão shares his zany carioca character across eleven tracks of rootsy electronic samba and tripped out jazz, beats and dance music. Featuring Alex Malheiros and Kiko Continentino on a number of tracks, the Azymuth lifeblood runs deep, but venturing into the modern discotheque (as Mamão would call it), Poison Fruit also experiments with sounds more commonly associated with house and techno, with the help of London based producer Daniel Maunick (aka Dokta Venom).

Take a bite of Mamão’s psychoactive Papaya and join the maestro on a weird and wonderful stroll through the Brazilian jungle.

United by a love for the music of Mamão and Azymuth, the CD and digital edition also feature the previously released remixes and dubs from some of today’s most forward-thinking producers with a penchant for percussion, including IG Culture, the 22a crew, Max Graef and Glenn Astro.

Dajusch unleashes the 'Ambition EP', a raw and uncompromising statement of techno tradition. Berlin-based producer, DJ and sound engineer Dajusch returns with his latest four-track EP, a high-powered offering that channels the essence of Detroit and Chicago techno while pushing the boundaries of contemporary club sound. Known for his deep connection to electronic music's pioneering roots and his work behind the scenes as a mastering engineer, Dajusch brings an intense and refined energy to this release. The EP opens with the single 'No Mas', a relentless percussive workout where hypnotic synths intertwine with driving drum patterns, setting the stage for an unyielding ride. The title track 'Ambition' follows suit with a high-octane groove, combining raw machine-funk aesthetics with a pulsating bassline and intricate, evolving textures that command the dance floor. On the flip side, 'Split' takes a darker and more cerebral turn, layering industrial-tinged sonics over a tight, rolling beat, blurring the line between peak-time energy and introspective depth. Closing out the EP is '36g', a heady, propulsive cut that builds into a whirlwind of syncopated rhythms and distorted stabs, rounding off the record with a powerful, no-holds-barred climax. With Ambition, the Spandau20 artist Dajusch reinforces his position as a purist and innovator, delivering a release that feels both timeless and forward-thinking. Whether experienced in the heart of a sweaty warehouse or through the pulse of a late-night drive, this EP stands as a testament to the raw, unfiltered power of techno.

- Channel Tres releases his debut album Head Rush via RCA Records.

The album, which features the previously-released singles "Berghain" featuring Barney Bones and "Cactus Water" is the culmination of Channel's steady ascent since he first broke through to public consciousness with his cult-classic debut single "Controller." Head Rush features all of the sounds that have come to be hallmarks of Channel Tres songs, but finds him incorporating musical influences not heard in his prior catalog, as evidenced by "Berghain" and other songs from the album including the Ty Dolla $ign-featuring “Holy Moly,” a visualizer for which is out now. The album arrives on the heels of two recent head-turning Channel Tres collaborations as well -- his contribution to KAYTRANADA's "Drip Sweat" and Jay Worthy, DāM FunK & ATrak's "105 West" alongside fellow LA legends Ty Dolla $ignand DJ Quik exemplify his versatility. Head Rush is a richly layered record, but one that feels totally intuitive, without a trace of doubt or self-consciousness.

The way “I’m Him” shimmers is balanced by the Estelle-featuring “We Hungry,” which nearly growls; the spare, percussion-forward Ravyn Lenaeduet “Need U 2 Know” (the stylization of its title a nod to Prince, one of Tres’s major influences) at delightful odds with the easy ride of “Gold Daytonas.” Head Rush shows the staggering array of styles Channel Tres can evoke. But that versatility is not the point in and of itself—the point is that all these component parts can be reassembled into something that feels uniquely personal, and honest. Through his career, Tres has blended recognizable genres, textures, and points of view into a truly singular form all his own. Longtime listeners will recognize in Head Rush the hallmarks of a Channel Tres record: a mastery of rhythm, the rare ability to make songs sinister and fluorescent at once.

But this LP also opens a new sonic world, one rife with unexpected terrain and hairpin turns—see the way “Type” takes what sounds at first to be a simple romantic boundary and stretches it out into an alien landscape. Or take “Berghain,” a song that nods to the kinetic live shows that became must-see events—a crescendo of interest that included his momentous Coachella 2022 performance and culminated, at least symbolically, with his early 2023 set at Berghain, the legendary Berlin club that has long been a musical hub of the Western world. “Berghain” is delirious but thumps almost impossibly hard, in line with the album as a whole—always molting, always ready to turn from the claustrophobic to the communal, as the pivot on “Joyful Noise” accomplishes so seamlessly. Head Rush also features some of Tres’s most deeply felt vocals to date, like the veritable bloodletting on “Two Ways.” And so the record, which also features Ty Dolla $ign, Thundercat, Teezo Touchdown, Watr, Barney Bones and Toro y Moi, marks a new era for Channel Tres, personally as well as artistically. “I’m older now, and the things that I’ve accomplished tell me I’m ready to do this,” he says. “You’ve worked your whole life for this, you’ve been able to do these shows and walk into these rooms and make these songs. There’s no reason you have to live by the same insecurity that you had to use in years past.” Shedding that baggage accomplished exactly what it was meant to—lightening the load so we’re free to get heavier than ever

As the tenth candle flickers atop the torta alla panna, Archeo Recordings play the Uno reverse card, breaking with tradition to give us a gift in celebration of its birthday: the first in a series of exquisite EPs on which the label's favourite contemporaries pay homage to past masters. Each re-polished gem is plucked either directly from the beatific back catalogue of the fine Florentine label or is at least Archeo-adjacent, perhaps a sign of future wonders to come. Like a musical version of Janus, who can be found at the heart of Bertoldo di Giovanni's frieze in the Medici villa, Archeo Recordings will continue to look forwards and backwards to provide sublime sounds for us all.
Pepe Maina officially joined the Archeo family in 2019 with the much-needed reissue of his 1979 masterpiece Scerizza (AR015), but his astounding music has been a constant companion to label head Manu for much longer. An inter-dimensional, multi-instrumental maverick, Maina weaves the frayed edges of prog rock, new age, organic jazz and global minimalism into a shimmering tapestry all of his own. The results are spread across fifty years and almost as many albums, largely self-released and always absolutely untarnished by commercial concerns.
Based in a small village in the hills of Brianza, just north of Milan, Maina translates the beauty of his surroundings into transformative tone poems, and the folkloric fusion of "The Infinite", originally released on his 2014 CD Tales From The Hill, is the perfect example of his practice. It opens with a recitation of Giacomo Leopardi's 1825s poem "L'Infinito" by famed Italian actor Vittorio Gassman. A leading figure in the romantic movement, Leopardi explores the idea of time and space within the natural world, and the peace that comes with an appreciation of the immensity of eternity. Manu, longtime digger and now a burgeoning producer, expands upon the original with tribal percussion, chirping electronics and a spheric bassline, folding Maina's elegant strings and gossamer pads into a new arrangement suited for a slow dance under the stars.
Unless you had a well-trained ear tuned to Italy's avant-jazz scene, chances are your first encounter with innovative flautist Roberto Aglieri came via the 2017 Archeo reissue of hisalmost untraceable LP Ragapadani (AR011). It's a true testament to Manu's digging credentials that he snatched this masterpiece out of the esoteric atmosphere and brought it attention it so richly deserved. A delicate union of digital synthesis and versatile flute - be it soft and silvery or
brilliant and clear - the 1987 album was a shapeshifting masterpiece, replaying scenes from Virgil, Verdi, Visconti and Pasolini with a neon glow. Quintessentially Italian, but uncanny and previously unimagined - Penthouse and Portico perhaps. Powered by a percolating prototechno sequence, cascading keys, hallucinogenic vocal snippets and a variety of tonal timbres from Roberto's reed, "Danza N. 1" long deserved the praise reserved for Jean-Luc Ponty's pinnacle, so many thanks to Manu for our collective introduction. The tall task of reinterpreting this particular paragon falls to Perugian polymath Daniele Tomassini AKA Feel Fly, whose peerless skills as both producer and musician have delighted DJs and dancers alike. Hot on the heels of his diverse and definitive remixes of Tony Esposito for AR027, Daniele delivers a radical rework of "Danza N. 1" perfect for both day rave sunshine and full moon party alike. Enhanced by snapping breaks and a rattling kick, the bassline gurgle emerges as a progressive powerhouse, laying the foundation for the trilling flute and circular keys to cast a psychedelic spell. As the slow-Goa revival picks up pace, this one is way ahead of the pack.
Archeo take us all the way back to the start of its story here - well almost. Though it bore the stamp AR001 (2015), this Radio Band reissue actually hit shelves months after Tony Esposito's "Je-Na' / Pagaia"; a false start perhaps but a true classic all the same. Radio Band were a group of DJs from Florence who all sailed the airways of Radio Fantasy in 1984 and whose one and only release was this super groovy slice of Italo-boogie. Following the example of Milanese DJs Band of Jocks but far surpassing their formulaic funk fizzle, Radio Band employed an intergalactic bassline, cosmic keys and that undeniably Italian style of rapping to deliver a sophisticated party-starter which even found its way to disco deity Ron Hardy. Back to the here and now, and if you've found yourself pumping an ecstatic fist to a supercharged Italian epic of late, chances are its from the mind of the mysterious Radiomarc. Operating on the ascendent Popcorn Groove imprint, this shadowy figure steers his country's lost classics into peaktime territories, finding a sweet spot between late Italo-disco, early Italo-house and contemporary cool. Pushing the tempo with a club-ready 4/4, setting the sequencer to stun and supplementing the original melodies with a series of synth riffs, the mystery producer send this one into orbit. Radio Band - Radio Rap - Radiomarc, the circle is complete.
Few have done more to develop cross-cultural musical exchange than Futuro Antico. A collaborative venture from musician, archeologist and ethnomusicologist Walter Maioli, keyboardist and tonal theoretician Riccardo Sinigaglia and multi-disciplinary artist and composer Gabin Dabiré, Futuro Antico formed in Milan in 1979, combining ancient international folkloric traditions with otherworldly electronics. The result is an arresting melange of Mediterranean, African and Asian instrumentation, mimicked by esoteric synth tones and hypnotic minimalism, which the group perfected on their acclaimed 1990 LP Dai Primitivi All'Elettronica. The meditative and transportive "Pan Tuning" belongs to their largely overlooked 2005 CD only release Intonazioni Archetipe, and has been amongst Manu's most loved tracks from the first moment he heard it. Who else is better placed to reshape this evocative opus into an immersive, transcendental dance floor journey than label favourites Mushrooms Project? The duo sows the original elements into a sprawling fifteen minute fusion of séance and science, at times propulsive with a ritualist rhythm of tuned percussion and crunching drum machine at others drifting off into ethereal ambience. Mushrooms Project continue to push the boundaries of the Afro-cosmic style, and this remix marks a new zenith.